Globally Respected Education. Diverse Study Options. A European Experience With Strong Academic Value.

Looking for a European study destination that offers respected universities, specialised business schools, engineering institutions, research opportunities and programmes taught in both French and English?

France deserves serious consideration.

Indian students can explore Bachelor’s, Master’s, engineering, business, technology, science, design, fashion, hospitality and research programmes across a large and diverse higher education system.

But studying in France is not simply about choosing Paris or finding a low cost public university.

At Agastya Global, we help you answer the more important question:

Is France the right academic and financial choice for your profile?

France Study at a Glance

What Students Want to Know	France
Bachelor’s / Licence Duration	Usually 3 years, 180 ECTS
Master’s Level	Normally 5 years of total higher education, 300 ECTS
Main Academic Start	September or October
Secondary Intake	January for some programmes
Study Language	French and English
International Student Work	Up to 964 hours per year
Main Long Stay Student Route	Student VLS TS for eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s students
Minimum Visa Financial Resources for Indian Applicants	€877.50 per month from 1 August 2026
Post Study Option	Qualifying Indian graduates may have a job search or business creation route after eligible French study

France follows a European degree structure in which a standard Licence or Bachelor’s level qualification normally represents three years and 180 ECTS, while Master’s level qualifications generally represent five years of total higher education and 300 ECTS. The main academic year normally begins in September or October, while only some programmes start in January.

Why Study in France?

France offers more than one type of higher education experience.
Students can choose from:

Public Universities

Engineering Schools

Business and Management Schools

Grandes Écoles

Art and design institutions

Architecture schools

Specialised private institutions

and doctoral schools. Campus France reports more than 3,500 public and private higher education institutions across France, including universities, engineering schools, business schools and specialist institutions.
This variety can be useful if you want a programme that is more specialised than a general university degree.

Is France Right for You?

France could be a strong choice if you:

Want to study in continental Europe
Are considering Business, Engineering, Technology, Science, Fashion, Design, Luxury, Hospitality or research
Want access to both public and private education options
Are open to learning some French even if your programme is in English

Think Carefully If:

You expect studying in France to be free for every international student.

France can offer comparatively moderate public university tuition, but fees depend on the institution, programme, exemptions and student category.

Private schools and specialised programmes can cost substantially more.

You expect studying in France to be free for every international student.

Paris is generally more expensive than many other French student cities, particularly for accommodation.

You believe an English taught programme means you never need French.

French may not be required for admission to an English taught programme, but learning French can make everyday life, internships, networking and future employment easier.

You expect part time work to pay for your complete education.

France allows eligible international students to work while studying, but official France Visas guidance specifically warns that student work should be treated as supplementary income, not enough to cover all expenses.

What Can You Study in France?

01 — Business & Management

Business Administration
International Business
Finance
Accounting
Marketing
Management
Entrepreneurship
Supply Chain
MBA
Master in Management

02 — Computer Science

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Information Systems
Digital Transformation
Cloud and related technologies

03 — Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics
Automotive Engineering
Aerospace
Energy
Industrial Engineering
Environmental Engineering

France has a substantial network of specialised engineering schools alongside universities.

04 — Luxury, Fashion, Art & Design

Luxury Brand Management
Fashion Management
Fashion Design
Visual Arts
Interior Design
Graphic Design
Product Design
Creative Industries

France can be particularly interesting for students who want specialised education connected with creative industries and luxury related fields.

05 — Hospitality & Tourism

Hospitality Management
Tourism
Hotel Management
Culinary related programmes
Event Management
International Hospitality Business

06 — Sciences, Healthcare & Research

Life Sciences
Biotechnology
Public Health
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Pharmaceutical related sciences
Research programmes

Professional and regulated programmes require particularly careful checking because academic admission does not automatically provide professional practice rights.

Understanding the French Higher Education System

Choosing France becomes easier when you understand that not every institution works in the same way.

Public Universities

They offer programmes across academic disciplines and often have lower tuition than private institutions.

Grandes Écoles

These are selective institutions, often specialising in areas such as Engineering, Business, Public Affairs or other professional fields.

Engineering Schools

France has dedicated engineering institutions authorised to award engineering qualifications.

Business Schools

These may offer programmes such as:

Bachelor

Master in Management

MSc

MBA

and specialised Master’s programmes.

Specialised Schools

Students can also find institutions focused on:

Fashion

Design

Hospitality

Art

Architecture

and other specialised areas.
Agastya Tip
Don’t ask only:
“Which French university is cheapest?”
Ask:
“Which type of French institution and programme gives me the strongest value for my education and career?”

Do You Need French to Study in France?

Not always.

Campus France states that if your programme is taught in English, French itself is not required, although the institution may assess your English ability.

For French taught programmes, students may need recognised French language evidence such as:

Campus France notes that B1 or B2 is commonly recommended for undergraduate and Master’s study, while B2 is required for admission to first year through the DAP procedure; some programmes can require a higher level.

