Study in France
400,000+ international students and 3,500+ institutions. Public universities charge minimal tuition, and a masters graduate gets up to two years of APS work authorisation.
Top universities
| University | QS 2026 | Tuition / year |
|---|---|---|
| Université PSL | 28 | €243–€3,770 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 | €4,317 |
| Paris-Saclay | 70 | €250 |
| Sorbonne | 72 | €2,770–€4,770 |
| HEC Paris | Grande École | €25,000–€45,000 |
| ENS Lyon | 205 | €243–€3,770 |
| Panthéon-Sorbonne | 257 | €2,770 |
| Grenoble Alpes | 321 | €2,770 |
Programmes and what they cost
Non-EU rates. Public and private institutions are priced very differently — check which one you are looking at.
| Route | Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Masters (MS)1,600+ English-taught masters. Bachelor’s at 60% or CGPA 7.0. | €3,941/yr public · €19,500–€95,000 at the grandes écoles | 1–2 years |
| MBAINSEAD, HEC, ESSEC, EDHEC and EMLYON. Average post-MBA package around €65,000. | €15,000–€95,000 | 10–16 months |
| BachelorsClass 12 at 60–70%. The state covers roughly two-thirds of the real cost. | €2,895/yr public | 3 years |
| Diplôme d’IngénieurMasters-equivalent on graduation. No JEE required. | €2,500–€3,000/yr public | 5 years |
Costs, visa and rules
Visa and permits
After you arriveValidate the VLS-TS on the ANEF portal within three months of arriving, or it lapses.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Register with Campus France
The Études en France portal is mandatory for Indian applicants: ₹18,500 and 3–6 weeks. Your consulate interview is only booked once this clears.
- 2Prove your language level
English-taught programmes take IELTS 6.0–6.5 or a Medium of Instruction letter; French-taught ones need DELF or DALF at B2.
- 3Sit the entrance tests if required
GRE for some engineering schools; GMAT for the top business schools — INSEAD 710+, HEC 690+, ESSEC 660+.
- 4Apply for an exemption or scholarship
Eiffel or Charpak drops your tuition to the EU rate of €178–€254. Eiffel pays €1,181–€1,400 a month, and from January 2026 the PhD rate rises to €2,100.
- 5Claim CAF once you land
The housing benefit cuts rent by €50–€250 a month for most students.
Working and staying on
APS work authorisation — 12 months for a masters, up to 2 years in practice
Carte de Résident after 5 years, or an EU Blue Card within 3. Indian graduates of French institutions also qualify for a 5-year multi-entry Schengen visa.
What to know before you apply
Campus France registration through the Études en France portal is mandatory — budget ₹18,500 and 3–6 weeks.
A VLS-TS long-stay visa doubles as your residence permit, but you must validate it on the ANEF portal within three months of arrival.
CAF housing benefit reduces rent by €50–€250 a month for most students.
Indian graduates of French institutions (min 1 year of study) qualify for a 5-year multi-entry Schengen visa.
Scholarships
Intakes
Fall (September–October) is primary; a limited Spring intake runs January–February.
Check my eligibilityOther destinations
Applying for the next intake?
Deadlines close months before term starts. Get your timeline mapped this week.