Why Study in France?
France is the world’s leading non-English-speaking study destination, hosting over 400,000 international students each year. French public universities charge remarkably low tuition fees — around 170 EUR/year for Bachelor’s and 243 EUR/year for Master’s programs for EU students, and approximately 2,770 EUR and 3,770 EUR respectively for non-EU students. Even at these higher rates, French higher education remains far more affordable than comparable programs in the UK, Australia, or the US.
Beyond cost, France offers an academic tradition that spans centuries. Institutions like Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, and Ecole Polytechnique consistently rank among the world’s best. The country is especially strong in business education, with HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC recognized globally. France is also home to the Grandes Ecoles system — elite institutions with rigorous admissions that produce many of France’s business and political leaders.
For international students from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, France provides generous scholarship programs through Campus France, Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, and individual university grants. The country also offers a two-year post-study work visa (APS), giving graduates time to launch their careers in the EU’s second-largest economy.
Top Universities
Sorbonne University
One of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to the 13th century. Top-ranked in humanities, sciences, and medicine. Located in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter.
Ecole Polytechnique
France’s most prestigious engineering school, part of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Strong in mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering. Located in Palaiseau, south of Paris.
HEC Paris
Consistently ranked as Europe’s top business school. Known for its MBA, Master in Management, and executive education programs. Strong alumni network across global finance and consulting.
Sciences Po
France’s leading university for political science, international relations, and public policy. Seven campuses across France, each with a regional specialization. Offers many English-taught programs.
University of Paris-Saclay
A research powerhouse in the sciences, ranked among the top 15 globally for mathematics and physics. Part of a major research cluster south of Paris with access to world-class laboratories.
Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS)
One of France’s most selective institutions, known for producing Nobel laureates and Fields Medal winners. Strong in fundamental sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | 400-700 (Paris: 600-1,000) |
| Food & groceries | 200-350 |
| Health insurance | Included in social security |
| Public transport | 30-50 (half-fare for under 26) |
| Study materials | 20-50 |
| Personal expenses | 100-200 |
| Total | 750-1,350 |
Tuition fees: Public universities charge ~2,770 EUR/year (Bachelor’s) and ~3,770 EUR/year (Master’s) for non-EU students. Grandes Ecoles and private institutions charge 5,000-20,000+ EUR/year.
CAF housing aid: International students can apply for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) housing assistance, which can cover 90-250 EUR/month of rent depending on your accommodation type and location.
Visa Process
- Create a Campus France account and complete the Etudes en France procedure online
- Receive your admission letter from a French university
- Complete the Campus France interview at your local Campus France office
- Apply for your VLS-TS visa at the French consulate with admission letter, financial proof (~615 EUR/month), passport photos, and application form
- Processing time: 2-6 weeks depending on your country
- Arrive in France and validate your visa online within 3 months through the ANEF platform
- Register for social security (health coverage) through your university
Scholarships
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Prestigious French government scholarship for Master’s and PhD students. Covers living allowance (1,181 EUR/month for Master’s), housing assistance, and travel.
- Campus France Scholarships: Various programs funded by the French government for students from specific regions (Africa, Asia, Latin America).
- Erasmus Mundus: EU-funded scholarships for joint Master’s programs offered across multiple European universities.
- University-specific aid: Many universities and Grandes Ecoles offer merit-based tuition waivers and stipends — check with international offices directly.
Ready to Study in France?
France could be the right destination for your academic goals. Use our university matcher to find programs that fit your profile, or talk to an applyportal.ai advisor who can guide you through the entire application process — from choosing a university to completing your Campus France procedure.