As an Indian student, if you’re considering France as a potential destination for higher studies, this is one of the best decisions you can make. You'll find the academic costs are lower than in America or the United Kingdom. The educational programs you’ll receive here are of global standards. In this guide, let’s look at the detailed steps you need to know to get an academic degree in France. We’ll help you understand the education system from its grassroots levels to your application for a student visa to start a meaningful life in the country.
When it comes to top hubs for higher education, France has consistently ranked highly. Its appeal goes beyond statistics. You’ll get the chance to study at elite universities at affordable costs, like PSL or the Paris Sciences et Lettres University, ranked 28th globally, and École Polytechnique, ranked 41st, along with several other equally famous names in the country and the world.
Particulars |
Description |
|
Education |
You'll get over 28 institutes ranked in the global Top 500. They focus on practical learning with theoretical knowledge. |
|
Affordability |
You'll need to pay INR 17-27K a year for public universities, and INR 1.47-19.6 Lakhs a year for private universities. |
|
Annual Costs-Total |
INR 11-15 Lakhs covers living and tuition expenses- much lower than the UK and USA |
|
Government Support |
More than INR 17 crores in scholarships are available to Indian students |
|
Study-Language |
More than 230 Master's Programs are available, and most universities teach them in English. |
|
Post-Study Work |
The APS -Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour visa permits you to find work for one year after graduation. |
|
Student -Community |
An increasing Indian community means you'll receive support networks across prominent cities. |
|
Living Standard |
France is an urban country with modern amenities, a robust culture, safe cities, and a transport system. |
Master Programs in English in France
Genuine Excellence in Education: It’s undeniable that France has made massive contributions to world innovation and global research. For instance, while studying engineering at École Polytechnique or business programs at HEC Paris, you’re not merely getting a degree; you’re joining an institute with several decades of academic repute. The teaching process here combines lessons in critical thinking with discussions that are entirely different from the rote memorisation most Indians are used to from growing up. Professors here will challenge you to think deeply, nurturing your decision-making skills, which are much in demand in today’s job market.
Feasible Financial Estimate- Tuition fees in the UK or the USA are INR 30-40K per year, while in France, you pay only INR 17K-27K per year for public universities. Private universities here won’t exceed INR 19.6 Lakhs, so that you can save about INR 15-20K a year compared to other English-speaking nations. In short, these savings make the dream of studying abroad a reality for Indian middle-class families.
Extensive scholarship eco-system-France’s government is keen to attract Indian talent, and scholarships like the Chauveau scholarship offer INR 49K - 9.8 Lakhs, with a monthly living allowance. You’ll also be eligible for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, which will award you with an INR 1.1 to 1.6 Lakh stipend if you are studying for a master's degree.
Lucrative employment prospects-The economic story of India is valued in France, as it is the third largest foreign employer in the country. Prominent names like L'Oréal, Airbus, and Thales have significant operations in India. After you finish your graduation, you’ll get the credentials to start your career. You’ll need to apply for the APS Visa as it allows you to stay in France and search for a job for a year.
Quality of Life -Living in France gives you a good work-life balance, so you’ll never be affected by heavy workload pressure. By studying, you’ll get to enjoy cultural events like Bastille Day and other activities.
European Gateway - After you finish your studies, you’ll become eligible for the Schengen Visa, allowing you to take a job and work in any part of the EU.
