In 2026, Paris continues to be one among the leading study abroad destinations. It placed 7th in the QS Best Student Cities rankings, renowned for its top-tier universities, vibrant cultural life, and internship possibilities in business, fashion, and the arts. In 2023-24, more than 430,000 overseas students enrolled in universities across France, a number that is steadily increasing, fueled by rising numbers from India and China. World-class programs with a number of them being instructed in English are offered at internationally acclaimed universities in Paris such as HEC Paris, Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, and Sciences Po’s PSIA, thereby, making the city more accessible and academically appealing. Moreover, in comparison to a number of other Western options, minimal tuition fees offered at public universities as well as government scholarships improve affordability to a great extent.
Undergraduate (UG) programs that generally take 3 years to complete and Postgraduate (PG) programs such as Master’s degrees that typically span 1-2 years are offered at universities in Paris. Besides, a variety of short-term and professional courses in fields such as art, fashion, gastronomy, and business, that span a few weeks to several months are offered in the city. A number of institutions also provide English-taught programs, luring foreign students.
Why Study in Paris?
Study in Paris for Indian students provides them with access to top-tier education, varied cultural encounters, and scholarship possibilities. Students should consider study abroad Paris for these compelling reasons:
- High-Quality Education: Paris houses leading universities and respected institutions in various disciplines.
- Standard of Living: Students who study in Paris have the opportunity to enjoy outstanding public transit, thriving neighbourhoods, and well-known cuisine.
- Cultural Center: Study abroad Paris provides students with an interactive educational setting with its rich art, history, and architecture.
- Global Outlook: A worldwide student center that offers diverse cultural encounters and possibilities for networking.
- Employment Prospects: Robust labor market, particularly in arts, business, fashion, and technology sectors.
Leading Universities in Paris for International Students
Listed below are the top university in Paris for international students:
- Sorbonne University
- Sciences Po
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
- École Polytechnique
- HEC Paris
- ESSEC Business School
- Paris-Saclay University
- INSEAD
- American University of Paris
- Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA – part of Sciences Po)
Popular Courses in Paris
The best study abroad programs in Paris that students can pursue are mentioned below:
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Fashion Design
- Business and Management
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Graphic Design
- Film and Media Studies
- Music and Performing Arts
- French Language and Literature
- Culinary Arts
- Luxury Brand Management
- International Relations
- Photography
- Marketing and Communications
- Art and Art History
- Architecture
Cost to Study in Paris for International Students
Based on the type of institution, the cost to study in Paris for international students differs. Owing to government subsidies, tuition fees at public universities are budget-friendly with bachelor’s and master’s programs typically costing between €2,770 to €3,770 annually. Nevertheless, renowned institutions such as grandes écoles or private universities might charge between €10,000 and €30,000 per year.
In comparison to other cities in France, cost of living in Paris are substantially greater. Students should set aside approximately €1,000 to €1,500 per month for food, housing, transit, and individual expenditures. To assist in alleviating the costs for qualified candidates, scholarships and housing aid (such as CAF) are available.
Scholarships in Paris for International Students
The different scholarships offered for international students to study in Paris are:
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
- HEC Paris Excellence and Need-Based Scholarships
- AUP (American University of Paris) Scholarships
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
- AMPERE Scholarships of Excellence (ENS de Lyon)
- Erasmus+ Program
- INSEAD Scholarships
- Fulbright Program (for U.S. citizens)
- IESA International Scholarships
- MIEM Scholarship (Université de Paris)
- Fondation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarship (HEC Paris)
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- ParisTech International Graduate Programs Scholarships
- Charpak Scholarship (for Indian students)
- ENS International Selection Scholarships
- ISM Global Leader Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria to study in Paris
The typical eligibility criteria to apply for Paris study abroad programs are as follows:
- For undergraduate programs, the student needs to have completed secondary education that is comparable to the French Baccalauréat (high school diploma). For Master’s programs, the student needs to hold a pertinent undergraduate degree or comparable. For PhD programs, along with requiring a master’s degree or comparable, frequently a research proposal and supervisor agreement is also needed.
- For English-taught programs, the student needs to prove his/her fluency in English by appearing for English language proficiency tests like the IELTS or TOEFL. For French-taught programs, the student needs to prove his/her fluency in French by appearing for tests like DELF/DALF certificates.
- Entrance tests, interviews, or submission of a portfolio (particularly for art or design courses) may be demanded by certain universities or Grandes Écoles.
- The student needs to submit a motivation letter, recommendation letters, a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and at times, a research proposal (for graduate studies).
- The student must demonstrate adequate finances to pay for tuition fees and living expenses during his/her stay in Paris.
- To study in Paris, non-EU/EEA students require a student visa (long-stay visa), which demands evidence of admission, funding, housing, and health insurance.
Job Opportunities After Completing Courses in Paris
Post completing courses in Paris, students can take up jobs in any of the following sectors:
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Fashion and Luxury Goods
- IT and Digital Marketing
- Art and Design
- Finance and Banking
- Healthcare and Biotechnology
- Language Teaching (French/English)
- Engineering and Technology
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Language Translation and Interpretation
- International Business and Trade
- Research and Academia
- Media and Communication
- Culinary Arts and Pastry Chef
- Event Management
