Why Study in France?
France is one of Europe's major study destinations, offering a wide range of universities,
Grandes Écoles, engineering schools, business schools, and specialized institutions.
Students can access high-quality education, research opportunities, international programs,
and a rich cultural experience.
France offers programs across business, engineering, technology, arts, fashion, hospitality, science, international relations, and many other fields. A growing number of programs are available in English, particularly at master's level and within internationally focused institutions.
Students can also experience French language and culture while studying in cities such as Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lille, Bordeaux, Nice, and many other student destinations.
France offers programs across business, engineering, technology, arts, fashion, hospitality, science, international relations, and many other fields. A growing number of programs are available in English, particularly at master's level and within internationally focused institutions.
Students can also experience French language and culture while studying in cities such as Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lille, Bordeaux, Nice, and many other student destinations.
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High-Quality Education
France has internationally recognized universities, Grandes Écoles,
engineering schools, and specialized higher education institutions.
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International Study Environment
Students can study in a multicultural environment while experiencing
European culture and developing valuable international connections.
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Career & Industry Connections
Many institutions maintain connections with companies and industries,
offering students opportunities for internships, projects, and practical learning.
Popular Majors & Career Paths
• Business & Management:
International business, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, luxury brand management.
• Engineering & Technology: Mechanical engineering, aerospace, civil engineering, IT, telecommunications, energy, and robotics.
• Arts, Design & Fashion: Fashion design, graphic design, animation, film, photography, interior design, and creative industries.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hospitality management, tourism, culinary arts, event management, and luxury hospitality.
• Science & Health: Biology, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and selected health-related programs.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: International relations, political science, communication, languages, history, and philosophy.
• Engineering & Technology: Mechanical engineering, aerospace, civil engineering, IT, telecommunications, energy, and robotics.
• Arts, Design & Fashion: Fashion design, graphic design, animation, film, photography, interior design, and creative industries.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hospitality management, tourism, culinary arts, event management, and luxury hospitality.
• Science & Health: Biology, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and selected health-related programs.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: International relations, political science, communication, languages, history, and philosophy.
Note:
English-taught programs are available at many institutions, particularly at postgraduate level.
Program availability and language requirements vary by institution.
Education System & Types of Institutions
France offers several types of higher education institutions for international students:
• Public Universities: Offer Licence (bachelor's), master's, doctoral degrees, and research programs across a broad range of disciplines.
• Grandes Écoles: Selective institutions specializing in areas such as business, engineering, public policy, management, and other professional fields.
• Engineering Schools: Specialized institutions offering academically rigorous and professionally focused engineering education.
• Universities of Technology & IUT: Offer applied and technology-focused education, including the Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT).
• Business & Management Schools: Specialized programs in business, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and related areas.
• Art, Fashion & Creative Schools: Specialized programs in fashion, fine arts, design, film, animation, photography, and other creative disciplines.
• Hospitality & Specialized Schools: Career-focused education in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, luxury management, and other professional fields.
• Language & Preparatory Programs: French-language and preparatory courses may help students develop language and academic skills before progressing to further study.
• Public Universities: Offer Licence (bachelor's), master's, doctoral degrees, and research programs across a broad range of disciplines.
• Grandes Écoles: Selective institutions specializing in areas such as business, engineering, public policy, management, and other professional fields.
• Engineering Schools: Specialized institutions offering academically rigorous and professionally focused engineering education.
• Universities of Technology & IUT: Offer applied and technology-focused education, including the Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT).
• Business & Management Schools: Specialized programs in business, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and related areas.
• Art, Fashion & Creative Schools: Specialized programs in fashion, fine arts, design, film, animation, photography, and other creative disciplines.
• Hospitality & Specialized Schools: Career-focused education in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, luxury management, and other professional fields.
• Language & Preparatory Programs: French-language and preparatory courses may help students develop language and academic skills before progressing to further study.
Education Costs & Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in France vary significantly depending on the institution,
student's nationality, level of study, program, and whether an exemption
or scholarship applies.
Public Universities
Government-regulated registration fees apply, while differentiated tuition fees may apply to some non-EU students. Exemptions may also be available.
Government-regulated registration fees apply, while differentiated tuition fees may apply to some non-EU students. Exemptions may also be available.