Stream |
Specialization |
Program Levels |
|
Engineering Technology |
Aerospace Mechanical, Software Engineering Data Science AI/ML Civil Engineering Electronics Robotics Energy Engineering |
Bachelor's -3 to 4 Years Master's -2 years PhD- 3 to 4 Years |
|
Business/Management |
MBA Finance Marketing SupplyChain Management International Business Entrepreneurship Luxury Management Digital Marketing |
MBA -2 years Master's -1 to 2 years Executive Programs |
|
Science/ Research |
Physics Chemistry Biotechnology Environmental Science Mathematics Material Sciences Life Sciences |
Bachelor's Master's PhD with a focus on research |
|
Healthcare/Medicine |
Medicine or MBBS equivalent Pharmacy Public Health Nursing Medical Research Dentistry |
Medicine-9 to 11 years Master's (Healthcare)- 1to 2 years |
|
Humanities/ Social Sciences |
Law Political Science Sociology Economics International Relations History Philosophy Languages |
Bachelor's Master's PhD |
|
Arts/ Design |
Fine Arts Graphic Design Architecture Interior Design Fashion Design Film and Animation Industrial Design |
Bachelor's : 3 to 4 years Master's-2 years |
|
Environment/ Agriculture |
Sustainable agriculture Planning of urban areas Environmental Management Food Science Forestry
|
Master's-1 to 2years PhD |
Rank |
Name of University |
QS World Ranks |
Top Programs |
Annual Tuition Expenses-INR |
|
1 |
28 |
Physics Chemistry Biology Mathematics Philosophy Engineering |
INR 26. 2K - 4.0 lakhs |
|
|
2 |
41 |
Engineering Computer Science Physics Applied Mathematics |
INR 49K to 9.8 lakhs |
|
|
3 |
70 |
Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science Agriculture |
INR 26K approximately |
|
|
4 |
72 |
Law, Medicine Humanities History Philosophy Literature |
INR 0 to INR 14.7 lakhs
Will depend on your Program |
|
|
5 |
321 |
Engineering Computer Science Physics Environmental Science Mathematics |
INR 27K to INR 2 lakhs |
|
|
6 |
688 |
Engineering Business Mathematics Computer Science Physics |
INR 25K to INR 1.5 lakhs |
|
|
7 |
367 |
Political Science Law, Economics International Relations History |
INR 27K- approx |
|
|
8 |
Global 50 in Business |
MBA, Finance, Marketing, Business Strategy Entrepreneurship |
INR 13 lakhs to INR 45+ lakhs
MBA |
|
|
9 |
406 |
Engineering -all specialisations Computer Science Aerospace |
INR 1.5 to INR 2 lakhs |
|
|
10 |
420 |
Engineering Chemistry Medicine Computer Science Mathematics |
INR 25K to INR 1.5 lakhs |
Note that public university fees are much lower than those of their private peers; however, they differ by program and specialisation. Students from the EU pay lower fees than non-EU overseas students.
Program Type |
Duration |
Tuition Costs |
Living Costs - INR (Lakhs) |
Total Annual Cost In Indian Rupees- Lakhs |
|
Bachelor's -Public University |
3 years |
INR 17-27K |
8 - 12 |
8.2 - 12.3 |
|
Master's -Public University |
2 years |
INR 27-35K |
8 - 12 |
8.3 - 12.4 |
|
Master's - Private University |
2 years |
INR 1.5-2 Lakhs |
8 - 12 |
9.5 - 14 |
|
MBA from a Top Business School |
2 years |
INR 13 - 45 lakhs |
7 - 10 |
20 - 55 |
|
Engineering Grandes Écoles |
3 years |
INR 49K - 9.8 lakhs |
8 - 12 |
8.5 - 21 |
|
PhD Program |
3-4 years |
Mostly free/stipends |
4 - 7 |
12 - 8 lakhs with a stipend covering most of your expenses |
Accommodation: For a student residence, you’ll have to pay between INR 18K and INR 1.08 Lakhs. Shared apartments are cheaper and will cost around INR 27-54K, and if you can afford a studio apartment for yourself, you’ll have to pay INR 45-72K
Food: If you’re able to cook your meals at home, you’ll need to pay about INR 18-27K a month, and if you'd prefer eating from the university cafeteria, a meal will cost you INR 300.
Transportation: INR 1.3K - INR 6.3K a month with available student passes
Health Insurance: INR 600 - INR 18K a year
Leisure and miscellaneous: INR 9K - INR 18K per month
If you’re going to cook your meals instead of dining out, you’ll save INR 9-18K a month. You’ll save more money by sharing an apartment with other Indian students. If you’re eating at your university cafeteria or CROUS, you can buy a meal for INR 300 that would otherwise cost INR 900 at a restaurant. Bright students can manage their expenses at INR 8-9 lakhs a year if they stay outside Paris, and at INR 11-13 Lakhs in Paris.
Qualifications: If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s Program, you should complete your high school or any equivalent program with a minimum marks percentage of 55-60. For enrolling in any Master’s program in France, your minimum marks must be in the range of 55-66%. But this score will not be uniform for all universities, as some of them might ask you for higher marks, like 70% or above, especially for programs in engineering. Along with this criterion, you’ll need to provide your academic transcripts and, performance-wise, be academically consistent for admission.
