Study in France: Top Universities, Courses & Application Process
France is one of the leading choices among Indian students for pursuing higher education. Approximately 10,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in various programs across the country. France is already expecting to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, opening up immense opportunities for them to build successful careers.
In this blog, we have discussed why students should study in France, including top universities, courses, admission process, and more.
- Why Study in France?
- Types of Universities in France for International Students
- French Higher Academic System: LMD & Types of Degrees
- Study Intakes in France
- Academic Schedules in French Universities
- Top Universities in France for International Students
- Top 10 Popular Courses in France for International Students
- Eligibility Criteria to Study in France
- Documents Checklist for University Application Process
- Study in France: Application Process for French Universities
- Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Why Study in France?
Some of the top reasons to choose France to pursue higher studies abroad are discussed below.
Vibrant Student Life: International students are able to get to their desired destination in France, which is suitable for their personality and mood. Whether you are looking for bustling urban life or a quiet atmosphere on the Mediterranean shore, you will get your best fit.
High Quality of Education: France is home to several world-class institutes such as HEC Paris, ESCP, INSEAD, EDHEC, Sorbonne University, University of Paris, etc. They rank constantly high in reputable international rankings such as QS, THE, Financial Times, and Shanghai Ranking.
Affordable Education: Non-EU students, including Indians, are required to pay around EUR 2,800 or INR 2.47 Lakhs per year for bachelor’s programs and EUR 3,800 or 3.35 Lakhs per year for master’s programs.
Student Friendly Initiatives: To attract a growing number of international students to study in France, institutes are now offering approximately 1,500 courses in English and over 500 scholarships and study grants.
Exposure to Other Countries: French universities frequently organise study tours and student exchange programs in countries like the UK, Singapore, and the USA, providing students with valuable practical experience as part of their curriculum.
Types of Universities in France for International Students
To study in France, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the different types of universities and the courses they offer so you can choose the academic path that best fits your needs.Â
There are 3,500 private and public institutes of higher education in France. They are divided into
- Universities
- Grand Ecoles
- School of Arts & Applied Sciences
- National School of Architecture
| Type of Institute | Minimum Eligibility to Enter | Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
| The Universities | Senior-Secondary Education (10+2) | Science Literature Arts Sports Medicine Humanities Languages |
| Grand Ecoles | Senior Secondary Education (10+2) GRE GMAT | Engineering & Technology Business Management Veterinary Sciences Political Science Law |
| School of Arts/Applied Arts | Competitive Exam Interview Portfolio | Arts Media Studies Communication Journalism Fine Arts Fashion Technology |
| National Schools of Architecture | Competitive Exam Interview Portfolio | Architectural Sciences |
French Higher Academic System: LMD & Types of Degrees
- To standardise its academic degrees, France adopted the LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorate), which awards ECTS credits to international students who are recognized worldwide.Â
- It also makes educational mobility easier elsewhere in the world.Â
- The LMD degrees in France can be obtained by completing the required number of semesters.Â
- Each semester, up to 30 ECTS are awarded, which are transferable to other countries.
- The LMD system recognises the academic credentials of Indian students, as their qualifications are compatible with the French higher education system.
| Degree Level | Duration | Equivalent Credits |
|---|---|---|
| License (Bachelor’s) | 3 Years or 6 semesters | 120 ECTS |
| Master’s | 2 Years or 4 semesters | 180 ECTS |
| Doctorate | 3 Years or 6 semesters | 180 ECTS |
Study Intakes in France
- The primary study intake in France is the Fall intake, which begins in September each year.Â
- Its application cycle runs from September to March of the previous year.Â
- The Spring intake is secondary, starting in January or February, with the application cycle concluding between runs from August to November of the previous year.Â
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| Study Intake | Application Cycle | Commencement of Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fall or September | September 2024-March 2025 | September 2025 |
| Spring or January | August 2024-November 2024 | January/February 2025 |
Academic Schedules in French Universities
- The academic year in France begins in September or October every year, depending on the institute and course.
