Study in France for Indian Students: Ultimate Guide for 2026-27

Choosing to study in France for Indian students in 2026 can offer access to internationally recognised universities, specialised Grandes Écoles, research institutions and a growing selection of English-taught programmes. France is particularly strong in engineering, business, artificial intelligence, data science, aerospace, life sciences, luxury management, hospitality, arts and design.

Indian students do not necessarily need fluent French before applying. Campus France India currently lists more than 1,700 programmes taught wholly or partly in English, although English-medium options are especially common at postgraduate level.

However, studying in France requires careful planning. Tuition policies differ between public and private institutions, Indian students normally use the Études en France procedure, and student visa financial requirements changed significantly in August 2026.

This guide covers courses, universities, eligibility, tuition fees, scholarships, applications, visas, living costs, work rights and post-study opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• • France offers bachelor’s, master’s, engineering, business, doctoral and specialised programmes.

• • More than 1,700 programmes are available wholly or partly in English through the Campus France ecosystem.

• • Indian students are generally treated as non-EU students for public university tuition.

• • For 2026–2027, differentiated public university fees are approximately €2,902 per year for a bachelor’s and approximately €3,950 per year for a master’s, although exemptions may apply.

• • India participates in the Études en France procedure.

• • The Études en France fee in India increased to approximately ₹20,000 from 1 August 2026.

• • From 1 August 2026, the minimum student visa financial-resource requirement increased to approximately €877.50 per month.

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

• • Indian master’s-level graduates may have access to a bilateral post-study professional-experience route, subject to immigration conditions.

Why Study in France in 2026?

France offers a different value proposition from many English-speaking study destinations.

One major advantage is the public higher education system. The French government funds a substantial proportion of the real cost of education at public institutions, which can make public university study considerably more affordable than many private alternatives.

Other reasons Indian students may consider France include:

• • internationally recognised degrees;

• • research-intensive universities;

• • specialised engineering and business schools;

• • English-taught master’s programmes;

• • access to European academic and professional networks;

• • scholarships for international and Indian students;

• • opportunities to learn French alongside an English-taught degree;

• • student work rights;

• • post-study pathways for eligible graduates.
    
    

France also uses the European ECTS credit system, which can support academic mobility and degree recognition across European higher education.

The right choice, however, depends on the course rather than the country alone. A student should compare programme quality, accreditation, tuition, language, location, employment relevance and total cost before applying.

Understanding the French Higher Education System

France has several types of higher education institutions. Understanding the difference matters because admission procedures, tuition fees and degree recognition can vary.

Universities

Public universities provide programmes across disciplines such as:

• • computer science;

• • mathematics;

• • engineering sciences;

• • economics;

• • management;

• • law;

• • humanities;

• • social sciences;

• • medicine;

• • life sciences;

• • environmental sciences.
    
    

Students comparing public institutions can explore LetzStudy’s guide to Top Public Universities in France for Global Students.

Grandes Écoles and Specialised Schools

France also has a distinctive Grandes Écoles system.

These institutions can specialise in areas such as:

• • engineering;

• • management;

• • political science;

• • public administration;

• • technology.
    
    

There are also specialist schools for:

• • architecture;

• • art and design;

• • fashion;

• • hospitality;

• • culinary arts;

• • film;

• • communication;

• • journalism.
    
    

Students should verify whether a qualification is a French national degree, a degree recognised by the state, a diplôme visé, or a qualification registered with the relevant French professional framework.

Licence, Master and Doctorate Degrees

France follows the Licence-Master-Doctorat, or LMD, system.

A Licence normally requires six semesters and 180 ECTS credits. A master’s requires an additional four semesters and 120 ECTS credits. The system is aligned with European higher education structures.

For an Indian student, the broad comparison is:

French Qualification	Approximate Equivalent	Typical Duration
Licence	Bachelor’s	3 years
Master	Master’s	2 years
Doctorat	Doctorate/PhD	Usually at least 3 additional years
Engineering degree	Master’s level	Usually 5 years after secondary school

Programme structures vary, especially in engineering, business and specialised institutions.

Popular Courses to Study in France for Indian Students

France offers programmes across almost every major field, but several areas are particularly worth exploring.

Engineering and Technology

Students can consider:

• • mechanical engineering;

• • electrical engineering;

• • civil engineering;

• • aerospace engineering;

• • robotics;

• • renewable energy;

• • automotive engineering;

• • industrial engineering.
    
