Study in France for Indian Students: Complete Guide

France is a popular destination for studying abroad. Its world-class education system and vibrant culture, offers Indian students an unparalleled opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions. With over 400,000 international students in 2024 and plans to welcome 500,000 by 2027 under the “Choose France/Bienvenue en France” initiative, France has solidified its position as a global education hub.

‍

Indian students benefit from low tuition fees, around €250 per year at the master’s level in public universities apart from a wide range of programs taught in English, scholarship opportunities, and a streamlined visa process through the Études en France platform.

‍

Why Study in France

‍

Before diving into specifics, it helps to understand what sets France apart as a study destination. From its historical institutions to cutting-edge research hubs, France blends tradition with innovation to offer a truly global education experience.

‍

France stands out for its multicultural campuses, quality of education, and strong India-France academic ties.

‍

• Mutual recognition of qualifications: Since March 10, 2018, French and Indian degrees enjoy mutual recognition, easing credit transfers and employment prospects in both countries.
• Rich diversity of programs: Over 1,300 master’s programs are available nationwide, many of which are taught in English, spanning engineering, computer science, business, humanities, and more.
• Access to French companies: A French degree opens doors to the 570 French companies operating in India and beyond, thanks to strong industry-academic collaboration.

‍

French Universities & Institutions

‍

France’s higher education landscape comprises public universities, grandes écoles (elite schools), and business schools. Each type of institution comes with its own culture, strengths, and pathways to industry partnerships.

‍

• Public universities (65% of international enrolment) charge minimal tuition fees, funded largely by the French government.
• Grandes écoles (engineering and management schools) and business schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, and INSEAD are renowned for selective admissions and strong industry ties.
• French institutions such as Sorbonne University and Université Paris-Saclay consistently rank among the world’s top 100.

‍

MS in France for Indian Students

‍

Deciding on an MS program involves matching your career goals to the strengths of each institution. France’s universities and grandes écoles cover a spectrum of fields, so you can find specialized tracks that fit your ambitions.

‍

Some Popular Program and Specializations

‍

• Computer Science: Institutions like École Polytechnique and Paris-Saclay lead in AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
• Data Engineering and Cloud Computing: Students get to study in the domain from one of the best institutes in Europe.
• Business & Management: Top business schools offer global MBA and MSc in Finance, Marketing, and International Business.
• Humanities & Social Sciences: Many programs in international relations, sociology, and journalism are available, often with English-taught tracks.

‍

Admission Requirements

‍

Understanding the application checklist early ensures you prepare all documents in time and avoid delays. Each institution may have slight variations, but the basic requirements are usually the same.

‍

• Bachelor’s degree (with at least 60% or equivalent).
• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) or French proficiency for francophone programs.
• Statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
• CV/resume highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements.

‍

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living

‍

When budgeting for your master’s, factor in both tuition and day-to-day expenses. France’s public funding keeps fees low, but living costs vary significantly between Paris and other cities.

‍

Tuition Fees

‍

Public universities charge nominal registration fees for non-EU students:

‍

• Master’s level: €250/year (approximately ₹22,500).
• Engineering schools: €618/year; doctoral level: €391/year.
• Grandes écoles/business schools: Range from €5,000 to €20,000/year (₹4.4 lakh to ₹17.4 lakh) depending on the institution and program.

Cost of Living

‍

Monthly expenses (housing, food, transport) average:

‍

• Paris: €1,000 (₹92,000).
• Other cities (Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble): €600–€800 (₹55,000–₹73,000).
• Student residences: From €200–€400/month in university-run Crous residences.

‍

Student Visa & Temporary Resident Permit

‍

Navigating the visa steps early avoids last-minute stress.

‍

• Études en France platform: Centralized application for admission procedures and visa dossier submission.
• French student visa (VLS-TS): Issued for study programs over six months; includes work authorization up to 964 hours/year.
• Temporary Resident Permit: Renewable annually; required for stays beyond one year.
• Biometric steps: Enrollment at local prefecture or online validation within three months of arrival.

‍

Financial Aid & Scholarships

‍

Numerous scholarships and grants make studying in France even more accessible. From government-level awards to university-specific grants, funding opportunities abound for qualified Indian students.

‍

• Campus France India scholarships: Over 500 scholarships exclusively for Indian students, including Eiffel Excellence and MIEM programs (8,000–10,000 €/year).
• French government: Offers merit-based and need-based aid through scholarships and fee waivers.
• University-level grants: Many French institutions provide financial assistance to outstanding international candidates.

‍

Programs Taught in English & Wide Range of Master’s Programs

‍

An English-taught degree removes the language barrier, opening more program choices. France’s catalog covers both technical fields and the humanities, ensuring every student finds their niche.

‍

• English-taught catalog: Over 1,300 programs across French institutions, from engineering to humanities.
• Business schools: International programs in Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management.
• Computer Science: Programs in AI, Machine Learning, and Software Engineering.

‍

Conclusion

‍

France offers Indian students a world-class education at an affordable cost, with a wide range of master’s programs taught in English across public universities, grandes écoles, and business schools. The streamlined Études en France application process, low tuition fees (€250/year at master’s level), and robust scholarship landscape make it an attractive destination. Post-graduation, students can leverage temporary resident permits and work authorizations, setting the stage for global career prospects.

‍

FAQs

‍

1. Are there programs taught in English in French universities?

Yes, many French universities offer programs taught in English, especially at the Master's level. However, having a basic knowledge of French can be beneficial for daily life and cultural integration.

‍

2. What are the opportunities for Indian students to work while studying in France?

Indian students with a valid student visa are allowed to work part-time for up to 964 hours per year, which is approximately 20 hours per week. This enables students to gain work experience and support their living expenses.

‍

3. How can Indian students apply for scholarships to study in France?

Indian students can explore various scholarships offered by the French government, universities, and international organizations. It's recommended to check the Campus France website and the official websites of French embassies for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.

‍

4. What is the process for obtaining a student visa for France?

To obtain a student visa for France, Indian students must first secure admission to a recognized French institution. Subsequently, they need to apply for a student visa (VLS-TS).

‍