France is one of Europe’s most affordable study destinations, with public university tuition of just €170–243/year for bachelor’s degrees. Paris-Saclay (#76 QS), Sorbonne (#83), and École Polytechnique (#67) are world-class. France also has the legendary grandes écoles system – Sciences Po, HEC Paris, Polytechnique – which are among Europe’s most prestigious institutions. Over 400,000 international students study in France annually.
Why Study in France? Key Facts for 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | €170–243/year (public) / €3,000–15,000 (grande école/private) |
| Living Costs | €900–1,300/month (Paris: €1,400–1,800) |
| Student Visa | Student Visa – Visa de Long Séjour pour Études (VLS-TS) |
| Language | French B2 (+ growing English programs at master’s level) |
| Academic Year | September/October start (some: February/March) |
Source: OECD Education at a Glance 2024, official government immigration websites, QS World University Rankings 2026. Last updated: February 2026.
What Are the Top Universities in France?
| University | Best For | Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| École Polytechnique | Engineering, Sciences (grande école) | #67 QS |
| Paris-Saclay University | Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering | #76 QS |
| Sorbonne University | Medicine, Sciences, Humanities | #83 QS |
| Sciences Po Paris | Political Science, Law, Economics | Top IR globally |
| HEC Paris | Business, Finance, MBA | #1 Europe for MBA |
What Scholarships Are Available in France?
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | €1,181–1,400/month for master’s + PhD students |
| French Government Scholarships (BGF) | Various; country-specific bilateral scholarships |
| Erasmus+ Program | €500–800/month for EU mobility students |
| STAR Program | For ASEAN students; full or partial scholarships |
How Do You Apply to Universities in France?
- 1. Create account on Campus France (required for most non-EU students)
- 2. Apply via Études en France portal or directly to universities/grandes écoles
- 3. For grandes écoles: prepare for entrance exams (concours) or apply to international tracks
- 4. Receive admission confirmation from institution
- 5. Apply for French Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) at French embassy/consulate
- 6. Validate visa online within 3 months of arrival (replaces old sticker validation)
- 7. Register at CROUS for accommodation and apply for APL housing aid (up to €150/month)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is studying in France really that cheap?
Yes. Public universities in France (universités) charge only €170–243/year for bachelor’s degrees (licence) and €260–380/year for master’s degrees. This applies to EU and non-EU students. Private grandes écoles and business schools charge significantly more (€5,000–20,000/year), but public universities like Sorbonne and Paris-Saclay are outstanding at minimal cost.
What are the grandes écoles in France?
Grandes écoles are elite French higher education institutions outside the university system, admitting students through competitive entrance exams (concours) after 2–3 years of intensive preparation (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles – CPGE). Top grandes écoles include École Polytechnique (X), HEC Paris, Sciences Po, ENS (Paris and Lyon), and the Écoles Normales Supérieures.
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
For public universities (universités), French B2 level is typically required for most bachelor’s programs. However, France is expanding English-taught options at master’s level. Sciences Po, HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD (Fontainebleau), and many engineering schools offer English-medium programs. Check specific program requirements carefully.
What is the Campus France procedure?
Most non-EU students planning to study in France must go through Campus France – France’s official agency for international education promotion. The process involves creating an online account (Études en France or DAP depending on your country), uploading documents, attending an interview at the Campus France office, and receiving a decision before applying for a visa.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. Students with a valid French student visa/residence permit can work up to 964 hours/year (approximately 20 hours/week during term + full-time during holidays). The French minimum wage (SMIC) is €11.65/hour (2024). Student part-time jobs (‘jobs étudiants’) are widely available in Paris and other major cities.
What are the best cities in France for international students?
Paris is the most popular (Sciences Po, Sorbonne, ENS, Polytechnique nearby in Saclay). Lyon has excellent universities (Université Claude Bernard, Sciences Po Lyon) with lower costs. Grenoble is strong for engineering (Grenoble INP). Toulouse is important for aerospace (ISAE-SUPAERO). Bordeaux and Montpellier are popular for quality of life.
Information on this page is compiled from official government immigration sources, OECD data, and university websites. Last verified: February 2026.