Study in France: Eligibility, Application Process, Fees, and Scholarships

Study in France is a great choice for international students. You can choose English or French programs, apply through Campus France, and pay low fees in public universities. Scholarships like Eiffel and Charpak help students study in France for free. Living costs are €700–€1,000 per month, and with a post-study visa for jobs.

authorImageMbbs 19 Sept, 2025
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Study in France: France is a top choice for students all over the world. It is known for great schools, beautiful cities, and a rich history. For a student or a candidate planning to study in France, it is important to know about the different steps involved. From finding the right program to understanding the costs, this guide will provide all the necessary information.

 France offers a mix of old traditions and new ideas, making it a great place to learn. The French government helps a lot with education, making it affordable for everyone. The quality of education is very high, and many French degrees are famous and valued around the world.

 Study in France from India Process

The process to study in France from India is very clear and well-guided. The main part of this process is using the Campus France platform. It is a single, easy-to-use online system for applying to many French universities at once. The first step for a candidate is to create a personal account on the platform called "Etudes en France." This online system is a great help because it lets a candidate apply, track their application, and even apply for a visa.

Candidate must fill in all their personal information, academic records, and a CV. They need to write about why they want to study in France. After a candidate submits their file, a Campus France advisor checks it. 

The next step is an academic interview. A candidate explains why they chose their program and institution. After the interview, the candidate can expect to hear back from the universities. This whole process makes it easy for a student to apply for and get a visa.

Eligibility for Indian Candidates:

  • A candidate must be at least 18 years old.

  • They must have completed their previous studies (e.g., 12th grade for bachelor's or a bachelor's degree for master's).

  • They need to get an acceptance letter from a French school.

  • They must show proof that they have enough money to live in France during their studies.

 Study in France in English

Many people think that to study in France. Candidates must know French. French is very helpful for daily life and culture, but it is not always needed for your classes. Many programs, especially at the Master's and PhD levels, are taught completely in English. The number of programs taught in English is growing every year. This makes France a great choice for a student who has not yet mastered the French language.

Classes of the students are organised in English. It is helpful for candidates to understand French. It helps a lot with shopping, making friends, and finding your way around. Many universities offer free or cheap French language classes for international students. A candidate can also get a good job after their studies if they know both languages.

Top French Universities with English-Taught Programs

Here are some famous schools that offer many courses in English.

Top French Universities with English-Taught Programs

University Name

Location

Known For

Université PSL

Paris

Ranked among the best in the world, strong in science and research.

Sorbonne University

Paris

A very famous university for arts and science.

École Polytechnique

Paris

A top engineering school.

HEC Paris

Paris

A global leader in business and management.

Grenoble Ecole de Management

Grenoble

Known for its programs in business and innovation.

 Study in France Bachelor

A student who has just finished high school, a study in France bachelor program is a great first step. The French university system for bachelor's degrees is well-organised. The courses are called "Licence" and usually take three years to complete. The application for bachelor's programs is done through a special platform called "Parcoursup." It is a French-only platform, so a candidate might need some help with it. 

This platform is used by almost all public universities. However, for a candidate from India, the application for a bachelor's degree might also be part of the "Etudes en France" procedure on the Campus France website. 

A candidate must check the correct application method for the school they want to join. A candidate applying for a bachelor's degree should have good grades from high school. They may also need to show proof of English or French language skills with tests like IELTS or DELF.

 Study in France Fees

Candidates prefer to study in France due to the low cost. The French government pays for a large part of the cost of education at public universities. This means that a student from a foreign country pays much less than the real cost. However, there is a difference in fees for students from EU countries like in India.

Study in France Fees

Program Level

Annual Tuition Fees (approx.)

Bachelor's (Licence)

€2,895

Master's

€3,941

PhD

€397

The fees for PhD students are the same for everyone. It is very good news for candidates.  They can be anywhere from €6,000 to over €20,000 per year. A candidate needs to think about living costs. Paris is more expensive than other cities. A student might need between €800 and €1,500 per month for living expenses in Paris. The cost is lower, estimated at around €600 to €1,000 per month in cities like Toulouse or Lyon. 

Study in France for Free: Scholarships and Aid

The cost of education is already low. Many candidates who look to study in France for free. This is possible through various scholarships and financial aid. There are many scholarships for students from all over the world. The French government offers some of the most famous scholarships.

  • Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: This is for top students at the Master's and PhD levels. It gives a monthly payment and covers travel costs. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships.

  • Charpak Scholarship: This scholarship is just for Indian students. It helps with bachelor's, master's, and even research internships. It gives a monthly payment, a visa fee waiver, and help with finding a place to live.

  • Erasmus+: This program is for students from Europe and other countries who want to study in France and other European countries. It gives financial support.

Campus France and the Official Website

Campus France is the official agency that helps international students with their studies in France. It is the best place to find all the correct and latest information. The Study in France official website is managed by Campus France. A candidate can find a lot of information there, such as:

  • A list of all the schools and programs available.

  • Details on the application process.

  • Information on student visas and how to apply.

  • Tips for finding a place to live and getting health insurance.

  • Information on student life in France.

 

Study in France FAQs

Is it easy to get a part-time job as a study in France?

A candidate can work up to 964 hours per year during their study in France. This is about 20 hours a week. A candidate does not need to get any special work permit. This can help a student with their living costs.

Do I need to learn French to study in France?

Many programs are taught in English; learning French is a big help. It makes it easier to live in the country and can help a candidate find a job after their studies.

What is the visa process for a student from India?

The visa process for a candidate from India is handled through the "Etudes en France" platform and the France-Visas website. A candidate must first get accepted by a school, then go through an academic interview with Campus France, and finally apply for their visa.

How much money do I need to show as proof for my visa?

A candidate must show that they have about €615 per month to cover their living costs. This amount is required to get a long-stay student visa.

What is Grand Ecole in France?

In France, universities are public and have a large number of students. "Grandes Écoles" are smaller, more selective schools. They are often private and have higher fees, but they are also very famous for their specific programs, like engineering or business.
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