Masters in France for International Students in 2026-27

Studying masters in France for international students in 2026 offers access to public universities, research institutions, engineering schools, Grandes Écoles and specialised business schools across one of Europe’s largest higher education systems.

France is particularly strong in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, mathematics, business, finance, aerospace, biotechnology, sustainability, luxury management, fashion and international affairs. Students who do not speak French also have a substantial range of English-taught options. Campus France currently lists more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or completely in English across French higher education.

A master’s degree in France usually takes two academic years and awards 120 ECTS credits after a bachelor’s-level qualification. However, tuition fees, admission requirements and application procedures differ significantly between public universities, Grandes Écoles and private institutions.

This guide explains the programmes, eligibility, universities, costs, scholarships, application process, visas and career considerations students should understand before applying in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• • A standard French national master’s normally consists of M1 and M2 and awards 120 ECTS credits.

• • Many master’s programmes are available completely or partly in English.

• • Non-EU students subject to differentiated public-university fees pay approximately €3,950 per year for a master’s in 2026–2027.

• • EU, EEA and Swiss students generally pay approximately €255 per year for a national master’s at covered public institutions.

• • Some universities offer non-EU students full or partial tuition exemptions.

• • The CVEC for 2026–2027 is approximately €105 for students who are required to pay it.

• • Students from countries covered by Études en France may need to complete the Campus France procedure.

• • Long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026 require proof of financial resources of approximately €877.50 per month.

• • Eligible international students can generally work up to 964 hours per year.

• • Eligible graduates of French master’s-level programmes may be able to remain temporarily after graduation to look for employment or establish a business.

Why Study a Master’s Degree in France?

France combines research universities, elite specialist institutions and professional programmes within one higher education system.

One of the main advantages is academic specialisation. Master’s programmes are usually narrower and more professionally or research focused than bachelor’s programmes.

Students can find programmes connected to:

• • artificial intelligence;

• • aerospace;

• • engineering;

• • mathematics;

• • sustainable technology;

• • biotechnology;

• • finance;

• • supply chain management;

• • luxury management;

• • public policy;

• • international relations;

• • design;

• • hospitality.
    
    

France’s public higher education system is also heavily subsidised by the government. This can make national master’s degrees at public institutions comparatively affordable, although non-EU students may face differentiated fees and individual universities can follow different exemption policies.

Another advantage is the ability to combine an English-taught degree with French-language learning. Even when French is not required for the classroom, developing the language can improve everyday communication, internships and future employment opportunities.

How Master’s Degrees Work in France

France follows the European Licence-Master-Doctorat, or LMD, framework.

A bachelor’s-level Licence normally represents 180 ECTS credits. A standard national master’s requires four additional semesters and 120 additional ECTS credits.

M1 and M2 Explained

A typical master’s is divided into:

• • M1: first year of master’s-level study;

• • M2: second and final year of master’s-level study.
    
    

Together, M1 and M2 normally represent two academic years and 120 ECTS credits.

Some students may be admitted directly to M2 if their previous academic background meets the institution’s requirements, but this is decided by the university.

National Master’s Degree vs Other Postgraduate Qualifications

Students should pay close attention to the type of qualification being offered.

France has several postgraduate titles, including:

• • Diplôme National de Master;

• • engineering qualifications carrying the grade de master;

• • MSc programmes;

• • Mastère Spécialisé;

• • business-school qualifications;

• • university diplomas.
    
    

These qualifications are not automatically identical.

Campus France explains that French national degrees, ministry-recognised degrees and qualifications registered in the appropriate French certification frameworks provide different forms of official recognition.

Before paying a deposit, check:

• • who awards the qualification;

• • whether it carries the grade de master;

• • whether it is a national degree;

• • its ECTS value;

• • its official recognition;

• • whether it meets your future academic or career goals.

Popular Master’s Courses in France for International Students

France offers postgraduate programmes across almost every field, but several areas are especially relevant for international applicants.

Computer Science, AI and Data Science

France has significant research activity in computing, mathematics and artificial intelligence.

Students can explore master’s specialisations in:

• • artificial intelligence;

• • machine learning;

• • data science;

• • cybersecurity;

• • computer vision;

• • software engineering;

• • cloud computing;

• • robotics;

• • human-computer interaction.
    
    

These programmes are available at public universities, engineering institutions and specialised schools.

