For decades, Indian students have looked West for premier higher education. While the USA and UK have been traditional favourites, a powerful and attractive alternative has firmly established itself: France. With a strategic goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, France is rolling out the red carpet with world-class education, affordable costs, and unparalleled post-study opportunities.
If you’re an Indian student considering your options for 2025 or 2026, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the journey to study in France.
Why Study in France? Top Benefits for Indian Students in 2025
France is more than just a cultural epicentre it’s an emerging powerhouse for international education, particularly for students from India. The strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations have resulted in policies that directly benefit Indian aspirants.
One of the most significant advantages is receiving a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of institutions in North America or Australia. French public universities are heavily subsidized by the government, keeping tuition fees remarkably low for all international students. Furthermore, France offers generous scholarships, including many exclusively for Indians.
Choose your dream country
UK
USA
Germany
Australia
Ireland
Canada
UAE
France
Sweden
Italy
Other
When do you want to study abroad?
What's your highest level of education?
Select you current city
How Leap will help you
Personalised University Shortlist
Express Applications with Quicker Admits
End-to-End Application Support
The benefits extend far beyond graduation. Indian alumni who complete a Master's degree in France are eligible for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa, making travel and professional networking across Europe seamless. Coupled with a robust post-study work visa, France provides a clear pathway from education to a global career. With over 1,700 programs taught in English, the language barrier is lower than ever, making it an ideal destination for your academic ambitions.
Understanding the Higher Education System to Study in France
Navigating a new education system can be daunting, but the French structure is logical and aligned with global standards. It follows the LMD system: Licence (Bachelor's), Master, and Doctorat (PhD).
- Public Universities: These institutions are funded by the state and offer high-quality academic programs across all disciplines at a very low cost. They are the backbone of French higher education.
- Grandes Écoles: These are elite, highly selective public and private institutions that are considered the pinnacle of French education, especially in fields like business, engineering, and public administration. Admission is incredibly competitive.
- Specialized Schools: France also has a wide range of public and private schools focused on specific fields like art, design, architecture, and hospitality.
Best Universities to Study in France for Indian Students
France boasts numerous universities that feature prominently in global rankings. For Indian students, many institutions offer a welcoming environment, strong industry connections, and a wide array of English-taught programs.
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres): A collegiate university in Paris that consistently ranks among the world's top 50, excelling in science, engineering, arts, and humanities.
- Sorbonne University: A historic and prestigious public research university in Paris, renowned for its programs in humanities, medicine, and sciences.
- École Polytechnique: A leading Grande École for science and technology, often called the "MIT of France."
- HEC Paris: One of the world's best business schools, offering acclaimed MBA and Master in Management programs.
- Sciences Po: A world-renowned university for social sciences, law, journalism, finance, and international affairs.
Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students: A 2025 Breakdown
Financial planning is a critical step for any Indian family sending a student abroad. France offers exceptional value, making it a financially viable option. All costs below are estimates for 2025-2026 and can vary.
Tuition Fees to Study in France: Public vs. Private
The difference in cost between public and private institutions is significant.
- Public Universities: For non-EU students, the French government has set standardized fees.
- Bachelor's (Licence): Approximately €2,770 per year (around ₹2.5 Lakhs).
- Master's: Approximately €3,770 per year (around ₹3.5 Lakhs).
- PhD: Generally, there are no tuition fees at the doctoral level in public universities.
- Private Universities & Business Schools: Fees are set by the institution and are much higher.
- These can range from €5,000 to €30,000 per year (around ₹4.5 Lakhs to ₹27 Lakhs) or more, depending on the program's prestige.
Living Expenses in France
Your living costs will depend heavily on your lifestyle and city of residence. As expected, Paris is the most expensive.
- Paris: Expect to budget between €1,200 - €1,800 per month (approximately ₹1.1 Lakhs - ₹1.6 Lakhs).
- Other Cities (Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier): Costs are more manageable, typically ranging from €800 - €1,000 per month (approximately ₹72,000 - ₹90,000).
This budget should cover accommodation (the largest expense), food, local transportation, and personal expenses. All international students must also have health insurance, which costs a few hundred euros per year.
Scholarships to Study in France for Indian Students
Scholarships are a key factor that makes France an affordable destination. Numerous grants are available, with many specifically targeting Indian students.
Government-Funded Scholarships
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: A prestigious, merit-based scholarship from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for Master's and PhD students. It provides a monthly stipend and covers various other expenses but not tuition fees.
- Charpak Scholarship Program: Managed by the French Embassy in India, this is one of the most well-known scholarships. It offers funding at the Master's and research internship levels, providing a monthly stipend and a student visa fee waiver.
- Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA): An initiative for students and researchers pursuing studies related to climate change and sustainability.
University-Specific Scholarships
Top institutions actively recruit talented international students by offering financial aid. When applying to universities like HEC Paris, INSEAD, Sciences Po, or ESSEC Business School, be sure to check their websites for merit-based scholarships, which can significantly reduce tuition fees.
How to Apply to French Universities from India: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for France is centralized and systematic. Starting early is key to a successful application for the 2026 intakes.
Step 1: Research and Shortlist Programs (September - December 2025)
Begin by exploring universities and the thousands of English-taught programs available. Focus on the curriculum, eligibility criteria, and career outcomes.
Step 2: Meet the Academic and Language Requirements
- Academic: For a Bachelor's program, you will need strong results in your Standard XII examinations. For a Master's program, a relevant three or four-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university is required.
- Language Proficiency: If your chosen program is in English, you will need to prove your proficiency with tests like IELTS (typically requiring a score of 6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (80-90). For French-taught courses, you'll need a DELF B2 or DALF C1 certificate.
Step 3: The Campus France Application (Mandatory for Indians)
All Indian students must go through the "Etudes en France" (Studying in France) online procedure managed by Campus France. This is a preliminary step where you create your profile, upload your documents, and state your chosen programs. After reviewing your file, Campus France will conduct a short academic interview and provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is mandatory for your visa application.
Step 4: Apply Directly to Universities
After or in parallel with the Campus France process, you must submit separate applications to the universities you have shortlisted.
Key Application Intakes for 2026
- September Intake: This is the primary intake for most programs. The application timeline usually runs from October of the previous year to early spring.
- January/Spring Intake: A smaller number of universities and programs offer a secondary intake in the spring.
France Student Visa for Indian: Requirements and Process
Once you receive your admission letter, the final step is to apply for the student visa. For courses longer than six months, you will need a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS), which acts as a residence permit for the first year.
Key documents required include:
- A valid passport.
- The official letter of admission from your French institution.
- The Campus France NOC.
- Proof of financial means (a minimum of €615 per month for the duration of your stay, which is approximately ₹55,000/month). This can be shown via a bank statement, sponsor's letter, or scholarship attestation.
- Proof of accommodation in France.
- The completed visa application form from the official France-Visas portal.
The process involves filling out the online application, scheduling an appointment with the local VFS Global centre, submitting your documents and biometrics, and paying the visa fee.
Career Opportunities in France After You Study
France understands that gaining work experience is a crucial part of the study abroad journey.
Working While Studying
As an international student, you are legally permitted to work up to 964 hours in a year, which equates to roughly 20 hours per week. This can be a great way to earn extra money and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Post-Study Work Visa (APS)
This is one of the most significant advantages for Indian students. Graduates of a Master's degree (or higher) are eligible for an Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS). This temporary residence permit allows you to stay in France for up to 24 months after graduation to search for a job or start your own company. Once you find a job related to your field of study with a salary of at least 1.5 times the minimum wage, you can switch to a regular work permit.
The 5-Year Schengen Circulation Visa
A unique benefit for Indian citizens who have graduated from a French institution with a Master's degree or higher. This visa allows for easy travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, which is invaluable for business and tourism.
Is Studying in France a Good Choice for You?
Choosing to study abroad is a life-changing decision. France offers an incredible package: high-quality, affordable education, strong government support for Indian students, and clear pathways to a global career. While you may face initial challenges like navigating bureaucracy or adapting to a new culture, the long-term rewards are immense. If you are an ambitious student looking for a world-class experience that is both academically enriching and financially sensible, France should be at the top of your list for 2025-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I study in France without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible. Some French universities may accept other proofs of English proficiency, such as a letter from your previous university stating that your medium of instruction was English. However, most top universities will require a standardized test score like IELTS or TOEFL for their English-taught programs.
How much bank balance is required for a France student visa from India?
You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. The minimum requirement is €615 per month for the duration of your academic year. For a 10-month academic year, this would be €6,150 (approximately ₹5.6 Lakhs), in addition to your tuition fees.
Is it easy for Indian students to get a job in France after their studies?
With the 24-month post-study work visa (APS), Indian Master's graduates have ample time to find a job. Sectors like IT, data science, business analytics, engineering, and luxury management have strong demand. While speaking French significantly improves your job prospects, many international companies in major cities operate in English.
Can I stay in France permanently after my studies?
Yes, there is a pathway to permanent residency. After living in France for five continuous years on a valid residence permit (such as a student visa followed by a work permit), you can apply for a long-term resident card.
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance