Study in France

• Study Destination

World-class education · Global career opportunities · Clear PR
pathways. Sunmerges guides you every step of the way.

France Overview

Quick Facts About Studying in France

France combines world-class education, near-zero public university fees and a Schengen gateway to all of Europe.

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€0 – €3,770

Annual Tuition at Public Universities

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€10K – €40K

Grandes Écoles & Private Institutions

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2 Yrs

Post-Study Talent Passport Visa

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964 hrs/yr

Part-Time Work Rights During Studies

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Schengen

Travel Freely Across 26 European Countries

Why France

Why Study in France

Lowest Tuition in Western Europe — Public university fees are government-regulated. Bachelor's programs cost as little as €2,770/year and Master's just €3,770/year — a fraction of UK or US costs.

Prestigious Grandes Écoles — France is home to world-renowned institutions like HEC Paris, INSEAD, Sciences Po and École Polytechnique — consistently ranked among the world's best for business and engineering.

964 Hours/Year Work Rights — International students can work up to 964 hours per year (approx. 20 hrs/week) during studies — enough to substantially cover living costs.

2-Year Post-Study Talent Passport — After graduation, the Passeport Talent visa allows you to stay in France for up to 2 years to find employment in your field — no employer sponsorship required.

CAF Housing Benefit — International students in France can apply for CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) — a government housing allowance that reduces monthly rent by €100–€200.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarships — The French government offers fully-funded Eiffel Excellence Scholarships for international students at Master's and PhD level — covering tuition, living costs and flights.

1,500+ English-Taught Programs — Over 1,500 Master's programs taught fully in English, particularly at Grandes Écoles — no French required to get started.

Schengen Zone Access — A French student visa gives you freedom of movement across all 26 Schengen countries — travel to Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands on weekends.

Start Your Application →

France at a Glance

Europe's most culturally rich study destination — prestigious Grandes Écoles, near-zero public university fees and a Schengen gateway to all of Europe.

400K+

Intl. Students

€0–€3,770

Avg. Annual Tuition

€3,770

Max Public Master's Fee

2 Yrs

Post-Study Talent Passport

Top Student Cities

ParisLyonToulouseBordeauxMarseille

Education & Intakes

Education System in France

France has a dual higher education system — public universities open to all, and highly selective Grandes Écoles that produce France's top leaders in business, engineering and public office.

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Diploma Programs

1–2 years · Vocational Colleges / Technical Institutes / Specialized Schools

Business & ManagementHospitalityFashion & DesignCulinary ArtsIT

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Advanced Diploma (BTS)

2–3 years · Technical Institutes / Schools · Includes internships

Brevet de Technicien SupérieurTechnical EducationProfessional Training

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Undergraduate — Licence (Bachelor's)

3 years · University · 180 ECTS credits

Business AdminEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsArts & Fashion

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Postgraduate Certificate & Diploma

6 months – 2 years · University / Grande École

Business ManagementInternational BusinessDigital MarketingFinanceData Science

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Master's Degree (MS / MBA)

2 years · University / Grande École · M1 + M2 · 120 ECTS

MBAMSc Data ScienceMSc FinanceMSc AIInternational Business

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PhD & Research Programs

3–4 years · University / Research Institute

Engineering & TechCS & AILife SciencesEconomicsSocial Sciences

Start Your Application →

🗓 France Intakes

Autumn — September / October

Main intake · Widest course & university availability

Main Intake

Winter — January / February

Good availability; select programs only

2nd Intake

Summer — April / May

Limited programs; select institutions only

Limited

📅 Application Timeline Tips

Sep / Oct intakeApply by Jan – Apr

Jan / Feb intakeApply by Sep – Nov

Apr / May intakeApply 3–4 months early

Grandes ÉcolesApply 8–12 months early

Academic Programs

Popular Courses in France

Choose from hundreds of in-demand programs across France's world-renowned universities and Grandes Écoles.

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Business & International Management

MBA · International Business · Marketing · Finance · Entrepreneurship

Top Choice

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Fashion & Luxury Brand Management

Fashion Design · Luxury Brand Mgmt · Interior Design · Graphic Design

Global Hub

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Computer Science & IT

Computer Science · Data Science · AI · Cybersecurity · Software Engineering

High Demand

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Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

MSc AI · Machine Learning · Data Analytics · Big Data

Trending

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Engineering & Technology

Mechanical · Electrical · Civil · Aerospace Engineering

High Demand

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Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts

Hotel Management · Culinary Arts · Tourism & Event Management

Growth Sector

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International Relations & Political Science

Sciences Po programs · Diplomacy · Global Affairs · Public Policy

High Demand

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Finance, Economics & Banking

Finance · Economics · International Trade · Banking & Investment

High Demand

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Sustainable Development & Green Design

Environmental Science · Sustainable Business · Green Energy

Trending

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Arts, Culture & Film Studies

Fine Arts · Film & Media Studies · Animation & Multimedia

Creative

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Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Biomedical Sciences · Biotechnology · Pharmaceutical Research

Research Hub

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Architecture & Urban Design

Architecture · Urban Planning · Landscape Design · Construction Mgmt

High Demand

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements vary by institution and course. Our counsellors will assess your specific profile.

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Academic Requirements

Minimum benchmarks by study level

Undergraduate (Licence): Completion of 12 years schooling (Class 12 / A-Levels / IB). Minimum 60%–70% in relevant subjects; foundation year available if qualification not equivalent
Master's Degree: Bachelor's (3–4 years) from a recognised university with minimum 60%–70% or equivalent GPA. Some business schools require GMAT or GRE
PhD Programs: Master's degree + strong academic record + research proposal + supervisor approval + recommendation letters
Study gap considered on a case-by-case basis
Campus France registration required for most nationalities before applying

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English Language Requirements

Accepted English proficiency tests

IELTS Academic: 6.0–7.0 overall — commonly accepted for most universities; competitive programs may require higher
TOEFL iBT: 80–100 — online and paper-based versions accepted
PTE Academic: 55–70 overall — accepted by some universities for Master's programs
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency — recognised by selected institutions
French Language: DELF / DALF / TCF required for French-taught programs

💡 Over 1,500 Master's programs are taught in English. Our counsellors will confirm exact requirements for your chosen institution and whether Campus France interview is needed.

Visa Guide

Student Visa Process for France

A clear 8-step process from university selection to arriving in France — we guide you through every stage.

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Free Profile Assessment

We assess your academic profile, language scores and career goals to shortlist the best universities and Grandes Écoles in France for you.

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Course & Institution Selection

Apply to a Campus France-approved French university or school. Secure your admission letter — required for both Campus France registration and visa application.

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Campus France Registration

Create a Campus France account and submit passport, academic transcripts, test scores, CV, SOP and admission letter. Some applicants attend a Campus France interview.

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Offer Letter Received

Receive your official admission letter from the French institution confirming your place. This is a core document for your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) application.

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Fee Payment & Visa Documents

Prepare proof of finances (min. €615/month), proof of accommodation, travel/medical insurance, completed visa form and passport. We review every document.

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Biometrics & Submission

Apply for the VLS-TS long-stay student visa at the French consulate or embassy. Submit biometrics and pay visa fee (€50–€100). We assist with the full application.

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Visa Approval & Travel

Processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on the consulate. Once approved, plan your travel to France. Apply well in advance to avoid delays before your intake.

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Arrival & OFII Validation

Validate your VLS-TS visa online (OFII) within 3 months of arrival. Register at your university, apply for CAF housing benefit and set up your French bank account.

⏱ Visa processing: 2–8 weeks · Work rights: 964 hrs/year · Post-study: 2-year Talent Passport visa · CAF housing benefit available

Our Support

How We Help You

At Sunmerges Educational Service, we support you through every stage of your France journey — from your first free consultation to your first day on campus in France.

