Study in France
France offers one of Europe's most varied higher-education systems, from public universities and research institutions to engineering schools, Grandes Écoles, business schools and specialist creative institutions. Explore French- and English-taught programmes, compare costs and understand the different routes into higher education before deciding where to apply.
France may suit you if…
- You want a wide choice of Bachelor's, Master's or doctoral programmes at universities and specialist schools.
- You are interested in engineering, technology, mathematics, business, political science, international affairs, aerospace, health sciences, art, design, fashion or hospitality.
- You would like to explore government-subsidised public higher education, while understanding that your actual fees depend on your circumstances.
- You can study in French or want to find a programme taught partly or entirely in English, especially at Master's level.
- You value a qualification within the European Licence–Master–Doctorat framework and the ECTS credit system.
- You want a choice of student environments, from Paris to cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, Strasbourg and Bordeaux.
- You are willing to compare traditional university study with the more selective or professionally focused routes offered by Grandes Écoles and specialist institutions.
Advantages and trade-offs
Advantages
- Choice of institutions: France has more than 3,500 public and private higher-education institutions, including universities, engineering and business schools, art and architecture schools, and other specialist providers.
- Public funding: The French state subsidises public higher education. Students eligible for the national registration rate can pay comparatively moderate fees.
- English-taught options: Campus France lists more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or entirely in English, with especially broad provision at Master's level.
- Subject specialisms: France offers established academic and professional environments in engineering, aerospace, science, business, political science, the creative arts and other fields.
- Student employment: Eligible non-EU students with the usual student residence status can normally undertake salaried work for up to 964 hours per year.
Things to consider
- French still matters: Many undergraduate programmes are taught in French. French is also useful for accommodation, administration, internships, employment and everyday life.
- Applications are not centralised: Your route may depend on your nationality, country of residence, qualification, study level and institution.
- Living costs differ: Paris is considerably more expensive than many regional student cities, particularly for accommodation.
- Fees can vary widely: Private schools, Grandes Écoles and certain specialist programmes may charge much more than regulated public-university fees.
- Post-study residence is not automatic: Graduate options depend on the qualification earned, nationality and applicable immigration rules.
What you can study
France uses the Licence–Master–Doctorat (LMD) structure and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
| Study route | Typical structure |
|---|---|
| Licence (Bachelor's level) | Usually three years and 180 ECTS credits. |
| Master | Usually two years (M1 and M2), adding 120 ECTS credits after a qualifying undergraduate degree. |
| Diplôme d'ingénieur | A recognised engineering qualification carrying Master's-level recognition; entry routes vary. |
| Doctorate / PhD | Research undertaken through a doctoral school, normally following an appropriate Master's-level qualification. |
Other routes include the Licence professionnelle, Bachelor universitaire de technologie (BUT), preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles, and specialist art, design and architecture qualifications. Check the official recognition of the exact qualification, particularly where a private school offers its own Bachelor's or Master's award.
Popular subjects
- Engineering, aerospace and aeronautics
- Computer science, artificial intelligence and data science
- Mathematics, physics and chemistry
- Business, management, economics and finance
- Political science, international relations and public policy
- Law, languages, literature and the social sciences
- Medicine, health sciences and life sciences
- Environmental science, agriculture and food science
- Architecture, urban studies and design
- Fashion, luxury management, art and film
- Hospitality and tourism
Entry requirements
Bachelor's-level entry
You will generally need a secondary-school qualification that provides access to higher education in the country where it was awarded. There is no single national grade requirement for every international applicant. Institutions may also assess relevant subjects, grades, language proficiency and programme-specific criteria.
Master's-level entry
Applicants normally need a recognised undergraduate qualification representing approximately three years of higher education (180 ECTS or equivalent). Selection may consider subject relevance, academic results, motivation, references, professional experience, an interview or a portfolio. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer.
Grandes Écoles and specialist schools
Engineering schools, business schools and other selective institutions may admit students directly after school, after preparatory study or through postgraduate and international entry routes. Entrance examinations, interviews, portfolios or standardised tests may apply. For an engineering degree, confirm that the programme is authorised to award the diplôme d'ingénieur. Medicine and other regulated subjects have additional requirements.
