Why Study in France?
France is a leading study destination in Europe, known for its high-quality education, strong research culture, rich history, and lifestyle. Students can choose from public universities, Grandes Écoles, engineering schools, and specialized business and art schools. France is the #7 most popular study destination globally and one of the cheapest in Europe for public universities.
Many programs are offered in English at bachelor’s and master’s level, especially in business, engineering, and international studies. Studying in France also gives you the chance to learn or improve your French, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Cities such as Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lille, and Bordeaux offer vibrant student life, cultural activities, and access to Europe through excellent transport connections.
Many programs are offered in English at bachelor’s and master’s level, especially in business, engineering, and international studies. Studying in France also gives you the chance to learn or improve your French, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Cities such as Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lille, and Bordeaux offer vibrant student life, cultural activities, and access to Europe through excellent transport connections.
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World-Renowned Education
France has globally ranked universities and Grandes Écoles with strong reputations in business, engineering, arts, and social sciences.
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Gateway to Europe & Francophone World
Study in the heart of Europe with access to other EU countries and career links to French-speaking regions worldwide.
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Culture, Lifestyle & Quality of Life
Enjoy world-famous food, art, fashion, and history while studying in safe and student-friendly cities.
Popular Programs & Career Paths in France
• Business & Management: International business, finance, marketing, luxury brand management, hospitality.
• Engineering & Technology: Mechanical, aerospace, civil, IT, telecommunications, energy engineering.
• Arts, Design & Fashion: Fashion design, graphic design, animation, film, photography, interior design.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: International relations, political science, languages, history, philosophy.
• Science & Health: Biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, public health (selected programs).
• luxury brand management : (France is #1 globally) (selected programs).
• Engineering & Technology: Mechanical, aerospace, civil, IT, telecommunications, energy engineering.
• Arts, Design & Fashion: Fashion design, graphic design, animation, film, photography, interior design.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: International relations, political science, languages, history, philosophy.
• Science & Health: Biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, public health (selected programs).
• luxury brand management : (France is #1 globally) (selected programs).
Note: Many English-taught programs are available, especially in business, engineering, and master’s level. GAC helps you shortlist programs based on language, budget, and career goals.
Education System & Types of Institutions
France offers several institution types for international students:
• Public Universities: Government-regulated institutions offering licence (bachelor), master’s, and doctoral degrees across many disciplines, with nationally regulated tuition for many programs.
• Grandes Écoles & Engineering Schools: Highly selective schools (business, engineering, political science, etc.) with competitive entry, small class sizes, and strong industry and alumni networks.
• Specialized Schools: Focus on, hospitality, fashion, arts, design, film, culinary arts, and other professional fields, often with strong internship links.
• University Institutes of Technology (IUT – BUT): Technology-focused departments within public universities offering Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT) with a very applied, career-oriented curriculum.
• BTS Programs (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur): Two-year higher diplomas taught mainly in lycées, very practical and designed for quick entry to the job market, sometimes used as a pathway to top-up bachelor programs.
• University Foundation & French Language Programs: Preparatory or language courses that help international students reach the required French level and adapt academically before starting a degree program.
• Art, Fashion & Creative Schools: Independent or specialized schools focusing on fine arts, fashion, graphic design, game design, animation, cinema, music and related creative fields; portfolios are often required.
• Private Institutes • Private Institutes: Smaller private institutions (sometimes faith-based or independent) offering degree programs, usually with higher tuition but more personalized environments.
GAC helps you compare these options and choose the best pathway based on your language level, budget, and career goals.
• Public Universities: Government-regulated institutions offering licence (bachelor), master’s, and doctoral degrees across many disciplines, with nationally regulated tuition for many programs.
• Grandes Écoles & Engineering Schools: Highly selective schools (business, engineering, political science, etc.) with competitive entry, small class sizes, and strong industry and alumni networks.
• Specialized Schools: Focus on, hospitality, fashion, arts, design, film, culinary arts, and other professional fields, often with strong internship links.
