Study in France: Student Visa Costs, Study Visa Requirements, Study Abroad Info & Top Universities

Study in France

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Why Study in France?

  • 35 QS Ranking Universities
  • 5 Years of Post-Study Work Permit
  • 8000 Indian students got French student Visa
  • Tuition Fees  5,000 – 30,000 EUR/academic year
  • Scholarships Worth € 15000- € 25000 per year
  • Get a Visa in 4 to 6 Weeks

Why Apply for a France Student Visa?

France is one of the popular destinations for higher education universities. The country has 3,500 plus higher education institutes in various disciplines. International students can pursue their degrees in Engineering, Tourism and Social Work, Business Management, Culinary Arts, and Hotel Management with a France Student Visa.

France Student Visa Types

3 Types of Visas are available in France for aspiring students seeking to enroll in bachelor's degree, master's degree, and various other courses.

Short-Stay Visa: Issued for courses less than 90 days duration.

Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): For a course/training period of up to 3 to 6 months. 

Long Stay Visa (Student Visa): For courses over six months. The extended stay visa is equivalent to the residence permit. This Visa is allotted for courses like bachelor's degrees, master's, PhD, and work in France. This Visa is further extendable based on the requirement. 
 

Need assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.
 

Why Study in France?

The higher education system in France offers excellent programs across all disciplines and study levels. It has 3,500 plus higher education institutions with a diverse range of subjects. With a France study visa, you can study in colleges teaching Engineering, Business Management, Tourism and Social Work, Culinary Arts, and Hotel Management.

  • Universities in France provide quality higher education tailored to the needs of the students and offer exceptional R&D opportunities.
  • France has an ambiance favorable for young Entrepreneurs and innovation.
  • Outstanding career prospects with options for Post Study Visa.
  • The Top 20 Universities in France are ranked and recognized by QS in the global top 500 list.
  • The Government of France subsidizes a vast share of the actual tuition costs, and thus, Tuition fees are low at Public Universities.
  • An analogous Grandes Ecoles system that is on par with a Masters degree.

Top Universities in France

University

QS Ranking 2024

Psl Universite Paris

24

Institut Polytechnique De Paris

38

Sorbonne University

59

Université Paris-Saclay

71

Ecole Normale Superieure De Lyon

184

Ecole Des Ponts Paristech

192

Université Paris Cité

236

Université Grenoble Alpes

294

Sciences Po Paris

319

Pantheon-Sorbonne University

328

Université De Montpellier

382

Aix-Marseille University

387

National Institute Of Applied Sciences In Lyon

392

Université De Strasbourg

421

Claude Bernard University Lyon 1

452

University Of Bordeaux

465

Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III

511

Université De Lille

631

Université De Rennes 1

711

Universite De Lorraine

721

Nantes University

771

Cy Cergy Paris University

851

Universite Paris-Pantheon-Assas

851

Université Toulouse 1 Capitole

951

Paul Valéry University Montpellier

1001

Université De Caen Normandie

1001

Université De Poitiers

1001

Université Lumière Lyon 2

1001

Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès

1001

Jean Moulin University – Lyon 3

1201

Paris Nanterre University

1201

Université De Franche-Comté

1201

Université De Limoges

1201

Université Paris 13 Nord

1401

Source: QS Ranking 2024

For Admission Assistance in French universities, talk to Y-Axis!

Public Universities in France

French universities provide world-class education and exceptional research opportunities tailored to the needs of students. The universities offer innovative and skillful education, which helps to support career growth. The country holds 20 plus QS-ranked universities in the top 500 global ranked universities. International students can benefit from affordable education and modern infrastructure facilities.  Public universities in France offer quality education at a much affordable price. In addition, public universities also offer scholarships and fee discounts for international students.

