Study in France

Discover your potential and build your future at the French premier universities

France Study Abroad 2025

France stands as a world-renowned destination with over 3,500 institutions of higher education including 72 universities and more than 250 Grandes Écoles, all within one of the world’s leading cultural and economic centers. Discover how France’s emphasis on innovation, rich cultural heritage, and global connectivity create an exceptional study abroad experience.

The French Higher Education System

Public Universities

72 Institutions

France’s public universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a broad range of disciplines, with an emphasis on academic rigor, research excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 3-year Licence programs
• 2-year Master’s programs
• 3-5 year Doctoral programs

Grandes Écoles

250+ Institutions

The Grandes Écoles are elite, highly selective institutions providing specialized training in engineering, business, and public administration, often with strong industry partnerships and mandatory internships.

• Competitive admissions via "Classes Préparatoires"
• Intensive professional preparation
• Strong alumni networks

Degree Programs in English

France offers over 1,600 programs taught entirely or partially in English, particularly at the master’s level, enabling students to pursue high-quality education without French proficiency, though learning French enhances daily life and career prospects.

Bachelor's

300+

programs

Master's

1,100+

programs

PhD

180+

programs

Short Courses

80+

programs

1,600+

English-taught

Programs

International Student Statistics

France ranks as the 3rd most popular study destination globally with over 450,000 international students enrolled in 2024–25. This represents approximately 14% of total students in France and marks a 17% increase since 2020, underscoring France’s growing appeal in global education.

450K+

International Students

Top Source Countries

Morocco
45,16211.2%
China
32,1478%
Algeria
25,6056.3%
Tunisia
20,0285%
India
15,2513.8%

Fields of Study Distribution

Engineering & Technology30%

Business & Management25%

Law, Economics & Social Sciences18%

Arts & Humanities12%

Natural Sciences & Mathematics8%

Health & Life Sciences5%

Other2%

Student Distribution Across France

35%

Île-de-France

157,500 students

15%

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

67,500 students

12%

Occitanie

54,000 students

10%

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

45,000 students

28%

Other Regions

126,000 students

Research & Innovation Excellence

France is a leading research nation, investing over €65 billion annually in R&D (2.24% of GDP). Collaborative networks between universities, public research institutes, and industry drive breakthroughs across key scientific and technological fields.

€65B+

Annual R&D

Investment

National Excellence Initiatives

The «Initiatives of Excellence» (IDEX) program allocates €1 billion annually to top universities and research clusters, supporting interdisciplinary centers at institutions like Paris-Saclay and Sorbonne University.

National Research Institutes

Leading organizations include CNRS (1,100+ research units), Inserm (337 institutes), INRAE (13 centers), and CEA (10 specialized centers), forming a robust innovation ecosystem.

Industry-Academia Partnerships

Companies like Airbus, TotalEnergies, and L’Oréal invest heavily in joint R&D projects, fostering commercialization of research and strengthening France’s position in global innovation.

Key Research Areas

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

Advancing AI algorithms, big data analytics, and autonomous systems

Renewable Energy & Climate Solutions

Innovations in solar, wind, and energy storage to meet climate goals

Biotechnology & Health Sciences

Precision medicine, vaccine development, and genomics research

Aerospace & Materials Science

Lightweight composites, propulsion technologies, and space research

French Higher Education System

Guide to French universities, degree structures, and academic programs for international students

Types of French Institutions

Public Universities

Key Statistics

French Tuition

€170-380

International Tuition

€2,770-3,770

Employment Rate

92%

International Students

370,000+

More Statistics

Number of Institutions

Research Funding

€7.5B+

Average Class Size

25 students

Student:Faculty Ratio

18:1

Key Features

State-funded institutions

Research and teaching missions

Comprehensive academic programs

Strong international partnerships

Accessible to all baccalauréat holders

Socially diverse student bodies

Leading Institutions

Sorbonne University

#1 French University • Est. 1257

65%

Avg. Salary: EUR €56K

Notable: France's largest university; excellence in sciences & humanities

Paris-Saclay University

#2 French University • Est. 2019

68%

Avg. Salary: EUR €58K

Notable: Europe's leading STEM research center

PSL University

#3 French University • Est. 2010

55%

Avg. Salary: EUR €59K

Notable: Elite consortium of historic institutions

Grandes Écoles

Key Statistics

French Tuition

€0-15,000

International Tuition

€0-20,000

Employment Rate

98%

International Students

80,000+

More Statistics

Number of Institutions

250+

Research Funding

€2.8B

Average Class Size

18 students

Student:Faculty Ratio

12:1

Key Features

Highly selective admission

Preparatory classes (CPGE)

