Universities in France for International Students
- Last Fact Checked on: May 20, 2026 by
- Sridhar Kongara
The best universities in France for international students in 2026 are Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, Sciences Po, ENS de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Paris Cité, Université Grenoble Alpes and the University of Bordeaux. For most non-EU students, public-university tuition is €2,895/year for Licence and €3,941/year for Master’s, while many English-taught Master’s programmes are available through Campus France.
Key Takeaways
- Public-university tuition for non-EU students is €2,895 a year for a Licence (≈ ₹3.21 lakh) and €3,941 for a Master (≈ ₹4.37 lakh).
- Université PSL ranks World #28 in QS 2026; Institut Polytechnique de Paris #41; Université Paris-Saclay =70; Sorbonne Université =72.
- Over 1,600 programmes in France are taught wholly or partly in English, including 1,300+ Master’s degrees; French requirements still vary by programme, so confirm the language of instruction on each official programme page.
- Countries following EEF procedure must use the Études en France online procedure run by Campus France, then apply for the VLS-TS étudiant visa.
- Charpak Master scholars receive €860 a month (≈ ₹95,500); Eiffel Excellence Master scholars receive €1,200 a month (≈ ₹1.33 lakh) from January 2026.
Table of Contents
Which are the Best Universities in France for International Students in 2026?
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Why Study at Universities in France?
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Top Universities in France for International Students (Profile-by-Profile)
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Best Universities in France by Course
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Public Universities vs Grandes Écoles in France
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Universities in France with English-Taught Programmes
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Universities in France Fees for International Students
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Admission Requirements for International Students at French Universities
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How to Apply to Universities in France: Step-by-Step
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Scholarships for Universities in France
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Best Cities in France for International Students
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How to Choose the Right University in France for You
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Which are the Best Universities in France for International Students in 2026?
The best universities in France for international students in 2026 are Université PSL (QS World #28), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (#41), Université Paris-Saclay (=70), Sorbonne Université (=72), ENS de Lyon, Sciences Po, INSA Lyon, Université Paris Cité, Université Grenoble Alpes and the University of Bordeaux, per Campus France's QS WUR 2026 summary. Choice depends on course, budget, language and city.
How we ranked these universities:
QS/THE global reputation, English-taught availability, international-student support, public/private tuition, city affordability, employability, and suitability for Indian/non-EU applicants.
Use the comparison table below for a 20-second scan, then drop into the detailed profiles further down. Ranks are from QS World University Rankings 2026; English-taught strength is a qualitative read of how many programmes each institution offers wholly or partly in English.
| University | QS 2026 | Best for | English-taught strength | City | Fit for international students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Université PSL | #28 | Research, sciences, humanities | Medium-high | Paris | High |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | #41 | Engineering, AI, data | High | Paris / Saclay | Very high |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 70 | STEM, maths, physics | High | Saclay | Very high |
| Sorbonne Université | 72 | Humanities, sciences, medicine | Medium | Paris | High |
| ENS de Lyon | #205 | Fundamental sciences, research | Medium | Lyon | High (selective) |
| Université Paris Cité | #300 | Medicine, life sciences | Medium | Paris | High |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | #321 | Engineering, AI, environment | High | Grenoble | Very high |
| Sciences Po | #367 | Politics, IR, public policy | High | Paris + 6 regional campuses | Very high |
| INSA Lyon | #406 | Engineering, applied sciences | Medium-high | Lyon | High |
| University of Bordeaux | #494 | Public health, environment, wine | Medium | Bordeaux | High |
Best French Universities by Student Profile
| Student profile | Best-fit universities | Why |
|---|---|---|
| STEM / AI / Engineering | IP Paris, Paris-Saclay, Grenoble Alpes, INSA Lyon | Research strength, labs, industry links |
| Humanities / Arts | Sorbonne, PSL, Paris 1 | Academic reputation |
| Politics / IR | Sciences Po, Paris 1 | Policy and international relations strength |
| Affordable non-Paris option | Grenoble, Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse, Nantes | Lower living costs |
| Business / Management | HEC, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC | Global business reputation |
Why Study at Universities in France?
France ranks among the world's top study destinations because it combines globally ranked institutions, low public-sector tuition, and large English-taught choice. Campus France reports international enrolment grew 17% over five years to 443,500 in 2024-2025, while QS 2026 ranks 35 French institutions globally, four inside the Top 100.
The numbers below come from Campus France’s 2024-2025 dataset and Service-Public.gouv.fr. The price-to-quality ratio against the UK, USA or Australia is striking, especially for STEM Masters.
