Indian students are increasingly choosing France for a master’s degree abroad. It is the world’s fourth-largest study destination. With 50 institutions counted among the top universities worldwide by Times Higher Education, the country welcomed over 430,000 foreign students in higher education last year. This was a 17% increase in just half a decade.
France has maintained its strong appeal as other major countries are seeing a decline in international students due to rising inflation and unstable world politics. Its favorable immigration policies and affordable and quality education are some of the reasons for its popularity among Indian students. So, if you are considering pursuing a master’s abroad, read along to know why France should be on your list.
Note: If you’re thinking seriously about doing your master’s abroad, France deserves a closer look. But once you move beyond brochures and rankings, two big questions remain:
- Which program in France actually fits my career goals and profile?
- How will I fund it without taking on unnecessary debt?
That’s where GradRight can help.
Use GradRight’s university search platform to find master’s programs in France based on what matters—cost, ROI, visa outcomes, language of instruction, and career prospects. Whether you’re looking at public grandes écoles or private business schools, the tool helps you shortlist the best-fit options for your goals and budget.
Then, use GradRight’s loan-search platform to fund your education smartly. You’ll get loan offers from over 15 banks and NBFCs in one place—compare interest rates, check terms, and apply with guidance from experts. No need to run behind agents or visit bank branches.
Together, these tools make studying in France not just possible—but practical.
Why study for a master’s in France in 2025?
France hosts some of the world’s best universities. It also boasts a renowned research output and offers a vibrant cultural experience. French universities and Grandes Écoles are consistently ranked among the world’s best.
In addition to its academic excellence, the country offers an attractive lifestyle with world-famous landmarks, festivals, and natural beauty. Here are some reasons to choose France for your higher education in 2025.
Accessible Programs
The country’s institutions are accessible to non-French speakers with over 1700 English-taught programs. The number of such degrees is also growing, especially in fields like business, engineering, data science, and international relations.
Affordable Tuition
The French government invests heavily in education. This has resulted in high-quality programs being more affordable for non-EU students. Public university tuition is around €3,000 to 4,000 per year in the country, much lower than in the USA or UK.
Strong Employability Prospects
A French degree opens doors to global careers with internships and job opportunities worldwide. The country has strong industry links, especially in fields like business, engineering, and technology, with global companies like Airbus, LVMH, and Danone.
Scholarships and Post-Study Visa Support
Several French scholarships are available to Indian students. The reduced financial burden and generous post-study work visas also allow graduates to look for work in France for two years.
Attractive Lifestyle
Last but not least, France offers incredible diversity in landscapes and people. Its 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites also mean you will have no shortage of weekend adventures.
Master’s in France: Eligibility criteria for international students
While the eligibility criteria for a master’s program are different for each university and course, the general prerequisites usually include
- A recognized bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- A minimum of 55% or equivalent GPA in undergraduate studies.
Language proficiency may also be needed. For English-taught programs, tests like PTE Academic, TOEFL, IELTS and C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency are accepted. Whereas, French language certification, such as DELF, DALF, or TCF, is needed for French-medium programs.
Documents required for a master’s in France may also include:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- CV, portfolio, or interview (for certain programs)
Universities have specific criteria for postgraduate courses. You need to first shortlist the ones you want to apply to.
Top universities in France for master’s programs
France has one of the top higher education systems in Europe. These are known for their academic excellence, research facilities, and strong industry connections. International students can find over 8,000 master’s programs from universities and grandes écoles in the country.
Some of the best universities in France for a master’s degree are listed below.
| University | QS World Ranking |
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) | 24 |
| École Polytechnique | 46 |
| Sorbonne University | 63 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 73 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 38 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 187 |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | 205 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 283 |
| Université Paris Cité | 302 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 334 |
| Sciences Po Paris | 350 |
Universities in France also offer courses that are more popular or recognized among students.
Best master’s programs and specializations in France
French universities offer master’s degrees that are highly recognized worldwide, especially in technology, business, and creative sectors. It is also home to some of Europe’s best business schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESCP Europe, and EDHEC Business School.
Some of the best master’s programs in France for different areas of study are:
Information Technology (IT), Data Science, and Cybersecurity
| University (QS Ranking) | Program Name |
| Université Paris-Saclay (#73) | MSc in Computer Science |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris (#38) | MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Visual Computing |
| Sorbonne University (63) | MSc in Data Science (top 100 globally) |
Business Administration (MBA), Finance, and Management
| School | Program Name (QS Ranking) |
| ESCP Business School | Master’s in Management (8th globally)
MSc in Big Data & Business Analytics (9th globally) |
| ESSEC Business School | Master’s in Business Analytics (3rd globally)
Global MBA (28th globally) |
| HEC Paris | Master’s in Management (1st in Europe) |
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
| University (QS Ranking) | Program Name |
| École Polytechnique (#46) | MSc in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) |
| Université Grenoble Alpes (#334) | MSc in Mechanical Engineering |
| École des Ponts ParisTech (#205) | MSc in Civil Engineering |
Fashion, Luxury Management, and Design
| School/University | Program Name |
| Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) | MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management |
| ESSEC Business School | MSc in Luxury Management |
| IÉSEG School of Management | MSc in Fashion Management |
International Relations and Political Science
| School/University | Program Name |
| Sciences Po Paris | Master’s in Political Science |
| Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | Master’s in International Relations |
| Grenoble Alpes University | Master’s in International Relations |
Most public universities in France charge a fixed tuition fee for master’s programs.