Language Proficiency: Language proficiency is a must, but it will confuse you as well. For English-taught programs, you should have a minimum test score of 6.5+ for IELTS and 85+ for TOEFL, and 55+ for PTE. If you have taken your degree in English, you'll need to submit an MOI -Medium of Instruction certificate from your university in India. Several Indian universities give you this certificate. Few French universities will review your English via an interview. You’ll need the DALF or a B2-Level DELF certificate for French programs.
Registration for Campus France: You’ll need to log in to the Études en France portal to complete your registration on Campus France for most academic programs. This step is necessary for your visa. You'd need to create an account, upload your documents, and attend an academic interview to get your No Objection Certificate -NOC.
Application Documents: Get your valid passport ready with at least six months remaining before it expires, academic transcripts, Bachelor's degree certificate, language test marks, a resume, a motivation letter explaining why you’ve chosen France and the program, two recommendation letters from professors, proof of financial resources like bank statements showing 4-6 lakhs, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in France.
Entrance Examinations: Most universities won't ask for your GMAT or GRE test scores unless you're applying to top business schools. You might be asked to sit for entrance tests if you're applying to medical or engineering courses.
Name of Scholarship |
Per Month |
Coverage Details |
Eligibility |
Application Timeline |
|
INR 49K - 63K |
Living Allowance Per Month Fee Waiver On Campus France Visa Waiver
|
Bachelor's Master's, Internships Exchange Semesters |
Opens in January every year Check by December |
|
|
INR 1.1 - 1.6 lakhs |
Monthly Stipend, Flight ( Round-Trip) Insurance, Local Transport |
Master's & PhD students |
The deadline is generally in July-September |
|
|
Raman Charpak Fellowship |
INR 1.1 lakhs |
Monthly stipend for research work, return airfare, workshop participation |
Researchers and PhD |
Announces specific calls |
|
Variable- Partial To Full Tuition Waiver |
Tuition Fee Waivers, Monthly Stipends |
Social Sciences, Humanities undergraduates |
Deadline - October |
|
|
La Femis Scholarship |
Coverage varies |
Summer residency, tuition, airfare, accommodation |
Film and media studies, documentary making |
Announces specific calls |
|
Covers 1/3rd of your tuition |
Partial tuition fee coverage |
Master's students from selected Indian universities -GPA 8+ |
Window- Dec to Jan |
|
|
INR 49K - 63K |
Monthly stipend Waiver of visa fee |
Low-Income Families, Armed Forces Personnel, Engineering Specialization |
Periodic Announcements |
Intake Period |
Timing |
Application Deadline |
Key Information |
|
Fall/Autumn Primary |
September-October |
December 15 - January 31 of the previous year |
80% of programs available; highest competition; most scholarships available |
|
Spring/Winter Secondary |
January-February |
August-November previous year |
Limited programs (mainly Master's); less scholarship availability; shorter wait time if you missed Fall |
Tip: Start looking into universities by May or June of your final year. Start Campus France registration by August-September to evade delays.
Grade |
Score Range |
Meaning |
US Equivalent |
Meaning |
|
Très Honorable avec Félicitations -THF |
18-20 |
Highly Commended with Honors |
A+ |
Exceptionally Rare; Awarded Rarely |
|
Très Bien -TB |
16-17.99 |
Very Good |
A |
Excellent Performance |
|
Bien -B |
14-15.99 |
Good |
A- |
Strong performance |
|
Assez Bien -AB |
12-13.99 |
Fairly Good |
B |
Satisfactory, Above Average |
|
Passable -P |
10-11.99 |
Satisfactory |
C |
Grade for passing Meets requirements |
|
Insufficient -E |
Below 10 |
Fail |
F |
You must take the examination again |
You’ll find studying in France isn’t the same as in India, so learning about it more will help you adjust to your new life better.
Social Integration and Indian Community: In France, you’ll find several clubs and associations on campus, so if you’re fond of sports, debates, photography, etc., you’ll find a club or association of your interest. You not only socialize but also make new friends. Most top institutes have Indian student committees to help you settle and ensure you also make associations with other communities.
Classroom Culture: In class, your professors expect you to participate in class sessions, not just listen- sharing what you think is important. Classes in France aren’t the same as in India, as there are discussions, debates, and lots of student interaction to trigger your critical thinking skills.
Celebrations: While in France, to feel a sense of belonging, you can participate in festivals like Bastille Day on the 14th July and the Lyon Festival of Lights in December, as well as New Year celebrations and student parties.
Campus Facilities -You’ll find university campuses in France have modern amenities like libraries that stay open late at night, sports facilities, and quiet places for studying.
