Study in France for Indian Students
- Last Updated on: December 17, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
For Indian aspirants looking to study abroad in France, they usually want three answers:
- Which University to choose.
- What are the steps involved in the visa process.
- What will be the full budget for studies.
If you are planning to study abroad, treat it as a structured move into higher education and Tertiary education, not a last minute plan. This guide is for an Indian applicant and who want a practical map to study in france, about Academic and Employment options.
Why Study in France?
France for foreign students works well because France is home to many higher education institutions and has wide variety of programs in different fields.
| What France offer | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Education + Research strength | Work in Science, Engineering, and Technology |
| Degree routes | Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Diploma, Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy |
| Career proof | Internship and projects are par of many courses |
| Europe access | A long-stay visa supports academic travel in Europe |
| Culture and Language | Daily life improves confidence and communication |
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Education System in France
The education system in France follows the LMD structure (Licence–Master–Doctorate). This education system supports mobility of students and is a key part of higher education in France and french higher education.
| Level | Name | Duration | Typical focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate education | Licence / Bachelor’s degree | 3 years | Theory + exams |
| Postgraduate education | Master / Master’s degree | 2 years | Specialisation + projects |
| Doctorate | Doctorat / Doctor of Philosophy | 3+ years | Research and publications |
A higher education institution may be a public university, a Grande école, or a specialised institution in France for Art, Design, Hospitality, or Culinary arts. To study in France, language proficiency still matters.
Top Universities in France for Indian Students
“Top universities” is not only about rankings. For an Indian applicant, the best top universities are the ones with strong reputation, clear teaching, tuition costs, international student support and employment opportunities.
| Type | Examples of universities in France | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| public universities in france | Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, Université Grenoble Alpes | Broad choice and Research | |
| Grandes école | École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Sciences Po | Selective training and networks | |
| business school | HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC | Management tracks and corporate links |
French universities offer strong options outside Paris too, and universities and colleges in student friendly cities can be easier for budget.
Popular Programs in France
Programs in France cover many streams, so pick based on your profile and the career outcomes you are looking for.
| Field | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | mechanical, energy, aerospace | Industry projects and labs |
| Technology | data science, cybersecurity, software | Projects and portfolios matter |
| Management | finance, marketing, supply chain management, luxury brand management, sustainable management | Common in a business school |
| Art & Design | fashion, UX, visual design | Portfolio-driven entry |
If you want to pursue Master of Business Administration you need 3+ years of experience, and for specialised masters no experience is required.
Intakes in France and When to Apply
Intakes are mainly September and sometimes January/February/March. The main risk is delay, because admissions and campus france India process take time.
| Intake | Who it suits | Safe start point |
|---|---|---|
| September | Most programs and universities | 5-6 months before course start date |
| Jan/Feb/Mar | Limited Master’s tracks | 4-5 months before course start date |
For applicants in India, the etudes en france route runs through campus france. campus france process needs to be started as soon as you have an unconditional offer and at least 4 months before the intake. Also note public universities in France offers only September intake and process will take around a year
Requirements to Study in France for Indian Students
Depending on the program and the type of institution applying for the documents required will vary, but most commonly include
| Requirement | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Education | marksheets, transcripts, Academic degree, Diploma |
| Language | medium of instruction certificate or English language score |
| Identity | Passport |
| Finance | Initial fee deposit, financial proofs to cover rest of the tuition fee & living expenses |
Campus France conducts a short academic interview, the mandatory requirements to study in france, so you must complete the campus france academic interview (online or in person, sometimes via Web conferencing). After validation, you apply for a student visa for France via France-Visas and VFS. Indian students need to make sure all the required documents are included in the visa file.
Scholarships for Indian Students
A scholarship can reduce the cost of study in france. Start scholarship work alongside admissions.
| scholarship option | What it supports | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence scholarship programme | monthly support + benefits | highly competitive |
| Charpak scholarships | support linked to the embassy of France in India | strong Indian profiles |
| University awards | partial tuition fee support | varies by programme |
The Campus France office in India lists Eiffel and Charpak under exemption categories for EEF and visa fee payment in some cases. A strong student profile which usually wins a scholarship include proving the fit for the program, academic grades, and a realistic plan.
Cost of Study & Living Expenses in France
Study costs
2025/26 non-EU tuition fees for Indian students ranges between €2,895/year and €20,000/year. The CVEC for 2025/26 is €105.
| Item | EUR | INR (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | €2,895 to € 10,000/year | ₹3.0-10 Lakhs per year |
| Private Institutions | €10,000 to €20,000/year | ₹10-20lakhs per year |
| Doctorate registration | €397 | ₹42,226 |
| CVEC (annual) | €105 | ₹11,167 |
Campus France charges a processing fee of ₹18,500 for stays exceeding 90 days in India.
Living costs
living expenses in France change by city (Paris is higher). Typical cost of living in France per month:
| Location | EUR/month | INR/month (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | €1,100–€1,600 | ₹1.1–₹1.7 lakh |
| Large cities | €750–€1,050 | ₹75k–₹1.1 lakh |
| Smaller cities | €650–€900 | ₹69k–₹95k |
Your expenses in France can be reduced with shared housing. Some students can access a rental subsidy (Subsidy) through CAF by meeting conditions. France is an affordable destination for many students when budget is planned properly.
Post Study Work Visa & Career Opportunities in France
On a long-stay visa (VLS-TS “Étudiant”), students can work 964 hours per year (around 20 hours/week). Students are allowed to work within this limit, which can help with living expenses and gaining experience.
| Option | What it is | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | retail, campus jobs | protect study time |
| Internship | programme-linked | follow contract and payslip rules |
| After study | job seeker/new business creator permit | depends on your program n financial status |
Post-study, Indian students can expect a plethora of career opportunities, thanks to thriving industries and economic policies of France
Finance & Consulting
France nurtures international financial giants like BNP Paribas and EY, boosting the opportunities in banking and financial sector
IT & Technology
Ample opportunities are available in these sectors for Indian students who completes master’s in computer sciences and related disciplines. France is home to various technology and IT companies
Fashion & Luxury
Home to leading luxury fashion brands, the sector has massive potential of generating employment to students in France. Luxurious brands such as, Hèrmes, LVMH and other brands hire students regularly
Aerospace & Engineering
These thriving industries such as, Airbus and other engineering companies generate massive employment for engineers in France
Hospitality & Tourism
France is tourist hub of Europe, with flourishing tourism industry, there are many opportunities for students who specializes in the related field