    

France has both university engineering programmes and dedicated engineering schools.

Computer Science, AI and Data Science

Popular areas include:

• • artificial intelligence;

• • machine learning;

• • data science;

• • cybersecurity;

• • software engineering;

• • cloud computing;

• • computer vision;

• • human-computer interaction.

Business and Management

Students interested in management can explore:

• • Master in Management;

• • finance;

• • international business;

• • marketing;

• • supply chain;

• • entrepreneurship;

• • luxury management;

• • business analytics.

Hospitality and Tourism

France’s tourism and hospitality sector supports specialised education in:

• • hotel management;

• • tourism;

• • culinary arts;

• • luxury hospitality;

• • food and beverage management.

Fashion, Luxury and Design

France is also relevant for students considering:

• • fashion design;

• • luxury brand management;

• • visual communication;

• • product design;

• • interior design;

• • digital design.

Science and Research

Options include:

• • physics;

• • chemistry;

• • biotechnology;

• • life sciences;

• • mathematics;

• • environmental science;

• • materials science.
    
    

Campus France notes that English-taught offerings are particularly extensive at master’s level in areas including business and management, engineering and technology, science, health, law and economics.

Top Universities and Institutions in France

There is no single best university for every Indian student.

Well-known French institutions students may encounter during research include:

Institution	Areas Worth Exploring
Université Paris-Saclay	Mathematics, science, engineering, technology
Sorbonne University	Science, engineering, medicine, humanities
Université Paris Cité	Health, science, humanities, social sciences
Université Grenoble Alpes	Engineering, science, technology, research
University of Strasbourg	Life sciences, chemistry, medicine, humanities
Aix-Marseille University	Science, law, economics, health, humanities
University of Montpellier	Health, life sciences, environmental science
University of Bordeaux	Science, technology, health, humanities
École Polytechnique	Engineering, mathematics, science
CentraleSupélec	Engineering and technology
Sciences Po	Political science, public policy, international affairs

Students considering business schools will encounter a separate set of institutions, fee structures and accreditations.

Do not choose a university solely because of an overall ranking. Subject strength, curriculum, internships, research access, teaching language and affordability may matter more.

Can Indian Students Study in France in English?

Yes.

Indian students can study in France without enrolling in a French-medium degree.

Campus France India states that its English-taught directory contains more than 1,700 courses.

However, students should check whether a programme is:

• • completely taught in English;

• • mainly taught in English;

• • bilingual;

• • partly taught in French.
    
    

English-taught programmes are particularly common at master’s level.

Knowing French is still useful even when the degree is in English. It can help with:

• • daily communication;

• • accommodation;

• • networking;

• • internships;

• • part-time employment;

• • graduate employment;

• • social integration.
    
    

Students planning a longer stay in France may therefore benefit from learning French alongside their degree.

Eligibility to Study in France for Indian Students

France does not impose one universal percentage or CGPA for every university.

Campus France confirms that each institution sets its own admission criteria according to the applicant’s previous education and programme requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree Eligibility

Students applying after Class 12 generally need:

• • a recognised school-leaving qualification;

• • academic transcripts;

• • subject prerequisites where applicable;

• • proof of the programme’s required language;

• • other documents requested by the institution.
    
    

Competitive courses may assess academic performance, motivation and subject preparation.

Master’s Degree Eligibility

Master’s applicants generally need:

• • a recognised bachelor’s degree;

• • an academic background relevant to the course;

• • transcripts;

• • statement of purpose or motivation letter;

• • CV;

• • recommendation letters where requested;

• • English or French language evidence where applicable;

• • portfolio, GMAT/GRE or professional experience for certain programmes.
    
    

There is no France-wide rule requiring the same GPA for all master’s programmes.

Language Requirements

For an English-taught programme, institutions may accept:

• • IELTS;

• • TOEFL;

• • Cambridge qualifications;

• • another approved test;

• • alternative English-language evidence where the institution permits it.
    
    

There is no universal IELTS score applicable to every French university.

For French-taught programmes, applicants may need qualifications such as DELF, DALF or TCF. Campus France notes that approximately B1 or B2 is commonly expected depending on the course, while B2 is required for first-year university admission under the DAP procedure.