443,500
International students in France Campus France, 2024-2025
1,600+
English-taught / partly English programmes Campus France, 2025
9,100
Indian students in France (+17% YoY) Campus France, 2024-2025
€3,941
Master tuition (non-EU, public) Service-Public.gouv.fr, 2025-26
Beyond price, the Bienvenue en France label (180 certified institutions, December 2025) marks campuses with strong international support. The Franco-Indian mobility roadmap commits to 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030 – so India-friendly recruitment and scholarships are scaling fast.
Top Universities in France for International Students (Profile-by-Profile)
The top universities in France for international students by 2026 ranking and student fit are PSL (#28), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (#41), Paris-Saclay (=70), Sorbonne (=72), Sciences Po, ENS de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Paris Cité, Grenoble Alpes and Bordeaux. PSL has stayed in the world Top 30 for the fourth straight year, signalling stable research strength.
Below is a quick fit profile for each. Pick the two or three that match your course AND your career plan, then dig deeper.
Université PSL
A Paris-based research collegiate (ENS, Dauphine, Mines, Curie) for sciences, economics, humanities and arts. Best for high achievers eyeing a research or PhD track.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Five Grandes Écoles (École Polytechnique, ENSTA, ENSAE, Télécom Paris, Télécom SudParis) for engineering, AI, data, cybersecurity, aerospace.
Université Paris-Saclay
Heavy in mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering. Strong choice for STEM Masters and PhD candidates.
Sorbonne Université
Historic Paris brand spanning humanities, sciences, medicine, arts. Good for breadth and global recognition back home.
ENS de Lyon
Highly selective École Normale Supérieure focused on fundamental sciences and humanities. Aim here if PhD or academia is the goal.
Université Paris Cité
Large multidisciplinary university with a serious medicine, life-sciences and social-science footprint inside Paris.
Université Grenoble Alpes
Engineering, AI, environmental science, and a working tech ecosystem (Schneider, STMicro, CEA labs) without Paris rents.
Sciences Po
The default for international relations, public policy, law and consulting. Seven regional campuses, Paris for Master’s.
INSA Lyon
A reputable applied-engineering Grande École, with a five-year integrated cycle for STEM students.
University of Bordeaux
Strong public-research university for science, public health, environmental studies and wine economy programmes.
Also worth a look: Aix-Marseille, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Nantes, Lorraine, Rennes, CY Cergy Paris. Top-500 research without Paris rents.
Best Universities in France by Course
The best universities in France by course depend on academic strength, language of instruction and industry links. Campus France lists 1,600+ English-taught programmes, including 115 at undergraduate level and 1,300+ at Master's. Course-fit always beats brand-fit: a Top-300 specialist beats a Top-100 generalist for placement.
Match your course to the strongest cluster, not the highest overall rank. A Master in fashion management at IFA Paris or NEOMA will outperform a generalist Sorbonne option for that specific career, and that is true across most professional tracks.
| Course / Career goal | Recommended universities |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Institut Polytechnique de Paris, INSA Lyon, Grenoble Alpes, Paris-Saclay |
| Computer Science / AI | Paris-Saclay, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, PSL, Grenoble Alpes |
| Business / MBA / MiM | HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, EMLYON |
| Data Science and analytics | Paris-Saclay, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne, Grenoble Alpes |
| Luxury and fashion management | ESSEC, HEC Paris, SKEMA, NEOMA, KEDGE, IFA Paris |
| Political Science / IR | Sciences Po, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Sorbonne |
| Arts and Humanities | Sorbonne Université, PSL, Paris 1, ENS de Lyon |
| Medicine and Health Sciences | Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne, Montpellier, Bordeaux |
| Environmental Science | Grenoble Alpes, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Aix-Marseille |
| Hospitality and Culinary Arts | Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Ferrandi Paris, KEDGE, EHL Lausanne (FR campus) |
For a deeper dive on B-schools, see our guide to the top business schools in France, which compares HEC, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP and EDHEC by fees, ranking and Indian alumni outcomes.
Public Universities vs Grandes Écoles in France
Public universities (Universités) offer affordable broad-spectrum degrees governed by the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, while Grandes Écoles are selective specialised institutions, typically engineering or management, with higher fees and tighter industry pipelines. Campus France lists 73 public universities and 227 authorised engineering Grandes Écoles as the two main pillars of the system.
