Study in France for Indian Students
France is rapidly emerging as a top study destination for prospective Indian students, a substantial student strength is currently studying at France, as per predictions based on current trends, the numbers are going to increase to 30000 by 2030. The country offers top-tier universities, programs tailored as per global employment trends that are taught entirely in English language, budget-friendly tuition fee and sophisticated French culture.
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The following guide will provide comprehensive information about educational horizons of France, the career paths, financial expenditure, scholarship opportunities and entry requirements. France offers exhaustive learning options from engineering to fashion study. Indian students will get detailed guidance from application process to acclimatizing to French lifestyle.
Reasons to Choose France as Study Destination
Enhanced Lifestyle & Multicultural Exposure
- Iconic French lifestyle is renowned all over the world, most of the cosmopolitans are safe, cordial with rich cultural heritage. France boasts excellent transportation and reliable healthcare. Indian students get concessional access to various cultural events and landmarks. Apart from being educational hub, it offers world-class modernity and cultural charm and tranquil atmosphere for excelling academically
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- France accommodates a massive international student strength from different parts of the world. Indian students get opportunity to immerse themselves in intercultural learning along with building professional network.
- It boasts world-famous French etiquettes, culinary arts and renowned festival celebrations. Learning French enhances professional prospects and it is an added advantage on the resume. Students also get the chance to explore neighboring countries
Top-Notch Education & Affordability
- France is home to world-class universities and elite institutions (Grandes Ècoles). Educational institutions such as, Ècole Polytechnique, HEC Paris and Sorbonne university are rated as one of the best institutions globally, nurturing business magnates, renowned scientists and Nobel laureates.
- The graduates have an edge over the competitors in global job market, as French education focus on practical learning and innovations, equipping students with real-time knowledge and expertise
- Affordability is another vital aspect, France offers affordable education and cost of living. Most of the public universities charge nominal tuition fee annually in the range of €2,770 – €3,770, for non-European students, including Indian students. However, elite institutions (Grandes Ècoles) have more fees (€10,000 – €20,000) for MBA per year.
- Students can reduce the financial burden via scholarships like Charpak and Eiffel Excellence. The cost of living does not exceed €1200 in city like Paris per month, while living in cities like Lyon, Lille doesn’t go beyond €1100 per month. Additionally, students can avail government subsidies (CAF), concessional food and discounted travelling
Post-Study Work Opportunities
After completion of education, non-European students, including Indian students can opt for work visa (APS) with an extension of 02 years to work or start their business. The French economy is second best in EU, and stands in top five in the world, offering ample employment opportunities in the fields of, Aerospace, Finance, Technology, Hospitality and Fashion. Many leading corporate giants hires students, leading to rewarding and accomplished careers in France
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Top Institutions in France for Indian Students
France has around 3500 educational institutions, some of them being centuries old, while few are specialized elite institutions. Most of these institutions are apt for Indian students for career-centric approach and international reputation.
HEC Paris
HEC Paris, A distinguished business school, it is a preferred choice for numerous students across the world, especially for management studies. The MBA program and Master’s in Management (MiM) program has international repute, most of the graduates are employed in leading global corporations. The Indian students value the school, primarily for alumni network and internship opportunities across the world
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Sorbonne University
One of the most venerable French universities, nestled in Paris. It offers enriching programs in arts, humanities, languages and sciences. The university has nurtured renowned philosophers, writers and scientists. Indian students can opt for this university for excelling in creativity and research
Ècole Polytechnique (Palaiseau)
It is an elite engineering school with international fame, part of prestigious Institut Polytechnique De Paris. It offers enhanced programs in various engineering disciplines from aerospace to product engineering. The alumni is working at NASA and CERN. The teaching faculty and laboratories are distinct features of the university
Science PO (Paris)
This institution has specialization in political science, social sciences and international relations. Students who are passionate about these disciplines can opt for this institution for comprehensive career in leadership and diplomacy. It offers many programs in English language, attracting many international students, including its exchange program with leading universities across the world
Universitè Paris – Saclay
This university is renowned worldwide for its undisputed leadership in STEM disciplines. It offers world-class programs in mathematics, physics and computer science. It has nurtured many Nobel laureates and provides access to advanced laboratories. It is an ideal choice for Indian students who are aspiring to seek career in STEM disciplines
INSEAD
An acclaimed business school that holds an international reputation. The MBA program is the most sought after in the world, including the accelerated 10-months program. The management programs are entirely taught in English language, enabling international students to seek leadership roles in many global corporations
- Other than these prestigious institutions, students can also explore institutions like, Institut Paul Bocuse for hospitality, Le Cordon Bleu for culinary arts and Institut Francais de la Mode for fashion study.