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students

The cost of studying in France depends heavily on the type of institution.

Public University Tuition Fees

Indian students are non-EU students and may be subject to differentiated fees at public institutions covered by the relevant French higher education rules.

For 2026–2027, Campus France lists:

Degree Level	Approximate Annual Tuition
Bachelor’s/Licence	approximately €2,902
Master’s	approximately €3,950
Doctorate	approximately €398

These figures do not mean every Indian student will automatically pay these amounts.

Some students receive:

• • institutional exemptions;

• • government scholarship exemptions;

• • exchange-programme exemptions;

• • other authorised waivers.
    
    

Individual university fee policies therefore need to be checked before budgeting.

Private University and Business School Fees

Private institutions, especially business schools, usually cost substantially more.

Campus France reports that private higher education tuition can commonly be approximately €6,000 to €18,000 per year or more, depending on the institution and programme.

Premium management or specialised programmes can follow different pricing structures.

CVEC and Other Charges

Students enrolled in qualifying initial higher education programmes may also need to complete the Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus, known as the CVEC.

For 2026–2027, the CVEC is approximately €105, unless an exemption applies.

Other possible expenses include:

• • application charges;

• • entrance-test fees;

• • student insurance where applicable;

• • deposits;

• • books and equipment;

• • programme-specific charges.
    
    

Always calculate the full cost of attendance rather than comparing tuition alone.

Cost of Living in France for Indian Students

Living costs vary significantly by city.

Paris and other large cities generally require a larger budget than many regional locations.

Campus France currently uses approximately €900 per month as a general minimum student-budget reference, while also warning that Paris and major cities can cost more.

Typical expenses include:

Expense	Planning Guidance
Accommodation	Usually the largest monthly expense
Food	approximately €300 per month as a broad Campus France reference
Transport	Depends strongly on the city
Phone and internet	Varies by provider
Health/personal expenses	Depends on circumstances
Leisure	Depends on lifestyle

Campus France’s 2026 budget guidance estimates student-rate annual public transport at approximately €374 in Paris and roughly €250–€300 outside Paris, though local tariffs can change.

A student living in Paris should generally expect a higher accommodation budget than one living in cities such as Clermont-Ferrand, Limoges or smaller regional centres.

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

Scholarships can substantially reduce the financial burden.

Campus France India states that the French Embassy, French companies and institutions collectively award scholarships to more than 500 Indian students in various programmes each year.

France Excellence Charpak Scholarships

Charpak is one of the most relevant scholarship families specifically for Indian students.

Depending on the scheme, opportunities can include:

• • bachelor’s study;

• • master’s study;

• • exchange semesters;

• • summer research or training.
    
    

For example, the 2026 France Excellence Charpak Master’s scholarship offered approximately €860 per month, along with benefits including visa and Campus France procedure fee exemptions and assistance with student accommodation. The 2026 master’s selection cycle has already concluded as of September 2026, so students targeting a later intake should monitor the next call.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The Eiffel programme is aimed at selected international students at master’s and doctoral levels.

Applications are generally submitted through participating French institutions rather than directly by the student.

Competition is strong, so students should research the institution’s internal nomination timetable well before the intake.

Erasmus Mundus

Some students may study in France through an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.

These international programmes involve multiple universities and may provide competitive scholarships covering various study and living expenses.

University and Institutional Scholarships

Funding may also come from:

• • French universities;

• • Grandes Écoles;

• • business schools;

• • regional authorities;

• • foundations;

• • companies;

• • Franco-Indian initiatives.
    
    

Students should search funding separately for each shortlisted programme rather than assuming one scholarship application covers every institution.

How to Apply to Study in France from India

India is one of the countries covered by the Études en France procedure.

The exact application route depends on the study level and programme.

Step 1: Choose Your Course and Institution

Start by comparing:

• • curriculum;

• • accreditation;

• • language;

• • tuition fees;

• • city;

• • internship options;

• • programme outcomes;

• • entry requirements.
    
    

Avoid applying simply because an institution advertises heavily in India.

Step 2: Check Admission Requirements

Review the exact programme page.

Check:

• • academic prerequisites;

• • language requirements;

• • portfolio requirements;

• • work experience;

• • entrance tests;

• • application deadline;

• • tuition and deposit requirements.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Depending on your situation, applications may involve:

• • Études en France;

• • Parcoursup;

• • a DAP procedure;

• • the institution’s own platform;

• • another designated admissions system.
    
