Study in France

France hosts approximately 350,000 international students, split between public universities and competitive grandes écoles (selective graduate schools). The Études en France platform, operated by Campus France, manages centralized applications for master’s programs and some bachelor’s degrees. Undergraduate and master’s tuition at public universities is exceptionally low (EUR 2,000–3,000 annually for EU citizens; EUR 3,000–20,000 for non-EU international students). Grandes écoles charge EUR 8,000–30,000+ annually but confer prestige and strong employment outcomes. International students pursue the VLS-TS student visa (Visa de Long Séjour - Études, Travail, Séjour), valid for the full program duration plus 4-month grace. Post-study options include the Carte de Séjour Recherche d’Emploi (job-seeker permit) or transition to work visa. French-language proficiency required for most programs; English-taught master’s programs expanding. Paris dominates internationally; Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Montpellier offer significant alternatives.

Key facts

Study system

Undergraduate degrees: Three years (Licence, bachelor’s equivalent). Academic year: September–June (Semester 1 Sept–Dec, Semester 2 Jan–May, exams May–June). Grading: 0–20 scale (12–13 typical passing, 16+ distinction). GPA system not standard; grades listed individually.

Master’s programs: Two years (Master’s degree). Entry requires bachelor’s or equivalent (Licence). Intake: September (primary) or January (limited). Two-year intensive structure common; one-semester or one-year specialization programs also available.

Grande École structure: Four-year combined bachelor’s + master’s (typically age 18–22 entry via competitive national exam, Concours). Postgraduate grande école programs 1–2 years (accepting bachelor’s graduates). Prestige, network, and employment outcomes strong; more selective admission than public universities.

PhD / Doctorat: Three years (minimum, often 3.5–4 years). Fully funded positions available (allocations de recherche) through doctoral schools (Écoles Doctorales); competitive. International students often require scholarships (Eiffel scholarships, CNRS, others).

Calendar: Semester system (Sept–Dec, Jan–May; June exams; July–Aug break). Academic year 2025–26 runs Sept 2025–June 2026.

Grading: 0–20 scale (20 = A, 18–19 = B+, 16–17 = B, 14–15 = B–, 12–13 = C, 10–11 = D, below 10 = F). No GPA; transcript lists grades per subject/module.

Applications

Centralised platform: Études en France (Campus France portal, études-en-france.fr). Most French public universities and some private institutions participate. Application through online portal; documentation uploaded (diploma, transcripts, language certificates, CV, motivation letter in French).

Large selection of programmes also available through: Parcoursup (mainly for undergraduate); direct application to Grande Écoles (via institutional portals or through preparatory class system for some).

Application deadlines:

• Master’s via Études en France: December 1–March 31 (rolling windows vary; early stages typically Jan 15 priority for most programs).
• Undergraduate (Licence): January 15–May 15 via Parcoursup (limited international enrollment; France prioritizes EU/domestic).
• Grande École competitive exams: January–March (admissions process varies; some accept bachelor’s graduates directly).

English language requirements:

• French-taught programs: DELF B2 or DALF C1 (official French language exam, Ministry of Education). TOEFL/IELTS not accepted for French-language proof; must pass French language test.
• English-taught programs (some master’s): IELTS 6.5–7.5 or TOEFL iBT 90–110. Expanding but still minority of offerings.
• Exemptions: Native French or degree from French institution.

Entry requirements:

• Undergraduate (Licence): Baccalauréat (French high school) or foreign equivalent (IB 36+, GCE A-Levels, etc.). International candidates typically restricted; priority for French/EU residents.
• Master’s: Bachelor’s degree (Licence or equivalent) minimum 2.0 GPA / 60% (some programs 3.0+ required). DELF B2 typical for French-taught programs.

Costs

Tuition (annual, 2025–26):

• Public universities:
  • EU citizens: EUR 170–600 (undergraduate), EUR 250–3,500 (master’s)
  • Non-EU international: EUR 2,770–6,000 (undergraduate, increased from previous EUR 1,000 range via 2019 reform)
  • Non-EU international master’s: EUR 3,770–6,000 (increased similarly)
• Grandes écoles: EUR 8,000–30,000+ annually depending on prestige/specialization (ESSEC/HEC EUR 30,000+/year; mid-tier EUR 10,000–20,000/year).
• Conversion: EUR 3,000 ≈ US$3,240; EUR 20,000 ≈ US$21,600.

Cost of living (annual, by city, 2025–26):

• Paris: EUR 14,000–18,000 (highest cost)
• Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux: EUR 11,000–14,000
• Smaller cities: EUR 9,000–12,000

Breakdown (Paris, single student, annual):

• Accommodation (shared apartment, CROUS dorm): EUR 6,000–9,000
• Food, groceries: EUR 3,000–4,000
• Transport (Navigo pass): EUR 864 (monthly pass ~EUR 72)
• Utilities, internet: EUR 1,000–1,500
• Personal, entertainment: EUR 2,000–3,000

Financial proof for VLS-TS visa: EUR 1,500–2,000 per month (for 12 months ≈ EUR 18,000–24,000 total) required in bank statement or sponsor declaration. Exact amount varies by city (Paris higher, provincial lower) and institution guidance.

