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Study in France for Indian Students is an increasingly popular option for students looking for internationally recognised education, English-taught programmes, scholarship opportunities and access to European career opportunities. France offers courses in business, management, engineering, data science, fashion, luxury management, hospitality, technology and many other fields.

If you are planning to study in France from India, this complete guide covers the courses, eligibility, tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, Campus France process, student visa, work opportunities and career options you should know about before applying.

Why Study in France for Indian Students?

France combines a strong higher-education system with an international student environment and opportunities to study in areas ranging from business and engineering to fashion, luxury and technology.

1. Internationally Recognised Education

French universities, grandes écoles, business schools and specialised institutions offer programmes across business, engineering, science, technology, arts, fashion, hospitality and other disciplines.

2. Study in France in English

Indian students do not necessarily need to be fluent in French before starting their studies. France offers a large number of programmes taught fully or partially in English, particularly at Master’s level.

However, learning basic French can be useful for daily communication, internships, networking, part-time work and future career opportunities.

3. Public Education Options

French public higher education receives significant government funding. Applicable differentiated registration fees for non-EU students at relevant public institutions for 2026–27 include:

Note: These are applicable differentiated registration fees at relevant French public institutions and may be affected by exemptions and institutional policies. Private institutions can have significantly higher fees.

Popular Courses to Study in France for Indian Students

France offers programmes across several academic and professional fields. Popular options include:

Study in France After 12th

Indian students who have completed Class 12 can explore Bachelor’s-level programmes in France. Admission requirements vary by institution and programme.

• Class 12 qualification
• Required academic subjects
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency
• Statement of Purpose or motivation letter
• Recommendation letters, where applicable
• Portfolio for selected creative programmes
• Other institution-specific documents

Study in France After Graduation

France is also an important destination for Indian students looking for Master’s-level education. Popular areas include:

• MBA & Management
• International Business
• Finance
• Marketing
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Engineering
• Luxury Management
• Fashion Management
• Hospitality Management
• International Relations
• Environmental Sciences

Eligibility to Study in France for Indian Students

Eligibility depends on the university and programme. Generally, students applying for higher education in France may need the following:

For Bachelor’s Programmes

• Class 12 qualification
• Required academic background
• Academic transcripts
• Language proficiency
• Valid passport
• Motivation letter/SOP
• Programme-specific documents

For Master’s Programmes

• Recognised Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant academic background
• Academic transcripts
• English or French language proficiency
• CV
• SOP/Motivation Letter
• Recommendation letters where required
• Passport

English Language Requirements for France

Requirements depend on the institution and programme. English-taught courses may accept recognised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic, while individual universities may have their own requirements or exemptions.

Students applying for French-taught programmes may need to demonstrate French-language proficiency.

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students

Tuition fees are only one part of the total cost. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, study materials and personal expenses.

Major Expenses Include:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Food and groceries
• Local transportation
• Utilities and internet
• Study materials
• Insurance and administrative costs
• Personal expenses

France Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students planning to study in France generally need the appropriate long-stay student visa. The VLS-TS student visa can allow eligible students to stay in France for higher education for four months to one year.

Eligible international students can work up to 964 hours per year, approximately 20 hours per week.

Common Visa Documents

• Valid passport
• Admission/acceptance letter
• Campus France/EEF documentation where applicable
• Proof of financial resources
• Accommodation details
• Academic documents
• Visa application forms
• Photographs
• Supporting documents

Financial Requirement for France Student Visa

This financial requirement should not be confused with the total cost of studying and living in France.

Études en France Process for Indian Students

India is among the countries covered by the relevant Études en France (EEF) procedure.

France Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students can explore several scholarship opportunities depending on their academic level, programme and eligibility.

France Excellence Charpak Scholarship

The France Excellence Charpak programme is specifically available to eligible Indian students and includes different scholarship categories such as Charpak Bachelor, Charpak Master, Charpak Summer Training and Charpak Exchange.

Depending on the scholarship and year, benefits can include financial support, visa-related benefits, insurance and assistance with accommodation.

Documents Required to Study in France

• Passport
• Academic certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Class 10 and 12 certificates
• Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applications
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or accepted language test
• CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Work experience documents, if applicable
• Portfolio, where required
• Financial documents
• Admission letter
• Passport-size photographs

Intakes to Study in France

Intake availability depends on the university and programme. Many French programmes have their main intake around September/October, while some institutions offer additional intakes.

Students should ideally start researching their options 8–12 months before their intended intake to allow enough time for applications, scholarships, Campus France procedures and visa preparation.

Can Indian Students Work While Studying in France?

Eligible international students can work up to 964 hours per year, approximately 20 hours per week, under the applicable student residence rules.

Part-time work can provide professional exposure and help supplement finances, but students should not rely on part-time employment as their primary source of funding.

Career Opportunities After Studying in France

Career opportunities depend on your qualification, skills, language ability, professional experience and applicable employment rules.

Why Learn French While Studying in France?

Even if your degree is taught in English, learning French can be beneficial for daily communication, internships, networking, part-time jobs and future professional opportunities.

• Better communication in everyday life
• More confidence during internships
• Improved networking opportunities
• Better understanding of French culture
• Additional language skill for your CV

How CIES Can Help You Study in France

Planning to study in France involves more than choosing a university. At CIES Overseas Education, students can receive guidance throughout their international education journey.

• Course and university selection
• Profile evaluation
• Application guidance
• SOP guidance
• IELTS/PTE preparation
• Scholarship guidance
• Student visa assistance
• Pre-departure guidance
• Accommodation support
• Air-ticketing assistance

Frequently Asked Questions