    

Campus France confirms that the route depends on nationality, country of residence, previous qualification and level of study.

Step 4: Complete Études en France

For Indian students, Études en France is an important part of the process.

Campus France India assists applicants by reviewing academic and professional documentation and conducting academic interviews as part of the applicable procedure.

From 1 August 2026, the Études en France fee in India increased to approximately ₹20,000.

Depending on the application route, students may need to:

1. • create an Études en France account;

1. • enter academic information;

1. • upload documents;

1. • pay the applicable procedure fee;

1. • complete file validation;

1. • attend the Campus France academic interview where required.

Step 5: Secure Admission and Prepare Your Visa

Once the required admission and Campus France stages are completed, eligible students can proceed with the student visa process.

Campus France India advises long-stay students to begin the applicable procedure as soon as they receive unconditional acceptance and at least approximately three months before the intake.

France Student Visa for Indian Students in 2026

Students studying for longer than three months generally require a long-stay student visa.

France-Visas states that courses exceeding three months normally fall under the long-stay category. India is part of the Études en France visa procedure.

A typical file may require:

• • valid passport;

• • admission documentation;

• • Études en France documentation;

• • financial evidence;

• • accommodation details;

• • photographs;

• • supporting academic documents;

• • additional documents generated by the France-Visas assistant.

Important 2026-27 Financial Requirement

A major change took effect on 1 August 2026.

The minimum proof of financial resources required for affected French long-stay student visa applications increased from the previous level to approximately €877.50 per month.

Students should therefore avoid relying on older online articles quoting approximately €615 per month.

For applications in India, France-Visas states that long-stay visa applications should generally be submitted at least approximately one month before departure and cannot normally be submitted more than approximately six months in advance.

The indicative student visa fee for countries using the Études en France procedure is approximately €50, with separate service-provider charges potentially applying.

Admission to a university does not guarantee visa approval. The immigration decision is separate and depends on whether the student meets the applicable requirements.

Can Indian Students Work While Studying in France?

Yes, subject to immigration rules.

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

Students commonly look for work in areas such as:

• • retail;

• • hospitality;

• • university services;

• • administrative support;

• • tutoring;

• • internships;

• • industry roles related to their studies.
    
    

French language skills can make a significant difference in the number of opportunities available.

Part-time employment should be treated as supplementary income. Students should not build their entire financial plan around finding a job after arrival.

Post-Study Work Opportunities for Indian Students

Indian graduates have an additional point worth understanding because France and India have a bilateral migration and mobility agreement.

Under the agreement, eligible Indian students who successfully complete a qualification at least equivalent to a master’s degree may obtain permission to remain in France for a first professional experience.

The agreement provides for an initial period of one year that may be renewed once, potentially allowing up to two years, subject to the applicable requirements. Employment during this pathway must meet the relevant conditions, including a link to the graduate’s training and applicable salary rules.

Separately, France’s general immigration framework includes the recherche d’emploi/création d’entreprise route for eligible graduates of French master’s-level or equivalent programmes. Current general rules provide a one-year non-renewable permit, which is why Indian graduates should verify which bilateral or general route applies to their specific case when graduating.

Post-study permission is not a guaranteed job or permanent residence pathway. Students must satisfy the immigration conditions applicable at the time.

Accommodation Options for Students in France

Students can choose from:

• • CROUS residences;

• • private student residences;

• • private apartments;

• • shared apartments;

• • homestays;

• • university-affiliated accommodation.
    
    

Campus France recommends starting the housing search early because availability can be competitive.

CROUS Accommodation

CROUS residences are public student residences and are often among the more affordable options.

Demand can be high, particularly in Paris and other popular student cities.

Private Student Residences

Private residences may offer:

• • furnished rooms;

• • internet;

• • shared social spaces;

• • laundry;

• • security;

• • utilities.
    
    

They may cost more than public residences.

Shared Apartments

Sharing accommodation can help reduce costs while also making it easier to meet other students.

Before paying a deposit, students should verify the accommodation provider and avoid transferring money based only on social-media messages.

Best Cities in France for Indian Students

The right city depends on the programme and budget.

Paris

Suitable for students seeking:

• • large numbers of universities and schools;

• • business and finance;

• • technology;

• • research;

• • culture;

• • international networking.
    