  • University of Toulon
  • Paris-Saclay University
  • Paris 8 University
  • Rennes 2 University
  • University of Orleans
  • University of Le Havre
  • Paris-East Marne-la-Vallée University
  • Paris Descartes University
  • University of Bordeaux
  • University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour
  • University of Littoral Côte d’Opale
  • University of Toulouse 3 — Paul Sabatier
  • New Sorbonne University — Paris 3
  • University of Picardy Jules-Verne
  • University of Haute-Alsace
  • University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
  • Sorbonne University
  • University of Limoges
  • University of Le Mans
  • University of Rouen
  • Savoy Mont Blanc University
  • Hauts-de-France Polytechnic University
  • Paris 2 Pantheon Assas University
  • Paris Nanterre University
  • Paris 13 University
  • University of Burgundy
  • University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne
  • University of La Rochelle
  • University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
  • University of Rennes 1
  • University of Western Brittany
  • Paris-East Creteil University
  • Aix-Marseille University
  • University Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3
  • University of Nantes
  • Clermont Auvergne University
  • University of the West Indies
  • University of Guyana
  • University of Franche-Comte
  • Toulouse 1 Capitole University
  • University of Poitiers
  • University of Nimes
  • University of Strasbourg
  • University of Artois
  • Montpellier University
  • Claude Bernard University Lyon 1
  • Avignon University
  • Jean Monnet University
  • South Brittany University
  • University of Angers
  • University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli
  • University of Cergy-Pontoise
  • University of Perpignan
  • University of Toulouse — Jean Jaures
  • University of the French Riviera
  • University of Grenoble Alpes
  • University of Tours
  • Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University
  • University of Caen Normandy
  • Western Catholic University
  • Lumière Lyon 2 University
  • University of Evry
  • Bordeaux Montaigne University
  • University of Paris
  • Catholic University of Lille
  • Catholic Institute of Paris
  • Catholic University of Lyon
  • Technological University of Belfort Montbéliard
  • National University Institute Champollion
  • University of Lille 1 Sciences technologies
  • Pierre and Marie Curie University
  • University of Lille 3 Charles-de-Gaulle
  • University of Lorraine
  • University of Technology of Compiègne
  • Lille 2 University of Law and Health

Universities and Programs

Universities Programs
Aix Marseille University Bachelors
Audencia Business School Masters, MBA
CentraleSupélec Engineering School B.Tech
Ecole Polytechnique B.Tech
EDHEC Business School Masters, MBA
EMLYON Business School Masters, MBA
EPITA Graduate School Masters
ESSEC Business School MBA
Grenoble Graduate School of Business MBA
Grenoble INP B.Tech
HEC Paris MBA
IAE Aix Marseille Graduate School MBA
IÉSEG Masters, MBA
INSA Lyon B.Tech
MBA in INSEAD MBA
Montpellier Business School Masters
Nantes University Masters
Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne University Bachelors
Paris College of Art Bachelors
Paris Saclay University Bachelors
Paris School of Business Bachelors
ParisTech B.Tech
Polytechnique Institute of Paris Bachelors
PSL University B.Tech
Sciences Po University Bachelors
SKEMA Business School Masters
Sorbonne Business School Masters
Sorbonne University B.Tech, MBA
Telecom Paris B.Tech
Toulouse Business School Masters
Université Paris Cité Bachelors
Université PSL Bachelors
University of Grenoble Alpes BachelorsB.Tech
University of Paris Saclay B.Tech

France Intakes

There are 2 student’ intakes in France, spring and autumn.

Intakes

Study Program

Admission deadlines

Autumn

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

September and January

Spring

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

 January to September

Intakes for Graduate and Masters Courses in France

Higher Study Options

Duration

Intake Months

Deadline to Apply

Bachelors

3 Years

Sep (Major) & Jan (Minor)

6-8 months before the intake month

Masters (MS/MBA)

2 Years

France University Fee

Attending a public university in France costs less than a private university. Public universities charge between 250 and 1200 EUR/year, depending on the course and level of study.

While French private universities charge:

Bachelor’s Degree: 7,000 – 40,000 EUR/academic year
Master’s Degree: 1,500 – 35,000 EUR/academic year


The cost of Study in France includes university fees, traveling expenses, visa charges, accommodation charges, living expenses, etc. The following table shows the average cost of education in France. 

Higher Study Options

 

Average Tuition Fee per Year

Visa Fee

Living Expenses for 1 Year/Proof of funds for 1 year

Is opening a bank account in the country required to show proof of funds?

 

 

Bachelors

3500 Euros and above

50 Euros

7,500 Euros

NA

Masters (MS/MBA)

France Student Visa Eligibility

  • The age limit for applicants is at least 18 years old.
  • If the course duration is less than three months, avail of a short-stay visa.
  • A temporary long-stay visa is awarded for students to pursue any course over three or six months.
  • No further paperwork is needed on arrival to France.
  • A long-stay visa equal to a residency permit is awarded to students whose training lasts longer than six months.

France Student Visa Requirements

  • Applicants must be above 18 years
  • Visa fee payment receipt
  • Letter of Acceptance from France University
  • Evidence of financial status to maintain expenses in France while studying
  • Air ticketing details
  • Medical insurance costs up to €900 per year
  • Proof of accommodation during your study in France
  • If your medium opted is French, you need a proficiency certificate for the French language
  • Proof of civil status, if required
Educational Requirements to Study in France

 

Higher Study Options

Minimum Educational Requirement

Minimum Required Percentage

IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score

Backlogs Information

Other Standardized Tests

Bachelors

12 Years of Education (10+2) /10+3 years diploma

60%

 

Overall, 5.5 in each band

Up to 10 backlogs (some private hospital universities may accept more)

NA

Masters (MS/MBA)

3/4 Years of Graduate Degree

60%

Overall, 6.5 with no band less than 6

 

Benefits of Studying in France

French universities offer the highest-quality education. Prestigious organizations accredit many. The cost of education is also affordable compared to other countries. Students can gain optimum knowledge with the most advanced education system.

