Requirements to Study in France for Indian Students
- Last Updated on: May 19, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
France is rapidly growing as preferred choice to study for Indian students, primarily due to top-notch education, affordability and highly ranked business schools. Most of the French business schools and Grandes Ècoles offer English-taught programs, allowing Indian students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Also the requirements to study in France for Indian students are flexible, even without possessing fluency in French language and without needing IELTS too. However, certain requirements has to be met to fulfill the admission criteria.
In this article, we will try to elaborate the requirements, covering vital aspects like, academic eligibility, language proficiency, visas and financial criteria for Indian students.
Entry Requirements to Study in France for Indian Students
Indian aspirants, in order to gain an entry into business schools and elite Grandes Ècoles must satisfy academic requirements and procedures. However, the requirements differ for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Below table clearly explains requirements to study in France for Indian Students.
| Requirement Category | UG Requirements | PG Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirements | 12th grade from CBSE/ISC/state board; minimum age 18; 50-60% required, 70% for competitive programs | Bachelor’s degree (3 years accepted); 55-60% minimum, 60-75% for elite schools; backlogs to be cleared |
| Application Process | Apply via Études En France or institution portal; submit all documents; fall and spring intakes | Apply via Études En France or institution portal; submit all documents; rolling deadlines, GRE/GMAT if required |
| Language Proficiency | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80, PTE 50-55, Duolingo 100-110; medium of instruction certificate may exempt test | IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90-100, PTE 60-70, Duolingo 115-120; CAE/CPE also accepted. MOI Certificate will exempt test |
| GRE/GMAT Requirements | Not required; focus on academics and profile | Required for elite management programs; GMAT 600-700, GRE 315; optional for non-business programs |
| Scholarships & Aid | Limited scholarships; school-based support available | Charpak, Eiffel, school-sponsored aid; paid internships possible |
| Required Documents | 10th/12th transcripts, passport copy, SOP, LORs, CV, language test scores, photos, application form | Bachelor transcripts, degree certificate, SOP, LORs, CV, GMAT/GRE scores, work experience proof |
Documents Required for Admission
Reqquired documents to study in France for Indian Students are mostly similar for both admission and visa application. However, ensure documents are gathered as per undergraduate and postgraduate requirements
Documents Needed for Undergraduate Admission
- Academic Transcripts: Indian applicants must attest all academic transcripts such as 10th or 12th standard mark sheets, including pass certificate. In case of early application, submit predicted grades
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- Proof of Graduation: Submit 12th standard certificates from the respective boards
- Motivation Letter or Statement of Purpose: Mention all relevant points in a maximum 2 pages essay, pinpoint the motivation and reasons to pursue the chosen program at the concerned school
- Letter of Recommendation: Arrange at least 02 recommendation letters, preferably by the faculty and principal of the school
- Passport Copy: Scanned page of identity page serves as passport copy
- English Language Proficiency Proof: Submit IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo test score certificate, unless the it is exempted
- Curriculum Vitae & Resume: Submit at least one page CV or Resume highlighting the academics, internships and extracurricular activities
- Application Form & Photos: An online application form, duly filled stating the candidate’s academic and personal achievements. Receipt of payment if applicable. Recent passport size photos is also mandatory
Additional Documents (if any)
The candidates who have asked for essays, introduction videos or aptitude tests, they must submit it along with above mentioned documents. Keep physical as well as scanned copies, the transcripts must be duly translated in either English or French language, if they are in some other language
Documents Needed for Postgraduate Admission
- Academic Transcripts: Submit bachelor’s degree transcripts (including semester memos), degree certificate (provisional certificate accepted), if asked submit 10th and 12th mark sheets as well.
- Passport Copy: Scanned page of identity page serves as passport copy.
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- Curriculum Vitae or Resume: A 02 pages CV or Resume highlighting academic achievements, internships, work experience and leadership activities.
- Statement of Purpose or Essay: Accurately crafted essay or SOP detailing about academic journey, future goals and school fit.