Most Indian students underestimate how different these two systems feel. A public Université is large and academic. A Grande École is smaller, with strong industry pipelines. Pick by personality and budget, not just brand.
| Type | Best for | Fees (annual) | Selectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Universités | Bachelor (Licence), Master, Doctorat across all fields | €2,895-€3,941 (≈ ₹3.21-₹4.37 lakh) | Open to qualified international applicants |
| Engineering Grandes Écoles | Engineering, applied sciences, AI | €600-€15,000 depending on status | Highly selective, often via concours or admissions parallèles |
| Business Grandes Écoles | MBA, MiM, Finance, Luxury, Marketing | €15,000-€98,000 (≈ ₹16.6 lakh-₹1.09 crore) | Highly selective, GMAT/GRE common |
| Specialised Schools | Fashion, design, culinary, hospitality | €8,000-€30,000 | Portfolio or interview based |
Universities in France with English-Taught Programmes
Universities in France offer 1,600+ programmes taught wholly or partly in English, including 115 at undergraduate level, 1,300+ at Master's level and 73 short courses, per Campus France's 2025 English-taught catalogue. Engineering and business schools dominate, but mainstream public universities also offer international Master's tracks where French is not required for admission.
The trick is to search for English-taught programmes within French universities, not “English universities in France” (which don’t exist). Many international Master’s tracks at Sciences Po, Paris-Saclay, IP Paris and the major business schools are available in English, but French requirements vary by programme. Confirm the language of instruction AND any internship language expectations on the official programme page.
That said, learning French to A2 or B1 will make your daily life easier (housing, banking, internships, social circle) and will widen your post-study work options. Plenty of campuses offer free or subsidised cours de langue française (French language courses) through their international office. If your route requires no language test for admission, see our short guide on the study in France without IELTS options.
Universities in France Fees for International Students
Universities in France charge non-EU international students €2,895 per year for a Licence and €3,941 for a Master at public institutions in 2025-26, plus a €105 CVEC contribution, per Service-Public.gouv.fr. Doctoral tuition stays at €397. Private schools often range from €6,000–€18,000/year, while top MBAs and business programmes can cost much more.
The différenciation des droits d’inscription (differentiated registration fees policy) introduced in 2019 split fees between EU and non-EU students at public universities. The good news: many institutions, like Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Strasbourg and Sciences Po, voluntarily exempt non-EU students from the differentiated fee, charging the lower EU rate of around €175 (Licence) or €250 (Master). For a per-university fee breakdown built around your shortlist, talk to our study in France consultants.
| Programme type | Annual tuition (EUR) | Annual tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence (Bachelor) public, non-EU | €2,895 | ≈ ₹3.21 lakh |
| Master public, non-EU | €3,941 | ≈ ₹4.37 lakh |
| Doctorate public | €397 | ≈ ₹44,000 |
| CVEC student-life contribution | €105 (one-off per year) | ≈ ₹11,700 |
| Engineering Grande École (annual) | €600 to €15,000 | ≈ ₹66,600 to ₹16.6 lakh |
| HEC Paris MBA (full programme, 2025 intake) | €98,000 | ≈ ₹1.09 crore |
| ESSEC Global MBA (full programme, 2025-26) | €49,500 | ≈ ₹54.94 lakh |
For a complete cost picture including rent, food, transport and insurance, see our cost of studying in France for Indian students breakdown. Living costs run roughly €700-€1,000 a month in provincial cities and €1,200-€1,800 a month in Paris.
Admission Requirements for International Students at French Universities
French universities require academic transcripts, a passport, a motivation letter (SOP), language proof and recommendation letters as the core dossier. Bachelor entrants need a Class 12 baccalauréat-equivalent; Master entrants need a relevant Bachelor's degree. Campus France confirms that the specific requirements vary by programme, especially for English-taught tracks where most English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency, commonly IELTS/TOEFL; accepted tests and exemptions vary by programme.
Bachelor (Licence) admission
- Class 12 baccalauréat-equivalent (CBSE / ISC / state board) with strong board scores
- Academic transcripts and a valid passport
- SOP (Statement of Purpose) or motivation letter, plus 1-2 LORs
- IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL iBT 80+ for English-taught Licence; DELF B2 for French-taught
- Portfolio for art, design or architecture
- Demande d’Admission Préalable (DAP, prior admission request) for some French-taught Licences
Master admission
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree with a strong CGPA
- Transcripts, CV, SOP, 2-3 LORs and academic references
- IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+ for English-taught Master’s
- GRE or GMAT for selected STEM and management programmes
- Work experience for executive Master’s and most MBAs
Doctorate (Doctorat) admission
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Detailed research proposal aligned with a host laboratory
- Supervisor or lab agreement (this is the gatekeeper)
- Funding plan: doctoral contract, lab fellowship, or scholarship
How to Apply to Universities in France: Step-by-Step
International students apply to universities in France through institutional portals (Mon Master, school websites) for most Master and business-school programmes, and via Études en France for applicants resident in countries where it is mandatory. Campus France confirms Études en France runs end-to-end from enrolment request to visa pre-consular interview and is mandatory for India-resident applicants.