Strong industry connections

International excellence

Elite professional networks

High-level specialization

Leading Institutions

École Polytechnique

#1 Grande École • Est. 1794

12%

Avg. Salary: EUR €70K

Notable: France's premier engineering institution

HEC Paris

#2 Grande École • Est. 1881

15%

Avg. Salary: EUR €85K

Notable: Leading business school in Europe

Sciences Po Paris

#3 Grande École • Est. 1872

18%

Avg. Salary: EUR €62K

Notable: Elite political science and international relations

French Degree Structure

Undergraduate Education

French undergraduate degrees follow the European LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) system, aligned with the Bologna Process

Licence (Bachelor's)

3 years

Structure

Core courses (60%)
Specialization modules (30%)
Electives and projects (10%)

Popular Programs

Licence en Droit (Law)Licence en Sciences (Science)Licence en Économie (Economics)Licence en Langues (Languages)

Key Information

Focus:Foundational academic knowledge and methodology

Credits:180 ECTS

Bachelor Universitaire Technologie

3 years

Structure

Technical courses (60%)
Practical projects (25%)
Internships (15%)

Popular Programs

BUT Informatique (Computer Science)BUT Gestion des Entreprises (Business Management)BUT Génie Civil (Civil Engineering)BUT Techniques de Commercialisation (Marketing)

Key Information

Focus:Technical and professional training with industry experience

Credits:180 ECTS

Postgraduate Education

Advanced programs focusing on specialization, research, or professional preparation

Master's Degrees

2 years

Structure

Advanced courses (50%)
Research seminars (20%)
Internship or thesis (30%)

Popular Programs

Master en ManagementMaster en IngénierieMaster en Relations InternationalesMaster en Sciences Cognitives

Key Information

Focus:Specialized knowledge and research methodology

Credits:120 ECTS

Doctorat (PhD)

3-4 years

Structure

Independent research (75%)
Research seminars (15%)
Teaching activities (10%)

Popular Programs

Doctorat en SciencesDoctorat en LettresDoctorat en DroitDoctorat en Médecine

Key Information

Focus:Original research and academic contribution

Credits:N/A

Popular Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Licence en Informatique

Specializations

Intelligence ArtificielleDéveloppement LogicielScience des Données

Outcomes

Proficiency in multiple programming paradigms
Software development methodology
Algorithmic problem-solving skills

Prerequisites

Baccalauréat with strong mathematics focus or international equivalent

Tuition Fees

French/EU: €170-380 annually; International (non-EU): €2,770-3,770 annually

Program Description

Comprehensive program covering algorithms, programming languages, data structures, and software engineering principles with increasing practical applications throughout the three years.

Licence en Droit

Specializations

Droit InternationalDroit des AffairesDroit Public

Outcomes

Legal reasoning and analysis
Understanding of French and EU legal frameworks
Professional legal writing skills

Prerequisites

Baccalauréat with emphasis on humanities/social sciences or international equivalent

Tuition Fees

French/EU: €170-380 annually; International (non-EU): €2,770-3,770 annually

Program Description

Foundation in French and European legal systems, jurisprudence, constitutional law, and civil code with seminars on case analysis and legal writing.

BUT Gestion des Entreprises

Specializations

FinanceMarketingRessources Humaines

Outcomes

Business operations management
Financial analysis and reporting
Project management and team leadership

Prerequisites

Baccalauréat or international equivalent with good academic standing

Tuition Fees

French/EU: €170-380 annually; International (non-EU): €2,770-3,770 annually

Program Description

Practical business training combining theoretical knowledge with extended internships and industry projects focused on operational management and business functions.

Postgraduate Programs

Master en Intelligence Artificielle

Specializations

Apprentissage AutomatiqueVision par OrdinateurTraitement du Langage Naturel

Outcomes

Design and implementation of AI systems
Advanced machine learning techniques
Research methodology in AI

Prerequisites

Licence in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field with strong academic record

Tuition Fees

French/EU: €243-380 annually; International (non-EU): €3,770 annually

Program Description

Advanced program focused on AI theory and applications, combining mathematical foundations with implementation skills and research projects in collaboration with industry partners.