English Taught Programmes in France

You do not necessarily need to study in French.
France has a large and growing range of programmes taught partly or completely in English.
Campus France maintains a dedicated catalogue for English taught programmes, making France accessible to students who do not already speak fluent French.
English taught programmes are particularly common at Master’s level and within internationally focused Business, Engineering, Technology and Science programmes.

Is IELTS Compulsory to Study in France?

There is no single IELTS requirement that applies to every French institution.

For an English taught course, the institution determines how you must demonstrate English proficiency.

Depending on the programme, accepted evidence may include an approved English language test or another method accepted by the institution.

Important

Do not assume:

“English taught = automatic IELTS waiver.”

Always check the exact admission requirement for your selected programme.

Study in France for Indian Students and Qualification Recognition

France has an important advantage for Indian students.
India and France have an agreement for the mutual recognition of academic qualifications, which came into effect in 2019.
Under the agreement, qualifications recognised as comparable include

when the qualifications and institutions fall within the scope of the agreement. Professional qualifications such as Law and Medicine that provide professional practice rights are excluded from this automatic academic recognition framework.

Why does this matter?

It can make academic progression between India and France easier to understand.
But individual universities still decide whether your academic background meets the entry requirements for a particular programme.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in France?

France has an unusual tuition structure because the French government subsidises a significant part of the real cost of education at public institutions.

For 2026 to 2027, Campus France lists differentiated annual registration fees for many non EU students at public institutions under the relevant ministry as:

Bachelor's / Licence

€2,902 per year

Master's

€3,950 per year

Doctorate

€398 per year

Does Every Indian Student Pay These Exact Fees?

No.
This point is important.
Some students may receive exemptions from differentiated tuition fees, and some institutions apply different fee policies.
Private universities, Business Schools, Grandes Écoles and specialist institutions can charge considerably higher fees than public universities.
France Visas notes that tuition can range from a few hundred euros to more than €10,000 per year at some private institutions.
Therefore:
Do not build your France budget using one generic tuition figure.
Check the fee for:

and any applicable exemption or scholarship.

Food

Around €300 per month on average, although personal spending differs.

CROUS Student Residence

Approximately:

€450 per month in Paris

and around

€350 per month elsewhere in France, on average.

Private Studio

Campus France indicates students may need at least approximately:

€800 per month in Paris

and around

€400 elsewhere in France

for a private apartment, depending on the market and city.

Agastya Tip

Don’t compare only:

University ranking

Also compare:

Course

Tuition

Housing

Transport

Internship environment

and your complete cost of study.

France Intakes

The main French academic year generally begins in:
September or October
and runs until approximately May or June.
Campus France India notes that only a limited number of programmes begin in January.

Application deadlines differ by:

Programme

Institution

level of Study

and application route. Students should therefore begin planning well before the intended intake.

How Do Indian Students Apply to Study in France?

India is part of the Études en France, or EEF, procedure.

This is an important difference between France and many other European destinations.

Depending on your level of study, the process may involve:

and later the France student visa procedure.

For Indian residents applying to second or third year Bachelor’s programmes or a Master’s programme, Campus France states that the Études en France procedure normally continues through the Student Visa stage.

What Is Études en France?

Études en France is the official online procedure used for students residing in participating countries, including India.
The process can involve:

and an academic interview where applicable.
Campus France India advises students to begin the visa process after receiving an unconditional acceptance and to plan well ahead of the intake.

Scholarships for Indian Students in France

Funding should be researched early because scholarships are competitive and eligibility varies.

Indian students may explore options such as:

France Excellence Charpak

The French government scholarship programme in India includes categories covering Bachelor’s, Master’s, exchange and short research or training opportunities, although individual schemes and application rounds can vary by year.

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The Eiffel programme supports selected international students at Master’s and doctoral levels in specified academic fields.

A key point is:

Students do not submit an Eiffel application directly.

The French higher education institution submits the candidate’s application.

University Scholarships

French institutions may also offer:

Merit scholarships

Tuition exemptions

Faculty awards

or other institutional funding.

Important

Never choose a university assuming that a scholarship is guaranteed.

Can International Students Work While Studying in France?

Yes, subject to applicable residence conditions. Foreign students in France are generally authorised to work up to: 964 Hours Per Year which corresponds to around 60% of normal annual working time. This gives students the possibility of gaining work experience and supplementary income. But official guidance is clear that part time employment should not be expected to cover the complete cost of studying and living in France.
Agastya Tip
Treat student employment as:
Experience + supplementary income
not:
Your main education funding plan.

What Happens After Graduation?

France provides post study options for certain eligible international graduates.

For Indian nationals who obtain an eligible Master’s or higher qualification in France, current Campus France India guidance describes a post study route that can allow graduates to remain or return for job search or business creation.

Campus France India currently describes a one year long stay route renewable once, potentially providing up to two years in total, subject to the applicant meeting the applicable conditions.

Important

Do not assume every French qualification gives the same post study rights.

Eligibility can depend on:

Qualification level

Type of degree

Nationality

Timing

Residence status

and the immigration rules in force when you apply.

Do You Automatically Get a Job After Studying in France?