Engineering and Technology

France’s engineering education system is internationally established.

Master’s-level options can include:

• • mechanical engineering;

• • electrical engineering;

• • civil engineering;

• • aerospace engineering;

• • automotive engineering;

• • robotics;

• • telecommunications;

• • energy systems;

• • sustainable engineering;

• • materials science.
    
    

Students should distinguish between a university master’s and the French Diplôme d’Ingénieur, which follows its own structure.

Business and Management

France is also known for management education.

Popular postgraduate subjects include:

• • international business;

• • strategy;

• • entrepreneurship;

• • marketing;

• • digital business;

• • supply chain management;

• • business analytics;

• • sustainability management;

• • luxury management.
    
    

Business-school tuition and admission procedures can differ substantially from public universities.

Finance and Economics

Students interested in quantitative and commercial fields can explore:

• • finance;

• • financial markets;

• • banking;

• • economics;

• • econometrics;

• • international economics;

• • risk management;

• • fintech.
    
    

Some programmes may request GMAT, GRE or evidence of strong quantitative preparation.

Life Sciences and Biotechnology

France also provides research-oriented master’s programmes in:

• • biotechnology;

• • molecular biology;

• • genetics;

• • neuroscience;

• • bioinformatics;

• • pharmaceutical sciences;

• • environmental biology;

• • public health.
    
    

These programmes may be particularly suitable for students considering research or later doctoral study.

Luxury, Fashion and Design

France has a distinctive position in luxury, fashion and creative industries.

Programmes may cover:

• • luxury brand management;

• • fashion management;

• • fashion design;

• • product design;

• • digital design;

• • visual communication;

• • creative technology.
    
    

Students should carefully check qualification recognition because specialist schools can award different types of postgraduate credentials.

International Relations and Public Policy

France is also relevant for students interested in:

• • international relations;

• • European affairs;

• • public policy;

• • political science;

• • diplomacy;

• • development;

• • international law.
    
    

Paris and Strasbourg are particularly notable locations for these areas.

Best Universities and Institutions for Masters in France

The best institution depends on your field rather than one overall ranking.

Examples worth researching include:

Institution	Areas to Explore
Université Paris-Saclay	Mathematics, science, engineering, AI, technology
Sorbonne University	Science, engineering, humanities, health
Université PSL	Science, economics, humanities, interdisciplinary study
Université Paris Cité	Health, science, computer science, social sciences
Université Grenoble Alpes	Engineering, science, technology, sustainability
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne	Economics, law, management, humanities
University of Strasbourg	Life sciences, chemistry, health, European studies
University of Bordeaux	Science, technology, health, economics
Aix-Marseille University	Science, law, economics, health, humanities
CentraleSupélec	Engineering, technology, data and science
École Polytechnique	Mathematics, engineering, science and technology
Sciences Po	International affairs, economics, public policy

Students focusing specifically on state-funded institutions can also review Top Public Universities in France for Global Students.

Do not choose a programme solely because the institution has a high overall ranking. Compare the exact master’s curriculum, academic recognition, faculty, internships, research facilities, employment relevance and affordability.

Can You Study a Master’s in France in English?

Yes.

France has expanded its English-medium postgraduate offering substantially.

Campus France’s current catalogue lists more than 1,600 higher education programmes taught wholly or partly in English, and master’s-level study represents a substantial portion of the available English-medium options.

Before applying, check whether your programme is:

• • 100% in English;

• • primarily in English;

• • bilingual;

• • partly in French.
    
    

Do not assume an English programme requires no French at all. Internships, administrative tasks and employment outside highly international workplaces may still benefit significantly from French-language ability.

Eligibility for Masters in France

There is no single nationwide GPA, percentage or English score required for every master’s programme.

Each French institution decides whether an applicant’s previous education and academic background meet the programme’s requirements.

Academic Requirements

Most master’s applicants need:

• • a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent;

• • sufficient prior study in a relevant subject;

• • academic transcripts;

• • proof of graduation or expected graduation.
    
    

Some programmes may also assess:

• • prerequisite modules;

• • research preparation;

• • quantitative skills;

• • internships;

• • professional experience;

• • portfolio work.
    
    

Changing academic fields is possible in some cases, but applicants should demonstrate how their previous education prepares them for the new programme.

