Study in France for Indian Students
Admissions Guidance for Top French Universities & Grandes Écoles
France provides foreign students a great range of educational opportunities in technology, business, engineering, management, fashion, hospitality, finance, and other industries. But selecting France is not the end.
The team of DreamDestination assists Indian students to make all of these decisions via personalised online counselling, from selecting a course and institute to admission, education finance, and visa preparation.
Universities
8+ Institutions
Avg Tuition
Business, IT, Engineering, Finance, Fashion
Work Permit
VLS-TS 'étudiant'
Visa Success
VLS-TS Étudiant
France Study Overview
Why Study in France?
France provides world-class education with a well-established technological & business ecosystem across diverse industries.
World-Class Education
France possesses a variety of universities, Grandes Écoles, engineering colleges, business schools, and other educational establishments.
Business & Technology Hubs
France demonstrates great activity in technology, finance, aerospace, luxury, automotive, engineering, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and fashion.
English-Taught Programmes
Indian students can study English programmes, especially at master's level, though availability varies by institution.
Affordable Public Education
French public higher education receives significant governmental financing. Campus France confirms fees at public institutions are relatively lower compared to other countries.
European Experience
Study and live in a European country with access to the wider EU, enriching cultural and professional experiences.
Scholarships Available
Multiple scholarship programmes from French government, universities, regional authorities, and international bodies like Erasmus+.
Is France the Right Study Destination for You?
Consider France if you:
Types of Higher Education in France
France has a unique multi-track higher education system.
Universities
Public institutions offering bachelor's, master's, PhDs across all disciplines. Government-funded with regulated tuition.
Best for: Research, academic specialisation, and affordable tuition.
Grandes Écoles
Elite institutions in engineering, sciences, and social sciences. Highly selective with competitive entrance exams.
Best for: Top-tier engineering, sciences, and leadership.
Business Schools
Private institutions offering MBA, MSc, and specialised business programmes. Internationally accredited.
Best for: Business, finance, marketing, luxury management, and MBA.
Engineering Schools
Specialised institutions focused on engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
Best for: Engineering, technology, aerospace, and applied sciences.
Top Institutions in France
Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Sorbonne University
Université Paris-Saclay
École Polytechnique
HEC Paris
ESSEC Business School
Sciences Po
Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Sorbonne University
Université Paris-Saclay
École Polytechnique
HEC Paris
ESSEC Business School
Sciences Po
Need help choosing a French institution?
Share your profile for personalised guidance on universities, Grandes Écoles, and business schools.
Get Profile GuidancePopular Courses in France
Computer Science & IT
Business & Management
Engineering
Finance & Economics
Data & AI
Fashion, Luxury & Hospitality
Master's in France for Indian Students
The French higher-education ecosystem is useful for Indians pursuing postgraduate programmes in engineering, computer science, finance, data science, business, and specialised fields.
Popular Master's Specialisations
MBA in France for Indian Students
Before choosing an MBA, compare:
France Intakes & Planning Timeline
September Intake
The main admissions session at French universities and most institutions.
January Intake
A supplementary session for certain courses and private universities.
Other Intakes
Additional sessions may be obtainable from private organisations and universities.
When Should Indian Students Start Preparing?
Research & Planning
Research & choose institutions and programmes. Review eligibility. Evaluate programme cost and scholarships. Estimate spending and study financing.
Documents & Applications
Gather study papers. Submit language certification tests (GMAT/GRE/DELF/DALF). Prepare SOP/LORs. Submit applications.
Confirm & Finance
Accept offer. Submit remaining payment. Register for Études en France if required. Arrange finances and prepare visa paperwork.
Visa & Travel
Complete visa process. Arrange housing. Get health/medical insurance. Prepare for travel and finalise financial arrangements.
Cost of Studying in France
Education at public higher education institutions is typically affordable owing to French state funding, though fees vary by institution, programme, and student status.
Indicative Tuition (2026–27)
Financial Proof for Student Visa 2026
New Minimum (from Aug 2026)
€877.50/month
Previous
€615/month
This is the minimum required financial resource. You need to separately plan for tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, visa expenses, and personal costs.
Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
Living costs vary by city. Paris accommodation costs much more than other cities.
Paris
Very HighHighest accommodation costs; major business, luxury, fashion, tech & engineering hub
Lyon
Moderate-HighMajor business and student city with lower costs than Paris
Toulouse
ModerateAerospace, engineering & technology-focused city
Lille
ModeratePopular for engineering, business and international students
Bordeaux
ModerateLively student and business destination; tourism & hospitality
Grenoble
ModerateEngineering, technology and research centre
Scholarships in France
A broad array of scholarships for Indian students from French governmental bodies, public universities, prestigious business schools, regional governments, research institutions, and international bodies like Erasmus+.
