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Study in France from India

Understand how French universities and business schools work, what Campus France does, and what Indian students should prepare for.

Typical tuitionRegulated at public universities; €10,000–€30,000+ at private/business schools
Living costs€10,000–€15,000 per year
Main intakesSeptember (some January)
Post-study workTemporary residence permit for graduates

Country guide · Reviewed October 2026 · By the MyEdBuddy counselling team. Immigration rules, fees and requirements change; always confirm on official websites.

Why study in France?

France offers a distinctive mix of affordable public universities and internationally respected business, design and engineering schools. English-taught master's programmes are increasingly common, particularly in management, engineering, luxury and fashion.

Indian students typically apply through the Campus France process alongside the university application. Starting early helps, because document and interview steps take time.

  • Affordable public universities with regulated fees
  • Globally recognised business and engineering schools
  • Strong in luxury, fashion, design, aerospace and hospitality
  • Many English-taught master's programmes
  • Central European location and rich cultural life

Popular courses in France

Management and financeGrandes écoles and business schools offer MSc and MBA programmes.
Luxury, fashion and designHome to leading institutions in these fields; portfolios often required.
Aerospace and engineeringStrong industry links, especially around Toulouse and Paris.
Hospitality and culinaryRespected programmes with practical training.
Data science and AIGrowing English-taught options.
Public policy and humanitiesStrong at universities and specialised schools.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Class 12 results and sometimes entrance exams
  • English or French proof depending on course language
  • Campus France registration for Indian applicants
  • Motivation letter and documents

Postgraduate

  • Bachelor's degree with good academic record
  • English or French test
  • Motivation letter, CV and references
  • Campus France process and interview
  • Some schools require GMAT/GRE or case interviews

English tests and exams

English-taught courses typically accept IELTS or TOEFL; French-taught programmes require DELF, DALF or TCF at the stated level. Learning basic French is strongly recommended.

Application timeline

  1. Now – Nov Research schools and start language tests
  2. Nov – Mar Campus France registration and applications
  3. Mar – Jun Receive offers and accept
  4. Jun – Jul Apply for the student visa
  5. Jul – Aug Arrange housing and travel

Cost of studying in France

Indicative ranges only. Fees, exchange rates and requirements change, so verify current figures with each university and official sources.

ItemTypical rangeNotes
Tuition: public universityRegulated fees; check the latest for international studentsOften significantly lower than the UK or USA
Tuition: business/private schools€10,000–€30,000+ per yearVaries by school
Living costs€10,000–€15,000 per yearParis is higher
Visa and residence feesVariesCheck official sources
Health insuranceStudent social securityCheck current procedure
Flights and extrasVariesHousing deposits can be high

Planning your budget? Try our cost calculator.

Scholarships and funding

  • Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: French government scholarship for master's and PhD, nominated by institutions.
  • Campus France and school awards: Many schools offer scholarships for international students.
  • Erasmus Mundus: EU-funded joint master's programmes.
  • Housing aid: Students may qualify for CAF housing assistance.

See our full scholarships guide and education loan guide. Availability, amounts and deadlines change each year.

Student visa for France

Indian students typically complete the Campus France procedure and then apply for a long-stay student visa. You will need an admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation proof and insurance. Follow official French consulate instructions.

Read our student visa guidance for a document checklist and interview tips.

Work during and after your studies

While studying

International students can generally work a limited number of hours per year alongside their studies.

After graduation

Graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start a business related to their studies. Duration and conditions depend on current rules.

Post-study work rules are one of the fastest-changing parts of immigration policy. Check official sources before you decide, and do not rely on anyone who promises a particular outcome.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Starting Campus France too late
  • Not learning basic French
  • Underestimating housing costs in Paris
  • Choosing a school without checking recognition
  • Missing document translation requirements

How MyEdBuddy helps you study in France

Our counsellors build a shortlist of universities and courses in France that match your grades, budget and goals, then support you through SOPs, applications, scholarships, education loans and the visa process. Initial counselling and documentation guidance are free. We give honest advice, including when a different country might suit you better, but we cannot guarantee admission, scholarships or visas, which are decided by universities and governments.

Frequently asked questions

It is the French agency that manages the pre-application and visa process for many international students, including those from India.

Yes, many master's programmes are taught in English, though French helps daily life.

Public universities are affordable; business schools and Paris living costs are higher.

Graduates may apply for a temporary permit to seek work, subject to current rules.

Talk to a counsellor about studying in France

Free, no-obligation counselling. We will look at your grades, budget and goals and give you honest options.

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