English Language Requirements

English-taught master’s programmes may accept tests such as:

• • IELTS;

• • TOEFL;

• • Cambridge English qualifications;

• • another institution-approved test.
    
    

Some universities may waive formal English testing in certain circumstances, such as previous education taught fully in English.

There is no universal IELTS score for all master’s programmes in France.

Always check the individual programme.

French Language Requirements

French-taught programmes may require evidence through qualifications such as:

• • DELF;

• • DALF;

• • TCF.
    
    

The required CEFR level varies by programme.

B2 is commonly encountered for university study, while programmes involving advanced writing, humanities, law or communication may expect a higher level.

GRE, GMAT and Work Experience

GRE and GMAT are not compulsory for every master’s degree in France.

However, they may be requested or recommended for:

• • finance;

• • economics;

• • analytics;

• • business;

• • management;

• • highly quantitative programmes.
    
    

Professional experience may also be important for certain management programmes, MBAs and specialised postgraduate courses.

Masters in France Fees for International Students

Tuition fees depend heavily on nationality, institution and programme.

Public University Master’s Fees

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Campus France lists national master’s registration fees at covered public institutions as approximately:

Student Category	Approximate Annual Master’s Fee
EU, EEA and Swiss students	approximately €255
Non-EU students subject to differentiated fees	approximately €3,950

These figures do not mean every non-EU student automatically pays approximately €3,950.

Certain students may qualify for:

• • institutional exemptions;

• • government scholarship exemptions;

• • exchange arrangements;

• • other authorised exemptions.
    
    

Some French universities have policies that reduce differentiated tuition for eligible non-EU students.

Students should therefore check the fee page of the exact institution before preparing their budget.

Private Universities and Business Schools

Private universities, Grandes Écoles and business schools establish their own tuition policies.

Fees can therefore be substantially higher than national public-university registration fees.

When comparing private programmes, consider:

• • total tuition;

• • mandatory deposits;

• • application charges;

• • internship opportunities;

• • programme accreditation;

• • degree recognition;

• • scholarship availability;

• • expected career relevance.
    
    

Do not assume a higher tuition fee automatically means a stronger programme.

CVEC and Additional Costs

Students registered in qualifying initial higher education programmes may also need to pay the Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus, or CVEC.

For 2026–2027, the CVEC is approximately €105, with exemptions applying to certain categories of students.

Other expenses may include:

• • application charges;

• • student insurance where relevant;

• • accommodation deposits;

• • books;

• • specialised software;

• • laboratory materials;

• • travel;

• • residence-permit-related costs.

Cost of Living While Studying in France

Your living budget depends strongly on the city.

Paris is generally more expensive than most regional student cities.

Campus France planning figures indicate monthly student expenditure of roughly:

Location	Approximate Monthly Budget
Paris	approximately €1,350
Rest of France	approximately €940

These estimates combine broad categories such as housing, food, transport and social expenses and should be used only as planning references.

Actual costs depend on:

• • housing type;

• • city;

• • commuting distance;

• • lifestyle;

• • whether meals are prepared at home;

• • student discounts;

• • personal travel.
    
    

Accommodation is usually the largest expense.

Students considering Paris should therefore compare the academic advantage of a specific programme against the higher cost of living.

Scholarships for Masters in France

International master’s students can explore French government, European and university-level funding.

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship

The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship supports selected international master’s and doctoral students.

At master’s level, the programme provides an allowance of approximately €1,200 per month from January 2026, together with certain additional services such as international transportation, insurance and assistance with accommodation. The programme itself does not cover tuition fees.

An important point is that students do not submit Eiffel applications directly to Campus France.

The French higher education institution must nominate and submit the candidate.

Students interested in a future Eiffel cycle should contact their shortlisted institution early because university nomination deadlines can be earlier than the national deadline.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master is delivered by a consortium of universities, normally across multiple countries.

Competitive scholarships may contribute towards:

• • programme participation;

• • travel;

• • visa expenses;

• • living costs.
    
    

Programmes typically last one or two academic years and award 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.

Applications are normally submitted directly to the consortium operating the programme.

University Scholarships and Tuition Exemptions

French institutions may also offer:

• • merit scholarships;

• • tuition exemptions;

• • research grants;

• • international student awards;

• • mobility scholarships;

• • programme-specific funding.
    