Government & Prestigious Awards
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- French Government Fellowships
- Regional government scholarships
- Research institution funding
University & Institution Awards
- Merit scholarships
- Tuition-fee reductions
- Research scholarships
- Department-specific awards
- Campus Bourses database listings
Important
Eligibility varies from year to year. Never assume you'll receive a scholarship — review scholarships you may be eligible for. Campus France's Campus Bourses database is accessible to search based on country, programme area, and degree level.
Education Loan for France
DreamDestination helps identify financing solutions based on university, programme, cost, academic profile, co-applicant profile, income, and credit history. We are not a lender and take no commission from any of them: the amount, the rate, the collateral requirement and the approval are all the lender's decision. We help you size the real funding gap, compare routes against your profile, and time the sanction letter to your visa appointment.
Services:
Highlights:
What is Études en France?
Études en France (EEF) is an online procedure for students from abroad who can opt for programmes within France. Campus France confirms the EEF procedure enables students to apply through the institution up to the visa stage.
General Process Flow
Selection of programme → Application to EEF → Application submitted by institution → Approval → University decision → Visa process
Before Applying, Ensure:
What is Campus France?
The French national agency promoting French higher education, supporting students wanting to study abroad and French institutions targeting international students. Campus France India facilitates admissions, scholarships, Études en France, student life guidance, and visa information.
DreamDestination works as a guiding platform, not as a representative for Campus France or French immigration authorities.
How to Apply to Study in France
Step 1 — Profile Assessment
Review academics, career goals, course preference, and budget.
Step 2 — Course Selection
Shortlist courses aligned with your career aspirations.
Step 3 — Institution Shortlisting
Evaluate based on programme, tuition, recognition, entry criteria, location, and career prospects.
Step 4 — Document Preparation
Organise academic results, passport, CV, SOP, LORs, and language test scores.
Step 5 — Application Submission
Apply through the recommended university or applicable gateway.
Step 6 — Études en France Application
Complete the mandatory application form if required for your programme.
Step 7 — Admission Confirmation
Accept the admission offer from the institution.
Step 8 — Financial Planning
Arrange and fund tuition, education loans, and related expenses.
Step 9 — Visa Application
Initiate and finalise the France student visa process (VLS-TS).
Step 10 — Pre-Departure
Prepare accommodation, medical insurance, travel arrangements, and finances.
France Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Students aiming for long-term courses usually require the VLS-TS étudiant visa. Campus France mentions this allows admission and habitation in France for four months to one year.
General Process Flow
Admission → Études en France → Visa Application → Visa Process → Travel → VLS-TS Validation
Visa Documents
Working While Studying in France
Indian students can work during study abroad in France under applicable permissions.
The VLS-TS student visa permits students to work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week).
Important: Students should undertake jobs to meet financial gaps only, not plan to fully cover tuition and study fees through employment. Adhere strictly to all regulations concerning work and visa conditions.
Internships in France for International Students
Internships can provide real-world work experience and build practical skills.
Post-Study Options in France
Options upon completion of studies depend on qualifications, duration and level of studies. All immigration-related post-study options require fulfilling conditions based on French immigration laws, career goals, employer needs, and visa status.
Do not assume all students automatically get a 2-year visa to work in France. Post-study routes are specific and dependent on circumstances.
Do You Need to Learn French Before Studying?
Not necessarily if your programme is taught in English. However, learning French helps with everyday life, career, networking, job searching, and communication.
Find English-Taught Programmes in FrancePopular French Cities for Indian Students
Paris
Business, luxury, fashion, technology, engineering, and cultural capital. Largest selection of institutions.
Lyon
Major business and student city with strong technology and innovation ecosystem.
Toulouse
Best known for aerospace and engineering. Strong STEM focus.
Lille
Popular for engineering, business studies, and international students.
Bordeaux
Tourism, hospitality, business, and wine industry. Attractive student destination.
Grenoble
Technology, engineering and research centre surrounded by the Alps.
Nantes
Good prospects in engineering and technology with welcoming international student environment.
Why Choose DreamDestination?
Profile-Based Assessment
We assess your strengths and academic profile for career prospects.
Course & Institution Guidance
Compare universities, Grandes Écoles, engineering and business schools on tuition, programme, and type.
Documentation & Application Support
We support the documentation process and application strategies.
Études en France & Visa Guidance
We explain every step of the Études en France procedure and visa process.
Education Loan Assistance
Explore available education finance options and loan facilities.
Scholarship Guidance
Individual assessments on scholarship opportunities in France.
Post-Study Guidance
Students discover opportunities through post-study options guidance.
Online Support Across India
Service spread across India with no geographical boundaries.
Check My France Study Options
Frequently Asked Questions
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