  • French universities are specialized in offering high-standard education, which helps to explore various research and development opportunities.
  • The country welcomes young entrepreneurs and innovations.
  • Enormous scope for career growth after study.
  • Top 20 QS-ranked universities in the 500 global top universities list.
  • Less tuition fees and more subsidies give a minimal cost of study in France.
  • An analogous Grandes Ecoles system that is on par with a Master’s degree

How to apply for a France Student Visa?

Step 1: Check your eligibility to apply for the France Visa.
Step 2: Get ready with all the required documents.
Step 3: Apply for a visa in France online.
Step 4: Wait for the approval status.
Step 5:  Fly to France for your education.

France Student Visa Cost

France's long-term visa fee ranges from € 100 to € 250 to pursue bachelor's degree and master's degree courses. The visa charges are subject to change as per the government rules. The visa application fee stays the same, though you have applied for dual courses.
 

France Student Visa Processing Time

It takes approximately 2 to 10 weeks to process a French student visa. The processing time may differ based on the visa type, course, and country. After applying for the visa, you can track its status.
 

Scholarship to Study in France

Name of the Scholarship

Amount (Per Year)

Walter Jensen Scholarship

$2,000 - $4,000

ISA Diversity Scholarship for American Students

$1,000 - $2,000

Campus France Scholarship

$1,000 - $4,500

Fulbright Scholarship

$1,000 - $2,500

Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

$1,000 - $2,316

Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship

$4,000 - $6,210

The Chateaubriand Fellowship

$1,230 - $2,000

Alexandre Yersin Scholarships

$8,000 - $10,808

Working during studies

International students on a student visa in France are allowed to work for a total of 964 hours per year or 60% of the regular working hours in France. Part-time work would not be enough to cover all of the expenses, but it might be used as a supplement.
 

Work authorization for students

The law allows international students on a student visa to work 964 hours per year, or 60% of the regular working hours in France. Part-time employment would not be enough to cover all costs, but it can be considered a supplementary income.

Options for post-study visas

Bachelor degree holders can only stay in France after completing their studies if they have a work visa; students studying for Master's degrees in France can apply for and receive a temporary residency permit – APS (Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour) for 24 months.

If you have a master’s, PhD, or post-graduate degree from a French university, you can acquire a two-year Schengen visa extension.

If a student can find work that pays more than 1.5 times the minimum salary, he or she is qualified to apply for a Work Permit, which is the first step toward obtaining a European Union Blue Card (Permanent Residence).
 

Working in France during your studies

The law authorizes foreign students on a France study visa to work 964 hours during the year, corresponding to 60% of normal working hours in France (except for Algerian nationals whose working time is limited to 50% of normal working hours in France). Part-time work will not be sufficient to cover all your expenses and should be considered a secondary income source.

After you graduate
  • Upon completing their studies in France, Bachelor's degree holders can stay in France only if they have a work permit; the students pursuing Masters from France can apply and get a temporary residence permit – APS (Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour) for 24 months.
  • Students can get 2 years extended Schengen visa if they hold a master's, PhD or post-graduate degree from one of the universities in France.
  • If a student can find employment that is more than 1.5 times the minimum wage guarantee, s/he is eligible to apply for a Work Permit, which is the primary requirement to get a European Union Blue Card (Permanent Residence).

Higher Study Options

 

Part-time work duration allowed

Post-study work permit

Can departments work full-time?

Is schooling free for department children

PR option available for post-study and work

Bachelors

20 Hours per week

6 months - 24 months, depending upon the university or employment contract

No

Yes(the education system supports students who speak other foreign languages)

No

Masters (MS/MBA)

20 Hours per week

Y-Axis –Best Study Visa Consultants

Y-Axis can assist by giving more vital support to aspirants who wish to study in France. The support process includes:

  • Free Counseling: Free Counseling on university and course selection.
  • Campus Ready Program: Fly to France with the best and ideal course. 
  • Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
  • Coaching: Y-Axis offers IELTS live classes to help students clear with high scores.  
  • France Student Visa: Our expert team helps you to get a France student Visa.
Top courses

MBA

MASTERS

B.TECH

BACHELORS

Other Services

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

OVERSEAS EDUCATION LOAN

COUNTRY SPECIFIC ADMISSION

COURSE RECOMMENDATION

DOCUMENT PROCUREMENT

 

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