• University Institutes of Technology (IUT – BUT): Technology-focused departments within public universities offering Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT) with a very applied, career-oriented curriculum.
• BTS Programs (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur): Two-year higher diplomas taught mainly in lycées, very practical and designed for quick entry to the job market, sometimes used as a pathway to top-up bachelor programs.
• University Foundation & French Language Programs: Preparatory or language courses that help international students reach the required French level and adapt academically before starting a degree program.
• Art, Fashion & Creative Schools: Independent or specialized schools focusing on fine arts, fashion, graphic design, game design, animation, cinema, music and related creative fields; portfolios are often required.
• Private Institutes • Private Institutes: Smaller private institutions (sometimes faith-based or independent) offering degree programs, usually with higher tuition but more personalized environments.
GAC helps you compare these options and choose the best pathway based on your language level, budget, and career goals.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition depends on institution type, program, and whether you are an EU/EEA or non-EU student.
Approximate annual ranges (for non-EU students) are:
GAC helps you compare tuition fees and scholarships based on your budget and long-term goals.
Public Universities
Approx. €2,900 – €4,000 per year for many licence (bachelor) and master’s programs (regulated national rates). Some specialized programs may charge higher fees.
Approx. €2,900 – €4,000 per year for many licence (bachelor) and master’s programs (regulated national rates). Some specialized programs may charge higher fees.
Grandes Écoles & Engineering Schools
Often between €8,000 – €15,000+ per year, depending on the school, program, and level.
Often between €8,000 – €15,000+ per year, depending on the school, program, and level.
Specialized Schools
Many programs range from around €8,000 – €20,000+ per year, especially in top hospitality, fashion, and luxury-brand schools.
Many programs range from around €8,000 – €20,000+ per year, especially in top hospitality, fashion, and luxury-brand schools.
IUT – Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT)
Usually follow public-university regulated fees, roughly €2,900 – €4,500 per year, depending on level and status.
Usually follow public-university regulated fees, roughly €2,900 – €4,500 per year, depending on level and status.
BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur)
Often around €2,000 – €5,000 per year for non-EU students, depending on whether the BTS is in a public lycée or private institution.
Often around €2,000 – €5,000 per year for non-EU students, depending on whether the BTS is in a public lycée or private institution.
Art, Fashion & Creative Schools
Fees are usually higher, often around €8,000 – €20,000+ per year, depending on the school, reputation, and studio resources.
Fees are usually higher, often around €8,000 – €20,000+ per year, depending on the school, reputation, and studio resources.
Foundation & French Language Programs
Approx. €3,000 – €10,000 per year (or equivalent for shorter intensive courses), depending on institution and duration.
Approx. €3,000 – €10,000 per year (or equivalent for shorter intensive courses), depending on institution and duration.
Private Universities & Institutes
Many programs fall roughly in the €5,000 – €12,000+ per year range, depending on field, location, and level of study.
Many programs fall roughly in the €5,000 – €12,000+ per year range, depending on field, location, and level of study.
GAC helps you compare tuition fees and scholarships based on your budget and long-term goals.
Living Costs in France
Living costs depend on the city and lifestyle (Paris is usually more expensive than smaller cities). Approximate monthly ranges:
Overall, students often budget between €700 – €1,000+ per month in many cities, and €900 – €1,400+ per month in Paris. CAF housing benefits (French government support, many students get €150–€250/month).
Accommodation
University residences: around €250 – €450/month in many cities.
Private studios/shared flats: around €400 – €900+/month, especially higher in Paris.
University residences: around €250 – €450/month in many cities.
Private studios/shared flats: around €400 – €900+/month, especially higher in Paris.
Food & Groceries
Around €200 – €300/month if you cook at home and use student cafeterias (CROUS).
Around €200 – €300/month if you cook at home and use student cafeterias (CROUS).
