Study in France: Top Universities, Scholarships, and Admissions Guide
Experience France's rich history of literature, architecture, and art while pursuing affordable education. Benefit from top scholarships and a smooth admission process at world-renowned universities.
Capital
Paris
Language
French
Accepted Exams
IELTS
Average Fees
€ 10,000 EUR
Main Intake
September
Average Salary
€ 65,000 EUR
Currency
Euro
Institutions
500
Why study in France?
Top 5 Reasons to Study in France
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Top Programs to Shape Your Future in France
France’s blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and global industry connections makes it a magnet for international students. At Emu Global, we’ve curated the best programs in France that align with high-demand careers, innovation, and cultural immersion. From haute couture to cutting-edge engineering, here’s how you can craft a world-class future in France:
Business & Management: France is home to Europe’s top-ranked business schools, known for their rigorous programs and global networks. Institutions like HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC Business Schooloffer MBAs, luxury brand management, and international business degrees. Programs emphasize internships at Fortune 500 companies like L’Oréal and LVMH. Why France? Graduates benefit from France’s strategic position in the EU, with access to multinational corporations and startups in Paris’s La Défense business district.
Engineering: France’s Grandes Écoles, such as École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, and École des Ponts ParisTech, are globally acclaimed for engineering programs in aerospace, robotics, and renewable energy. Partnerships with Airbus, Renault, and Thales provide hands-on research and internships. Key advantage: France ranks 5th globally in R&D investment, offering graduates roles in sustainable tech, AI, and smart cities.
Information Technology (IT): France’s tech ecosystem thrives in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Universities such as *Sorbonne University, École 42, and Télécom Paris specialize in cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering. Programs often include collaborations with French tech giants like Capgemini and Orange. Career edge: France’s "Tech Visa" fast-tracks residency for IT professionals, while cities like Station F (the world’s largest startup campus) fuel innovation.
Fashion Design: As the global capital of fashion, France offers unparalleled programs in design, textile innovation, and luxury management. Schools like ESMOD Paris, Paris College of Art, and IFM (Institut Français de la Mode) blend creativity with business acumen. Students intern with iconic brands like Chanel, Dior, and Hermès. Why France? Paris Fashion Week and proximity to luxury conglomerates provide unmatched networking opportunities.
Social Sciences: France’s intellectual legacy in philosophy, sociology, and political science thrives at institutions like Sciences Po Paris, Sorbonne University, and École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS). Programs in international relations, public policy, and human rights attract students aiming for careers in NGOs, diplomacy, or academia. Unique perk: France’s multicultural cities like Lyon and Strasbourg serve as living labs for social research.
Law: French law schools, including *Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Sorbonne Law School, and Université Paris-Saclay, excel in European Union law, international business law, and human rights. Programs often include moot court competitions and internships at institutions like the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Career boost: Fluency in French and English opens doors to EU legal sectors and global organizations.
Law
Fashion
Engineering
Social Sciences
IT
Business
Best Places to study in France
France combines world-class education with a rich cultural experience. Here are the top cities as per the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list:</p>
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<li><p class="font_9">Paris: A global center for art, fashion, and innovation, Paris offers prestigious universities and diverse opportunities.</p></li>
<li><p class="font_9">Lyon: A student-friendly city with top institutions and a vibrant cultural scene.
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Top Universities in France
Admission Requirements for Studying in the France in 2025
Dive into the admission requirements for studying in France, covering academic prerequisites, language tests, and visa documentation.
Valid Passport
GMAT/GRE score for PG programs
CV/Resume
Work Experience (Optional)
Academic Transcript
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letter of Recommendation
Portfolio (Required in some programs)
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Scholarships to Study in France for International Students
Explore scholarships offered to international students in France. Whether through government initiatives, university partnerships, or private organizations, these funding opportunities help make studying in France affordable while allowing you to experience its rich culture and academic excellence.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Scholarships
Emile Boutmy scholarship
Eiffel Scholarships
Step-by-Step Application Process to Study in France for Indian Students (2025)
1
Choose Your Program and University
Research universities and programs in France that match your academic and career goals. Consider factors like tuition fees, program language (English or French), scholarships, and the university's reputation.
2
Get Professional Guidance
Reach out to trusted study abroad consultants like EMU Global for expert advice. They can guide you in selecting the best universities, meeting eligibility criteria, and preparing strong applications.