Grandes Écoles & Engineering Schools
Tuition varies considerably by institution and program, with private and specialized programs generally charging higher fees.
Tuition varies considerably by institution and program, with private and specialized programs generally charging higher fees.
Private & Specialized Schools
Business, hospitality, fashion, design, and other specialized programs may range from several thousand euros to €20,000+ per year.
Business, hospitality, fashion, design, and other specialized programs may range from several thousand euros to €20,000+ per year.
Important:
Tuition policies and fees can change each academic year. Always confirm the
current tuition fee directly with the institution before applying.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission requirements vary by institution, program, and level of study.
General requirements may include:
Undergraduate (Bachelor's / Licence)
• Completed high school / secondary education or equivalent
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Required academic subjects for selected programs
• French or English proficiency proof if required
• Passport copy
• Motivation letter / personal statement where required
• Portfolio, entrance examination, or interview for selected programs
• Completed high school / secondary education or equivalent
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Required academic subjects for selected programs
• French or English proficiency proof if required
• Passport copy
• Motivation letter / personal statement where required
• Portfolio, entrance examination, or interview for selected programs
Graduate (Master's)
• Recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Academic transcripts and degree certificate
• Relevant academic background where required
• French or English proficiency proof
• CV / résumé
• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter
• Recommendation letters if required
• Portfolio or other program-specific documents where applicable
• Recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Academic transcripts and degree certificate
• Relevant academic background where required
• French or English proficiency proof
• CV / résumé
• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter
• Recommendation letters if required
• Portfolio or other program-specific documents where applicable
French & English Language Requirements
The language requirement depends on the institution and the language of instruction.
French-taught programs normally require proof of French proficiency, while
English-taught programs may require recognized English-language qualifications.
Exact accepted qualifications and minimum scores depend on the institution and program.
DELF / DALF
Common French-language qualifications accepted by many institutions.
Common French-language qualifications accepted by many institutions.
TCF / Other French Proof
Selected institutions may accept TCF or other approved French-language qualifications.
Selected institutions may accept TCF or other approved French-language qualifications.
IELTS / TOEFL
Commonly accepted for English-taught programs.
Commonly accepted for English-taught programs.
Other English Proof
PTE, Duolingo, MOI, or other evidence may be accepted by selected institutions.
PTE, Duolingo, MOI, or other evidence may be accepted by selected institutions.
Exact accepted qualifications and minimum scores depend on the institution and program.
France Application Intake Periods
Intake periods vary by university and institution, but September is generally
the main academic intake in France.
Application deadlines vary considerably, so international students should check institutional and visa timelines early.
September / Fall Intake
The main intake with the broadest range of programs available.
The main intake with the broadest range of programs available.
January / Spring Intake
Available at selected institutions and programs.
Available at selected institutions and programs.
Other Start Dates
Some language, foundation, business, and specialized programs may offer additional intakes.
Some language, foundation, business, and specialized programs may offer additional intakes.
Application deadlines vary considerably, so international students should check institutional and visa timelines early.
Documents Checklist for France Applications
Before applying, students should prepare clear and complete documentation:
Academic & Identity
• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Academic certificates / degree certificates
• Grading information if required
• French or English language proof if required
• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Academic certificates / degree certificates
• Grading information if required
• French or English language proof if required
Supporting Documents
• CV / résumé
• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter
• Recommendation letters if required
• Portfolio for art, fashion, design, architecture, or creative programs if required
• Additional program-specific documents where applicable
• CV / résumé
• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter
• Recommendation letters if required
• Portfolio for art, fashion, design, architecture, or creative programs if required
• Additional program-specific documents where applicable
Financial & Visa
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Sponsor or scholarship documentation if applicable
• Accommodation information
• Tuition / enrollment confirmation if required
• Insurance or health-related documentation where required
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Sponsor or scholarship documentation if applicable
• Accommodation information
• Tuition / enrollment confirmation if required
• Insurance or health-related documentation where required
Scholarship Opportunities
• French Government Scholarships:
Selected international students may be eligible for government-supported scholarship programs.
• University Scholarships: Universities and institutions may offer scholarships or tuition exemptions based on academic performance, nationality, program, or other criteria.
• Institutional Scholarships: Business schools, engineering schools, and other institutions may provide merit-based financial support.