Transport & Daily Costs
Student passes for metro/bus: approx. €30 – €75/month depending on city, plus phone, internet, books, and leisure.
Student passes for metro/bus: approx. €30 – €75/month depending on city, plus phone, internet, books, and leisure.
Insurance & Student Services
Health insurance / social security and student service charges: roughly €20 – €60/month depending on your situation and top-up insurance.
Health insurance / social security and student service charges: roughly €20 – €60/month depending on your situation and top-up insurance.
Overall, students often budget between €700 – €1,000+ per month in many cities, and €900 – €1,400+ per month in Paris. CAF housing benefits (French government support, many students get €150–€250/month).
Admission Requirements for International Students
Requirements vary by institution and level, but generally include:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Required subjects for certain programs (e.g. maths, science).
• French or English language test .
• Sometimes portfolio or entrance exam for art/design schools.
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Required subjects for certain programs (e.g. maths, science).
• French or English language test .
• Sometimes portfolio or entrance exam for art/design schools.
Postgraduate (Master’s)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Good academic performance (GPA).
• Language test (French/English).
• CV, statement of purpose, and references.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Good academic performance (GPA).
• Language test (French/English).
• CV, statement of purpose, and references.
Language Test Options (French & English)
French Tests
DELF / DALF, TCF, or TEF for French-taught programs or visa requirements.
DELF / DALF, TCF, or TEF for French-taught programs or visa requirements.
English Tests
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo for English-taught programs (depending on institution policy).
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo for English-taught programs (depending on institution policy).
Minimum scores differ by program. GAC helps you confirm the exact requirement before applying.
Main Intakes in France
Most institutions follow:
Some language and foundation courses have additional start dates. GAC helps you plan your timeline based on your current studies and visa processing time.
September / October Intake
Main intake with the largest number of programs and scholarship options.
Main intake with the largest number of programs and scholarship options.
January / February Intake
Smaller number of programs; good second option if you miss the main intake.
Smaller number of programs; good second option if you miss the main intake.
Some language and foundation courses have additional start dates. GAC helps you plan your timeline based on your current studies and visa processing time.
Documents Checklist for France Applications
Prepare clear scanned copies of:
Academic & Identity
• Passport (valid for the duration of your studies).
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed).
• Language test results (French/English).
• Passport (valid for the duration of your studies).
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed).
• Language test results (French/English).
Supporting Documents
• CV / résumé.
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters (especially for master’s).
• Portfolio (for art, design, architecture, etc., if required).
• CV / résumé.
• Statement of purpose / motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters (especially for master’s).
• Portfolio (for art, design, architecture, etc., if required).
Financial & Other
• Proof of funds for visa (bank statements, sponsorship letter, scholarship letter).
• Health insurance or proof of planned registration with French social security.
• Proof of funds for visa (bank statements, sponsorship letter, scholarship letter).
• Health insurance or proof of planned registration with French social security.
Financial Proof & Health Insurance for Student Visa
For a long-stay student visa, you must show that you can cover tuition and living costs:
Financial Proof: You usually need to show at least the equivalent of the basic monthly maintenance allowance (around €615 per month for one year). This can be shown through personal funds, a sponsor, or a scholarship letter.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory. Many non-EU students register with the French social security system after arrival and may take additional top-up insurance.
France Student Visa Process
Typical steps (may vary by country):
1. Receive your admission / enrolment letter from a French institution.
2. Complete Campus France procedures if required in your country.
3. Prepare visa documents: passport, photos, acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation proof, insurance, and language documents (if required).
4. Book a visa appointment at the French consulate or visa center and submit your application.
5. If approved, you receive a long-stay visa that acts as your residence permit (VLS-TS) which must be validated after arrival.
6. Validate your VLS-TS within 3 months after arrival using the online ANEF portal.
GAC helps you understand the general steps and prepare typical documents, but final decisions are made by French consulates and Campus France.
