Study in France for Indian Students: The Ultimate Guide
Study in France for Indian Students: The Ultimate Guide
Study in France for Indian Students
Are you an Indian student thinking of going to France to study? France is fast emerging as a favoured destination for those from India keen on quality education abroad. This country presents a superb combination of world-class universities, affordable education, rich cultural heritage, and a wide range of programs in English, perfectly blending academic excellence and vibrant student life.
Whether you want to study a bachelor’s in France, business in Lyon, or engineering in Grenoble, this guide will tell you everything an Indian student needs to know about study abroad in France, from selecting a university to the visa process, scholarships, and beyond.
Why Indian Students Choose to Study in France
There are many reasons why France has become a top choice for Indian students.
- High Quality of Education: With tops in global rankings—HEC Paris, Marangoni, Rennes Business School, and INSEAD Executive Education.
- Courses Available in English: More than 1,500 courses entirely in English are now offered for international students looking to study in France.
- Affordable Tuition: Study in France tuition fees are significantly lower costs compared to other Western countries.
- Welcoming Environment: France offers a friendly and supportive atmosphere for international students, making it easier to adapt and thrive.
- Strong Connectivity: France is at the center of Europe, making it a top choice for those asking why study in France.
- Employment Opportunities: Indian students are allowed to work part-time for up to 964 hours per year while studying in France, offering good options for work after study in France.
- Stay Back Opportunities: For Indian students with a master’s degree, post post-study work visa in France allows graduates to stay and work for up to 2 years.
Benefits of Studying in France for Indian Students
The are so many advantages of studying in France for both Indian and international students:
- French universities and Grandes Écoles provide high-quality educational programs without incurring excessive tuition and associated expenses.
- Subsidized accommodation: The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) provides monthly financial assistance to help students with rent.
- Discounts for Students: Be it travel, food, or entertainment, students can all avail discounts.
- Health Insurance: One that is mandatory and highly affordable.
- Part-time Jobs: They encourage you to engage to alleviate your financial burden.
- Multicultural Exposure: Work alongside and learn from peers across the globe.
- Great Quality of Life: Be it the infrastructure, safety, or cultural experiences.
Top Universities to Study in France
Some of the good universities Indian students should consider in France are:
- SKEMA Business School
- Rennes School of Business
- NEOMA Business School
- KEDGE Business School
- Toulouse Business School (TBS Education)
- EMLYON Business School
- ECE Paris (École Centrale d’Électronique)
- HEC Paris
- INSEAD Executive Education
- Istituto Marangoni (Paris Campus)
- ESCP Business School – International Business
- University of Strasbourg – General Studies
- Sciences Po – Political Science & International Relations
Best Courses to Study in France For Indian Students
Renowned courses include:
- Business & Management
- Luxury Brand Management
- Fashion Design
- Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Software)
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Political Science & International Relations
- Fine Arts & Architecture
- Wine & Culinary Arts
- Environmental Sciences
Cost of Studying and Living in France for Indian Students
Understanding the cost to study in France is key for planning:
Tuition Fees
Public Universities: (Mostly French-taught courses)
- Bachelor’s: ~€2,770 per year
- Master’s: ~€3,770 per year
Private Institutions: (All English-taught courses for international students)
- Can range between €8,000 to €25,000 per year depending on the course and institution.
Living Expenses
- Paris: €850–€1,200/month
- Other Cities: €650–€1,000/month
(Includes rent, food, transport, insurance, and leisure)
France Study Visa Process
Visa Requirements and Procedures
Indian students often ask, “Do I need a visa to study in France?” Yes, a Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) is required for courses longer than three months.
Visa Requirements and Procedures:
- Get yourself admitted to a conveniently placed French institution.
- Register yourself on the Campus France portal.
- Set an interview with the respective Campus France office nearest to you.
- Go online to apply to study in France via the France-Visas portal.
- Set the biometric appointment at VFS Global Booking.
- Submit your documentation and attend your visa interview.
Documentation Needed:
- Passport
- Letter of admission
- No Objection Certificate from Campus France (NOC)
- Proof of funding (€12000/year)
- Health Insurance
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of motivation
These are the typical requirements to study in France for Indian students.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are many scholarships for Indian students to study in France, making it possible for some to study in France for free.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
- Charpak Scholarship (offered by the French Embassy)
- Raman-Charpak Fellowship
- Merit Scholarships offered by the Institutes
- Erasmus+ program
- La Fondation Rainbow Bridge Scholarship (for women) mostly covers tuition and living costs, awarded mainly based on academic merit or financial need.
These are popular scholarships for Indian students to study in France.
Post-Study Options in France
- 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa for Master’s graduates
- Job Opportunities in Tech, Finance, Fashion, and Research Sectors
- Permanent Residency: Eligibility by 5 Continuous Years of Stay
- Route to Citizenship in France after establishing residency and integration
Wondering how to get PR in France after study? These pathways make it possible. Graduates from the French institutes have a high employability rate, both in France and Europe.
How Education Street Can Help You Study in France
At Education Street, our experienced study in France consultants make your journey from India to France as easy as a cakewalk, providing the entire array of services that include:
- Career Counselling
- University Selection and Application Support
- Language and Test Preparatory Class
- SOP and LOR Guidance
- Financial Planning and I-20 Ordering Assistance
- VISA Interview Session
- Accommodation Support
- Pre-Departure Guidance
Whether you’re applying independently or through study in France consultants in Mumbai, our support ensures a smoother experience.
What People Says About Education Street!
FAQs for Study in France for Indian Students
You Can Find All Answers Here
Find a university, get admitted, and then register with Campus France.
None for English-taught courses, but A2–B1 helps for daily life.
Yes, if prior education was in English, or depending on the university policy.
No, but it helps in socializing and internships.
€10,000–€20,000 per year, including fees and living expenses.
Yes, via public universities and scholarships like Charpak or Eiffel.
Takes time. Mainly based on employment and continuous stay.
Yes, due to quality education, facilities, and career opportunities.
Yes, with a strong international student support system.
Yes, France is in the Schengen Area, allowing travel to other member countries.