MBA/Master en Management

Specializations

Stratégie InternationaleInnovationFinance Durable

Outcomes

Strategic business leadership
Cross-cultural management expertise
Innovation and entrepreneurship skills

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree, 2-3 years work experience, GMAT/GRE scores, English proficiency

Tuition Fees

€15,000-€45,000 total program cost (varies by institution)

Program Description

Elite program developing leadership capabilities and strategic vision through case studies, international projects, and executive mentoring with strong emphasis on sustainable business practices.

Master en Énergies Renouvelables

Specializations

Énergie SolaireÉnergie ÉolienneSystèmes Intelligents

Outcomes

Renewable energy system design
Energy transition management
Environmental impact assessment

Prerequisites

Licence in Engineering, Physics, Environmental Sciences or related field

Tuition Fees

French/EU: €243-380 annually; International (non-EU): €3,770 annually

Program Description

Interdisciplinary program focusing on sustainable energy technologies, grid integration, energy economics and policy with laboratory work and field projects throughout France.

France Study Cost Calculator

All amounts are in Euro (€)

Program Level

Program Type

City

Include Additional Costs

First Year Cost

0 € - 0 €

Full Course (3 years)

0 € - 0 €

Monthly Living in Paris

0 € - 0 €

Note: These are estimated costs as of April 2025. Public universities in France charge minimal tuition for EU students and higher fees for non-EU students. Grandes Écoles (selective engineering and business schools) typically charge higher tuition. Actual costs may vary by specific institution, program, and personal lifestyle.

France Study Requirements Guide

Undergraduate Programs

Academic Requirements

Baccalauréat (or equivalent secondary-school credential)
International Baccalaureate accepted (minimum 24 points required by some universities)
Preparatory classes (CPGE) or foundation year via Parcoursup / Études en France for non-direct entry

Language Requirements

French-Taught Programs

DELF B2 / DALF C1

English-Taught Programs

IELTS 6.0–7.0

TOEFL iBT

80–100

Application Process

Submit applications via Parcoursup (for EU/EEA) or Études en France (Campus France portal) for non-EU students

Provide certified translations of transcripts, diplomas, and language certificates

Receive admission offer and complete any prerequisite assessments

Key deadlines: Parcoursup January 20–March 29 (first-year); Études en France dossier by February (varies by country)

Postgraduate Programs

Entry Requirements

Master's Degrees

Bachelor's degree (3-4 years) with good academic record (minimum equivalente to French Licence)

Doctoral Programs

Master's degree with strong grades, research proposal, and supervisory agreement

Language Requirements for Postgraduate

French-Taught Programs

DELF B2 / DALF C1

English-Taught Programs

IELTS 6.5–7.0

TOEFL iBT

90–100

Application Strategy

✓

Direct applications via university portals or Études en France

Complete Campus France dossier, then university-specific steps

✓

Scholarships

Eiffel Excellence (deadline October), Erasmus+, other university grants

✓

PhD Supervisors

Contact potential supervisors 3–6 months before application

Professional Programs

Medicine (PASS/LAS)

Highly competitive PASS/LAS exam for first-year selection
Excellent secondary-school results required
Limited international seats at public faculties

Law Programs

Licence en Droit direct entry with strong grades
LL.M requires a first law degree (minimum équivalent to Master 1)
French proficiency C1 required for most programs

MBA Programs

Bachelor's degree plus 2+ years work experience
GMAT 600+ for top business schools
Program length: 12–24 months for French MBAs

France Student Visa Information (Updated 2024)

Requirements

→
Admission letter or pre-approval (Campus France attestation)
→
Proof of funds: €615/month (approx. €7,380/year) in blocked account
→
Enrollment in French social security (health insurance)
→
Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)

Key Information

→
Visa fee: €99 consular charge
→
Apply 2–3 months before program start date
→
Post-study APS: 12-month temporary residence permit
→
Work rights: up to 964 hours/year (60% of full-time)

Important Update (October 2024)

EU Blue Card available after 18 months with salary ≥ €56,800/year. Permanent residency possible after 5 years of continuous residence.

French University Application & Visa Process

A comprehensive guide to university applications and student visa procedures for international students seeking to study in France.

