Study in France for Indian Students

Why Study in France?

• Regulated fees at public universities: Non-EU students at public institutions pay nationally set fees — €3,950 a year for a Master's in 2026–27 — far below most English-speaking destinations.
• Grandes écoles and business schools: France is known for its grandes écoles, engineering schools and business schools, many offering Master's and MSc programmes taught fully in English.
• Post-study stay for Indian graduates: Indian Master's graduates of French institutions can stay for up to 24 months (12 months, renewable once) to look for work or start a business.
• Five-year Schengen visa for alumni: Indian alumni with a Master's who studied at least one semester in France can apply for a multiple-entry short-stay visa valid for up to five years.
• Industry strengths: France has major employers in aerospace, luxury and fashion, energy, pharmaceuticals, banking and technology, with Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Grenoble as key hubs.

Masters in France for Indian Students

A Master's in France (Master / Diplôme national de master) usually takes two years (M1 and M2, 120 ECTS credits), and some programmes admit strong candidates directly into the second year. Grandes écoles and business schools also offer the Master in Management and one- to two-year MSc programmes.

Indian students apply through the Campus France "Études en France" platform for participating institutions, then attend a Campus France interview before the visa application. Some private schools and programmes accept direct applications, but the Campus France step is still required for the student visa.

English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, while French-taught programmes need French proficiency such as DELF/DALF or TCF. Business schools may ask for the GMAT or GRE, and learning some French helps greatly with internships and daily life.

• Typical duration: 2 years (120 ECTS); some MSc programmes 12–18 months
• Main intake: September; limited January starts
• English tests: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT for English-taught programmes
• Application route: Campus France "Études en France" procedure
• Student visa: Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)
• Work after study: Up to 24 months for Indian Master's graduates

Popular Master's programmes in France

• Master in Management (MiM)
• MSc Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Computer Science
• MSc Finance
• MSc Luxury Brand Management
• MSc Aerospace Engineering
• Master's in Electrical / Energy Engineering
• MSc International Business / Marketing
• Master's in Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Master's in Physics, Chemistry & Life Sciences

Best Universities in France for International Students

France has public universities, grandes écoles (engineering and business schools) and specialised institutes. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each programme page for fees, language and admission rules.

Grandes écoles and business schools set their own (much higher) fees; the regulated national fee applies only at public institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education.

• Sorbonne University (Paris): Sciences, engineering, humanities
• Université Paris-Saclay (Paris region): Physics, mathematics, computer science, life sciences
• Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) (Paris): Sciences, economics, research (includes ENS and Dauphine)
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Palaiseau, Paris region): Engineering, data science, applied mathematics
• Université Paris Cité (Paris): Medicine, life sciences, humanities
• Université Grenoble Alpes (Grenoble): Engineering, physics, computer science
• HEC Paris (Jouy-en-Josas, Paris region): Master in Management, MSc programmes, MBA
• ESSEC Business School (Cergy, Paris region): Management, finance, luxury management
• ESCP Business School (Paris): Management and specialised MSc programmes
• Sciences Po (Paris): Public policy, international affairs, economics

Popular Courses to Study in France

• Management & Business: Master in Management and specialised MSc programmes at business schools, many taught in English.
• Data Science, AI & Computer Science: Growing numbers of English-taught Master's programmes at universities and engineering schools.
• Engineering & Aerospace: Aerospace, energy, electrical and mechanical engineering, with strong industry links in Toulouse, Grenoble and Paris.
• Luxury, Fashion & Hospitality: Programmes in luxury brand management, fashion business and hospitality management.
• Finance & Economics: Master's programmes in finance, economics and quantitative methods.
• Sciences & Research: Research-oriented Master's in physics, chemistry, mathematics and life sciences at public universities.

Cost of Studying in France

The cost of studying in France depends mainly on the type of institution. Figures below are approximate; public-university fees are set nationally, while grandes écoles and private schools set their own.

Many students in Paris spend well above the visa minimum. Government housing aid (CAF) can reduce rent for eligible students.

