Let’s explore the student requirements for studying in France as an Indian student.
Age Requirement
You must be over 18 years old to study in France. This means Indian students should ideally start preparing to study in France after their 12th grade exams.
Course Selection
Visit Campus France for comprehensive information on available courses.
Acceptance by a Higher Education Institution
Before you can apply for a student visa, a French higher education institution must accept you.
The process for enrolling in a French higher education institution depends on your nationality. As an Indian student, you are included in the online enrollment scheme. This can be done through two platforms:
Études en France website:
This platform lets students manage their application to French higher-ed institutes electronically. It lets you apply to multiple programs and institutions, track the status of your applications, and handle administrative procedures. India is one of the 69 countries whose students can use this platform to manage their applications.
Campus France:
Campus France offers guidance on choosing programs, living in France, and navigating the application process.
Note: Students applying to an undergraduate program will need to follow the ‘Parcoursup’ procedure. Parcoursup is an online admission platform for nearly all higher education institutions in France. Through Parcoursup, you can submit applications, receive offers, and confirm your acceptance.
If you are applying beyond the first year of university or for graduate programs, you may not need to use Parcoursup. Instead, you will apply directly through the university or through the Études en France platform.
Visa Types
- For a training course not exceeding three months: You’ll receive a short-stay visa.
- For a training course exceeding three or six months: You’ll receive a temporary long-stay visa.
- For training or a course exceeding six months: You’ll receive a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit.
France student visa (VLS-TS) fee: €99. Visa fees may vary slightly based on your country of application.
Essential Documents for Visa Application
- Certificate of Enrolment in a French institution
- APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students – see section above)
- Proof of financial means – minimum €615/month (€7,380/year) required
- Airline tickets
- Medical Insurance (costs around €500 to €800 per year)
- Documents indicating your place of accommodation upon arrival in France
Campus France interview fee (India): approximately €115. Paid at time of Campus France interview in India.
Also Read: France Student Visa Requirements: Complete Guide for Indian Students
Find your best-matched French university – 40,000+ programs, AI-powered. Explore on GradRight
Benefits of Studying in France for Indian Students
Studying in France is a lucrative opportunity for international students because of the following reasons:
Top-Tier Education
France boasts world-class universities with a strong focus on research and practical application. Some of the most respected French universities are:
- University PSL
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- Sorbonne University
- University Paris-Saclay
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Multilingual Opportunities
Many programs in French universities are offered in English. However, students ought to consider courses delivered in the French language, as they enforce a discipline that helps students learn the French language quicker and better.
Scholarships and Funding
Numerous scholarships and education loans are available for Indian students to ease the financial burden. Some examples include:
- Charpak Master’s Programme
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
- INSEAD Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship for Leadership
- Emile Boutmy Scholarships
Culturally Rich Environment
Immerse yourself in French history, art, cuisine, and fashion. France is very chic and offers a vibrant environment.
Internationally Recognized Degree
A French degree is valued by employers worldwide and boosts your career prospects.
Admission Process
Campus France is a government agency that operates under the French Ministry of External Affairs. Its mission is to make it easy for international students to study in France.
‘Etudes en France’ (Studying in France) is managed by Campus France. The Études en France (EE) procedure offers prospective students guidance and support at every step in the admission process.
Step 0 (Indian students): Obtain your APS certificate from Campus France India BEFORE creating your Études en France account. See the APS section above.
Create Your Account
Visit the Études en France website and create your account by clicking on ‘Register’. Fill in the account creation form and choose a password. Note your Campus France Registration Number.
Login and Apply
Go to the Campus France website and log in using your chosen username and password. Click on ‘Applicant’ to apply to French institutions. Fill in your personal information, academic records, language skills, CV, and statement of purpose (SOP). Upload required documents.
Academic Interview
The Campus France office will contact you for an appointment. Attend an academic interview with the Campus France Manager. Explain your reasons for choosing France and the institution where you’ve been admitted. Carry all mandatory documents and the Campus France fee payment receipt. You will receive an interview completion certificate from the Campus France advisor.
Confirmation and Visa Procedure
After your file is verified by a Campus France Manager, you’ll start receiving responses from universities. Check the calendar and the portal for acceptance.
Also Read: MS in France for Indian Students: Complete Guide
Top Courses to Study in France
Your choice of the best course to study in France depends on your academic interests. However, some courses are particularly popular and highly regarded in France.
- MBA: France is home to some of the world’s top-ranked business schools. INSEAD, HEC Paris, and ESSEC Business School offer MBA programs focusing on management, leadership, and international business.
- MSc in Engineering: France is known for strong engineering programs. École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, and École des Ponts ParisTech offer highly regarded MSc programs.
- MSc in Computer Science: Paris-Sud University, École Polytechnique, and Grenoble Alpes University offer MSc programs with specializations in AI and data science.
- MA in International Relations: Sciences Po Paris, Paris-Sud University, and Sorbonne University offer MA programs focusing on diplomacy and global governance.
- Gastronomy and Culinary Arts: Le Cordon Bleu and Institute Paul Bocuse offer world-renowned programs in wine production and gastronomy.
Also Read: MBA in France: Top Colleges, Fees, Scholarships and Career Prospects
Top Universities to Study in France
France is home to several prestigious universities and institutions globally renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions.
IÉSEG School of Management
Established in 1964, IÉSEG School of Management is one of the top business schools in France, part of the Université Catholique de Lille. It holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA), shared by less than 1% of business schools worldwide.
EM Lyon Business School
EM Lyon Business School was founded in 1872. The school operates multiple campuses in France and abroad and offers a variety of programs that integrate entrepreneurship and innovation. EM Lyon has earned Triple Crown accreditation.