French University Application Process

Undergraduate Studies

1. Research & Preparation

Use the Études en France platform to verify recognition of your secondary qualification via the French ENIC-NARIC center and explore programs by discipline, location, and fees using the Campus France catalogue.

2. Application Submission

Apply via the Études en France platform under the DAP (first-year Bachelor’s, up to 3 choices) or HDAP (second/third-year and Master’s, up to 7 choices) procedures; note deadlines (DAP: Jan 15, 2025; HDAP: Jan 31, 2025).

3. French Language Proficiency

Demonstrate French proficiency with DELF B2/TCF-DAP or DALF C1 for French-taught programs (valid for life); English-taught programs accept IELTS/TOEFL.

4. Motivation Letter & CV

Prepare a concise letter de motivation and one-page CV in French or English, outlining academic achievements, goals, and professional interests.

5. Documentation & Translations

Submit official transcripts, diplomas, and passport copy; provide certified French translations of academic records and recommendations by a sworn translator.

6. Course-Specific Requirements

Check for competitive entrance exams (e.g., Concours for Grandes Écoles, GRE/GMAT for some Master’s), portfolios for art/design, and verify program deadlines on institution websites.

Postgraduate Studies

1. Programme Research

Identify suitable Master’s and doctoral programs via Campus France catalogs and university websites, and review research topics and faculty profiles for potential supervisors.

2. Direct Applications

Submit applications through the Études en France platform (DAP/HDAP) or department portals for programs not on EEF; contact potential supervisors early for research programs.

3. Application Materials

Prepare a research proposal or statement of purpose, CV, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and degree certificates.

4. Language Requirements

Meet French language requirements (DELF B2/TCF-DAP or DALF C1) or English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programs.

5. Funding & Scholarships

Use the Campus Bourses platform to find scholarships from the French government, Erasmus+, Eiffel, regional authorities, foundations, and institutions.

6. Interviews & Enrollment

Attend interviews if required (e.g., Grandes Écoles), accept admission offers, pay any tuition deposit, and enroll once accepted.

French Student Visa Process

1. Acceptance Letter

Obtain your official admission letter or pre-registration certificate from the university via the Études en France platform.

2. Pre-Consular Application

Complete your pre-consular application on the Études en France platform before a visa application.

3. Visa Application

Apply online on France-visas.gouv.fr, upload required documents, pay fees, and book an appointment at your local visa center.

4. Biometrics

Attend your visa appointment to submit fingerprints and a passport photo.

5. Financial Proof

Provide proof of financial resources equivalent to €615/month (e.g., blocked account or sponsor guarantee).

6. Health Insurance

Subscribe to French student social security and complementary private health insurance for your entire stay.

7. Supporting Documents

Include passport, admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation confirmation, insurance certificate, language certificates, and transcripts.

8. Post-Arrival Formalities

Validate your VLS-TS online with OFII within 3 months, register at the university, and apply for any required residence permit at the Prefecture.

Key Timelines & Important Considerations

12+

12+ Months Before

Research programs and entry requirements.

6 Months Before

Prepare documents and submit applications.

3 Months Before

Apply for visa to allow processing time.

1 Month Before

Finalize housing, flights, and health insurance.

Arrival

Complete registration and enrollment.

Critical Deadlines

Jan 15: DAP deadline for first-year Bachelor’s applications.
Jan 31: HDAP deadline for L2/L3 and Master’s applications.
Jan 15 – Mar 13: Parcoursup application window for post-Bac programs.
Feb 25 – Mar 24: Mon Master 2025 application period.
2 Jun – 12 Jul: Main admission phase on Parcoursup.
3 Months Before: Apply for student visa.

State Considerations

Public university fees (2024/25): €175/year (Licence), €250/year (Master), €618/year (Engineering), €391/year (Doctorate).
Differentiated fees for non-EU students (2024/25): €2,850/year (Licence), €3,879/year (Master).
Average living costs: €600–€800/month for food, transport, and accommodation.
Private institution tuition: €6,000–€18,000/year.

Current Policies (2025)

Temporary Resident Permit (APS) valid one year post-graduation to look for work or start a business; work up to 964 hours/year.
Job seeker/new business creator permit (Carte de séjour “recherche d'emploi/ création d'entreprise”) valid 12 months non-renewable.

