Affordable public tuition
Public universities charge government-set registration fees (around €178 for a licence, €255 for a master's where the standard national rate applies) that are low compared with many other study destinations.
Study in France
Public universities and Grandes Écoles across a Europe-wide LMD system
France pairs affordable, government-priced public universities with prestigious Grandes Écoles and a growing number of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, especially at postgraduate level.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- Sep / JanMain intakes
- Institution types
- Universities & Grandes ÉcolesInstitution types
- Teaching languages
- French / EnglishTeaching languages
- Application procedure
- Campus France / EEFApplication procedure
Country overview
Studying in France
France has one of Europe's largest higher-education systems, combining public universities with specialised Grandes Écoles for engineering, business, and other fields, plus specialised schools and other recognised providers. Public universities charge low, government-set registration fees, while Grandes Écoles and private schools set their own, higher fees.
Most non-EU/EEA applicants resident in an 'Études en France' (EEF) country must complete the mandatory Campus France procedure alongside the institution's own admission process; other applicants use Parcoursup, Mon Master, or direct institution application depending on the level and route.
Requirements, deadlines, and available English-taught options vary by institution and change over time. This page gives general orientation only — always verify current details directly with the school, Campus France, and official immigration sources.
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Popular cities
- Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, Grenoble
- Main intakes
- September (main), some January entry
- Teaching languages
- Primarily French, growing English options
- Application note
- Campus France / Études en France for most non-EU applicants
Why study here
Reasons students choose France
Grandes Écoles reputation
Specialised engineering and business schools are well regarded internationally, particularly for postgraduate study.
Growing English-taught options
More master's programmes and some bachelor's tracks are now offered fully or partly in English.
Structured immigration pathway
The Campus France procedure and VLS-TS visa give a defined, if multi-step, route from application to enrolment for most non-EU applicants.
Meaningful part-time work rights
Eligible students may work up to roughly 964 hours a year (about 60% of full-time legal working hours) alongside study.
Central European location
France's location makes travel and academic exchange across Europe convenient.
Education system
How the system is structured
French higher education follows the LMD system (Licence–Master–Doctorat), aligned with the wider European Bologna framework and ECTS credits, alongside separate Grandes Écoles pathways with their own selective entry.
Public universities
Award Licence (bachelor's), Master's, and Doctorat degrees under the LMD credit system, with admission decided by the institution.
Grandes Écoles
Selective specialised schools for engineering, business, and other fields, often entered via preparatory classes or direct/parallel admission.
ECTS credits
Uses the ECTS credit system, making it straightforward to compare with other European qualifications.
Recognition is institutional
Institutions decide admission; ENIC-NARIC France can provide comparability information, but a comparability statement is not an admission guarantee.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's (Licence)
The Licence is a three-year, 180-ECTS undergraduate degree offered by public universities, with equivalent programmes also available at some Grandes Écoles and private schools.
Typical duration: 3 years (180 ECTS)
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary school with results equivalent to the French Baccalauréat
- French language proof for French-taught programmes
- English proof for the limited English-taught bachelor's tracks
- Most first-year public university routes are accessed via Parcoursup; check whether your route uses Parcoursup, direct admission, or Études en France.
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes typically run for two years (120 ECTS), split into two stages, and are offered by universities, Grandes Écoles, and business schools, with a growing share taught fully in English. Many national master's programmes are searched and applied to via Mon Master.
Typical duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree (Licence or equivalent) with competitive grades
- Subject background matching the programme
- Language proof matching the teaching language; a CV or statement is often required
PhD & research
Doctorat
Doctoral study follows a relevant master's and research preparation, typically attached to a laboratory and doctoral school within a university or Grande École.
Typical duration: 3 years, often longer in practice
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant master's degree with strong research preparation
- A supervisor and acceptance into a doctoral school
- Language ability sufficient for the research environment
Detailed guidance
Key pathways explained
These sections go deeper on pathways that need extra care. Always confirm the specifics with the university and the relevant authority.
Choosing the right application route
France runs several parallel application systems rather than one central portal. Which one applies to you depends on your nationality, country of residence, and study level — always confirm the correct route before you start.
The main portals
- Parcoursup — used for many first-year bachelor's (Licence) applications.
- Mon Master — used for many national master's programme applications.