The Growing Number of Indian Students - In 2024, France recorded more than 8K Indian students, a 14% increase from 2023. The Government welcomes Indian students and is committed to increasing its number to 30K by 2030.
Indian Student Groups- Indian students have active groups in Grenoble, Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse that regularly host cultural activities and festivals like Diwali, where you can participate. They also provide accommodation, mentorship, and a social network for making friends and finding career opportunities.
Career Opportunities-You’ll see the Indian diaspora in the country is well-established with top companies from India like Wipro, Infosys, and TCS, with French-Indian collabs like Renault, Thales, and L'Oréal giving you internships and lucrative job offers. This means being Indian is an asset, and not a liability.
Language: In France, you’ll meet many Indians who know Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and English, but you’re encouraged to learn French for intermingling with the locals and networking.
Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Before moving to France for your higher studies, you must have a student visa. Understanding how to apply for one will increase your confidence and avoid rejection-
Age: You must be 18 or older to apply for a student visa in France.
Admission Proof: When you are applying for a student visa in France, you need to show your admission confirmation letter as proof with other details like your course, its duration ane other terms
Financial Proof: Your visa application should have an income proof showing at least INR 4 to 6 lakhs a month to support your studies in France. The Consultate prefers a steady savings account over large one-time deposits that often appear suspicious. It is prudent to begin saving for at least 6 to 8 months before applying.
Accommodation Proof: While applying for your visa, include your accommodation proof, such as a rental contract, housing agreement with the university, or a letter from an individual giving you accommodation in France.
Medical Travel Insurance - When applying for your student visa, make sure you have travel health insurance for at least 30 Lakhs. You’ll get many student packages from insurance companies in India.
Language: If you’ve applied for English programs, ensure you have sufficient test marks in your IELTS and TOEFL examinations for selection. You can take your Visa interview in either English or French.
Step 1: Campus France Registration - You’ll need to log in to the Campus France website to create your account. Upload all your documents, including your CV, transcript, and motivation letter, before your interview to get the NOC.
Step 2: France-Visa Application - Log in to france-visas.gouv.fr to complete your student visa application with all the required details.
Step 3: VFS Global Appointment - You’ll have to book your appointment with any of the VFS Global offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, nearest to your home, for the interview. Carry all your original documents and submit your fingerprints for biometric data collection.
Step 4: Fees: You’ll have to pay Rs 16,500 for the Campus France fee and Rs 8,000 for processing your student visa, with additional translation and insurance costs, totaling Rs 30-35K.
Step 5: Processing Duration -You’ll have to wait for at least eight to ten weeks for approval.
After Visa Approval: When you arrive in France, you’ll need to validate your VLS-TS visa within 3 months at an OFII center. You’ll need to register online, pay a validation fee of Rs 5,400, and undergo a health check-up to complete the visa process.
It might not be necessary for you to work while you study in France, but a part-time job not only gives you rewards but also helps you build your professional network.
Allowance: You’re legally allowed to work for almost 964 hours a year, making it nearly 20 hours a week as a semester student. During holidays, you can increase your working hours to 40 hours a week with a minimum wage of EUR 11.65 or INR 1050 per hour before your social security deductions of 20%, allowing you to make INR 840 an hour.
Available Jobs: You can work at a cafeteria or a restaurant that generally has flexible evening shift hours for you. You can also work at malls, art galleries, or retail stores, do freelance social media management or web design, give tuition in English to French students, or apply for university campus jobs like administration or being a librarian. Some academic programs have compulsory internships, and you’re usually unpaid if you work for less than 2 months. If you stay longer, you’ll earn about INR 48,750 per month.
Income Per Month- If you work 10 hours a week, you’ll earn nearly INR 8.4K a month. Working for more than 10 to 15 hours will give you a monthly income of INR 21-25K per month that helps you cover your basic costs of living as a student.
Strategy for Internships- You will have to do compulsory internships with some academic programs in France. Choose paid internships that will give you nearly INR 48K a month over those that don’t pay you. Your internship won’t fall under the 964 work limit if it is compulsory for your study program.