No.
Studying in France does not guarantee employment.
Your prospects depend on factors such as:

Qualification

Field of study

Professional skills

Internships

Experience

French language ability

and immigration requirements.
Learning French can be particularly valuable if you plan to work in France after graduation.

France Student Visa for Indian Students

For study lasting more than three months, non EU students generally need a long stay visa.

For eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s study, the common route is the:

Student VLS TS

or long stay visa equivalent to a residence permit.

France Visas states that a VLS TS can allow a student to remain in France for up to one year without immediately applying for a separate residence card, although the required validation formalities must be completed after arrival.

How Much Money Must an Indian Student Show for a France Student Visa?

There has been an important recent change. Campus France India states that from: 1 August 2026 the minimum proof of financial resources required for a French Student Visa is: €877.50 Per Month Important This is a visa financial threshold. It should not automatically be treated as your real monthly living budget. Actual costs can be higher, particularly in Paris and major metropolitan areas.

France Student Visa Documents

Your exact checklist should always be generated through the official France Visas process because requirements depend on your situation.

Common areas can include:

Your France Study Journey With Agastya Global

Profile Assessment

We understand your academic background, preferred subject, experience, budget and career plans.

Course & Institution Shortlisting

We compare public universities, specialist institutions, Engineering Schools, Business Schools and other appropriate options based on your profile.

Eligibility & Language Check

We review:

Academic entry requirements

English requirements

French language requirements where applicable

and programme specific criteria.

Campus France & Application Guidance

We help you understand the relevant university application process and the Études en France / Campus France requirements applicable to Indian students.

Financial & Student Visa Planning

We help you understand:

Tuition

Living expenses

Funding

accommodation

and applicable Student Visa documentation.

Pre Departure Guidance

We help you prepare for:

Accommodation

travel

important documents

and your transition to student life in France.

Before Choosing a French University, Ask These 5 Questions

What type of institution am I applying to?

A public university, Business School, Engineering School and specialist private institution can have very different costs and teaching approaches.

What is the real tuition fee for my programme?

Do not assume the general public university fee applies to your exact course.

Check exemptions and programme specific fees.

Is my programme taught completely in English or French?

If it is in English, also ask how English proficiency must be demonstrated.

If it is in French, check the required French level.

What will it actually cost to live in my chosen city?

Paris and smaller French cities can have very different accommodation costs.

Would I still choose this course if post study immigration rules changed?

If the answer is yes, you are probably selecting the degree for stronger academic reasons.

Not Sure Whether France Is Right for You?

France can offer a distinctive combination of:

and post study pathways for qualifying graduates.

At Agastya Global, we help you compare the:

Course

Institution

Tuition

Living expenses

City

Language requirements

Scholarship opportunities

Admission route

Because studying in France should be an education decision first and an immigration decision second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is France a good study destination for Indian students?

France can be a strong option for Indian students interested in Engineering, Technology, Business, Management, Science, Fashion, Design, Hospitality, research and other specialised fields. Whether it is right for you depends on your course, budget, language preferences and career goals.

Can Indian students study in France in English?

Yes. France offers many programmes taught partly or fully in English, particularly at postgraduate level. If a programme is taught in English, French is not necessarily required for admission, although the university can still require proof of English ability.

Is IELTS compulsory to study in France?

Not for every programme. English language requirements are set by individual institutions and courses. Students should check whether IELTS, another test or another accepted form of English evidence is required.

Do I need to know French before studying in France?

Not necessarily if your programme is taught in English. However, learning French can make everyday communication, internships and future employment easier. French taught courses normally require evidence of French language ability.

How much are public university fees in France for Indian students?

For 2026 to 2027, differentiated fees at applicable public institutions are currently listed at €2,902 per year for Bachelor’s programmes and €3,950 per year for Master’s programmes for relevant non EU students. Exemptions and institution specific policies can change what an individual student actually pays.

Is education free in France for Indian students?

Not generally. Public higher education is heavily subsidised, which can make some programmes comparatively affordable, but Indian students may still have tuition or registration fees. Private and specialist institutions can charge significantly more.

Can Indian students work while studying in France?

Eligible international students are generally permitted to work up to 964 hours per year. Student employment should be treated as supplementary income rather than a way to finance the complete degree.

How much money is required for a France Student Visa from India?

Campus France India states that from 1 August 2026, the minimum proof of financial resources is €877.50 per month. This is the immigration threshold and not necessarily your actual monthly living cost.

Is Campus France required for Indian students?

India is covered by the Études en France procedure. The exact application steps depend on the level and programme, but Campus France and the EEF process are important parts of the route for many Indian applicants.

Can Indian students stay in France after completing a Master's?

Eligible Indian graduates with qualifying French Master’s or higher degrees may have access to a post study job search or business creation route. Current Campus France India guidance describes a one year long stay visa renewable once, potentially allowing up to two years in total, subject to current eligibility conditions.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in France?

Yes. Opportunities can include France Excellence Charpak, university scholarships and the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship for eligible Master’s and doctoral applicants. Scholarship availability and eligibility differ by programme and application cycle.