Study in France
World-class business, engineering and design schools, with two intakes a year and a route to work in France after a master’s.
France at a glance
Typical temperatures
Approximate averages.
Seasons
At a glance
| Intakes | Spring (January/February) and Fall (September/October). |
|---|---|
| Usual deadlines | Spring: around 15 November. Fall: around 15 July. Some schools accept later applications. |
| Tuition (approx.) | Bachelor’s about €9,000 to €12,000 a year. Master’s about €9,000 to €15,000 a year. Varies by school. |
| Money to show | Remaining first-year tuition plus at least €1,000 per month of living costs for one year, plus a buffer. |
| Campus France | Every student goes through Campus France (Études en France) before the visa. |
| English tests | Often not mandatory if you studied in English, but a good score helps your visa. |
| After a master’s | A 12-month residence permit to look for work or start a company. |
Rules, fees and amounts change. We confirm the latest official figures with you before you apply.
Who can apply
- An offer letter from a French institution.
- Academic documents from SSC/10th up to your highest qualification, passport, CV, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and English test (if any).
Money you need
- Total funds: the remaining first-year tuition after your deposit, plus at least €1,000 per month for living, plus a surplus of about €3,000 to €5,000.
- Bank statements: last 6 months, stamped and signed on each page, from a savings account.
- Sponsor: a statement that the sponsor will pay, with income proof such as tax returns and salary slips.
- Also accepted: education loan sanction letter, scholarship letter, fee receipts.
Step by step
Shortlist courses and universities
Based on your goals and budget.
Prepare documents
Academics, passport, CV, SOP, recommendation letters and English test.
Apply and attend the interview
We submit your application and prepare you for the university interview.
Receive your offer and pay the deposit
Conditional or unconditional offer letter.
Complete Campus France
Register on Études en France, upload documents, pay the fee and attend the interview.
Get your Campus France clearance
Then book your VFS France visa appointment.
Attend VFS and give biometrics
With financial proof, accommodation, insurance and fee receipts.
Travel and validate
Register at your university and complete OFII validation.
Document checklist
The core documents. Your embassy or university may ask for more, and we check your full list with you.
- Passport (with 2 blank facing pages) and old passports
- Long stay visa form
- 2 photos (not older than 3 months)
- Admission letter showing duration and fees
- Tuition payment receipt
- Covering letter and CV
- Latest degree certificate
- Financial proof and expense statement
- Accommodation proof
- Insurance
Work and after graduation
- After a master’s, a 12-month residence permit (APS) lets you look for work or start a company.
- With a qualifying job, you may move to a Talent Passport, which allows your family to join you.
- Internships over two months must be paid under French law.
Common mistakes
- Starting Campus France late. Begin right after accepting your offer.
- Showing only the minimum funds. Always keep a buffer.
- Different details across the offer letter, Campus France and visa file.
- Booking VFS late in peak season.
Leading universities in France
Universities in France that regularly appear among the country’s best in international rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings 2027. Listed alphabetically.
Rankings change every year and differ between ranking tables. The best university for you depends on your subject, budget and profile. Ask a counsellor which ones fit you, or see the latest table at topuniversities.com.
Scholarships for France
Scholarships are competitive and each one has its own rules and deadlines. Always check the current round on the official page.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
French Government scholarship for master’s and PhD students, nominated by French institutions.
Official pageErasmus Mundus joint master’s
EU-funded scholarships for joint master’s programmes, open to students worldwide.
Official page