Popular Courses in France for Indian Students
Most of the Indian students goes to France to pursue courses that aligns with academic learning and industry demands. Here are few courses that are in demand
Engineering & Technology
The engineering and technology programs offered by French universities are renowned and accepted all over the world. Indian students can seek world-class programs in AI, Aerospace and Automotive. Institutions like, Ècole Polytechnique, Grenoble INP and Centrale Supèlec offers postgraduate programs in core fields of engineering, including robotics.
Indian students prefer aerospace and other technology driven engineering courses at France. Most of the institutions offers real-world projects such as, AI coding and Drones design for practical learning
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Business & Management
France is considered to be the ultimate destination for management studies, it boasts institutions such as, HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD and EDHEC, offering top-class master’s programs in management, finance, marketing and MBA. It prepares the students to excel professionally in the sectors of banking, technology and consulting. Additionally, students get placed at international giants like L’ Orèal and Deloitte for internships. The graduates finds remunerative employment with an average salary of €60,000 per year
Luxury Brands Management & Fashion
France is the fashion capital of the world, home to acclaimed fashion houses and companies. Institutions such as ESMOD, Institut Français de la Mode and Parsons Paris offers uniquely curated programs in fashion design, luxury brands management and textiles, attracting many Indian students. These institutions facilitates internships at prestigious brands like, Chanel, Dior etc., provides practical training, subsequently leading to employment in marketing and management of luxury brands
Arts, Design & Humanities
France is a cultural hub of Europe, thereby offers world-class education in arts, literature and humanities. Renowned institutions like, La Fèmis and Ècoles Des Beaux-arts offer dynamic programs in filmmaking, painting and arts. Most Indian students prefer studying arts at France, as it provides practical training like, portfolios and short film making, equipping students with creativity skills and technicalities
Hospitality & Culinary Arts
French etiquettes and cuisine is renowned all over the world, thereby it attracts many aspiring chefs and hospitality students. Le Cordon Bleu, Ferrières and VATEL focus on culinary skills and hospitality management. Moreover, students get placed at five star and luxury hotels for internship, equipping them with all relevant skills for accomplished career in the concerned field
Information Technology & Data Science
France is also emerging as tech capital of Europe, with substantial investment in AI and tech, it offers rewarding careers for IT graduates. ENS and Tèlècom Paris offers postgraduate programs in English language, appealing Indian IT graduates. Students get the opportunity to work on real-world projects, enhancing their skills and knowledge in the domain. Moreover, presence of research centers of Google and Meta provides internship opportunities to students
The French education system emphasizes practical learning and collaboration with leading industries, enabling students to thrive professionally, be it AI engineering or fashion collection
Career Opportunities in France
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
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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
Scholarships to Study in France
Emile Boutmy Scholarship ( Sciences PO)
Non-European students at Sciences PO are awarded this scholarship. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible for this scholarship, Indian students must apply with an impressive essay detailing their academic and personal achievements. It is mostly offered to political science and international relations students. It offers partial or full tuition fee waiver to recipients
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Charpak Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to Indian origin students only. For eligibility – Indian students must demonstrate academic achievements and a clear study plan. The recipients receive €860 per month by the French embassy, including visa and tuition fee waiver in public universities sometimes. This scholarship is purely a merit based scholarship, with deadline in April or May
Universitè Paris-Saclay IDEX Scholarship
This scholarship is available to postgraduate students in all disciplines at Paris-Saclay university. It is a valuable opportunity to Indian students in STEM disciplines. This scholarship offers €10,000 per year, including travelling expenses for recipient students
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
A prestigious government funded scholarship awarded to outstanding postgraduate students. Based upon academic merit, the government nominates the recipients. It offers €1181 to postgraduate students and €1700 to doctoral students per month, including airfare, health insurance. Although, it doesn’t cover tuition fee, as public universities tuition fees are nominal. Early application in the month of December or January is key to be a recipient
ERASMUS Mundus Joint Scholarships
These scholarships are available to EU/EEA students, they generally covers insurance, airfare and travel costs, including stipends. Sometimes, tuition fees is also covered. It is applicable to all European union universities, including France. The competition is extremely high for these scholarships. Data Science and Food Science are popular programs for this scholarship
