Study in France for Indian Students - Top Universities, Courses & Cost

There is no single French-language requirement for all programmes. English-taught programmes may require English proficiency instead, while French-taught programmes generally require the required level of French specified by the institution.

Yes, some institutions may accept other forms of English-language proof or waive IELTS based on their admission policy, but requirements vary by university and programme.

Not necessarily. Students enrolled in eligible English-taught programmes may study without being fluent in French, but French can be useful for daily life, part-time work, internships, and wider career opportunities.

For the 2026–27 academic year, eligible non-EU students at French public higher education institutions may pay €2,902 per year for a Bachelor’s degree, €3,950 for a Master’s degree, and €398 for a Doctoral degree (PhD). These are differentiated registration fees and may not apply to students who qualify for an exemption.

The cost of living in France varies by city, accommodation, and lifestyle, but students may need around €600–€800 per month for basic living expenses, according to Campus France. Paris and other expensive cities can cost more.

Some students may have their tuition costs reduced or covered through applicable exemptions or scholarships, but studying in France is not automatically free for international students.

There is no automatic PR route after graduation. Long-term residence depends on meeting specific legal, residence, financial, healthcare, and integration requirements.

France can be a good option for Indian students looking for diverse study programmes, English-taught courses, internationally recognised qualifications, and access to the wider European environment.

Yes, Francne is safe for indian students with a strong international student support system. Students should follow normal safety precautions and check local guidance when choosing accommodation and living arrangements.

A valid French long-stay visa or residence permit generally allows eligible students to travel to other Schengen countries for short stays, subject to the applicable rules and entry requirements.

There is no official France student visa success rate published specifically for Indian students. France-Visas assesses each application based on the applicant’s circumstances, documents and applicable visa requirements.

For students applying from a country covered by the Études en France (EEF) procedure, including India, the student visa fee is €50. France-Visas lists €99 for countries outside the EEF procedure.

There is no single IELTS score required by France for a student visa. English-language requirements are determined mainly by the university and programme. Students should check the specific admission requirements of their chosen course.

Not automatically. Indian students may benefit from scholarships, exemptions or reduced tuition in certain circumstances, but studying at a French public institution is not automatically free for Indian students.

Yes, in some cases. IELTS is not a universal French student visa requirement. A university may accept another English-language test or waive English testing according to its own admission policy.

Yes, generally, if you are an Indian student. For a course lasting more than three months, France-Visas states that students are issued a long-stay visa subject to the required arrival formalities. Courses of three months or less follow short-stay rules.

Not necessarily. France offers more than 1,600 programmes taught partly or fully in English, although the language requirement depends on the individual programme. Learning French can still be useful for daily life and wider career opportunities.

You can apply for scholarships based on your nationality, study level, programme and eligibility. Indian students can explore the France Excellence Charpak scholarships, while the Eiffel Scholarship is available for Master’s and Doctoral studies. Campus France India also provides scholarship information for Indian students.

Early childhood education in France includes école maternelle, which generally covers ages 3 to 6. It has three levels: petite section, moyenne section and grande section. Education becomes compulsory from age 3.

There is no general maximum age stated for the standard student visa. However, the applicant must meet the admission and visa requirements applicable to their study programme. Therefore, it is better not to publish a blanket “18 to X years” age limit for France’s student visa.

For studies lasting more than three months, students generally receive a long-stay visa with residence status subject to arrival formalities in France. The applicable duration depends on the study situation and visa issued.

For Indian students applying under the Études en France (EEF) procedure, the France student visa fee is €50, which is approximately ₹5,535 at the current exchange rate.

There is no fixed maximum study-gap period specified by France-Visas. However, students should be able to explain their academic or professional activities during the gap and present a clear, credible study plan.

No, IELTS is not universally required for a France student visa. The English-language requirement depends on the university and programme, and some institutions may accept alternatives or exemptions.

Yes, some scholarships provide substantial financial support, but “fully funded” depends on the specific scholarship. For example, the France Excellence Charpak Bachelor Scholarship for eligible Indian students provides a monthly allowance and additional benefits, but it does not cover every possible expense.

For student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026, France-Visas states a minimum financial-resource requirement of €877.50 per month.