Edhec Business School
Edhec Business School has campuses in Lille, Nice, Paris, London, and Singapore. It boasts Triple Crown accreditation and is known for its academic excellence and real-world business research.
ESSEC Business School
ESSEC Business School was founded in 1907 and is a distinguished member of the small group of business schools with Triple Crown accreditation. It has campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco.
Grenoble Ecole de Management
Founded in 1984, Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) is known for its focus on the management of technology and innovation. GEM operates campuses in Grenoble, Paris, and Berlin.
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is a public research university in Paris, France, founded in 1257. Sorbonne University is ranked #73 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026.
École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris)
École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris) is a public research university in Paris, France, founded in 1794. ENS Paris is ranked #43 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026.
Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL)
Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL) is a public research university in Paris, France, founded in 2010. PSL is ranked #25 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026.
École Polytechnique (L’X)
École Polytechnique is a private research university in Palaiseau, France, founded in 1794. École Polytechnique is ranked #47 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026.
HEC Paris
HEC Paris is a private business school in Paris, France, founded in 1881. It is one of the best business schools in the world and is highly ranked among global MBA programs.
As a student, you no doubt find it difficult to choose between these reputed universities. That is why we have GradRight.
Find universities in France that match your profile – 40,000+ programs, 8 million+ data points. Explore on GradRight
The cost of studying in France varies greatly depending on the type of institution and the course you choose.
Public Universities
Public universities in France are known for their very low tuition fees due to government subsidies.
The actual tuition fees at French public universities are: €170/year for a Licence (Bachelor’s) and €243/year for a Master’s degree. There is also a mandatory CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus) of €103/year, paid online before enrollment. Total annual cost at a public university is approximately €273-346/year – making France one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe.
Private Universities and Grandes Écoles
Tuition fees at private universities are significantly higher, with costs ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. Business schools are expensive and can cost €30,000 for some business programs.
That being said, it depends entirely on the institution. A PG degree from École Polytechnique can cost €14,900 annually.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in France 2026: Complete Breakdown for Indian Students
Also Read: Affordable Universities in France for International Students
Scholarships to Study in France
There are multiple scholarships, fellowships, and grants that you can avail to study in France. Here is a condensed list:
Charpak Master’s Programme
You can get funding for your Master’s degrees in various fields via this scholarship. It offers a monthly living allowance of €860 (approx. ₹77,389).
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
This is a prestigious scholarship for Master’s and PhD students, with the following benefits:
- A monthly allowance of €1,181 for master’s students and €1,800 for doctoral students to cover living expenses.
- Coverage of the cost of a one-way flight from the student’s home country to France.
- Enrollment in the French national health insurance scheme (Sécurité Sociale).
- An option to stay in student dormitories managed by CROUS.
- Weekend trips, city tours, and cultural events for recipients.
INSEAD Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship for Leadership
This scholarship offers up to €25,000 to candidates from emerging countries (India included). Each year, one or two candidates are granted this scholarship.
Emile Boutmy Scholarships
This scholarship supports students with outstanding academic performance for their admission in undergraduate or Master’s programs offered by Sciences Po. The scholarship is available to students outside the EU. Benefits include partial or full tuition fee waivers, with amounts ranging from €6,500 to €14,720 per year for bachelor’s students, and €13,100 per year for master’s students.
Other scholarships include: Ambassade de France en Inde Scholarship, Campus France Scholarships, IMT Scholarships for International Students, ESCP Business School Scholarships for Indian Students, École Normale Supérieure (ENS) International Selection Scholarship, French Government Scholarship for Indian Students.
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France: Complete Guide
Education Loans for Studying in France
Are you worried about the cost of studying in France? Education loans can be an option for you. Many banks and financial institutions offer loans for studying abroad. These cover expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, travel, and other related expenses.
Some of the top banks and NBFCs that offer educational loans for studying in France are: State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Canara Bank, Mpower Finance, Prodigy Finance.
The interest rates range from 8.5% to 14% depending on your loan amount and creditworthiness.
Getting an education loan to study in France shouldn’t be like running a marathon. That’s why GradRight’s loan platform brings everything together in one place.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Register on GradRight’s loan platform
- Unlock loan offers from 18+ lenders (Indian and international banks and NBFCs)
- Upload your documents
- Get assistance from our Financial Advisor to customize your loan offer
- Take your loan disbursement
Compare education loans from 18+ lenders for your France study journey. Explore Loans on GradRight
Also Read: Education Loan for France: Banks, Interest Rates and Cost Guide
Job Prospects in France
France’s job market is vibrant and diverse. It offers plenty of opportunities across various sectors. From technology and healthcare to fashion and hospitality, there’s a wide array of career paths to explore.
But you need to know fluent French to land a job in France.
Post-Study Work Permit in France
A student can stay in France after graduation only if they have a paid job. If you find a job that pays at least 1.5 times the minimum wage, you can ask the local government to alter your status from student to employee.
The French minimum wage (SMIC) is €1,801.80/month gross in 2025. This means your job must pay at least approximately €2,702/month gross (1.5x SMIC) to qualify for a change of status from student to employee.
This will allow you to work full-time and get a work permit after studying in France.
Post-study APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour): MS graduates can apply for a 1-year APS permit, giving them time to find qualifying employment before applying for a work visa. Apply for the APS at your local prefecture within 4 months of graduation.
Cost of Living in France
What will be your living costs while you study in France? In the city center, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from €700 to €1,500 per month. It’s notably lower in the suburbs. For food, expect a monthly grocery bill for one person to hover around €400. As for transportation, a monthly public transportation pass covering metro, bus, and tram services ranges from €50 to €80.
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