Affordable public tuition
Public universities charge government-set fees that are low compared with many other study destinations.
Study in France
Public universities and Grandes Écoles across France
France pairs affordable 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
- 1–2Main intakes
- Institution types
- Universities & Grandes ÉcolesInstitution types
- Teaching languages
- French / EnglishTeaching languages
- Application procedure
- Campus FranceApplication 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. Public universities charge low, government-set tuition rates, while Grandes Écoles and private schools set their own fees.
Most international applicants outside the EU/EEA apply through the Campus France 'Études en France' procedure alongside the institution's own admission process. Requirements, deadlines, and available English-taught options vary by institution, so always confirm details directly with the school and official sources.
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Popular cities
- Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille
- Main intakes
- September, with some January entry
- Teaching languages
- Primarily French, growing English options
- Application note
- Most applicants use the Campus France procedure
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.
Central European location
France's location makes travel across Europe straightforward during and after study.
Education system
How the system is structured
French higher education follows the LMD system (Licence–Master–Doctorat), aligned with the wider European Bologna framework, alongside separate Grandes Écoles pathways.
Public universities
Award Licence (bachelor's), Master's, and Doctorat degrees under the LMD credit system.
Grandes Écoles
Selective specialised schools for engineering, business, and other fields, often entered via preparatory classes or direct admission.
Credit system
Uses ECTS credits, making it straightforward to compare with other European qualifications.
Public vs private fees
Public universities set fees nationally; Grandes Écoles and private institutions set their own, generally higher, fees.
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 undergraduate degree offered by public universities, with equivalent programmes also available at some Grandes Écoles and private schools.
Typical duration: 3 years
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
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes typically run for two years, split into two stages, and are offered by universities, Grandes Écoles, and business schools, with a growing share taught fully in English.
Typical duration: 2 years
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
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. |
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.
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
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
Most non-EU/EEA applicants create a Campus France 'Études en France' account and submit an application there before or alongside applying to institutions.
Prepare documents
Gather transcripts, language results, a CV or statement, and references as required.
Apply to institutions
Submit applications through the institution or the relevant national platform, and pay any application fees.
Accept an offer and arrange the visa
Once accepted, proceed with the appropriate visa or residence permit application.
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 a long-stay student visa (visa long séjour).
Complete the Campus France procedure
Non-EU/EEA applicants generally need to complete the Campus France procedure before applying for a student visa, where this applies to their country.
Gather required documents
Typically includes proof of admission, financial resources, accommodation, and passport — exact requirements depend on your nationality.
Apply at the consulate or via the official portal
Submit your visa application through the relevant French consulate or official online platform for your country of residence.
Complete arrival formalities
Depending on the visa type, you may need to validate your visa or register for a residence permit after arriving in France.
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
Marksheets and certificates from previous studies.
Language test results
French or English test 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 / statementIf applicable
Required by many master's and Grande École programmes.
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
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Costs vary by institution type and region. Public university tuition is generally low; Grandes Écoles and private schools cost more. Figures below are broad descriptors for planning only — always confirm current tuition and living costs with the institution.
Tuition
- Public university
- Low
- Grandes Écoles / business schools
- Mid–high range
- Private institutions
- Mid–high range
Government-set fees, among the lowest of major study destinations.
Varies significantly by school and reputation.
Set independently by each school.
Living costs
- Accommodation
- Largest monthly cost
- Food & transport
- Moderate
- Health cover
- Generally required
Notably higher in Paris than in other regions.
Student discounts and transit passes are widely available.
International students are typically enrolled in the national health system.
Funding & scholarships
Government and Campus France scholarships
Some scholarships are available through French government programmes; eligibility and availability change.
Institution scholarships
Universities and Grandes Écoles may offer merit-based awards; check each school directly.
Part-time work
Eligible international students may work limited hours during their studies; rules change and must be verified officially.
Application timeline
Planning your year
12–18 months before
Research
- Shortlist programmes and teaching language
- Note prerequisites and deadlines
- Plan your budget
10–12 months before
Prepare
- Sit language tests
- Register with Campus France if applicable
- Prepare documents and references
6–10 months before
Apply
- Submit applications
- Track offers
- Compare programmes and cities
3–6 months before
Visa & arrival prep
- Accept an offer
- Arrange finances and accommodation
- Apply for the student visa if required
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping or delaying the Campus France procedure where it applies.
- Assuming all programmes are available in English.
- 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?
Campus France is the official procedure many non-EU/EEA applicants use to apply to French institutions and, where applicable, obtain the documentation needed for the student visa. 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.
Are public universities cheaper than Grandes Écoles?
Yes — public university tuition is set by the government and is generally low, while Grandes Écoles and private schools set their own, typically higher, fees.
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.