- The duration of odd semesters (fall semesters) is about 12-14 weeks.
- Mid-term exams and 2-week breaks follow classes in odd semesters.
- The duration of even semesters (spring semesters) is about 13-15 weeks, followed by end-year exams and 2 months-long summer holidays.
- During recognised breaks and holidays in France, students can indulge themselves in part-time jobs, internships, and training programs offered by various industries.
Top Universities in France for International Students
Below, we have tabulated the top universities in France for international students in major disciplines and fields of study, along with their QS World University Rankings (by subject) 2024 and average tuition fees.
Natural Sciences
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 (by subject) |
|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | 13 |
| Université PSL | 15 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 18 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 40 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 61 |
Engineering & Technology
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 (by subject) |
|---|---|
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 34 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 35 |
| Université PSL | 55 |
| Sorbonne University | 68 |
| Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology | 122 |
Business Management
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 (by subject) |
|---|---|
| INSEAD | 36 |
| HEC Paris Business School | 45 |
| ESSEC | 123 |
| ESCP | 227 |
| Emlyon Business School | 238 |
Arts & Humanities
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 (by subject) |
|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | 16 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 19 |
| Université PSL | 60 |
| Aix-Marseille University | 235 |
| Sciences Po | 273 |
Top 10 Popular Courses in France for International Students
The following are the 10 most popular courses in France and their average tuition fees.
| Field of Study/Course | Average Tuition Fees (Total) |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | EUR 45,000-70,000 |
| Master’s in Management | EUR 30,000-60,000 |
| Accounting & Finance | EUR 20,000-28,000 |
| Hospitality Management | EUR 20,000-30,000 |
| Luxury Brand Management | EUR 15,000-30,000 |
| Fashion Designing | EUR 18,000-30,000 |
| Computer Science | EUR 22,000-32,000 |
| Data Science | EUR 19,000-27,000 |
| Media Studies | EUR 14,000-23,000 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study in France
- Depending on the university and courses, the eligibility criteria for studying in France might vary.Â
- Below, we have provided the general information on eligibility criteria for taking admission into French institutes of higher learning.
For Bachelor's Degree
Indian students are required to fulfill the following eligibility criteria to be admitted into bachelor’s degree programs at French institutes. Depending on the field of study and university, these criteria may vary.
- Indian students should pass their 10+2 level of study (senior-secondary level) from a government-recognised school (CBSE/ISC/state board) with at least 65%-75%.
- They must have English language proficiency exam test scores (TOEFL iBT/IELTS/PTE, etc.) not older than 2 years.
- If required, they are also required to appear in the university-specific entrance test or complete the foundation course to bridge the academic requirements.
For Master's Degree
Indian students are required to fulfill the following eligibility criteria to be admitted into master’s degree programs at French institutes. Depending on the field of study and university, these criteria may vary.
- Indian students should have completed 3-4 year bachelor’s degree programs from a government-recognised college or university in the relevant discipline or field of study.
- Depending on the course and field of interest, the applicant must have at least an academic grade of 65%-75% or 7.0-8.0 out of 10 scale.
- Indian applicants are also required to have English language proficiency exam test scores (TOEFL iBT/IELTS/PTE, etc.)Â
- If required, candidates must submit a GRE/GMAT scorecard, depending on the course-specific requirements.
Documents Checklist for University Application Process
- Academic Documents, such as
- 10th Marksheet
- 10th Passing Certificate
- 12th Marksheet
- 12th Passing Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Transfer Certificate
- UG Degree Certificate
- UG Marksheets of all years
- UG Passing Certificate
- PG Degree Certificate
- PG Marksheets of all years
- English Language Proficiency Scorecard (if applicable)
- Standardised Test Scorecards such as GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
- 2 Passport Size Photographs
- French Language Proficiency Certificate such as DELF or DALF (if required)
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- 1 CV/Resume
- University Application Fee (EUR 125-180 or INR 11,000-15,900)
- Passport
- Work Experience Certificate or Portfolio (if required)
Study in France: Application Process for French Universities
- Under the Études en France (Study in France) initiative by the French government, the Campus France platform serves as a centralised hub where you can apply to multiple public institutions across the country.Â
- Additionally, it allows you to apply for a student visa and explore various scholarship opportunities.Â
- Let’s learn more about the university application process in France.Â
- It should be noted that to apply for private institutions, you are required to visit their university websites.
