Study in France
Why study in France?
France pairs some of the lowest public-university fees in Western Europe with business schools that teach entirely in English. For Indian students the deciding factor is usually process rather than cost: the Campus France "Études en France" procedure is compulsory and adds several weeks, and it ends in an interview about your study plan.
- Public universities charge a fixed national rate, even for non-EU students
- Business schools and private institutions teach in English, with no French needed for admission
- The student visa allows 964 hours of work a year, about 20 hours a week
- Master's graduates can apply for the APS permit to stay and look for work
- Campus France "Études en France" registration is compulsory before a visa appointment
- Private school fees run far above the public rate: roughly EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 a year
Tuition fees in France
Public university, licence (bachelor's)
Public university, master's
Public university, doctorate
Indicative, not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-09-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Cost of living
Roughly EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 per month in Paris. Cities such as Toulouse, Nantes and Strasbourg are noticeably cheaper, and student housing through CROUS or the VISALE guarantee scheme brings the accommodation share down further.
Indicative, not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-09-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
France student visa requirements
- India is one of the countries where the Campus France "Études en France" procedure is compulsory. You register, submit your file and attend an interview before you can book a visa appointment.
- The student route is the VLS-TS "étudiant", a long-stay visa that doubles as your residence permit for between four months and one year.
- You must validate the VLS-TS online within three months of arriving in France, through the Ministry of the Interior portal.
- Proof of funds of at least EUR 615 per month of study is expected; confirm the current figure with the consulate before you prepare your file.
- Book the appointment through VFS Global for your jurisdiction once Campus France has released your file.
- Start four to five months before your intake. The Campus France stage alone adds several weeks.
Indicative, not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-09-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Intakes
- September 2026 (main intake, every institution)
- January 2027 (Spring, mainly business and private schools)
- March, June and October 2027 (rolling intakes at some private schools, including Paris Business Academy)
Indicative, not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-09-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Working during and after your studies
A student residence permit allows 964 hours of work per year, which Campus France describes as 60 per cent of full time, or about 20 hours a week. Internships that form part of your degree do not count towards the 964 hours. Treat the earnings as a supplement, not as a way to fund your fees.
Indicative, not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-09-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Universities in France we work with
Our France counsellors by city
Frequently asked questions
What is Campus France and can I skip it?
No, you cannot skip it. India is one of the countries where the "Études en France" procedure is compulsory: you register on the platform, upload your academic file and sit an interview about your study plan before a visa appointment can be booked. Budget several extra weeks for it.
How much does it actually cost to study in France?
At a public university the non-EU rate is EUR 2,902 a year for a licence and EUR 3,950 for a master's. Private schools charge far more: Paris Business Academy, for example, publishes EUR 10,000 a year for its Bachelor programmes and EUR 18,000 for the two-year Global MBA. Add roughly EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 a month for living costs in Paris.
Do I need French?
Not for admission to an English-taught programme, which is what most of our French partners run. You will need French for part-time work, internships and daily life, and some employers expect it, so start early even if your degree is in English.
Can I work, and can I stay after graduating?
Your student permit allows 964 hours a year, about 20 hours a week. After a master's you can apply for the APS temporary residence permit to look for work. Both the hours and the APS conditions change periodically, so confirm the current position with us rather than relying on older guidance.