- Études en France (EEF) via Campus France — a mandatory procedure for applicants resident in EEF-participating countries, run alongside institution admission, not instead of it.
- Direct institution application — used where none of the above applies, including many Grandes Écoles.
Keep portals and admission separate
Completing the Campus France/EEF procedure is not the same as being admitted to a programme — the institution makes the admission decision separately. Keep the central portal, the university's own portal, and the immigration process as three distinct steps with their own deadlines.
VLS-TS visa, validation, and work rights
This is a general overview of the steps most non-EU/EEA students follow. Requirements, amounts, and procedures change and depend on your nationality — always confirm with France-Visas and the responsible French consulate.
Before you travel
- Secure admission and, where required, complete the Campus France/EEF procedure.
- Justify financial resources of at least around €877.50/month (verify the current figure), subject to official exceptions.
- Arrange accommodation evidence — CROUS allocation, private lease, host attestation, or temporary booking are treated differently.
- Apply for the VLS-TS 'mention étudiant' at the consulate or via the official portal for your country of residence.
After you arrive
- Validate your VLS-TS online within the required post-arrival period — this is a separate legal event from the visa grant.
- Complete enrolment and any local address or health-system steps.
- Later, eligible students move to a temporary or multi-year student residence permit; renewal considers genuine/serious study, resources, and other conditions.
Working during your studies
- Eligible foreign students may work up to roughly 964 hours a year (about 60% of annual legal working time) under student status.
- Do not treat future part-time earnings as guaranteed initial funding for the visa application.
- Eligible graduates can use the 'recherche d'emploi / création d'entreprise' route, generally for 12 months, to seek qualifying work before switching to an appropriate status.
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Licence) | Secondary-school completion equivalent to the Baccalauréat, plus language proof for the teaching language. |
| Master's | A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field with competitive grades; some programmes request a CV, statement, or interview. |
| Doctorat | A relevant master's degree, a supervisor, and a place in a doctoral school. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
Most public university programmes are taught in French, while a growing number of master's programmes and select bachelor's tracks are taught in English. Required tests and minimum scores are set by each institution — there is no single national threshold.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Commonly accepted for English-taught programmes; minimums vary by institution.
TOEFL iBT
Widely accepted alongside IELTS for English-taught tracks.
Duolingo English Test / Cambridge
Accepted by some institutions; availability changes, so verify first.
Local-language programmes
TCF / TEF
Standard French-language tests used to demonstrate proficiency for French-taught programmes.
DELF / DALF
Alternative recognised French-language certifications accepted by many institutions.
- Minimum language scores differ by programme and level — always check the specific requirement.
- Some French-taught programmes offer an initial French-language preparation year for students who do not yet meet the level.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Shortlist programmes
Identify universities or Grandes Écoles that match your background and preferred teaching language.
Register with Campus France if applicable
Applicants resident in an Études en France (EEF) country generally have a mandatory Campus France procedure alongside programme admission; others use Parcoursup, Mon Master, or direct application.
Prepare documents
Gather transcripts, language results, a CV or statement, and references as required, with certified translations where needed.
Apply to institutions
Submit applications through the institution or the relevant national platform, and pay any application fees.
Accept an offer
You may receive unconditional, conditional, or wait-listed admission; note any acceptance deadline and deposit.
Arrange finances and apply for the visa
Once accepted, arrange proof of resources and proceed with the VLS-TS student visa application where required.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check whether you need a visa
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa to study in France. Other international applicants typically need the VLS-TS 'mention étudiant' long-stay visa.
Complete the Campus France / EEF procedure
Non-EU/EEA applicants from an EEF country generally complete the Campus France procedure before applying for the student visa.
Arrange proof of resources
Applicants must generally justify at least around €877.50 per month for the student residence route, subject to official exceptions and case assessment — verify the current figure.
Gather required documents
Typically includes proof of admission, financial resources, accommodation, health insurance, and passport — exact requirements depend on your nationality.
Apply at the consulate or via the official portal
Submit your VLS-TS application through the relevant French consulate or France-Visas for your country of residence.
Validate your visa after arrival
The VLS-TS must be validated online within the required period after arrival; later, eligible students can move to a temporary or multi-year student residence permit.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for France can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts & certificates
Marksheets and certificates from previous studies, with certified translations where required.
Language test results
French (TCF/TEF/DELF/DALF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) results depending on the teaching language.
