Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline at sunset representing study opportunities in France
Study Abroad

Study in France

A complete guide for Indian students.

Grandes Écoles, the Sorbonne, HEC Paris — France quietly carries some of the most prestigious names in higher education. Public tuition is almost symbolic, English programs are everywhere, and graduates get a two-year window to look for work.

Talk to a France counsellor
Why Study in France

Prestige, affordability and a French address.

Globally ranked universities and Grandes Écoles
Affordable public university tuition (often <€3,000/yr)
Programs available in English at top schools
2-year post-study work visa (APS)
Gateway to the EU job market
World-class business and engineering schools
Rich culture, art, fashion and history
Generous scholarships (Eiffel, Charpak, French Embassy)
Quick Facts

France at a glance.

CapitalParis
Largest CityParis
CurrencyEuro (€)
Official LanguageFrench (English widely taught)
PopulationApprox. 68 million
Time ZoneCET / CEST
International Students400,000+
Major Student Cities

Where students thrive.

📍Paris
📍Lyon
📍Toulouse
📍Marseille
📍Bordeaux
📍Nice
📍Strasbourg
📍Grenoble
Map

France.

Major Regions

Regions & key cities.

Île-de-FranceParis
Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesLyon
OccitanieToulouse
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurMarseille
Nouvelle-AquitaineBordeaux
Grand EstStrasbourg
Education System

World-class. Globally trusted.

Levels of Study

Licence (Bachelor's)3 Years
Master's Degree2 Years
Grande École Programme3–5 Years
MBA1–2 Years
Doctorate (PhD)3–4 Years

Academic Intakes

Fall (Main Intake)September / October
SpringJanuary / February
University Types

Find the right fit.

Public Universities

State-funded, low tuition, broad academic programs.

  • Sorbonne Université
  • Université PSL
  • Université Paris-Saclay

Grandes Écoles

Highly selective elite schools for business, engineering and sciences.

  • HEC Paris
  • ESSEC
  • École Polytechnique
  • Sciences Po

Business Schools

Globally accredited (AACSB, EQUIS) with strong MBA and Master's programs.

  • INSEAD
  • ESCP
  • EDHEC
  • EMLYON

Engineering Schools

Specialised institutions producing top engineers and researchers.

  • CentraleSupélec
  • Arts et Métiers
  • INSA Lyon
Admission Process

Your step-by-step roadmap.

  1. 1

    Career counselling and course selection

  2. 2

    Shortlist universities and Grandes Écoles

  3. 3

    Take required tests (IELTS / TOEFL / DELF / GMAT)

  4. 4

    Prepare SOP, LORs, CV and transcripts

  5. 5

    Apply via Études en France (Campus France) portal

  6. 6

    Attend Campus France interview

  7. 7

    Receive admission / pre-acceptance letter

  8. 8

    Pay tuition deposit

  9. 9

    Apply for long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)

  10. 10

    Submit biometrics at VFS

  11. 11

    Receive visa approval

  12. 12

    Travel to France & validate visa on arrival

Scholarships

Funding your France journey.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

French government scholarship for Master's and PhD students with stipend and benefits.

Charpak Scholarship

Joint French Embassy-India scholarship for Master's students from India.

Erasmus+

EU funding for joint Master's and exchange programs across Europe.

University Scholarships

Merit and need-based awards from individual French universities and Grandes Écoles.

France Student Visa (VLS-TS)

Step-by-step process.

  1. 01Receive admission letter and complete Campus France process
  2. 02Create France-Visas online account
  3. 03Fill the long-stay visa application
  4. 04Pay the visa fee (€99)
  5. 05Book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global
  6. 06Submit documents and attend appointment
  7. 07Receive visa decision (typically 2–3 weeks)
  8. 08Validate visa online within 3 months of arrival in France
Key Documents

What to prepare.

📄Passport
📄Admission Letter
📄Campus France NOC
📄Academic Transcripts
📄Proof of Funds (€615/month)
📄Accommodation Proof
📄Health Insurance
📄Visa Application Form
Visa Interview

Walk in prepared.

Frequently asked

Why study in France?

Discuss academic strength, Grandes Écoles, affordable tuition, and the French innovation ecosystem.

Why this university or programme?

Speak about curriculum, faculty, accreditation and fit with your career goals.

How will you finance your studies?

Provide clarity on savings, loan sanction, scholarships and family sponsorship.

What are your post-study plans?

Show clear career intent and how French education advances your trajectory.

Do & Don't

Be honest and consistent
Show clear course knowledge
Demonstrate financial readiness
Explain post-study intent clearly
Carry organized documents
Avoid memorized answers
Avoid vague career goals
Post-Study Work

Post-Study Work Permit (APS).

What is it?

France's APS lets Master's and PhD graduates of recognised institutions stay on to look for work after graduation — no employer sponsorship needed up front, and a clean route into a Talent Passport or Salarié visa once you're hired.

  • No employer sponsorship required initially
  • Work full-time during the APS period
  • Transition to a Talent Passport or Salarié visa
  • Path to EU long-term residence

Duration

  • Master's Graduates12–24 Months
  • PhD Graduates12 Months (Renewable)
  • Total opportunityUp to 2 Years
Tuition & Living

Plan your budget.

Annual Tuition (EUR)

Public University (Bachelor's)€170 – €3,000
Public University (Master's)€243 – €3,800
Grandes Écoles€10,000 – €20,000
Business Schools / MBA€15,000 – €70,000
Engineering Schools€600 – €15,000

Annual Living Cost (EUR)

Accommodation€4,800 – €12,000
Food€2,400 – €3,600
Transportation€450 – €900
Health Insurance€200 – €400
Personal Expenses€1,200 – €2,400

Outside Paris

€10,000 – €15,000 / year

Paris

€15,000 – €22,000 / year

FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Do I need to learn French?+

Not for English-taught programs, but A1/A2 French helps with daily life and part-time work.

Can I work while studying?+

Yes, up to 964 hours per year (~20 hours/week) on a student visa.

Is France affordable for Indian students?+

Public universities are highly subsidised, making France one of the most affordable top destinations in Europe.

What is Campus France?+

The official French agency that processes applications and visa pre-approval for Indian students.

Can I bring dependents?+

Yes, spouses can apply under a family reunification visa after you settle in France.

Why Bhavisya Overseas

Your trusted partner for the France process.

With 20+ years of expertise and deep relationships with France universities, Bhavisya Overseas turns the admission and visa journey into a confident, structured experience.

🎯

Personalized Shortlisting

Tailored France university lists matched to your profile, goals, and budget.

📝

SOP, LOR & Resume Crafting

Compelling, admissions-ready documents reviewed by specialist counsellors.

🎓

Test Prep Guidance

Structured preparation for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and country-specific tests.

💰

Scholarship & Funding Support

Identify government, university and external scholarships you qualify for.

🛂

End-to-End Visa Assistance

Documentation, financial proof, biometrics, and interview preparation.

✈️

Pre-Departure & Beyond

Forex, travel, accommodation guidance, and ongoing student support.

20+

Years of Expertise

92%

France Visa Success

80+

France Partner Schools

1,500+

France Students Guided

Your France education, expertly guided.

From the Campus France interview to the moment you sign your Paris lease — we're alongside you the whole way.

Book a free consultation