How affordable is studying in France?

Very affordable. Public university tuition is €170/year for Bachelor's and €243/year for Master's programs for EU students, and €2,770 and €3,770 respectively for non-EU students. Many scholarships are also available.

What is Campus France?

Campus France is the official French government agency for promoting French higher education. Students from many countries must register through the Études en France platform as part of the visa application process.

Can I work while studying in France?

Yes, international students can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours/week) on a student visa. This applies to both EU and non-EU students.

What is the APS visa in France?

The Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) is a 1-year post-study residence permit for Master's and PhD graduates to seek employment related to their studies or create a business in France.

Study in France – Universities, Fees, Visa, Scholarships & PR

Country Overview

Why Study in France?

France is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, with public universities charging very low tuition fees even for international students. As a global leader in fashion, culinary arts, business, and engineering, France offers diverse academic programs, many taught in English. The country's rich culture, central European location, and post-study work opportunities make it an attractive choice for students worldwide.

6+ leading universities to choose from
5+ scholarship programs available
Intakes: September/October (Primary), January/February
Living costs: €10,000 – €15,000/year

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Study in France

Public Tuition/Year: €170+

Key Advantages

What Makes France a Top Choice

The standout benefits international students gain when choosing this destination.

Affordable European Education

Very low public university fees with world-class institutions and research.

Global Culture & Innovation

Fashion, business, engineering, and arts programs in a central EU location.

English-Taught Degrees

Growing portfolio of English-medium programs at Bachelor's and Master's levels.

Post-Study Work Options

Temporary residence permit to seek employment aligned with your qualification.

At a Glance

Key Facts for International Students

Essential numbers and policies to plan your budget, timeline, and work expectations.

Avg. Tuition

€170 – €380/year (public), €3,000 – €20,000/year (private)

Living Cost

€10,000 – €15,000/year

Work Rights

964 hrs/year (approximately 20 hrs/week)

Visa Processing

4–6 weeks

Intakes

September/October (Primary), January/February

Popular Courses

Business & ManagementEngineeringFashion & DesignHospitalityPolitical ScienceArts & Culture

Top Universities

Sorbonne University

École Polytechnique

Sciences Po

HEC Paris

ENS Paris

Université PSL

Tuition Fees & Living Expenses

Average Tuition Fees

€170 – €380/year (public), €3,000 – €20,000/year (private)

Living Expenses

€10,000 – €15,000/year

September/October (Primary)

January/February

Scholarships

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

French government scholarship for international Master's and PhD students covering living allowance (€1,181/month for Master's), health insurance, and activities.

Erasmus+ Scholarships

EU-funded scholarships for exchange programs and joint Master's degrees including French universities.

Emile Boutmy Scholarships (Sciences Po)

Named after the founder of Sciences Po, offering significant tuition reductions for outstanding non-EU students.

HEC Paris Scholarships

Merit and need-based scholarships for MBA and graduate programs at one of Europe's top business schools.

Campus France Scholarships

Various scholarships administered through Campus France for students from specific countries and regions.

Work Rights for Students

During Studies: 964 hrs/year (approximately 20 hrs/week)

Student Visa Requirements

Pre-acceptance letter from a French educational institution

Registration on the Campus France platform (Études en France)

Proof of financial resources (€615/month minimum or equivalent)

Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond visa end date

Proof of accommodation in France

Health insurance coverage

Proof of academic qualifications

French or English language proficiency (depending on program language)

Estimated Processing Time

4–6 weeks

Required Documents

Valid passport

University acceptance letter

Campus France registration confirmation

Financial proof (bank statements, sponsor letter, or scholarship letter)

Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, university housing confirmation)

Health insurance certificate

Academic transcripts and certificates (translated into French/English)

Language proficiency certificate (DELF/DALF for French, IELTS/TOEFL for English)

Passport-size photographs

Motivation letter

CV/Resume

Birth certificate (translated)

PR & Immigration Pathways

France offers a post-study APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) residence permit for 1 year (non-renewable) for Master's and PhD graduates to seek employment or start a business. Once you find a job with a minimum salary of 1.5x the French minimum wage, you can switch to a work residence permit (Salarié/Travailleur Temporaire). After 5 years of continuous legal residence in France, you can apply for permanent residency or French citizenship.

Career Opportunities

Luxury & Fashion – Paris is the global capital of luxury with houses like LVMH, Chanel, Hermès, and Dior

Aerospace & Defense – Airbus, Dassault, Safran, and Thales offer engineering and research careers

Business & Consulting – Major consulting firms and European offices of global corporations based in Paris

Hospitality & Tourism – France is the world's most visited country with careers in hotel management and gastronomy

Research & Innovation – World-class research through CNRS, INSERM, and university-affiliated labs

Energy – Total, EDF, and Engie lead in conventional and renewable energy with significant R&D operations

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions students ask about studying in France.

Not necessarily. There are over 1,600 English-taught programs in France, especially at the Master's level and in business schools. However, basic French is helpful for daily life.