Tuition fees in France

• Public institutions — Master's (non-EU, 2026–27): €3,950 per year (some students may be exempted)
• Business schools & private institutions: approx. €15,000 – 40,000+ per year
• Student life contribution (CVEC): approx. €105 per year

Living expenses in France

• Minimum resources for the visa: €877.50 per month (from 1 Aug 2026)
• Accommodation: approx. €400 – 900 per month (highest in Paris)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 500 per month
• Health insurance: register with French social security (free for students); top-up cover optional

Eligibility to Study in France

French institutions set their own entry requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in France usually need:

• Academic qualification: A relevant three- or four-year bachelor's degree (a four-year degree can help for direct entry to the second year).
• Grades: Institutions assess your marks, subjects and overall profile; competitive schools expect strong academic records.
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic (often 6.5) or TOEFL iBT for English-taught programmes.
• French language: DELF/DALF or TCF for French-taught programmes; useful for everyday life in any case.
• GMAT / GRE: Required or recommended by some business schools and selective programmes.
• Statement of purpose and CV: A motivation letter explaining your academic and career plans.
• Campus France interview: Part of the Études en France procedure for Indian applicants.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Degree certificate and transcripts
• IELTS / TOEFL (or French language certificate)
• Statement of purpose and CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Admission letter and Campus France acknowledgement
• Proof of resources (€877.50 per month) and accommodation for the visa

Intakes in France

France has one main intake for Master's programmes:

Allow time for the Campus France procedure, interview and visa appointment, which together can take several weeks.

• September intake: classes start September / October; apply Many deadlines fall between January and April; business schools often run several rounds from autumn of the previous year
• January intake: classes start January / February; apply Limited programmes, mostly at business schools

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

Indian students can combine French government awards with school scholarships for a Master's in France:

• France Excellence Charpak Master's Scholarship: For Indian citizens and OCI holders aged 30 or under: €860 per month, visa and Campus France fee exemption, health insurance and housing support.
• France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship: A French government award for Master's and PhD students; applications are submitted by the French institution, not by students directly.
• Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po): Tuition-fee reductions for high-achieving non-EU students admitted to Sciences Po.
• School and university scholarships: Many grandes écoles and business schools offer merit-based tuition reductions to international students.

How to Apply to Universities in France

• 1. Choose your course: Decide between a university Master's, a grande école programme or an MSc at a business school.
• 2. Shortlist institutions: Compare fees, teaching language, location and industry links.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm academic, English or French, and any GMAT/GRE requirements.
• 4. Take language tests: Book IELTS/TOEFL, or DELF/DALF/TCF for French-taught programmes.
• 5. Prepare documents: Statement of purpose, CV, transcripts and recommendation letters.
• 6. Apply through Études en France: Create your Campus France account, submit applications and pay the procedure fee.
• 7. Attend the Campus France interview: Discuss your study plan and choices with Campus France India.
• 8. Accept your admission: Confirm your place and pay any deposit or fees required by the institution.
• 9. Apply for the VLS-TS visa: Apply on France-Visas and attend your visa appointment with proof of resources and accommodation.
• 10. Travel and validate your visa: Validate your VLS-TS online within three months of arrival and register with social security.

France Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need a long-stay student visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS "étudiant") for Master's study in France. You first complete the Campus France "Études en France" procedure and interview, then apply on France-Visas and attend your appointment at the visa application centre.

From 1 August 2026 you must show resources of at least €877.50 per month (previously €615). This amount is now linked to the French minimum wage and can change each year. Proof can include bank statements, an education loan, a scholarship letter or a sponsor's guarantee.

After arriving, you validate your VLS-TS online within three months. It acts as your residence permit for the first year; you then renew it at the prefecture if your course continues.

French resource requirements and fee rules changed in 2026. Check france-visas.gouv.fr and inde.campusfrance.org before you apply.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport
• Admission letter from a French institution
• Campus France (Études en France) acknowledgement
• Proof of resources (at least €877.50 per month)
• Proof of accommodation for the first months
• Academic certificates and language test results
• Completed France-Visas application and photos

Working while studying in France

With a validated VLS-TS or student residence permit, you can work up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full-time), without a separate work permit.

Working after your studies

Indian Master's graduates of French institutions can obtain a 12-month residence permit, renewable once (24 months in total), to look for work or start a business. Indian alumni with a Master's who studied at least one semester in France can also apply for a five-year multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visa.