    

Students should check funding separately for every shortlisted master’s programme.

Do not assume a scholarship is automatically awarded with admission.

How to Apply for a Master’s in France

The correct application route depends on your nationality, country of residence and chosen institution.

Step 1: Choose the Right Programme

Compare programmes based on:

• • curriculum;

• • specialisation;

• • degree recognition;

• • teaching language;

• • tuition;

• • city;

• • research options;

• • internships;

• • career outcomes.
    
    

Do not shortlist programmes based solely on university names.

Step 2: Check Eligibility and Degree Recognition

Confirm that your bachelor’s qualification meets the academic requirements.

Check whether the programme expects:

• • specific undergraduate subjects;

• • minimum academic performance;

• • work experience;

• • language certification;

• • GRE or GMAT;

• • portfolio;

• • research proposal.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Begin preparing documents before the deadline.

A typical application may require:

• • bachelor’s transcripts;

• • bachelor’s degree certificate;

• • CV;

• • motivation letter;

• • language test;

• • recommendation letters;

• • passport;

• • portfolio where relevant;

• • professional experience documents;

• • research material for selected programmes.

Step 4: Apply Through the Correct Platform

Students living in countries participating in the Études en France procedure may need to use the Campus France system.

Études en France is used for international admissions procedures in participating countries, although some institutions and programmes operate their own separate application processes.

Always check both:

• • the programme’s official admission page;

• • the applicable Campus France procedure for your country.

Step 5: Accept Your Admission Offer

If admitted, check:

• • acceptance deadline;

• • tuition deposit;

• • final academic conditions;

• • enrolment steps;

• • accommodation guidance;

• • visa documentation.
    
    

Pay deposits only through official institution channels.

Step 6: Complete the Student Visa Process

Non-EU students who require a long-stay visa must complete the applicable France-Visas procedure after satisfying the relevant admission and Campus France requirements.

Admission and immigration approval are separate decisions.

Documents Required for a Master’s Application

Although requirements vary, students commonly prepare:

• • passport;

• • bachelor’s degree certificate;

• • transcripts;

• • CV or résumé;

• • statement of purpose or motivation letter;

• • English or French language certificate;

• • recommendation letters;

• • work-experience certificates where relevant;

• • portfolio for design or creative programmes;

• • GRE or GMAT where requested;

• • programme-specific essays;

• • financial information where requested.
    
    

Universities may also ask for certified translations.

Always follow the exact programme checklist rather than using one generic document list for every university.

France Student Visa Requirements for Master’s Students

International students studying in France for more than three months generally require an appropriate long-stay student visa if their nationality requires one.

One major rule changed in 2026.

France-Visas states that long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026 must include proof of financial resources corresponding to at least approximately €877.50 per month.

This is important because many older online guides still show the previous financial threshold.

A master’s student visa file may typically include:

• • valid passport;

• • university admission documentation;

• • Campus France documentation where applicable;

• • proof of financial resources;

• • accommodation information;

• • supporting academic documents;

• • documents generated by France-Visas for the individual case.
    
    

Receiving an admission offer does not guarantee a student visa.

Visa decisions depend on the applicant satisfying the applicable immigration requirements.

Can International Master’s Students Work in France?

Eligible non-EU students holding appropriate student residence status can generally work up to 964 hours per year, corresponding to roughly 60% of standard annual working time.

Students may find opportunities in:

• • hospitality;

• • retail;

• • campus services;

• • tutoring;

• • administrative roles;

• • internships;

• • technology;

• • research assistance;

• • roles connected to their programme.
    
    

French-language ability can considerably expand the range of available employment.

Part-time work should be viewed as supplementary income rather than the main funding plan for the degree.

Post-Study Work Options After a Master’s in France

Completing an eligible master’s-level qualification in France can provide access to a post-study pathway for certain international graduates.

Non-EU graduates of qualifying French master’s-level programmes may be eligible for the recherche d’emploi/création d’entreprise residence status.

This allows eligible graduates to remain in France temporarily to:

• • look for employment connected to their studies; or

• • develop a qualifying business project.
    
    

Under the general French framework, the permit is normally valid for one year and is not generally renewable.

Some nationalities may also benefit from bilateral agreements with France that provide different conditions.

Students should therefore check the rules applying to their citizenship at the time they graduate.

A post-study residence status is not a guarantee of employment, permanent residence or long-term immigration status.

