Study in France One of the most popular destinations among Indian students who wish to study abroad is France. This European country is known for providing excellent education at a modest cost. Flocked by international students from around the world, France is also one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Students coming to study in France get international exposure, get acquainted with its multicultural literature, history, diverse culture. Also renowned for its scientific and technological advancements, students are encouraged to adopt creativity and innovation while studying a course of study in France.
Study in France Why study in France?
Known for world-class education system, France offers a number of study programmes at different levels of study. The most popular streams among students who wish to study in France are Business, Luxury Management, Business Analytics, International Business, Language, Arts, History, Nuclear, Space, Medicine, Teaching, Economics and others. The study programmes offered in French universities are highly competitive and challenging which prepare students for highly-rewarding career opportunities. Those concerned about language barrier can feel relieved as the courses are taught in both French and English language. Also, international students get the opportunity to learn French in France which enhances their language skills and opens a door of varied opportunities for them. 
Study in France Popular French Universities
France is home to several universities and institutions of repute that feature in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These educational institutions provide globally-recognised degrees and certificates along with best learning experience to students. Some of the popular institutions are Universit PSL, Ecole Polytechnique, Sorbonne University, INSEAD, ESSEC Business School and HEC Paris. In French institutions, students can pursue interdisciplinary curriculum that allows them creative and innovative freedom to further their academic pursuits.
Detailed information on various courses at UG/PG level in France can be found on our France Course page here.
Study in France Tuition Fee in France
The public universities in France, earlier, offered higher education at a very low cost to both EU and Non-EU students. However, the French government has decided to increase the tuition fees for Non-EU students starting a new course in a French university from September 2019. So, the updated tuition fee for higher education in a public French university can be as follows:
For European students
- At Bachelors level of studies: EUR 170 per annum
- At Masters level of studies: EUR 243 per annum
- At a school of Engineering: EUR 601 per annum
- At Doctoral level of studies: EUR 380 per annum
For Non-EU students
- At Bachelors level of studies: EUR 2,770 per annum
- At Masters level of studies: EUR 3,770 per annum
- At Doctoral level of studies: EUR 380 per annum
The tuition fees in private or government institutions in France is still affordable compared to the colleges in UK or US. The international students may need to shell out EUR 3,000-10,000 per year while studying in private institutions in France.
Read: Top Student Loan Providers in India for Study Abroad
Study in France Scholarships in France for International Students
The tuition fees to be paid by international (Non-EU) students is relatively low as compared to that of US and UK universities. However, the French government, universities and other organisations offer a number of scholarships, grants, bursaries and financial aid to deserving international students wishing to study in France. Highlighted below is a list of scholarships for international students to study in France.
List of scholarships to study in France
| S.No. | Name of Scholarship | Award Details |
| 1. | Charpak Masterβs Program, France | Tuition fee waiver upto EUR 5000 and other benefits |
| 2. | French Academic Cooperation and Excellence (FACE) Scholarship | Up to EUR 5000 |
| 3. | HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowship, France | Living allowance, relocation, research & travel allowances and other benefits |
| 4. | INSEAD Diversity Scholarships | EUR 13,000 |
| 5. | INSEAD PhD Fellowships | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| 6. | Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence | A monthly allowance of EUR 1,031 and other benefits |
Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad All You Need to Know
Study in France How to apply?
Every year, around 310,000 international students visit France in order to pursue quality education there, out of which more than 8,000 happen to be Indian students. Students are offered more than 1,400 programmes in English to choose from. All they need to do is find the right course of study and apply for the programme online and complete the admission process. Given below are a few steps to help prospective Indian students apply for a programme in a French university.
Step 1: International students can apply online through the official website of Campus France, a French government agency under the French Ministry of External Affairs. Country-specific web pages are available under Campus France website which helps students of a particular country to apply for their chosen university and course of study without any hassle.
Step 2: Indian students need to go Campus France India website and create an account on it by providing information like personal details and passport details in the registration form. Applicants are advised to note down their Campus France Registration Number.
Step 3: Now, the registered applicants need to log in to their account through Campus France website and apply to the desired French institutions by filling information such as personal details, academic records, language skills and CV+SOP sections. Applicants can select up to 7 programmes from the available online catalogue. The online application processing fee for any mobility exiting 90 days is INR 15,500.
Read: Statement of Purpose Strategies to Write an SOP for Studying Abroad
Step 4: The submitted form is reviewed by the advisors of Campus France and an appointment date is fixed for academic interview. The candidates need to appear for this interview in person. They also need to carry necessary documents and Campus France fee payment receipt with them which is verified during the interview process. Upon completion of the interview, applicants are provided with an Interview Completion Certificate from the Campus France advisor.
Step 5: After the validation of applicants files by a Campus France manager, the universities start sending their responses. The candidates need to keep a periodic check on their portal for acceptance or rejection from a French institution. Upon getting positive response from the desired university, the applicants can start the admission process.
Step 6: After getting acceptance letter, students can start their visa procedure. It is mandatory for international students to get their Student status validated after arriving in France. The candidates get 3 months of time from the date of their arrival on French territory to validate their status through OFII online process on Directorate-General for Foreign Nationals in France portal.
Study in France Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Highlighted below are a few frequently asked questions by Indian students who wish to study in France.
Q. Can students study in France in English?
A. Yes, students can study in France in English. The programmes in French universities are offered in both French and English language. Students can opt for either of the languages as a mode of instruction.
Q. What are the entry requirements to study in France?
A. Applicants need to fulfil the eligibility criteria of the course they are applying for. They need to submit certain important documents during the application process. These documents include photocopy of applicants passport, Campus France authorisation, relevant academic transcripts, proof of having sufficient financial resources, birth certificate and other documents.
Q. Tell me about the application process to study in France for Indian students.
A. Refer to the article above for answer.