EU/EEA/Swiss students are exempt from visa but must validate VLS-TS and register locally.
International students may work part-time (up to 964 hours/year) and participate in internships during studies.

Student Life in France

A comprehensive resource packed with essential visa steps, budgets, administrative timelines, and cultural insights to help you thrive at a French university.

1. Pre-Arrival Planning

Visa & Health Insurance

VLS-TS Student Visa: Processing time ~3 weeks; fee ~€50; OFII validation €60; apply ≥3 months before start.
Proof of Funds: €615/month minimum (~€7,380/year) to be demonstrated for visa.
Health Insurance: Free affiliation to French social security (Assurance Maladie) for students, supplemental mutuelle ~€20–40/month.
EHIC: EU/EEA/Swiss students use European Health Insurance Card—no extra insurance required.

Financial & Documentation

Letter of Motivation: 500–600 words outlining study goals and choice of France.
Campus France Procedure: Required in many countries; processing ~3–6 weeks before visa application.
Enrollment Fees: Public university: €184/year (Licence), €256/year (Master); non-EU international: €2,770/year (Licence), €3,770/year (Master).
Campus Life Contribution (CVEC): €103/year mandatory before registration at campuslife.etudiant.gouv.fr.

2. Arrival & Orientation

First Week Checklist

Validate your VLS-TS online with OFII within 3 months of arrival.
Register for a titre de séjour at the local prefecture (appointment via website).
Open a French bank account (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, N26) with passport and visa.
Activate SIM card (Free Mobile: €19.99/20 GB; Orange Holiday: €39.99/30 GB).
Attend university welcome sessions and CROUS orientation.

Orientation Week Breakdown

Day 1: Official welcome & campus tour by international office.
Days 2–3: Administrative sessions (bank, prefecture, health insurance).
Day 4: Student association fair and CROUS services expo.
Day 5: City discovery tour with student ambassadors.
Day 6: Social events: welcome barbecue and language tandems.
Day 7: Cultural outing (museum entry or local festival).

3. Housing & Cost of Living

On-Campus vs Off-Campus

CROUS Dormitory: €200–450/month (subsidized student housing).
Shared Flat (Colocation): €300–600/month depending on city.
Studio Apartment: €500–900/month.
Homestay: €600–800/month (includes meals).

Monthly Budget Estimate

Rent: €350–700
Groceries: €150–250
Transport: €30–75 (local pass); rail card for €50/year.
Utilities & Internet: €50–100
Miscellaneous: €200–300

4. Academic Structure & Support

Degree Framework

Licence (Bachelor): 6 semesters; 180 ECTS.
Master: 4 semesters; 120 ECTS.
Doctorat: 3 years; research thesis.
Assessment: Exams, continuous assessment, internships.

Support Services

University libraries (BU): access Mon–Sat, some 24h/week.
CROUS counselling & social services for housing and finance.
Writing workshops & language tandems via international office.
Peer tutoring & academic mentoring programs.

5. Campus Life & Extracurriculars

Associations & Societies

Over 200 student associations at CROUS (cultural, sports, arts).
Annual association fair during rentrée.
Language tandems and international buddy programs.
Volunteer opportunities with local NGOs and city councils.

Sports & Recreation

CROUS sports: €15–50/semester for 50+ activities (yoga, football).
University gyms & pools: access €3–5/session.
Outdoor trips organized by BDE: €10–30.
Cultural events: discounted museum and theatre tickets (€1–5).

6. Work & Career Development

On-Campus Jobs: Library, lab assistant; up to 964h/year; pay €11.52/hr.

External Work: Students may work 964h/year (~20h/week); minimum wage SMIC €11.52/hr.

Internships & Placements: Mandatory durations vary; minimum allowance €4.35/hr after 2 months.

Career Fairs: CROUS and local business forums annually; 100+ employers.

7. Health, Wellbeing & Safety

Mental Health & Counselling

Services du CROUS: free counselling and social support.
University psychologists: 4–6 sessions free per year.
24/7 Hotline: Suicide Ecoute (01 45 39 40 00).
Peer support groups and stress workshops.

Physical Health & Safety

Campus health services: free consultations covered by social security.
Emergency numbers: SAMU 15, Police Secours 17, Fire Brigade 18.
Wellness app: Fil Santé Jeunes for 12–25 year olds.
Secure campus card: emergency alerts and location-based help.