• External Scholarships: Students may also explore scholarships provided by governments, foundations, organizations, or their home countries.
Scholarship availability, benefits, eligibility, and deadlines vary by program and institution.
• University Scholarships: Universities and institutions may offer scholarships or tuition exemptions based on academic performance, nationality, program, or other criteria.
• Institutional Scholarships: Business schools, engineering schools, and other institutions may provide merit-based financial support.
• External Scholarships: Students may also explore scholarships provided by governments, foundations, organizations, or their home countries.
Scholarship availability, benefits, eligibility, and deadlines vary by program and institution.
Financial Proof & Visa Requirements
Students applying for a French long-stay student visa generally need to
demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies.
• Bank statements or other acceptable evidence of funds.
• Sponsor documentation if supported by parents or another sponsor.
• Scholarship confirmation where applicable.
• Tuition or enrollment documentation where required.
• Accommodation information or evidence.
• Bank statements or other acceptable evidence of funds.
• Sponsor documentation if supported by parents or another sponsor.
• Scholarship confirmation where applicable.
• Tuition or enrollment documentation where required.
• Accommodation information or evidence.
Financial Reference:
French student visa procedures generally use a minimum-resource reference
equivalent to approximately €615 per month.
Applicants should check the latest official requirements for their individual situation.
Important:
Visa requirements vary by nationality, country of application,
study duration, and individual circumstances. Always verify current requirements
through France-Visas and the relevant French authority before submission.
France Student Visa & Residence Process
International students studying in France for more than three months generally
need an appropriate long-stay student visa, depending on their nationality and circumstances.
1. Receive admission or enrollment confirmation from a French higher education institution.
2. Complete the required study application procedure such as Études en France / Campus France where applicable.
3. Prepare visa documentation including passport, admission evidence, financial proof, accommodation information, and other required documents.
4. Submit the visa application through France-Visas and the designated visa application process.
5. Attend a visa appointment and provide biometrics or supporting documents where required.
6. Receive the appropriate student visa if the application is approved.
7. Travel to France and complete the required arrival procedures.
8. Validate the VLS-TS online within the required period after arrival where applicable.
1. Receive admission or enrollment confirmation from a French higher education institution.
2. Complete the required study application procedure such as Études en France / Campus France where applicable.
3. Prepare visa documentation including passport, admission evidence, financial proof, accommodation information, and other required documents.
4. Submit the visa application through France-Visas and the designated visa application process.
5. Attend a visa appointment and provide biometrics or supporting documents where required.
6. Receive the appropriate student visa if the application is approved.
7. Travel to France and complete the required arrival procedures.
8. Validate the VLS-TS online within the required period after arrival where applicable.
Living Costs in France
Living costs vary significantly depending on location, accommodation,
and lifestyle. Paris generally has higher living costs than many other French cities.
Students should prepare a realistic monthly budget based on their chosen city.
Accommodation is usually the largest expense, particularly in Paris and other major cities.
Accommodation
Approx. €300 – €900+ per month depending on city and accommodation type
Approx. €300 – €900+ per month depending on city and accommodation type
Food & Groceries
Approx. €200 – €350 per month
Approx. €200 – €350 per month
Transportation
Costs vary by city, transport network, and available student discounts
Costs vary by city, transport network, and available student discounts
Personal Expenses
Budget for phone, study materials, leisure, insurance, and other daily expenses
Budget for phone, study materials, leisure, insurance, and other daily expenses
Work During and After Studies
Part-Time Work
Eligible non-EU students holding the appropriate French student residence status may generally work up to 964 hours per year.
Eligible non-EU students holding the appropriate French student residence status may generally work up to 964 hours per year.
Internships
Many French programs include internships, industry projects, work placements, or other forms of practical experience.
Many French programs include internships, industry projects, work placements, or other forms of practical experience.
After Graduation
Depending on qualification and nationality, eligible graduates may have options to seek employment, change immigration status, or apply for another appropriate residence permit.
Depending on qualification and nationality, eligible graduates may have options to seek employment, change immigration status, or apply for another appropriate residence permit.
Employment and post-study residence rules depend on nationality, qualification, residence status, and current French regulations.
Popular Study Options in France
Students can choose from different study pathways depending on their
academic background, preferred career, language level, and budget.