    

The main disadvantage is the higher living and housing cost.

Grenoble

Particularly relevant for:

• • engineering;

• • science;

• • technology;

• • research;

• • environmental studies.

Toulouse

Worth considering for:

• • aerospace;

• • engineering;

• • technology;

• • science.

Lyon

Offers opportunities across:

• • business;

• • engineering;

• • life sciences;

• • hospitality;

• • design.

Strasbourg

Suitable for students interested in:

• • science;

• • health;

• • European studies;

• • law;

• • international affairs.

Bordeaux

Offers programmes across:

• • business;

• • science;

• • technology;

• • health;

• • humanities.

Montpellier

Popular academic areas include:

• • life sciences;

• • health;

• • environmental sciences;

• • research.

A lower-cost city can sometimes produce a better overall student budget even when two programmes charge similar tuition.

Common Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid

Students can improve their planning by avoiding a few common mistakes:

1. • Choosing a university only because of rankings. Compare the actual programme and accreditation.

1. • Assuming all public universities have the same tuition fee. Exemptions and institution-specific policies can change the final amount.

1. • Using outdated visa financial figures. The student visa threshold changed in August 2026.

1. • Ignoring the Études en France process. Indian applicants should check whether it applies to their programme.

1. • Assuming IELTS is mandatory everywhere. Language requirements are programme-specific.

1. • Assuming an English programme means French is unnecessary. French can significantly improve daily life and employment opportunities.

1. • Budgeting only for tuition. Accommodation, transport, food, CVEC, travel and deposits matter.

1. • Depending on a part-time job to fund the full stay. Employment is not guaranteed.

1. • Applying too late. Campus France, admission, visa and accommodation procedures all require time.

1. • Using unverified institutions or agents. Check programme recognition, official institution information and the French qualification status before paying substantial fees.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is France good for Indian students in 2026?

France can be a strong option for Indian students seeking public universities, engineering schools, business education, research programmes and English-taught master’s degrees. The final decision should depend on the student’s course, budget, language preferences and career goals.

How much does it cost to study in France for Indian students?

For 2026–2027, non-EU public university tuition subject to differentiated fees is approximately €2,902 per year for a bachelor’s and approximately €3,950 per year for a master’s. Private higher education can commonly cost approximately €6,000–€18,000 per year or more. Exemptions and institutional policies may change the actual amount.

Can Indian students study in France without IELTS?

Sometimes.

IELTS is not a universal French student visa requirement or a compulsory test for every university. Individual English-taught programmes determine which English-language qualifications they accept.

Can I study in France after Class 12 from India?

Yes.

Indian students can apply for bachelor’s-level programmes after Class 12 if they meet the programme’s academic, language and application requirements. The appropriate route may include Études en France and, depending on the programme, DAP or Parcoursup procedures.

Is French compulsory for studying in France?

Not if the programme is fully taught in English.

Campus France India currently lists more than 1,700 programmes taught wholly or partly in English. French remains useful for daily life, networking, internships and employment.

How much money is required for a France student visa in 2026?

For relevant long-stay applications submitted from 1 August 2026, students must demonstrate financial resources corresponding to approximately €877.50 per month.

This visa threshold should not be confused with the total amount needed to cover tuition and actual living expenses.

Can Indian students work in France while studying?

Eligible Indian students holding the appropriate student immigration status can generally work up to 964 hours per year.

Can Indian students stay in France after graduation?

Eligible Indian graduates with a master’s-level or equivalent qualification may benefit from post-study pathways. A France-India bilateral agreement provides an initial one-year professional-experience authorisation that may be renewed once under applicable conditions.

Immigration rules and individual eligibility should be verified at the time of graduation.

Inference

Choosing to study in France for Indian students in 2026 can make sense for those looking for respected degrees, public university options, specialised schools, English-taught programmes, scholarships and access to the wider European academic environment.

The strongest approach is to start with the programme rather than the country. Compare curriculum, degree recognition, tuition, scholarship eligibility, city, living costs and career relevance before applying.

Indian applicants should also pay close attention to the 2026 changes: public university tuition has been updated, the Études en France fee in India increased from August, and the student visa financial-resource requirement is now approximately €877.50 per month.

Planning early and using current official requirements will make the application process considerably clearer.

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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