Affordable education
Public universities charge low tuition fees even for international students, keeping the cost far below the UK or the US.
Guide to studying in France
Studying in France as an international student
A complete guide to studying at French universities and schools: costs, top institutions, the most in-demand courses, scholarships, and work and residency options after graduation — together with the Ibtiaath app, which handles your file from shortlist to offer letter and travel.
Free university shortlistCertified translation and attestationAn officially registered company
3,500+
Higher education institutions
1,700+
Programmes taught in English
964 hrs
Work allowed per year
12 mo
Post-study job-search permit
About France
Get to know France before you choose it
France, in Western Europe, is renowned for its culture, art, cuisine and innovation. It offers a unique mix of history and modernity, and is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. Affordable tuition, high-quality education and a central European location make it a preferred destination for international students.
France also invests heavily in science and technology, and its location, rail network and university exchange agreements open a door to the whole of Europe.
Country at a glance
- Official language
- French
- Official currency
- Euro — EUR / €
- Population
- Approximately 69 million
- Universities and colleges
- More than 3,500 higher education institutions, 72 of them public universities
Why France
Why do students choose to study in France?
France combines affordable tuition, a long academic tradition and a location that opens up all of Europe.
Academic excellence
Leading programmes in art, business, fashion and engineering, with institutions consistently near the top of global rankings.
English-taught programmes
Over 1,700 programmes are taught entirely in English, so you do not need fluent French to begin your studies.
A strong research ecosystem
Major investment in science and technology, with research bodies such as the CNRS and Inria open to postgraduate students.
Post-study work options
A 12-month job-search residence permit for master's graduates, and a wide European job market for French degree holders.
Cultural experience
A rare blend of academics, culture and global exposure — with the rest of Europe a few hours away by train.
Life in France
What does student life look like?
A varied set of student cities, and time outside the lecture hall that is every bit as rich as the studying.
Student cities
Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille and Lille — each with its own character, cost of living and job market.
Culture and lifestyle
A rich artistic heritage, culinary excellence and the global fashion capital — museums and festivals all year round.
Cost of living
Moderate to high depending on the city, with Paris the most expensive and regional cities considerably cheaper.
Transport
An extensive public transport network within and between cities, with monthly passes and student discounts.
Student perks
Discounts on university dining, cinema, travel and cultural events, plus the CAF housing allowance, which international students can claim too.
Costs
How much does it cost to study in France?
Estimated figures in euros for the 2026-27 academic year; they vary by institution, course, city and year of application.
| Level and type of institution | Approximate tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's at public universities | EUR 2,902 |
| Master's at public universities | EUR 3,950 |
| Doctorate at public universities | EUR 398 |
| CVEC student-life contribution (all students) | EUR 105 |
| Private institutions and business schools | EUR 8,000 – 20,000 |
Monthly living costs
Accommodation
EUR 400 – 800
Food and groceries
EUR 250 – 400
Transport
EUR 70 – 100
Miscellaneous
EUR 200 – 300
Estimated monthly totalEUR 920 – 1,600
Note: international students must show proof of financial resources with their visa application — for applications lodged from 1 August 2026 the official minimum is EUR 877.50 per month (roughly EUR 10,530 a year, up from EUR 615), while showing close to EUR 12,000 is the practical recommendation for covering a full year comfortably. These figures are reviewed periodically, and we confirm the amount in force at the time you apply.
Top universities
France's leading universities and schools
France is home to long-established institutions near the top of the global rankings; these are the best known.
Sorbonne University
Paris
Université PSL
Paris
Université Paris-Saclay
Saclay
École Polytechnique
Palaiseau
HEC Paris
Jouy-en-Josas
Sciences Po Paris
Paris
Grenoble Alpes University
Grenoble
University of Strasbourg
Strasbourg
Alongside its public universities, France is known for the grandes écoles — selective schools specialising in engineering, business and political science, each with its own admissions process. This list is not exhaustive: dozens of other recognised institutions may suit your grades and budget better.
Courses
The most popular courses
French institutions offer a wide variety of programmes; these are the most popular among international students.
- Business and management
- Fashion design and luxury studies
- Engineering — mechanical, electrical and civil
- Culinary arts and hospitality management
- Computer science and artificial intelligence
- International relations and political science
- Fine arts and architecture
Research strengths France is known for
- Mathematics
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Biotechnology
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for studying in France
Scholarships are funded by the French government, individual institutions and European Union programmes. They are competitive and never guaranteed, but we shortlist the realistic options and prepare your file for them.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
A prestigious government scholarship for master's and PhD students, awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, covering a monthly allowance, travel and health cover.
Campus France scholarships
The official gateway bringing together a wide range of French government-funded scholarships, with terms that vary by country, field and level of study.
Erasmus+
European exchange programmes and grants that let you study in France or move between partner universities across Europe.
Institutional aid
Merit-based funding from leading institutions such as HEC Paris, Sciences Po and École Polytechnique, ranging from partial fee discounts to full scholarships.
Tips that improve your chances
- Start applying early — French scholarship rounds close months before the semester begins.
- Write a personal statement that clearly links your studies in France to your career plan.
- Learn the basics of French even if your programme is in English; it counts in your favour on many applications.
- Check that you meet every eligibility criterion, and back your file with strong grades and work experience.
After graduation
Career and residency pathways
Studying in France can be a first step towards working and settling in Europe, not just a degree.
Post-study work permit
Master's graduates can obtain a 12-month, non-renewable residence permit to look for work or start a business, then switch to a salarié or talent residence card once they sign with an employer.
Skilled jobs
Strong demand in technology, engineering, fashion and business, with a European job market open to French degree holders.
Internships and part-time work
Students may work up to 964 hours a year (around 20 hours a week), on top of the paid internships built into many programmes.
The residency pathway in short
- 01
Study and graduate
Complete your programme at a recognised French institution and make the most of the internships along the way.
- 02
Move on to a work permit
After your master's, apply for the 12-month job-search residence permit, then convert it into a work permit once you sign with an employer.
- 03
Apply for long-term residency
After five years of continuous residence and work in France, applying for the 10-year resident card becomes possible, with B1-level French required since January 2026.
French residence and work rules change from year to year, and the final decision rests with the French authorities. The above is a general overview of the pathway, not migration advice.
In short
France is more than a degree
France offers a rare balance of education, lifestyle and career prospects. From affordable tuition to cultural richness and a wide European job market, studying in France opens doors to Europe and beyond. It is a destination where students can learn, explore and thrive.
FAQ
Student questions about studying in France
How much does it cost to study in France?
Can I study in France in English?
Can I work while studying in France?
How much money must I show for a French student visa?
Are French degrees recognised internationally?
When does the academic year start in France?
Can I stay in France after graduation?
What does Ibtiaath do for my France application?
Start your France file today
Send your file and get your French university shortlist
Download the Ibtiaath app and open the university admissions section — we review your file and shortlist universities and schools in France that match your grades and budget, then follow the application through to the offer letter.
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