How to Choose the Right Master’s Programme in France

A good master’s decision should answer more than one question.

1. Is the qualification properly recognised?

Check whether the programme awards:

• • a national master’s;

• • grade de master;

• • recognised institutional qualification;

• • another postgraduate credential.

2. Does the curriculum match your career goal?

Read actual modules rather than relying only on the programme title.

Two programmes called Data Science can have very different emphasis.

3. Does your background match the prerequisites?

Check prerequisite mathematics, programming, economics, engineering or subject knowledge.

4. What is the real total cost?

Compare:

• • tuition;

• • accommodation;

• • CVEC;

• • transportation;

• • food;

• • insurance;

• • travel;

• • deposits.

5. Does the city suit your budget?

Paris may provide strong networking opportunities but usually requires a larger living budget.

6. Are internships built into the programme?

Internships can be particularly valuable for students hoping to enter the French labour market.

7. Is French important for your target career?

An English-taught degree may be academically sufficient, but many French employers still value or require French.

8. What do graduates usually do next?

Look at employment, doctoral study, research and industry pathways relevant to the programme rather than generic university marketing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

International students should avoid several common errors when applying for masters in France.

1. • Assuming every postgraduate course is a national master’s. Check qualification recognition carefully.

1. • Choosing only by overall rankings. Subject quality and curriculum matter more.

1. • Applying without checking prerequisites. A strong GPA does not compensate for missing required academic foundations.

1. • Assuming every programme is in English. Check the actual teaching language.

1. • Using one motivation letter for every application. Tailor the academic argument to the programme.

1. • Ignoring tuition exemptions. Some public institutions may reduce differentiated fees for eligible non-EU students.

1. • Budgeting only for tuition. Living costs can form a large part of the total expense.

1. • Using outdated visa financial requirements. The threshold increased in August 2026.

1. • Relying entirely on part-time work. Employment is not guaranteed.

1. • Applying too late. Scholarship, university, Campus France and visa timelines may all be different.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is France good for a master’s degree in 2026?

France can be a strong master’s destination for students interested in science, engineering, AI, mathematics, business, finance, biotechnology, public policy, luxury and creative fields. Students should compare the individual programme rather than assuming every French institution offers the same quality or career opportunities.

How long is a master’s degree in France?

A standard French national master’s normally takes two academic years, divided into M1 and M2, and represents 120 ECTS credits after the bachelor’s level.

Some MSc and specialised postgraduate programmes may use different structures.

How much does a master’s in France cost for international students?

At covered public universities in 2026–2027, non-EU students subject to differentiated tuition fees pay approximately €3,950 per year for a master’s. EU, EEA and Swiss students generally pay approximately €255 per year. Exemptions may change the amount an individual student actually pays.

Private-school fees vary by institution.

Can I study a master’s in France without knowing French?

Yes, if you are admitted to a programme taught in English.

Campus France lists more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or entirely in English across French higher education.

French can still be valuable for internships, everyday life and employment.

Is IELTS compulsory for a master’s in France?

No single English test is compulsory for every university.

Individual programmes decide which English-language qualifications they accept and whether exemptions are available.

Are scholarships available for international master’s students?

Yes.

Options can include the France Excellence Eiffel programme, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, university scholarships and tuition exemptions.

Eligibility and application procedures differ between programmes.

Can international students work during a master’s in France?

Eligible international students with qualifying student residence status can generally work up to 964 hours per year.

Can I stay in France after completing my master’s?

Eligible non-EU graduates of qualifying French master’s-level programmes may apply for the recherche d’emploi/création d’entreprise post-study status, subject to immigration requirements.

Rules can differ for students covered by bilateral agreements.

Inference

Choosing masters in France for international students in 2026 can provide access to respected universities, specialist institutions, English-taught programmes, research opportunities and a broad range of academic fields.

A standard French national master’s usually consists of M1 and M2 and awards 120 ECTS credits. For non-EU students subject to differentiated public-university fees, master’s tuition is approximately €3,950 per year for 2026–2027, although exemptions can significantly change the actual cost.

Before applying, compare the qualification’s recognition, curriculum, tuition, city, language requirements, internships and career relevance. Students should also plan early for scholarships, Campus France procedures and visa requirements rather than treating them as separate last-minute tasks.

This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision.

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