Public Universities
Broad academic programs across science, business, humanities, technology, social sciences, and other disciplines.
Broad academic programs across science, business, humanities, technology, social sciences, and other disciplines.
Grandes Écoles & Business Schools
Selective and career-focused programs with strong academic, professional, and industry connections.
Selective and career-focused programs with strong academic, professional, and industry connections.
Specialized & Creative Schools
Programs in hospitality, fashion, luxury management, culinary arts, design, film, animation, and other specialized fields.
Programs in hospitality, fashion, luxury management, culinary arts, design, film, animation, and other specialized fields.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to France
Careful preparation can help students avoid application and visa delays.
• Applying without checking whether the program is taught in French or English.
• Missing university, Campus France, or visa application deadlines.
• Submitting incomplete academic or supporting documents.
• Choosing a program without confirming entry requirements and tuition fees.
• Not preparing sufficient financial evidence for the student visa process.
• Waiting too long to arrange accommodation and visa documents.
• Assuming every institution follows the same admission or application procedure.
• Missing university, Campus France, or visa application deadlines.
• Submitting incomplete academic or supporting documents.
• Choosing a program without confirming entry requirements and tuition fees.
• Not preparing sufficient financial evidence for the student visa process.
• Waiting too long to arrange accommodation and visa documents.
• Assuming every institution follows the same admission or application procedure.
How to Apply to Study in France with Education Valley
• Contact Education Valley
– Share your academic background, preferred field, budget, and study goals.
• Choose Your Program & Institution – Select your study level, major, institution type, language, and preferred location.
• Check Entry Requirements – Review academic, language, portfolio, and program-specific requirements.
• Prepare Documents – Organize academic records, passport, language proof, CV, motivation letter, and other required documents.
• Submit Applications – Apply through the appropriate institution and application process.
• Complete Campus France Procedures – Complete Études en France / Campus France requirements where applicable.
• Receive Offer & Confirm Your Place – Follow the institution's acceptance, enrollment, and tuition requirements.
• Apply for Student Visa – Prepare financial proof, accommodation information, admission documents, passport, and other required visa documents.
• Travel to France – Complete arrival procedures, orientation, enrollment, and residence formalities where applicable.
Education Valley supports students throughout their France study journey, from institution and program selection to application support, visa guidance, and pre-departure preparation.
• Choose Your Program & Institution – Select your study level, major, institution type, language, and preferred location.
• Check Entry Requirements – Review academic, language, portfolio, and program-specific requirements.
• Prepare Documents – Organize academic records, passport, language proof, CV, motivation letter, and other required documents.
• Submit Applications – Apply through the appropriate institution and application process.
• Complete Campus France Procedures – Complete Études en France / Campus France requirements where applicable.
• Receive Offer & Confirm Your Place – Follow the institution's acceptance, enrollment, and tuition requirements.
• Apply for Student Visa – Prepare financial proof, accommodation information, admission documents, passport, and other required visa documents.
• Travel to France – Complete arrival procedures, orientation, enrollment, and residence formalities where applicable.
Education Valley supports students throughout their France study journey, from institution and program selection to application support, visa guidance, and pre-departure preparation.
After You Arrive in France – What to Do Next?
After arriving in France, students should complete the necessary
immigration, university, and day-to-day arrangements.
• Validate your VLS-TS online within the required period if applicable.
• Complete university enrollment and attend orientation.
• Confirm your accommodation and local address.
• Complete health and social security procedures where applicable.
• Obtain your student ID and activate university systems.
• Open a French bank account if needed.
• Arrange a French mobile SIM or phone service if needed.
• Learn about local transportation and available student discounts.
• Explore housing assistance options such as CAF if eligible.
• Follow all conditions attached to your student visa or residence permit.
• Validate your VLS-TS online within the required period if applicable.
• Complete university enrollment and attend orientation.
• Confirm your accommodation and local address.
• Complete health and social security procedures where applicable.
• Obtain your student ID and activate university systems.
• Open a French bank account if needed.
• Arrange a French mobile SIM or phone service if needed.
• Learn about local transportation and available student discounts.
• Explore housing assistance options such as CAF if eligible.
• Follow all conditions attached to your student visa or residence permit.