Cost of studying and living expenses for Indian and international students in France
Like many European countries, tuition fees and living expenses in France are lower than in other top study abroad destinations. Public universities in the country offer relatively low tuition of €3,879 per year for a master’s in France for non-EU students, including Indians. Private institutions and grandes écoles may charge higher fees, between €8,000 and €30,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
The living costs, including accommodation, food and transport, in France range from €600 to €800 per month, depending on the city. This means the studying in France for Indian students would equate to a cost upwards of €20,000 per year.
To cover part or full cost of studying in France, international students can apply for scholarship programs for master’s degrees.
Scholarships for master’s students in France
The French Embassy in India and private companies offer several scholarships to over 500 Indian students each year. These scholarships can cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
Here are some major options for Indian students pursuing a master’s degree:
- The France Excellence Charpak Scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a student visa fee waiver, and medical insurance.
- The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,181 along with travel and living allowances.
- Erasmus+ Mundus Joint Master’s program offers scholarships for studying in multiple European countries, including France, as part of a joint degree with top universities.
Other short-term funded programs for science or culinary arts students are also available to Indian students. Film and new media scholarships further support summer programs for students in media.
Moreover, several universities offer specific scholarships for their programs. For instance, INSEAD university provide need and non-need based scholarships from €4,000 to €20,000 for MBA students.
You can also find more scholarships on the ‘Campus Bourses Portal.’ The online search tool lets you filter by subject and study level.
Master’s in France without IELTS: Is It Possible?
International students can enroll in an English-taught master’s course in France without IELTS. Several top universities in the country waive the requirement for IELTS with alternatives. These alternatives include:
- TOEFL, Cambridge English exams, or other recognized English proficiency tests.
- University-specific language assessments or interviews.
- Proof of prior English education (e.g., a bachelor’s degree from an English-language institution).
Popular institutions that offer IT and business master’s programs without IELTS include:
- Université Paris-Saclay
- Grenoble INP
- ESILV Graduate School of Engineering
- ESCP Business School
- ESSEC Business School
- EDHEC Business School.
You can check admission policies for specific universities by visiting their websites for English test rules and whether they accept students without IELTS under course eligibility.
Master’s in France application process and deadlines 2025
France has a compulsory preliminary admission for non-EU students who also reside outside Europe.
This means that all Indian students who currently live in India will have to apply via the Études en France (Studying in France) procedure to French institutions. The Études en France online platform allows you to apply to up to seven institutions with a single application. You will have to pay a fee of €409.
The application process involves researching universities and programs. Then you can prepare your documents for submission on the platform. The application fees and required documents may vary by program but usually include:
- bachelor’s degree transcripts,
- resume,
- motivation letter,
- passport,
- headshot,
- and French translations of all documents.
Some programs may also ask for an interview.
While, the Études en France applications process for the fall (September) 2025 intake has concluded, you can plan to apply for fall intake next year. The applications usually open in early October and close by mid December. The admission results are shared by April. And the selected students have to confirm their offer by the end of May and start their visa application.
Some French universities are not part of the Études en France platform. Therefore, you will have to apply directly on the university’s website for such cases. Similarly, the procedure for students looking to pursue art programs in France is different.
Post-study work visa opportunities after completing a master’s in France
France offers generous post-study work opportunities. If you don’t have a job yet, you can apply for a temporary residence permit called APS.
After completing a master’s course in France, international students can apply for an ‘Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour.’ The APS allows 12 months to seek employment or start a business. Indian students can renew the temporary permit once, which gives up to 24 months (2 years) to find employment after completing a master’s degree. You may take up part-time employment up to 20 hours per week (964 hours per year) while looking for a full-time job.
If you are successful in securing a job that pays 1.5 times the minimum wage (around €4,500 per month), you can apply for a work permit. The permit is valid for 12 months and is renewable. Alternatively, you may also qualify for long-term permits like the Talent Passport or EU Blue Card.
| Visa Type | Duration | Key Eligibility | Salary Requirement | Main Benefits |
| Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) | Up to 4 years | 12+ month job contract in France, or
3+ years of higher education, or 5 years of experience |
1.5 times of French average gross salary | Multi-year stay, flexible employer change |
| EU Blue Card | 1–3 years | Diploma (3+ years higher education), or 5 years of experience, or
Job offer in France |
1.5 times of French average gross wage | Work in France/EU, faster route to permanent residency |
After five years of permanent stay in the country, you can apply for a Permanent Residence permit (Carte de Résident).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the eligibility criteria for a master’s in France?
A relevant bachelor’s degree and proof of language proficiency (English or French) are some of the requirements for a master’s course in France.
2. What is the cost of studying for a master’s degree in France for international students?
The tuition fees for a master’s program at a public university in France are around €3,880 per year for international students outside the EU.
3. Which are the top universities in France for master’s courses?
Top universities for a master’s degree in France include Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, HEC Paris, INSEAD, and the University of Paris-Saclay.
4. Can I apply for a master’s in France without IELTS?
Yes, many French universities accept applications that do not require an IELTS test. You may be able to qualify for a master’s program if your previous education was in English. Another English proficiency test can also be required in some cases.
5. What are the post-study work visa options after completing a master’s in France?
Indian students can apply for a 24-month temporary residence permit (APS) after completing a master’s degree in France. Once employed with a qualifying salary, you can switch to a work visa.