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Tuition Affordability- Public universities will cost you INR 17 to 27K a year, compared to the USA and UK, which cost 30 to 40 Lakhs a year
|
Language Problem- You are advised to learn French as locals hardly speak English outside Paris.
|
|
Academic Quality- Several top globally ranked institutes Practical lessons that invoke interactive learning and critical thinking
|
MBBS Restrictions- MBBS courses are conducted in French, and the NMC in India will not recognize your degree.
|
|
Government Funding- Highly performing Indian students are eligible for scholarships worth 17+ crores
|
Job Market Size- It is smaller than the UK and the USA. Primarily focuses on France and the EU
. |
|
Work Post-Study The APS Visa permits you to work for a year. You get access to the EU job market.
|
Weather- Winters are dark and long. Can trigger depression in some Indian students. |
|
Quality of Life- Safe cities Good work-life balance Student Medical Insurance Coverage Robust Culture
|
Living Costs -Paris- Accommodation expenses range from INR 45K to 1 Lakh per month, with additional food costs compared to other cities.
|
|
European Mobility- You can travel to 27 countries with the Schengen Visa
|
Bureaucracy- Advanced booking is recommended as the administrative processes are slow
|
|
Indian Student Communities You won’t feel isolated, as there are many active student groups |
Competitive Engineering and Medicine Programs Programs are intensely competitive, so you need strong language and language skills
|
City |
Why Choose It |
Best For |
Accommodation Costs |
Living Costs |
|
Lyon |
145,000 students
UNESCO World Heritage site
Blend of old and new
Excellent universities (Claude Bernard Lyon 1, ENS Lyon, INSA)
Safe, Affordable
Great food culture
|
Engineering Science Business
Students who want a vibrant city life without the Paris chaos
Foodies
|
INR 27K-54K/month |
INR 72K-90K/month |
|
Toulouse |
130,000 students
"Pink City" with unique terracotta architecture
Aerospace industry hub
Warm weather
Friendly locals
Cheaper than Paris
|
Engineering (especially aerospace), technology
Students prefer a smaller-city feel with good nightlife.
Those on tight budgets
|
INR 18K-36K/month |
INR 54K-72K/month |
|
Paris |
Sorbonne
PSL
Sciences Po
Iconic cultural institutions (Louvre, Notre-Dame)
Unmatched academic prestige
Best networking
|
Law, humanities, business, and prestigious programs
Career-focused students
Those wanting maximum cultural exposure
|
INR 45K -1 lakh+/month |
INR 1 lakh+/month |
|
Grenoble |
Excellent for engineering and tech (Grenoble INP, UGA)
Surrounded by the Alps
Strong outdoor recreation culture
Lower costs than Paris
Strong tech industry
|
Engineering Computer science
Outdoor enthusiasts
Winter sports lovers
Tech-focused students
|
INR 27K-45K /month |
INR 63K-81K/month |
|
Bordeaux |
70,000+ students
Atlantic coast proximity
Wine region
Cultural richness Balanced lifestyle
Growing tech scene
The University of Bordeaux is highly regarded.
|
Arts, business, and environmental studies
Students want a good work-life balance Those interested in European cultural heritage
|
INR 27K-54K/month |
INR 63K-90K/month |
1. Should I know French to study at a university?
No, French isn’t compulsory as many programs are taught in English, but it’s recommended to make conversing in daily life easier.
2. Am I allowed to work part-time as a student?
Your student visa automatically permits you to work 20 hours a week and 964 hours a year.
3. Compared to the USA or the UK, is studying in France cheaper?
Yes, in France, your tuition fees at public universities are INR 17-27K a year compared to INR 30-40 Lakhs a year in the UK and USA, making costs 70% lesser.
4. Can I practice in India with an MBBS degree from France?
MBBS Programs are taught in French, and the NMC will not recognize your degree, so this is a limitation if you have plans to practice in India.
5. How’s the job market for international graduates?
The job market is growing, but only in France and EU nations. Your APS Visa will allow you to apply for jobs for a year, but the competition is strong.
6. Is the weather harsh to adjust to?
Northern France has very cold, dark winters, which can cause depression among some students, but Nice and Toulouse have milder winters.
7. Will IELTS be accepted over TOEFL in France?
Yes, both are accepted, with some universities accepting Duolingo and PTE test marks. Your IELTS score should be more than 6.5, and your TOEFL score should be more than 85.
8. Is getting a student visa difficult?
If you have valid, correct financial proof, your acceptance rate is high. 80% of visa applications are rejected because of incomplete documents.
9. Can I stay back after graduation?
Yes, with the APS Visa, you can search for a job for a year, and when you get on,e convert it into a work visa.
10. Are medical tests mandatory for my visa
Possibly, as the OFLL might ask you for a health check for visa validation. It's not a serious test, but an administrative requirement.
