Study in France
Affordable public universities, luxury & aerospace leadership, and the APS permit for post-study exploration.
Destination snapshot
France at a glance
France blends centuries of academic tradition with powerhouse sectors—luxury, aerospace, hospitality, and public policy. Paris offers grandes écoles and Sorbonne-adjacent research, while Toulouse anchors Airbus country and Lyon drives biotech.
400K+
International students
Annual enrolment
12–24 months
APS permit
Job search visa
€3,770/yr
Public master's fee
2024 non-EU rate
91%
Visa success (our students)
VLS-TS
Benefits
Why study in France?
Strategic advantages international students gain when choosing this destination.
Affordable public fees
State-set tuition for non-EU students far below US/UK averages.
APS residence permit
12–24 months to seek employment after master's or PhD.
Luxury & aerospace
LVMH, Airbus, and hospitality schools with global placements.
Schengen lifestyle
Weekend travel across Europe; rich cultural immersion in Paris.
Institutions
Top universities
Leading institutions our counselors shortlist most often for international applicants.
Sorbonne University
Paris
Popular programs
HEC Paris
Paris
Popular programs
Sciences Po
Paris
Popular programs
Université Paris-Saclay
Paris region
Popular programs
Programs
Popular courses
High-demand programs aligned with graduate outcomes and visa pathways.
Luxury & Fashion Management
Career outlook: LVMH, Kering, global maisons
Aerospace Engineering
Career outlook: Airbus, Safran, Thales
Culinary & Hospitality
Career outlook: Michelin network & global hotels
MBA / Management (grande école)
Career outlook: Consulting & EU corporate leadership
Investment
Tuition fees
Typical annual ranges: €2,770 – €15,000 / year (public)
Public university (non-EU)
€2,770 – €3,770
Bachelor's / master's state rate
Grandes écoles & business
€8,000 – €45,000
Premium career services
Specialized schools
€10,000 – €20,000
Fashion, culinary, animation
Budget
Living expenses
Campus France requires ~€615/month living proof. Paris exceeds €1,000/month; Lyon and Toulouse are 25% lower.
Accommodation
€500 – €1,000
per month
Food
€200 – €350
per month
Transport
€40 – €80
per month
Health (student social security)
€0 – €50
per month
Personal
€150 – €300
per month
Timeline
Intake calendar
Plan applications backward from these key deadlines.
Rentrée (Autumn)
Apply by
Jan – Apr (Campus France)
Classes begin
September
Main intake via Études en France platform
Spring (select)
Apply by
Sep – Oct
Classes begin
January
Limited English programs
Immigration
Visa guidance
Campus France application, admission, financial proof, and OFII validation after arrival. ScholarBridge guides attestation and interview prep for Indian applicants.
Visa type
VLS-TS Étudiant (Long-stay student)
Processing time
2–4 weeks post Campus France
Work rights
964 hours/year part-time (~20 hrs/week)
Requirements
- •Campus France file completion
- •University admission
- •Proof of resources (~€615/mo)
- •Health coverage
- •Accommodation evidence
Documents
- •Campus France attestation
- •Admission letter
- •Financial proof
- •Passport
- •Photos
Application timeline
Step 1
Campus France & applications
Month 1–4
Step 2
Visa submission
Month 4–5
Step 3
Arrival & OFII
Month 5–6
Step 4
Residence card
Month 6–7
Funding
Scholarships & financial aid
Combine merit, government, and university awards to reduce total cost.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
€1,181/mo + benefits
Master's & PhD under 30
Charpak (India)
Living allowance + tuition
Indian nationals
University waivers
Partial tuition
Merit at public universities
Erasmus+ joint degrees
Mobility grants
EU-partner programs
Experience
Student life
What daily life feels like while studying in France.
CROUS housing
Subsidized résidences for international students in university cities.
Culture passes
Discounted museums, cinema, and transport for under-26s.
French immersion
Free FR courses; bilingual tracks in business schools.
Support
FAQs — France
Answers to the questions students and parents ask us most.
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