International qualifications
French institutions make their own admissions decisions. ENIC-NARIC France can issue a statement of comparability for eligible foreign qualifications when needed, but the statement is not mandatory in every case and does not guarantee admission. For French awards, check indicators such as diplôme national, grade de licence, grade de master, diplôme visé, recognised engineering accreditation or RNCP registration, as applicable.
Language requirements and intakes
French-taught programmes
Universities may accept DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF evidence. B2 is a common benchmark, but some courses require C1 or another level. The appropriate test and any exemptions depend on the programme and application procedure.
English-taught programmes
Institutions set their own English requirements and may accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, other specified evidence or previous English-medium study where permitted. There is no national IELTS score for France. English-taught provision is especially extensive at Master's level.
Typical intakes
- September / October: The main intake, with the widest course choice.
- January / spring: Available for selected programmes only; not a standard second intake across France.
How applications work
France does not have one application system or deadline for every student. Depending on your background and proposed programme, you may need to use Études en France, Parcoursup, Demande d'Admission Préalable (DAP), Mon Master, or a direct university or school application.
Students living in countries covered by the Études en France procedure — including the United Kingdom, Iran and Nigeria — must follow the applicable Campus France process where required. Check the official rules for your country of residence and course before applying.
Application dates to know
| Application route | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| DAP — 2027/28 first-year university applications | Opens 1 October 2026; application deadline 15 December 2026; university decisions by 30 April 2027; student responses by 31 May 2027. |
| Parcoursup — 2027 entry | The official guidance indicates applications during January–March 2027, with confirmations in April. Check the platform for exact deadlines when published. |
| Mon Master — 2027 entry | Check the live national calendar and your eligibility to use the platform; Études en France or direct applications may apply instead. |
| Études en France / hors-DAP | Deadlines vary by country of residence and programme. Check the appropriate Campus France office. |
| Grandes Écoles and specialist schools | Individual admission rounds, examinations, interviews and scholarship deadlines apply. |
Your application timeline
| When | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| 12–18 months before starting | Compare courses and institutions, check qualification recognition, teaching language, fees, scholarships and application routes. |
| 9–12 months before | Prepare language tests, transcripts, certified translations, references, CVs, motivation statements and portfolios where needed. |
| 6–10 months before | Submit applications, complete any Études en France steps, attend tests or interviews and apply for funding. |
| After receiving an offer | Confirm the offer, your actual tuition fee, financial plan and accommodation; start the relevant immigration procedure when eligible. |
| Around 2–4 months before travel | Check France-Visas instructions, attend your appointment where needed and prepare arrival and registration documents. |
Some French application deadlines fall in October–December of the year before enrolment. Start your research early rather than waiting for the main academic intake.
Tuition fees and living costs
Public higher-education fees, 2026/27
France subsidises much of the cost of public higher education, but the registration fee payable depends on your status, institution and programme.
| Qualification | National annual registration rate | Standard differentiated rate for certain non-EU students |
|---|---|---|
| Licence and relevant national first-cycle diplomas | €178 | €2,902 |
| National Master and relevant second-cycle diplomas | €255 | €3,950 |
| Doctorate | €398 | National rate applies |
| Many engineering programmes overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education | €630, with exceptions | €3,950 where applicable |
Not every non-EU student pays differentiated fees. Exemptions and other eligibility rules apply, and some institutions may grant fee exemptions. Business schools, private institutions, Grandes Écoles and specialist programmes may set substantially higher fees. Always confirm the fee for your exact course directly with the institution.
Most students in initial higher education must also complete the CVEC student and campus-life contribution process. The contribution is €105 for 2026/27, although exemptions and exclusions apply.