Candidature
- Visit the official website of Campus France.
- Log on to Etudes En France.
- Create your account and log in.
- Fill in your personal information, such as academic information, language skills, personal details, etc.
- Upload the required documents.
- Visit the online catalogue of Campus France to select the study program.
- Select the course.
- Submit the application.
Academic Interview
- After the successful submission, Campus France will give you an appointment date for an interview.
- You can attend the interview either online or offline.
- Carry all the required documents (original+1 set of photocopies), along with the Campus France fee payment receipt of INR 18,000/-.
Post Interview
- After a successful interview, you will get responses from multiple universities.
- Review the universities and choose the one that suits you, depending on your interests, budget, and other factors.
- Pay the university application fee (if required) along with some tuition fees as per university guidelines.
- Print out the confirmation receipt.
- You will get a confirmed offer letter or letter of acceptance within a specific time frame.
- After receiving the offer letter, take its printout.
- You can now proceed with the visa application.
Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
The average cost of living in France for Indian students is around EUR 8,000-14,000 or INR 7 Lakhs-12 Lakhs per year, depending on the city and lifestyle preferences of the students.Â
| Type of Expenses | Average Cost/Expenses (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 6,000-11,000 (INR 5 Lakhs-11 Lakhs) |
| Meals | EUR 1,500-2,000 (INR 1.50 Lakhs-1.77 Lakhs) |
| Transportation | EUR 500-800 (INR 44,000-70,000) |
| Entertainment/Amusement | EUR 100-250 (INR 8,800-22,000) |
| Daily Utilities (Internet, Phone, Water, Electricity bills) | EUR 80-100 (INR 7,000-8,000) |
| Total Expenses | EUR 8,180-14,150 (INR 7 Lakhs-12 Lakhs) |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Choosing France as a destination for higher education is one of the best decisions a study abroad applicant can make. In recent years, the popularity of France for pursuing higher studies has grown, especially in the fields of fashion designing, business management, engineering and technology, and creative arts.
By studying in France, you will also get the opportunity to explore its neighbouring countries, such as the UK, Germany, Ireland, etc.
FAQs
Is studying in France costly?
No, pursuing higher studies in France is more affordable than in other leading European countries such as the UK and Ireland. One of the most significant advantages is that the public universities in France charge very minimal tuition fees on an annual basis, which is around EUR 2,000-3,000 or INR 1.70 Lakhs-2.66 Lakhs.
Is it cheaper to study in the UK or France?
The overall cost of studying in the UK ranges from approximately INR 11 lakhs to 30 lakhs per year, while in France, it is around INR 5,000 to 25,000 per year.
Additionally, the annual living expenses in the UK are about INR 14 lakhs to 16 lakhs, compared to INR 7 lakhs to 12 lakhs in France. Thus, studying in France is generally more cost-effective.
Which courses are popular in France?
MBA, MiM, fashion designing, luxury brand management, computer science, data science, hospitality management, accounting and finance, etc., are popular courses in France.
Which intake is best for France?
The Fall intake is the most popular and preferred intake for studying in France, as it aligns with the academic calendar of the country’s universities and higher education institutions.
This intake begins around September each year and offers various courses and scholarships for international students.
Can I go to France after the 12th?
Yes, you can go to France after the 12th to pursue a 2-year diploma or 3-year bachelor’s degree program, depending on your choice of study field, discipline, and course.
