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.
Quick Answer: Is France Good for Indian Students?
Yes. France offers Indian students a wide range of internationally oriented programmes, including English-taught courses, public universities, specialised institutions and scholarship opportunities.
- More than 1,600 higher-education programmes are taught fully or partially in English.
- Applicable public-institution differentiated tuition fees for 2026–27 are €2,902 for Bachelor’s and €3,950 for Master’s programmes.
- Indian students can explore France Excellence Charpak scholarships.
- India is covered by the relevant Études en France (EEF) procedure.
- Eligible international students can work up to 964 hours per year.
- From 1 August 2026, the minimum financial-resource requirement highlighted by Campus France India is €877.50 per month.
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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:
| Study Level | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s/License | €2,902 |
| Master’s | €3,950 |
| Doctorate / PhD | €398 |
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:
Business & Management
International Business, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, Management and Entrepreneurship.
Engineering
Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial and Energy Engineering.
Data & AI
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
Fashion & Luxury
Fashion Management, Fashion Marketing, Luxury Brand Management, Retail and Brand Strategy.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotel Management, International Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary Management and Events.
Arts & Design
Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Animation, Visual Arts and Product Design.
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.
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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
Don’t compare universities only by tuition fees. Calculate the total estimated annual cost, including accommodation and living 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
From 1 August 2026, Campus France India states that the minimum financial-resource requirement for a French student visa is €877.50 per month.
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.
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Research the university, course, tuition, location, language and admission requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Prepare academic documents, passport, CV, SOP, recommendations and language test results.
Step 3: Apply
Submit your application through the appropriate university or application platform.
Step 4: Complete Campus France Process
Complete the applicable Études en France/Campus France requirements.
Step 5: Apply for Visa
Prepare your visa application and supporting documents.
Step 6: Prepare for France
Arrange accommodation, travel, finances and other pre-departure requirements.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is France good for Indian students?
France offers internationally oriented programmes, English-taught courses, public universities, specialised institutions and scholarship opportunities for Indian students.
How much does it cost to study in France for Indian students?
For 2026–27, applicable differentiated tuition fees at relevant public institutions are €2,902 per year for Bachelor’s programmes and €3,950 per year for Master’s programmes. Private institutions can charge more.
Can I study in France without knowing French?
Yes. France offers many fully or partially English-taught programmes. However, learning French can be useful for everyday life and professional opportunities.
Is IELTS required to study in France?
IELTS requirements depend on the university and programme. Some English-taught programmes accept IELTS, while others may accept different tests or provide exemptions.
Can Indian students get scholarships in France?
Yes. Eligible Indian students can explore scholarships such as the France Excellence Charpak programmes.
How much money is required for a France student visa?
From 1 August 2026, Campus France India states that the minimum financial-resource requirement is €877.50 per month.
Can students work while studying in France?
Eligible international students can work up to 964 hours per year, approximately 20 hours per week.
Do Indian students need Campus France?
India is covered by the relevant Études en France procedure for applicable higher-education applications. The exact process depends on the programme and admission route.
When should I start applying to study in France?
Ideally, start researching and preparing around 8–12 months before your intended intake. Deadlines vary by university and programme.
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