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Free Profile Assessment — We evaluate your academic background, language scores, career goals and budget to identify the best-fit public universities and Grandes Écoles in France.

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University Shortlisting & Application — We shortlist public universities and Grandes Écoles, assist with SOP, LORs, transcripts and handle the full application process.

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Campus France Registration Guidance — We guide you through the Campus France account setup, document submission and interview preparation — a step many students find confusing.

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Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) — Full support from financial proof preparation (€615/month), accommodation documents and medical insurance to visa application at the French consulate.

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Scholarship & CAF Guidance — We identify Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, Campus France grants and Erasmus+ opportunities. We also guide you on applying for CAF housing benefit after arrival.

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Accommodation Guidance — We advise on university CROUS residences, shared apartments and private studios across Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Bordeaux balancing cost and proximity.

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Pre-Departure & Arrival Briefing — Full briefing on OFII visa validation, CROUS housing, French bank account setup, transport passes and what to expect in your first week in France.

Start Your Application →

Your France Journey Starts Here

From your first free consultation to landing in France — here's what working with Sunmerges looks like.

Free profile assessment & university counselling

University shortlisting & application support

Campus France registration & interview prep

VLS-TS visa applied · Finances & insurance ready

Visa approved · Pre-departure briefing

Fly to France 🇫🇷 · OFII validation · CAF applied

📅 Book Free Consultation 📞 Talk to Our UK Expert

Fees & Budget

Cost of Studying in France

Approximate costs to help you plan. Our counsellors will give you a detailed breakdown based on your chosen institution.

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Tuition Fees

Annual fees by institution type (EUR)

🏫 Public Universities

Bachelor's (Licence)€2,770 / year

Master's Degree€3,770 / year

PhD / Doctorate€380 – €450 / year

🏛 Grandes Écoles & Private

Bachelor's / Licence€5,000 – €10,000

Master's / MBA€10,000 – €40,000

Specialized Diplomas€5,000 – €20,000

💡 Most students choose public universities for near-zero tuition. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships & CAF benefit available. HEC Paris MBA charges premium fees.

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Living Expenses

Approximate monthly costs (EUR)

Accommodation€250 – €900 / month

Food & Groceries€200 – €300 / month

Transport€30 – €75 / month

Health Insurance€20 – €50 / month

Utilities & Internet€30 – €60 / month

Leisure & Miscellaneous€100 – €200 / month

Total Monthly Estimate€700 – €1,200 / month

📍 Paris: €1,000–€1,500/month · Lyon: €800–€1,200 · Toulouse/Bordeaux: €700–€1,100. CAF housing benefit can reduce rent by €100–€200/month. Student transport passes are discounted.

Student Stories

What Our France Students Say

Real experiences from students we've helped achieve their study abroad dream in France.

★★★★★

Sunmerges guided me through the Campus France registration process which I found very confusing at first. They helped with my SOP, CAF application and VLS-TS visa documents. I'm now studying my MSc in Finance at Sciences Po Paris — and the tuition was just €3,770 for the year. Incredible value.

Ananya Mehta

Sciences Po Paris, France

★★★★★

I was surprised to learn France had so many English-taught MBA programs. Sunmerges shortlisted the best options for my profile, handled my Campus France registration and helped me apply for the Eiffel Scholarship. I received my visa in 3 weeks and am now at EM Lyon Business School.

Karthik Reddy

EM Lyon Business School, France

Get Started Today

Start Your Study in France Journey Today

Our experienced counsellors are ready to help you secure your place at a French university or Grande École — from Campus France registration to visa approval.

Free Consultation No Hidden Charges 98% Visa Approval Rate Trusted Since 2014

📅 Book Free Consultation 📞 Talk to Our UK Expert

• Study Destination

France

Study in France

Quick Facts About Studying in France

Why Study in France

Education System in France

Popular Courses in France

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Requirements

English Language Requirements

Student Visa Process for France

How We Help You

Cost of Studying in France

Tuition Fees

Living Expenses

What Our France Students Say

Start Your Study in France Journey Today

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