For all international students
- Decide your level and stream (Licence, Master, MBA, Doctorat) and shortlist 6-8 universities by course, ranking, language and city.
- Build your dossier: transcripts, CV, motivation letter (SOP), LORs, IELTS / TOEFL or DELF as required, passport.
- Pick the right Master route by residency: if you reside in an Études en France country (India, China, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, many African countries), you MUST apply via Études en France. If you are in France, the EEA / Andorra / Switzerland / Monaco, or a country not covered, you may use Mon Master for national Master’s degrees. Business schools, Grandes Écoles and private institutions use direct portals.
- Attend interviews if shortlisted.
- Receive admission letters, accept your preferred offer, and pay the tuition deposit + CVEC (€105 ≈ ₹11,700).
- Apply for the VLS-TS étudiant visa at France-Visas with your Attestation d’acceptation.
- Validate your VLS-TS within three months of arrival via the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) portal, with a €50 stamp fee.
- Arrange housing through CROUS (subsidised student housing) or private rentals before arrival.
Extra steps for Indian applicants
- Create an Études en France account on the Campus France India portal between October and December (mandatory for India-resident applicants for both Bachelor and Master programmes at public universities).
- Attend the Campus France pre-consular interview in person in your home city or by video.
- Book your VFS Global appointment for biometrics after submitting the visa application at France-Visas.
If timelines and dossier prep feel daunting, our advisers walk Indian students through every Études en France step in person at our study in France consultants in Hyderabad office.
Scholarships for Universities in France
The biggest scholarships for universities in France available to Indian students are the France Excellence Charpak Master (€860 a month, ≈ ₹95,500) and the France Excellence Eiffel (€1,200 a month for Master, ≈ ₹1.33 lakh, from January 2026). Per Campus France India and the MEAE Eiffel programme page, both schemes also bundle visa fee waiver, CVEC, and health-insurance coverage. Eiffel does not cover tuition fees.
Most Indian students miss the deadlines because they apply for the university first and the scholarship second. Flip that order: shortlist scholarships first, then build your university list around eligibility.
- France Excellence Charpak Master: €860/month stipend, return flight, visa fee waiver, CVEC and health insurance covered. For Indian Master applicants in any field at a French institution.
- France Excellence Charpak Lab: €700/month for up to 2 months for Indian undergraduate or Master’s STEM students taking a research internship in a French laboratory.
- France Excellence Eiffel: €1,200/month for Master and €2,100/month for Doctorate from January 2026, awarded to top international applicants in selected fields by partner French institutions.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: full tuition, monthly stipend, and travel allowance for two-year EU-funded multi-country degrees.
- Sciences Po Émile-Boutmy: partial-to-full tuition waivers for non-EU undergraduates and Master’s at Sciences Po.
- University-specific merit awards: Paris-Saclay IDEX, IP Paris scholarships, business-school India scholarships at HEC, ESSEC, EDHEC, EMLYON.
For deadlines, eligibility and an application calendar, see our full scholarships to study in France guide.
Best Cities in France for International Students
Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Marseille, Lille and Strasbourg consistently rank among the best cities in France for international students. Paris dominates rankings and networking but charges €1,200-€1,800 a month in living costs, while provincial cities run €700-€1,000, per Campus France's cost-of-living guidance.
Don’t pick Paris reflexively. Many of France’s strongest STEM and business programmes sit in Lyon, Grenoble, Toulouse and Bordeaux, where rent costs roughly half and CROUS housing actually opens up. Our best cities to study in France guide compares cost, weather and student life.
| City | Strongest for | Indicative monthly living cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Rankings, business, arts, politics, networking | €1,200-€1,800 (≈ ₹1.33-₹2.0 lakh) |
| Lyon | Engineering, business, life sciences | €850-€1,200 (≈ ₹94,000-₹1.33 lakh) |
| Grenoble | Engineering, AI, environmental science | €800-€1,100 (≈ ₹89,000-₹1.22 lakh) |
| Toulouse | Aerospace, engineering, computer science | €800-€1,100 (≈ ₹89,000-₹1.22 lakh) |
| Bordeaux | Public health, wine economy, public university | €800-€1,100 (≈ ₹89,000-₹1.22 lakh) |
| Montpellier | Medicine, environment, affordability | €750-€1,050 (≈ ₹83,000-₹1.17 lakh) |
| Lille | Business, EU access, lower-cost northern hub | €750-€1,050 (≈ ₹83,000-₹1.17 lakh) |
How to Choose the Right University in France for You
Students in Telangana / AP can book a free shortlist session with our France admissions team in Hyderabad.
