What visa do I need to study in France?

Indian students require a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS). An IELTS score of 6.0 or above is generally required.

Can I work while studying in France?

20 hrs/week Post-graduation: Talent Passport / APS: 1–4 years

What are the top courses to study in France?

The most popular courses for Indian students are MBA, Engineering, Fashion, Culinary Arts, Architecture.

Study in France from India 2026-27 - Universities, Courses & Visa

Capital City	Paris
Language of Instruction	French / English
Currency	EUR (€)
Avg Tuition / Year	₹0 – ₹10L/yr
Avg Living Cost / Year	₹8L – ₹12L/yr
Main Intakes	Sep, Jan
Student Visa	Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Work During Studies	20 hrs/week
Post-Study Work	Talent Passport / APS: 1–4 years
IELTS Required	Yes — Min 6.0
Indian Students Enrolled	10,000+ currently
Total Universities	250+ accredited institutions

Capital City

Paris

Language of Instruction

French / English

Currency

EUR (€)

Avg Tuition / Year

₹0 – ₹10L/yr

Avg Living Cost / Year

₹8L – ₹12L/yr

Main Intakes

Sep, Jan

Student Visa

Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)

Work During Studies

20 hrs/week

Post-Study Work

Talent Passport / APS: 1–4 years

IELTS Required

Yes — Min 6.0

Indian Students Enrolled

10,000+ currently

Total Universities

250+ accredited institutions

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students

Annual Budget Breakdown

Tuition Fees ₹0 – ₹10L/yr

Living Expenses ₹8L – ₹12L/yr

Insurance & Miscellaneous ~₹1–2L/yr

Costs vary by university, program, and city. These are indicative ranges for Indian students.

Scholarships for Indian Students — France

University Merit Scholarships

Most top universities offer 10–50% tuition waivers for international students with strong academic profiles (GPA 3.5+).

Government Scholarships (ICCR / DAAD / Commonwealth)

Bilateral scholarship programs between India and France. Fully funded — covers tuition, living, and airfare.

Departmental Research Fellowships

For PhD and Master's research students. Includes stipend + full tuition waiver for RA/TA positions.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Means-tested grants and bursaries for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Browse All Scholarships →

France Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

Visa Required: Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) · Min IELTS: 6.0

Receive Official Admission Letter

Apply to and receive your official offer/admission letter from a recognised, accredited university in France. This is the mandatory first step before visa application.

Clear English Proficiency Test

Score minimum 6.0 on IELTS (Academic) or equivalent TOEFL iBT score (~90). Start prep 6 months before your target intake.

Prepare Visa Document Kit

Gather: valid passport (6+ months validity), admission letter, financial proof (₹20–35L in a bank statement), academic transcripts and certificates, English test scorecard, health insurance, SOP, and passport photos.

Apply for Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)

Submit your application at the nearest consulate/embassy or online visa portal. Pay the visa application fee. Allow 4–8 weeks processing time.

Attend Visa Interview (If Called)

Be prepared to explain your course choice, career plans, chosen university, and financial support. Carry all original documents. Be honest, confident, and concise.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Book flights and accommodation early. Get travel forex/multi-currency card. Get vaccinations if required. Attend a pre-departure orientation. Join Indian student community groups for your destination city.

Pro tip: Start your visa application process at least 3–4 months before your course start date. Use a registered education consultant to avoid common documentation errors.

Frequently Asked Questions — Study in France

Tuition fees typically range ₹0 – ₹10L/yr. Living costs are approximately ₹8L – ₹12L/yr per year. Total all-in budget for most UG/PG programs: ₹25–80L per year depending on university and city tier.

Indian students require a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) to study in France. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 or above is generally required. Some universities also accept TOEFL or PTE. Apply at least 3 months before your intake date.

20 hrs/week After graduation: Talent Passport / APS: 1–4 years Working part-time can offset 20–30% of living expenses.

The most popular courses for Indian students in France are MBA, Engineering, Fashion, Culinary Arts, Architecture. Research-focused MS programs have the highest ROI in terms of post-study work and PR pathways.

For Sep, Jan — start at least 12–18 months in advance. Timeline: IELTS/GRE prep (3–6 months) → university shortlist and applications (3 months) → visa application (3 months) → pre-departure (1 month).

Yes — university merit scholarships (10–50% tuition waivers), government scholarships (ICCR, Commonwealth, DAAD), and departmental research fellowships are available. Students with CGPA 8.5+ and strong profiles can secure partial to full funding. Apply at the same time as university applications.

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Study in France from India

France — Quick Facts

Top Universities in France for Indian Students

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students

Annual Budget Breakdown

Scholarships for Indian Students — France

France Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

Frequently Asked Questions — Study in France

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Study in France from India

France — Quick Facts

Top Universities in France for Indian Students

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students

Annual Budget Breakdown

Scholarships for Indian Students — France

France Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

Frequently Asked Questions — Study in France

What is the total cost of studying in France for Indian students?

What visa do I need to study in France?

Can I work while studying in France?

What are the most popular courses to study in France?

When should I start preparing to study in France?

Are there scholarships available for Indian students in France?

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