- Letter of Recommendation: Submit at least 2-3 LORs obtained from faculty (academic) and professional (employer).
- English Language Test Scores: Submit the prescribed language proficiency test score as according to rules and guidelines, if not exempted.
- GMAT/GRE scores, as most MBA and professional may prefer the scores
- Work Experience: Submit work experience evidence through offer letter or pay slip provided by the employer
- Portfolios: Although not required for majority of programs, but may be asked for programs related luxury brands management
Miscellaneous Documents
- Remaining documents such as, application forms, photos and scholarship forms, only if asked
- Indian candidates must make sufficient soft copies of all documents, converting into digital format is also recommended
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Visa Requirements to Study in France for Indian Students
Soon after you obtains admission in your chosen school, you require a long-term student visa (Visa de Long Séjour Étudiant) for minimum 12 months of educational program. The following are required documents for obtaining the visa.
Admission Letter
The first basic requirement for securing a student visa, Indian applicants need a confirmed admission letter from an accredited French institution. It should precisely mention the name of the candidate, school name and type of program.
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Études En France Portal
Indian candidates must register themselves on the official portal of Campus France Portal. You must upload the admission letter along with all relevant documents which are submitted for admission. This step is necessary for obtaining NOC for student visa application. Candidates are advised to start the process as early as possible after receiving the admission letter
Financial Proof
The prescribed financial threshold of €615 per month or €7380 per year must be demonstrated as financial evidence, including additional tuition (If any). Candidates can show financial proof in the form of bank statement, loan approval or sponsorship letter. If the tuition fees are high, candidates must show payment receipt or funding plans to avoid rejection
Accommodation Proof
Indian candidates must show an accommodational proof such as, housing lease, student residence booking or host’s letter as temporary initial stay. A hostel booking for a few days is also accepted.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory and part of visa processing, students under the age of 28 years get social security, either free or nominal charges after landing in France. For visa processing, travel or international health insurance for minimum 03 months is accepted.
Valid Passport
Indian candidates are informed to have a valid passport with at least 15 months expiry date from the date of departure. A minimum of two blank pages is also necessary, renew the passport before applying for admission.
Flight Reservation
Candidates must submit a tentative itinerary of flight booking, no need to purchase air tickets in advance
Financial Requirement to Study in France for Indian Students
Indian candidates aspiring to pursue higher education in France must show evidence of sufficient funding for entire course period, typically required for payment of tuition fees and living expenses.
Tuition Fees
Most of the private institutions in France charge annual tuition fees ranging between €8,000 – €15,000.
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Few elite and Grandes Ècoles charge higher tuition fees. Generally, tuition fee is much higher in Paris and lower in other cities. In comparison, private institutions charge more fees than public universities
Living Expenses
The monthly living expenses can be around €1,000 – €1,200 in cosmopolitan city of Paris. While smaller cities have slightly less living expenses ranging between €700 – €900 per month. However, visa requirement is €615 per month and €7380 per year. Adjust the finances accordingly
Financial Proof for Visa
Candidates must show evidence of €7380 per year living expenses and tuition fees payment proof for first year. If tuition fees towards first year is €10,000 and has paid intial deposit of €3000 then remaining tuition fee along with living expenses has to be shown.
Loans & Personal Funds
Indian candidates can opt for student loan or rely on family support, show loan sanction letter or sponsorship letter for visa processing. Combination of loans, scholarship and savings can help students
Candidates are advised to arrange funds for entire duration of course in France. Although, living expenses are moderate, but it can be challenging for international students. Part-time jobs and scholarships can be beneficial, always keep contingency funds for unforeseen circumstances
Pursuing education in French private institutions can be exciting and also challenging. Candidates must follow accurate procedure for applying and pursuing education in France.
Plan accordingly with all required documents and procedures, France always welcome Indian Students, with appropriate planning, Indian students can enjoy their stay at France whilst pursuing world-class education and cultural richness
Sridhar Kongara