Passport
Valid passport for the study and travel period.
Proof of admission
Official acceptance letter from the university or Grande École.
Proof of financial resources
Evidence you can cover tuition and living expenses, as required for the visa application.
CV / motivation letterIf applicable
Required by many master's and Grande École programmes.
Accommodation evidenceIf applicable
CROUS allocation, lease, host attestation, or temporary booking, depending on your situation.
Health insurance
Entry/travel coverage and, after arrival, French health-system affiliation as applicable.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical
- Aerospace
- Civil
- Industrial Engineering
Business & management
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- International Management
Arts, humanities & social sciences
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
Sciences & mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences
Grandes Écoles specialisms
- Engineering Grande École
- Business/Management School
- Preparatory Classes
- Architecture
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Costs vary by institution type and region. Campus France's 2026–27 standard public registration fees are around €178 for a licence and €255 for a master's where the standard national rate applies, though non-EU differentiated fees, exemptions, or institution charges can raise the payable amount. Grandes Écoles and private schools cost considerably more. Figures below are for planning only — always confirm current tuition and living costs with the institution and Campus France.
Tuition
- Public university
- ~€178 (licence) / ~€255 (master's)
- Grandes Écoles / business schools
- Mid–high range
- Private institutions
- Mid–high range
2026–27 standard national registration fee where it applies; differentiated non-EU fees or institution charges can be higher — verify with the university.
Varies significantly by school and reputation.
Set independently by each school.
Living costs
- Financial-proof minimum
- ~€877.50/month
- Accommodation
- Largest monthly cost
- Health cover
- Generally required
Service-Public's stated minimum to justify for the student residence route; subject to official exceptions and case assessment — verify current figures.
Notably higher in Paris than in other regions; CROUS, private lease, and host arrangements have different proof requirements.
International students are typically enrolled in the national health system after arrival; entry/travel and residence coverage are separate.
Funding & scholarships
Government and Campus France scholarships
Schemes such as Campus Bourses and Eiffel exist through French government programmes; eligibility and availability change and should be checked officially.
Institution scholarships
Universities and Grandes Écoles may offer merit-based awards; check each school directly.
Part-time work
Eligible international students may work up to roughly 964 hours a year (about 60% of annual legal working time) under student status; rules change and must be verified officially.
Application timeline
Planning your year
12–18 months before
Assess eligibility
- Check qualification recognition and route (Parcoursup, Mon Master, EEF)
- Shortlist programmes and teaching language
- Plan language tests and your budget
9–12 months before
Prepare
- Sit French/English tests
- Register with Campus France if applicable
- Prepare documents, translations, and legalisation
6–9 months before
Apply
- Submit applications via the correct portal
- Track offers and any conditions
- Research scholarships
3–6 months before
Finances & visa
- Accept an offer and pay any deposit
- Arrange proof of resources and accommodation
- Apply for the VLS-TS student visa
1–3 months before
Arrival prep
- Prepare travel and insurance documents
- Plan accommodation and address registration
- Gather academic originals for enrolment
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping or delaying the Campus France / Études en France procedure where it applies.
- Using the wrong application route — confusing Parcoursup, Mon Master, and direct EEF/Campus France application.
- Assuming all programmes are available in English.
- Forgetting to validate the VLS-TS online after arrival — this is a separate legal step from getting the visa.
- Underestimating living costs in Paris compared with other cities.
- Leaving the visa application too close to the intake date.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know French to study in France?
Not always — a growing number of master's programmes and some bachelor's tracks are taught in English, but most public university programmes remain in French, so check the teaching language before applying.
What is Campus France / Études en France?
Campus France is the official body many non-EU/EEA applicants use to apply to French institutions; applicants resident in an 'Études en France' (EEF) country generally have a mandatory procedure alongside programme admission. Requirements vary by country of residence.
Do EU students need a student visa?
Generally no — EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can study in France without a student visa, though local registration rules may still apply. Always verify with official sources.
What is the VLS-TS and do I need to do anything after I arrive?
The VLS-TS 'mention étudiant' is the standard long-stay student visa. It must be validated online within the required period after arrival — this is a separate legal step from obtaining the visa itself.
How much can I work as a student?
Eligible foreign students may generally work up to around 964 hours a year (about 60% of annual legal working time) under student status. Rules change, so verify current limits officially.
See which French programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for France can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.