Choose your French university by matching course strength, language of instruction, total annual cost, scholarship eligibility, and post-study work plan, in that order. Brand-rank-only choices misfire when the programme is generalist or French-only. Campus France confirms Indian Master graduates qualify for the APS post-study permit (12 months, renewable once to 24 months), which should anchor any career-led decision.
The pattern we see at Ardent Overseas every year: students chase the Top-50 ranking, miss the scholarship deadline, then settle for a generalist Master’s that doesn’t open the right doors back home. The best decisions happen when students rank these five filters honestly first, then shortlist universities second.
Lowest total cost
Public universities outside Paris (Toulouse, Lille, Nantes, Rennes) at €2,895-€3,941 a year plus €750-€1,050 monthly living.
Highest QS rank
PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne. Selective, but tuition stays at the public rate for non-EU students.
English-only studies
International Master’s at IP Paris, Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po and the major business schools. Confirm 100% English on the programme page.
Engineering / AI
Institut Polytechnique de Paris, INSA Lyon, Grenoble Alpes, Paris-Saclay. Strong industry pipelines (Thales, Airbus, Capgemini, STMicro).
Business / MBA
HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, EMLYON. Costlier (₹16-₹109 lakh) but FT Top-30 placement.
PhD or research
PSL, Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne, ENS de Lyon, Grenoble Alpes. Funded doctoral contracts pay €1,866 gross per month.
One more thing: think two years ahead. With a French Master’s, Indian graduates qualify for the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) for 12 months, renewable once for a total of 24 months of job search and work, plus a 5-year multi-entry Schengen visa for India-France travel after graduation. Read the full post-study work visa in France rules before you finalise your university choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best universities in France for international students in 2026?
The best are Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, ENS de Lyon, Sciences Po, INSA Lyon, Université Paris Cité, Université Grenoble Alpes and the University of Bordeaux. PSL ranks World #28 and IP Paris #41 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
Which French universities are best for Indian students?
Indian Master’s applicants typically shortlist IP Paris, Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po, and the major business schools (HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, EMLYON) for English-taught tracks. About 9,100 Indian students enrolled in France in 2024-2025, with a Franco-Indian roadmap target of 30,000 by 2030.
Are universities in France available with English-taught programmes?
Yes. Campus France lists 1,600+ programmes taught wholly or partly in English, including 115 Bachelor’s, 1,300+ Master’s, 73 short courses and 125 summer programmes. Many international Master’s at IP Paris, Paris-Saclay and the major business schools run in English; confirm the language on each programme page.
Is France affordable for international students compared to the UK or USA?
Yes, considerably. Public-university tuition is €2,895-€3,941 a year (≈ ₹3.21-₹4.37 lakh), roughly one-fifth of UK or USA tuition for equivalent courses. Living costs add €750-€1,800 a month depending on city, with Paris at the high end.
Do I need French to study at universities in France?
Many international Master’s tracks are available in English, but French requirements vary by programme. Confirm the language of instruction and internship language expectations on the official programme page. IELTS or TOEFL is required for English-taught tracks; DELF, DALF or TCF for French-taught.
How do Indian students apply to universities in France?
Indian residents usually apply through the Études en France procedure run by Campus France India for public-university Bachelor and Master programmes. Grandes Écoles, business schools and private institutions may also require direct school applications, but the Campus France / Études en France step remains part of the pre-consular visa process.
Are scholarships available at French universities for Indian students?
Yes. The Charpak Master scholarship pays €860/month, the Charpak Lab pays €700/month for two months, and the Eiffel Excellence Master pays €1,200/month from January 2026. Erasmus Mundus and Sciences Po Émile-Boutmy add further funded options.
Can international students work while studying in France?
Yes. Non-EU students on a VLS-TS étudiant visa can work up to 964 hours a year (about 20 hours a week during term). Master graduates also qualify for the APS post-study permit, valid 12 months and renewable once to 24 months for job search or work.