1. Receive your admission / enrolment letter from a French institution.
2. Complete Campus France procedures if required in your country.
3. Prepare visa documents: passport, photos, acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation proof, insurance, and language documents (if required).
4. Book a visa appointment at the French consulate or visa center and submit your application.
5. If approved, you receive a long-stay visa that acts as your residence permit (VLS-TS) which must be validated after arrival.
6. Validate your VLS-TS within 3 months after arrival using the online ANEF portal.
GAC helps you understand the general steps and prepare typical documents, but final decisions are made by French consulates and Campus France.
Work During and After Studies
• Part-time Work: International students with a valid residence permit can usually work up to a limited number of hours per year, subject to French regulations.
• Internships: Many programs include internships or professional projects with French or international companies.
• Post-Study Options: In some cases, graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to seek work or start a job in France (rules depend on program level and nationality).
GAC and partner agencies can guide you on general work rules and next steps after graduation.
• Internships: Many programs include internships or professional projects with French or international companies.
• Post-Study Options: In some cases, graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to seek work or start a job in France (rules depend on program level and nationality).
GAC and partner agencies can guide you on general work rules and next steps after graduation.
Benefits of Applying Through Global Admission Connect (GAC)
GAC supports you from your first enquiry to your arrival in France:
1. Program & Institution Matching
Help choosing between public universities, Grandes Écoles, business schools, and language/foundation programs.
Help choosing between public universities, Grandes Écoles, business schools, and language/foundation programs.
2. Application & Scholarship Support
Guidance with forms, essays, document uploads, and available scholarships or fee reductions.
Guidance with forms, essays, document uploads, and available scholarships or fee reductions.
3. Visa & Pre-Departure Guidance
Basic guidance on Campus France, visa steps, financial proof, and preparation for arrival.
Basic guidance on Campus France, visa steps, financial proof, and preparation for arrival.
How to Apply to Study in France with GAC
• Register in the GAC Portal – Create your student profile in Global Admission Connect.
• Shortlist Programs & Cities – Choose program type, city, and budget.
• Check Requirements – Confirm academic, language, and portfolio needs.
• Prepare Documents – Use the checklist above to organize your file.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to partner institutions (and Campus France where required).
• Receive Offers & Confirm Place – Pay any required deposits and receive your final admission letter.
• Apply for Student Visa – Complete Campus France/consulate steps with proof of funds and documents.
• Travel to France – Arrange accommodation, attend orientation, and begin your program.
GAC supports you from course selection to pre-departure preparation.
• Shortlist Programs & Cities – Choose program type, city, and budget.
• Check Requirements – Confirm academic, language, and portfolio needs.
• Prepare Documents – Use the checklist above to organize your file.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to partner institutions (and Campus France where required).
• Receive Offers & Confirm Place – Pay any required deposits and receive your final admission letter.
• Apply for Student Visa – Complete Campus France/consulate steps with proof of funds and documents.
• Travel to France – Arrange accommodation, attend orientation, and begin your program.
GAC supports you from course selection to pre-departure preparation.
After You Arrive in France – First Steps
In your first weeks in France, you should:
• Validate your long-stay visa / residence permit (VLS-TS) online.
• Register with your university and attend orientation.
• Finalize health insurance and student social security registration.
• Get your student transport discount card (Carte Imagine R / regional pass). • Open a local bank account if needed.
• Apply for housing assistance if eligible (CAF).
• Explore the city, understand transport options, and learn key French phrases.
GAC and its partner agencies can stay in touch to support your transition to life and study in France.
• Validate your long-stay visa / residence permit (VLS-TS) online.
• Register with your university and attend orientation.
• Finalize health insurance and student social security registration.
• Get your student transport discount card (Carte Imagine R / regional pass). • Open a local bank account if needed.
• Apply for housing assistance if eligible (CAF).
• Explore the city, understand transport options, and learn key French phrases.
GAC and its partner agencies can stay in touch to support your transition to life and study in France.