Monthly living costs
Accommodation is usually the largest expense. Campus France provides the following illustrative budget; actual spending depends on housing and lifestyle and may be considerably higher.
| Expense | Paris | Elsewhere in France |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | €800 | €500 |
| Food | €350 | €300 |
| Social and cultural activities | €150 | €100 |
| Transport | €50 | €40 |
| Illustrative monthly total | €1,350 | €940 |
For broader planning, allow approximately €950–€1,400+ per month in regional France and €1,300–€1,800+ in Paris or other higher-cost cities. These are Study With FM planning estimates, not official minimums. Include deposits, insurance, healthcare-related expenses, study materials and initial accommodation costs in your budget.
Accommodation options include CROUS residences, private student residences, shared flats, studios and homestays. Lower-cost CROUS places are limited. Some students may qualify for CAF housing assistance, but do not assume it will be available or paid immediately.
Scholarships and funding
Funding may be available from the French government, universities, embassies, regional programmes and research institutions. Eligibility and deadlines vary.
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship supports selected Master's, engineering and doctoral candidates nominated by French higher-education institutions. Under the formal 2026 rules, monthly allowances are €1,200 at Master's level and €2,000 at doctoral level, with certain additional services. Students do not submit the standard application directly, and the award does not automatically cover every programme fee.
Plan beyond tuition. A lower registration fee does not remove the need for a realistic accommodation and living budget.
Student visas, residence and healthcare
Who needs a visa?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not require an ordinary student visa to study in France. Non-EU students studying for more than three months normally need the appropriate long-stay student status, usually the VLS-TS étudiant. The process may also include Études en France formalities.
Financial requirement
Under the current ordinary student immigration route, applicants generally need to demonstrate resources of at least €877.50 per month. This requirement is also used in student-residence renewals, subject to individual circumstances and applicable exceptions. It is an immigration threshold, not a realistic living-cost budget; the previous €615 figure is outdated for the ordinary route.
Application and processing
After obtaining the required admission or pre-enrolment evidence and completing Études en France where applicable, use the France-Visas visa assistant for your personalised document checklist and application steps. Supporting evidence may include your passport, admission confirmation, finances and accommodation information.
Indicative student visa fees are €50 for applicants under the Études en France procedure and €99 for other applicants; exceptions and service-provider charges may apply. Visa decisions usually take around 15 days, but can take up to 45 days in special cases. Appointment waiting times and country-specific processes are additional considerations.
After arrival
A student VLS-TS must normally be validated online within three months of arrival. The current validation tax is €100, separate from the initial visa fee. If you continue studying, the usual application window for your next student residence document is between four and two months before your existing document expires.
Healthcare
Eligible international students who need to enter the French statutory health-insurance system can register through Ameli's international-student service. EU/EEA/Swiss students with appropriate EHIC coverage may use their existing entitlement instead. British students should check the relevant UK–France healthcare arrangements. Optional complementary cover, called a mutuelle, can help with costs not fully reimbursed by statutory insurance.
Immigration decisions are made by the relevant authorities. This page provides general information, not advice on an individual immigration application. Check current official guidance before making commitments based on visa or residence rules.
Working during and after your studies
Working while studying
Eligible non-EU students holding a student VLS-TS or student residence card may normally undertake salaried employment for up to 964 hours per year, equal to 60% of standard annual working time. This is an annual limit, not a fixed weekly entitlement. A separate work authorisation is not normally needed within this allowance, but the employer must make a nominative declaration to the prefecture at least two working days before employment begins.
Special rules apply to apprenticeships, professionalisation contracts, shorter study visas and Algerian students. For example, a six-month student visa may require work authorisation and a proportional allowance rather than the full 964 hours. Ordinary non-EU student residence status does not itself permit registration as an auto-entrepreneur for freelance or business activity.
Staying in France after graduation
Eligible non-EU graduates with specified French qualifications may apply for the Recherche d'emploi / création d'entreprise route to look for work or establish a business connected with their studies. Qualifying qualifications can include a Licence professionnelle, Mastère Spécialisé, CGE-labelled Master of Science or another award at least equivalent to Master's level. A standard three-year Licence does not automatically qualify.