French Embassy Co-Financed Scholarships
Indian students are eligible for Embassy based scholarships such as, Shikhar Thales in engineering and Amba Dalmia for women in arts. It offers tuition fee reduction or stipends. Students must check the yearly updates at the Campus France India
University & Regional Scholarships
French business schools like EDHEC and INSEAD offers financial grants to meritorious students, while Paris city offers funding to attract students. Students must check respective university’s websites for detailed information
Applicants are advised to apply 6 -9 before program application, as combination of scholarships, CAF housing aid and part-time will help in covering living cost. Students only had to pay tuition fees, thus efforts can make the education at France accessible
Intakes in France
France facilitates two intakes each year, ensuring flexibility to international students, particularly Indian students
Spring Intake (January)
Typically a smaller intake, it allows applicants who missed the spring intake. Although the quantity of programs are reduced, but top institutions like Centrale Supèlec and HEC Paris facilitates the admissions. The intake is generally less competitive with increased entry chances. It also allows additional time for preparation to the applicants
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Fall Intake (September)
The primary intake at France, it offers maximum programs by majority of universities. It commences in the month of September or October, with deadlines in February or March and results in June. Most of the prestigious scholarships like Charpak and Eiffel Excellence Scholarship aligns with this intake. Though the competition is extremely high, but it suits the Indian academic calendar. This is also prime job hiring season in France
- Indian applicants are advised to apply for spring intake, as it increases the chances of admission with low competition, mainly for undergraduate courses and postgraduate programs. Applicants must check the availability of their chosen program in university website, not all programs are available in the spring season
- Applicants must apply in January 2025 for September 2025 intake, and for April 2026 intake, apply in September. Grandes Ècoles deadlines may differ, checking the deadlines at official websites always help. Advance preparation also ensure meeting visa and scholarship deadlines
Admission Requirements to Study in France
Academic Qualification
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants must complete the 12th class via CBSE, ISC or any other state board. The accepted marks percentage threshold is 60%, however few competitive programs ask for 75% or higher in relevant subjects. For instance – Mathematics for Engineering
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Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from recognized university. A 03-years degree is accepted for arts and science, but 04-years degree is preferred for technical programs. At least 70% aggregate percentage is compulsory, few institutions like, HEC Paris may expect first division degrees
Doctoral Programs Entry
A postgraduate degree with research experience like thesis is mandatory. Applicants must ensure supervisor approval prior to admission
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Applicants aspiring for English-Taught programs must show evidence of language proficiency via – TOEFL iBT – a score in the range of 80-100 or IELTS – overall score in the range of 6.0 – 7.0.
- Few institutions may exempts applicants from demonstrating English language evidence, if they had their previous studies in English medium. For instance, an Indian degree taught in English language
- Applicants applying for French programs must demonstrate language proficiency via – B2 level in DELF/DALF, TEF or TCF. Applicants having A1 or B2 level proficiency in French language help with daily life
- Some MBA or Master’s programs in Engineering and Business need at 600+ in GMAT and 700+ for INSEAD and HEC Paris or GRE. Bachelor’s programs rarely ask for SAT/ACT, but Grandes Ècoles may have their assessment via entrance tests or interviews. Portfolios may be asked for design programs, research proposals are compulsory for doctoral programs
Documents Required
- Applicants must submit 12th standard transcripts for undergraduate application and bachelor’s degree transcripts for master’s programs. Transcripts must be in English or French languages only
- At least two Recommendation Letters, minimum two from academic professors or one from professional work. The letter must contain your skills relevant to the course
- Statement of purpose, at least 500 – 800 words essay detailing your motivation to study at France and career goals.
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- A 2 page curriculum vitae detailing the academic or extracurricular achievements
- Sufficient financial proof, at least €615 per month for visa procurement through bank statement. Few institutions may ask you to submit scholarship letter or sponsor affidavits
- A valid passport with sufficient validity and passport size photograph as per French visa rules
- Additional submission like, portfolio for arts programs, experience letter for MBA and interview or essay for competitive programs
- French universities may ask the applicants for an online interview via Skype or any other platform for competitive programs to assess your motivation, goals and subject knowledge. Applicants must confidently answer the questions asked, treat it like an employment interview