3
Finalize Your Choice
Pick the program and university that suit your goals and preferences. Ensure the institution is recognized and offers opportunities for internships or post-study work permits.
Intakes in France for International Students
France, known for its rich culture and world-class education system, offers two primary intakes for international students: September (Fall) and January (Winter). Additionally, some institutions provide a flexible May intake, catering to specific programs. Choosing the right intake is crucial for a smooth application process and a successful academic journey.
1. September Intake (Fall): The September intake is the main intake in France and is preferred by most international students.
Key Highlights:
Starts in September
Offers the widest range of courses and programs in universities and colleges
Most scholarships and funding opportunities are available during this intake
Ideal for students applying for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs
2. January Intake (Winter): The January intake serves as an alternative for students who miss the September deadline or need additional time for preparation.
Key Highlights:
Starts in January
Fewer courses are available compared to the September intake
Suitable for students targeting specific programs or institutions
Upcoming Intakes
Benefits of Studying in January Intake in France
Less competitive than the September intake
Gives students additional time to prepare application documents and improve their profiles
Cons of Studying in January Intake in France
Limited course and scholarship availability
Post-Study Work Permit (PSWP) in France: Key Benefits for Indian Students
At Emu Global, we help international students leverage France’s post-study work opportunities to launch their careers in Europe. The Temporary Resident Permit (APS - Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) is a key pathway for graduates to stay in France after studies to seek employment or start a business. Here’s a detailed guide:
What is the APS?
The Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) is a temporary residence permit that allows international graduates to stay in France for up to 12 months (with possible renewal) to:
Seek employment in their field of study.
Start a business or self-employed venture.
Transition to a long-term work visa or residency.
Who is Eligible for the APS?
You can apply for the APS if you:
Graduated with a French higher education degree from an accredited institution.
Hold one of the following qualifications:
Licence Professionnelle (vocational bachelor’s degree).
Master’s degree or equivalent (e.g., Engineering degree, Political Science degree from an IEP, Veterinary degree).
Specialist Master’s (e.g., MSc certified by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles).
Intend to seek employment or start a company in France.
APS Validity for Indian Students
For non-European students, especially Indian nationals, France offers extended flexibility under bilateral agreements:
Initial APS: Valid for 12 months after graduation.
Renewal: Indian students can renew the APS once (for an additional 12 months), allowing a total stay of up to 24 months to secure a job or establish a business.
Bachelor's program | 24 months post study work permit renewed each 12 months |
Master's program | 24 months post study work permit renewed each 12 months |
Eligibility for Renewal: Requires proof of active job-seeking efforts or progress in starting a company.
Pathway to Long-Term Stay:
Secure a Talent Passport visa or EU Blue Card after finding relevant employment.
Multiple-Entry Short-Stay Visa for APS Holders
If you are an Indian national and have obtained a Master's degree or higher and granted an APS, you will be issued a multiple-entry short-stay visa with a maximum validity of 5 years. However, the duration of your short-stay visa will depend on the expiry date of your travel document. Key points to note:
Long-validity visas are issued only in 12-month periods.
English language requirement to study in France for Indian students
TOEFL - iBT
Overall score of 82 and above
IELTS
Overall band score of 6 and above
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Documents required for France student visa application
Passport
Academic transcripts and certificates
Admission letter
Student visa in France for Indian Students
The French consulate issues the VLS-TS student visa, or long-stay visa, to the international students who get admitted to an accredited institution in France. With this visa, international students can study and stay in France for the long term. The VLS-TS visa is valid for the duration of your program and must be validated online within 3 months of your arrival in France. The applicant must provide proof of financials, proof of admissions, valid health insurance, and a complete visa application form to apply for a France student visa. France study visa fees for EEF procedure countries and territories are 50 EUR and 99 EUR for the rest of the world. For Indian students, the VLS-TS visa fee is 50 EUR.
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Cost of studying in France
The cost of living in France is quite reasonable as compared to other Countries like the USA or the UK. According to Campus France, the average cost for a student to live and study in France is 600 - 800 EUR per month, which covers food, transport, accomodation, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Expense | Total cost in EUR |
Average yearly tuition fee | 10,000 - 15,000 |
Living Cost | 4,800 - 6,400 |
Visa | 50 |
Total | 14,850 |