The ordinary route lasts one year and is not renewable. Under the current rules, salaried work on this route must be related to the graduate's studies and pay more than €2,800.53 gross per month. Eligible applicants already in France apply before their existing student status expires; certain graduates applying from abroad may do so within four years of obtaining the qualifying diploma. Nationality-specific rules, including separate arrangements for Algerian nationals, may change the available route. Remaining in France longer-term requires qualifying for a further residence category.
Popular student cities
Paris / Île-de-France
France's largest concentration of higher-education institutions, with a broad choice in business, political science, engineering, research, fashion and the arts. The trade-off is particularly high accommodation costs.
Lyon
A major university city with strong options in engineering, business, life sciences, health and the humanities. It provides a large metropolitan environment without the same typical accommodation costs as central Paris.
Toulouse
A distinctive choice for aerospace, aeronautics, engineering and technology, alongside economics and wider university study. Compare specialist engineering routes as well as conventional universities.
Grenoble
Known for engineering, physics, computing, energy and research, with access to the Alps and an active science and technology environment.
Strasbourg
Well suited to interests in European affairs, law, languages and cross-border study. Its location near Germany offers a multilingual setting.
Bordeaux
A broad university environment with strengths in science, health, law and business, alongside regional specialisms in agriculture, food science and wine-related fields.
Aix-en-Provence / Marseille
A multi-campus university region offering law, medicine, science, economics and Mediterranean studies. Check the location of your particular campus before choosing accommodation.
Lille
A large northern student city with business, engineering and health programmes and useful rail connections to Paris, Belgium and neighbouring European cities.
Nice / Côte d'Azur
Offers programmes connected with technology, business, science and tourism, with a Mediterranean setting. Accommodation in popular coastal areas can be expensive.
The right city depends on your course, teaching language, budget and preferred lifestyle — not reputation alone.
Selected universities and institutions
The institutions below illustrate the diversity of French higher education. They are not a ranking, and inclusion does not imply a partnership with Study With FM.
- Sorbonne University — Paris: Public research university covering science, medicine, humanities, languages and related fields.
- Université Paris-Saclay — Paris-Saclay region: Research-intensive option for mathematics, physics, computing, engineering and life sciences.
- PSL University — Paris: A research-focused grouping spanning science, economics, the humanities, arts and interdisciplinary study.
- Sciences Po — Paris and regional campuses: Specialist institution for political science, international affairs, public policy, economics and social sciences.
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris — Palaiseau: Engineering and technology grouping with programmes in computing, AI, mathematics and advanced science.
- HEC Paris — Jouy-en-Josas: Specialist business school offering management, finance, strategy and entrepreneurship programmes with its own fee structure.
- Université Grenoble Alpes — Grenoble: Public research university with particular strengths in science, technology and related research.
- University of Strasbourg — Strasbourg: Multidisciplinary university with strong European, scientific, legal and language-study options.
- University of Bordeaux — Bordeaux: Public research university covering health, science, economics, law and other disciplines.
- Aix-Marseille Université — Aix-en-Provence and Marseille: Large multidisciplinary university spanning sciences, medicine, law, economics and the humanities.
Frequently asked questions
Useful official resources
- Campus France — Programmes, applications, international-student guidance and scholarships.
- Campus France: programmes taught in English — Search English-taught options and check the language of instruction.
- Étudiant.gouv: registration fees — Official public higher-education registration rates.
- Étudiant.gouv: CVEC — Student and campus-life contribution rules.
- France-Visas — Visa procedures and individual document requirements.
- Service-Public: student residence — Official VLS-TS, resources and residence information.
- Service-Public: student employment — Rules on working during studies.
- Service-Public: post-study residence — Job-search and business-creation residence options.
- Parcoursup — Undergraduate application information and annual dates.
- Mon Master — National Master's application information and calendar.
- Ameli — Healthcare registration for eligible international students.
Compare other destinations
Fees, living costs, admissions deadlines and immigration rules can change. Check current requirements with the relevant institution or public authority before making a decision.
Content owner: Tolu-Tom
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026
Check if France fits your profile
Tell us about your academic qualifications, subject interests, budget and preferred start date. We can help you assess whether France is a realistic fit and explore alternative destinations where appropriate.