Living in France as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: CROUS residences are the cheapest but limited; many students rent studios or shared flats, and CAF housing aid can reduce rent.
• Food: University restaurants offer low-cost meals, and Indian groceries are available in Paris and other large cities.
• Transport: Cities have discounted student transport passes, and high-speed trains connect major cities.
• Language: English is enough for English-taught programmes, but basic French makes housing, jobs and daily life much easier.
• Student support: Campus France, international offices and student associations help with arrival, housing and administration.

France vs Germany for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering business, engineering, design and research-led programmes in France alongside engineering, applied sciences and public-university fee exceptions in Germany. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For France, start with business, engineering, design and research-led programmes; for Germany, compare engineering, applied sciences and public-university fee exceptions. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public institutions — Master's (non-EU, 2026–27): €3,950 per year (some students may be exempted); Business schools & private institutions: approx. €15,000 – 40,000+ per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €400 – 900 per month (highest in Paris); Food, transport and personal: approx. €300 – 500 per month; Health insurance: register with French social security (free for students); top-up cover optional

Typical Master's duration: 2 years (120 ECTS); some MSc programmes 12–18 months

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT for English-taught programmes English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): France Excellence Charpak Master's Scholarship; France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant three- or four-year bachelor's degree (a four-year degree can help for direct entry to the second year).; Grades: Institutions assess your marks, subjects and overall profile; competitive schools expect strong academic records.

Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September / October; apply Many deadlines fall between January and April; business schools often run several rounds from autumn of the previous year; January intake: starts January / February; apply Limited programmes, mostly at business schools

Student visa: France Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Admission letter from a French institution

Post-study graduate route: Indian Master's graduates of French institutions can obtain a 12-month residence permit, renewable once (24 months in total), to look for work or start a business. Indian alumni with a Master's who studied at least one semester in France can also apply for a five-year multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visa.

Germany — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public university — most programmes: no tuition; semester contribution approx. €150 – 400 per semester; Baden-Württemberg public universities (non-EU): €1,500 per semester plus semester contribution

Germany — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 750 per month (higher in Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg); Health insurance (students): approx. €120 – 140 per month for public insurance; Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; semester ticket often included in the contribution

Germany — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS)

Germany — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL for English-taught programmes English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Germany — Funding routes (not guaranteed): DAAD scholarships; Deutschlandstipendium Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Germany — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content closely matches the Master's programme (module and credit match matters).; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grade; many convert Indian marks using the modified Bavarian formula.

Germany — Intakes and planning: Winter semester: starts October; apply Many deadlines fall between January and 15 July (earlier at some universities); Summer semester: starts April; apply Many deadlines fall around 15 January

Germany — Student visa: Germany Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; University admission letter

Germany — Post-study graduate route: After graduating, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job related to your qualification.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in France

Is France good for Indian students?

Yes. France offers regulated fees at public universities, well-known grandes écoles and business schools, many English-taught Master's programmes and up to 24 months of post-study stay for Indian Master's graduates.

How much does it cost to study in France?

Public institutions charge non-EU Master's students €3,950 a year (2026–27), while business schools charge roughly €15,000–40,000+ a year. For the visa you must show at least €877.50 per month for living costs.

What are the fees for a Master's in France?

At public institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education, the non-EU Master's fee is €3,950 per year for 2026–27. Grandes écoles and private schools set their own fees, which are much higher.

Is IELTS required to study in France?

For English-taught programmes, most institutions ask for IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT. French-taught programmes require French proficiency such as DELF/DALF or TCF instead.

What is the Campus France procedure?

Indian students apply through the Études en France platform, submit their documents, pay the procedure fee and attend a Campus France interview before applying for the student visa.

What are the intakes in France?

The main intake is September. Some programmes, mostly at business schools, also start in January or February.

How much proof of funds is needed for a France student visa?

From 1 August 2026, you must show resources of at least €877.50 per month, up from €615. The amount is linked to the French minimum wage and may change.

Can I work while studying in France?

Yes. With a validated student visa or residence permit, you can work up to 964 hours a year.

Can I stay in France after my Master's?

Yes. Indian Master's graduates can get a 12-month permit, renewable once for a total of 24 months, to look for work or start a business in France.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in France?

Yes, including the Charpak Master's Scholarship for Indian students, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (nominated by French institutions) and school-specific scholarships.