Student visa and work rights

Visa category: VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour - Étudiant / Student Long-Stay Visa), issued by French consulate abroad. Valid for full program duration (up to 4 years for consecutive master’s + bachelor’s).

Application process:

1. Receive acceptance letter from French educational institution.
2. Create account on Campus France portal (if applicable for institution) or proceed directly to French consulate.
3. Apply at nearest French consulate in home country (online form + documentation uploaded, or in-person interview if required by consulate).
4. Provide acceptance letter, financial proof (bank statement EUR 1,500–2,000/month or sponsor letter), health insurance, passport.
5. Fee: Varies by consulate; typically EUR 0–50 or converted to equivalent in local currency (some consulates charge; others free).
6. Processing: 2–4 weeks standard; expedited processing sometimes available.
7. Health insurance: Mandatory; student rate through SMEREP, SMENO, or LMDE (student mutual insurers) approximately EUR 200–350/year.

Financial proof requirement: EUR 1,500–2,000 per month documented in bank statement (28–90 days held depending on consulate). Sponsor declaration (Lettre d’accueil) from French resident also acceptable as alternative/supplementary proof.

Work hours during studies:

• On-campus employment: Unlimited (work permit inherent in student visa).
• Off-campus employment: Maximum 15 hours per week during academic term, or full-time if limited to July–August (vacation periods). Some relaxation for research-related work or internships (may be unrestricted if integral to curriculum).
• No employer sponsorship: Permission to work included in VLS-TS visa.

Recent major changes:

• January 2023: Tuition reform increased non-EU international student fees at public universities (from EUR 1,000–1,500 to EUR 2,770–6,000 for undergraduate; EUR 3,770–6,000 for master’s).
• 2024: Government focus on attracting international talent; Passeport Talent visa expanded for post-study employment.
• Dependents: Spouse/partner and dependent children eligible for dependent long-stay visas. Partner may work subject to same 15-hour term-time cap; children study free in public schools.

Post-study work

Primary routes:

Option 1: Carte de Séjour Recherche d’Emploi (Job-Seeker Permit)

• Duration: 1 year
• Application: Within 4 months of graduation (Visa grace period allows this transition)
• Fee: EUR 270–350 (prefecture fee varies by region)
• Work authorization: Full unrestricted permission; active job search permitted while working
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s or master’s from French institution on student visa

Option 2: Passeport Talent (Skilled Worker Visa)

• Duration: 3 years (renewable)
• Application: Upon job offer from French employer matching qualification
• Fee: Employer application, varying by procedure
• Work authorization: Employment-specific; linked to job contract
• Salary minimum: No specific minimum; market rates apply for degree holders
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s or higher; job offer in field matching degree

Pathway to permanent residence (Carte de Résident Permanent): Requires 5 years continuous residence on qualifying visa(s) (student + job-seeker + work visa combined). Permanent resident card (Carte de Résident Permanent) or 10-year residence card available after this period. Pathway to French citizenship possible after 5 years as resident; language proficiency B2 required (tested via DALF C1 exam or equivalents).

Recent changes (2025–26):

• Passeport Talent streamlining: Government simplifying post-study work pathways; fast-track processing for engineering, science, tech graduates (target: 2-week processing by June 2026, announced December 2024).
• Job-seeker permit extension under review: Possible extension to 2 years for master’s graduates in shortage sectors (health, education, tech).

Working while studying

On-campus employment:

• Hours: Unlimited (no cap for university positions, research assistantships, etc.).
• Wage: Approximately EUR 12–15/hour (typical research assistant / Monitorat rate). SMIC (salaire minimum) EUR 13.52/hour (January 2025, gross).
• Tax: Social contributions (Cotisations sociales) withheld automatically (approximately 23% employee contribution on gross). Employer withheld tax credit. Annual tax form (Déclaration des Revenus) filed with tax authorities (Impôts sur le Revenu).

Off-campus employment:

• Hours: 15 hours/week during academic term; unlimited during July–August vacation period.
• Wage: SMIC EUR 13.52/hour (January 2025, gross) or higher depending on role.
• Tax: Full social contributions (23%) and income tax withholding.

Numéro de Sécurité Sociale (Social Security Number): Required for all employment; apply to local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie, health insurance center). Processing 2–4 weeks; employer may request interim number for faster processing.

Health insurance: Mandatory (already included in student health mutual; no additional cost if enrolled).

Employer sponsorship: Not required for on-campus or off-campus work under VLS-TS student visa. Employer simply hires; employer declares employment to tax authorities (URSSAF).

Best-known universities

Primary sources

• Campus France. Études en France Portal. https://www.estudy.fr (accessed 2026-04)
• Campus France. Study in France Guide. https://www.campusfrance.org (accessed 2026-04)
• French Ministry of Higher Education. https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr (accessed 2026-04)
• French Consulate Services. Visa Information (visa.gouv.fr). https://www.france-visas.gouv.fr (accessed 2026-04)
• Parcoursup. Undergraduate Applications (France resident focus). https://www.parcoursup.fr (accessed 2026-04)
• QS World University Rankings. https://www.topuniversities.com (accessed 2026-04)

Last updated: 2026-04-15.