France Study Abroad Questions

Institut Polytechnique de Paris, a public institution rather than a university and home to École Polytechnique, is noted for strength across engineering branches. Université Paris-Saclay is popular for physics and applied engineering, and Université Grenoble Alpes is known for mechanical and electrical engineering. Compare course pages before applying.

Indian applicants apply through Campus France using the Études en France portal, which is mandatory for residents of designated countries including India. It checks documents and links to the visa process. Start 6 to 10 months before your intake. Other routes include Parcoursup, direct applications and Erasmus Mundus.

For non-EU students at first-time entry to selected French public institutions, the 2026-27 differentiated annual tuition is around EUR 2,902 for a bachelor's and EUR 3,950 for a master's, though exemptions may apply. Doctoral programmes cost far less, while private institutions and Grandes Écoles typically charge much more.

Registration with the French social security system is free and mandatory for eligible international students, and you should do it after enrolling. It does not make every healthcare expense free. A sector 1 GP consultation is EUR 30, and Assurance Maladie generally reimburses 70% of the applicable base.

An international student in France typically needs roughly EUR 1,100 to 1,600 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle. Shared housing costs far less than a family apartment. Choosing a CROUS residence, sharing an apartment and cooking at home can help keep the monthly amount lower.

France's September intake is the primary one, and windows vary by route and institution, for example DAP applications run 1 October to 15 December 2026 and Parcoursup from January to March. January is a secondary option with no national application window, mainly for business, management and technology tracks.

According to Campus France guidelines, September is the primary intake in France and covers over 90% of public university degrees. January is a smaller secondary option focused on specialised business, management and technology programmes, with fewer funding options than the main September cycle.

A separate portal for checking your Eiffel Excellence Scholarship status is not officially stated. The French institution that nominated you handles updates, so keep in touch with its international office and watch your email. Results are on the Campus France website from 30 March 2026.