Study in France

France offers more than 3,500 public and private higher-education institutions, nationally recognised LMD qualifications, a wide range of disciplines and a large international student community. Students should still compare programme recognition, language, tuition, location and career fit rather than choosing by country reputation alone.

Campus France reports 443,500 foreign students in French higher education in 2024–2025, representing about 15% of the total student population. Refresh this figure when newer ministry statistics are published.

The system includes public universities, grandes écoles, engineering and business schools, schools of art and architecture, and other specialist public and private institutions. Qualification recognition and admissions vary by programme and institution.

A Licence normally represents 180 ECTS credits over six semesters. A Master adds 120 ECTS over four semesters. Doctoral study follows a master's-level qualification and is organised through doctoral schools and research supervision.

French national degrees, ministry-approved diplômes visés and valid RNCP certifications have defined official recognition, while engineering and business qualifications may use CTI or CEFDG quality routes. Recognition for a regulated profession abroad must also be checked with the destination country's authority.

Check the exact programme and award, not only the institution name. Look for a national degree, diplôme visé, CTI-accredited engineering title, CEFDG-recognised business award or a valid RNCP registration, as applicable. Confirm the current status and validity dates in official registers or with the institution.

Campus France publishes EU/EEA/Swiss public registration fees of €178 for Licence, €255 for Master and €397 for Doctorate. For many non-EU students subject to differentiated fees, the published rates are €2,902 for Licence, €3,950 for Master and €398 for Doctorate. Exemptions, waivers and programme-specific exceptions can change the amount.

Campus France says private higher-education tuition, particularly in business schools, is commonly around €6,000–€18,000 or more per year. Always use the programme's written fee schedule, including deposits and additional charges.

The Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus funds student-life services. The official 2026–2027 amount is €105 for students who are liable. Some students are exempt or outside its scope, but may still need an exemption certificate before enrolment.

Campus France publishes a baseline of €600–€800 per month for housing, food and transport, while warning that location and housing type matter. Paris and private accommodation can be substantially more expensive, so build a city-specific budget and include deposits, insurance, CVEC and personal costs.

Usually, especially for housing. Campus France cites average CROUS rent around €450 in Paris versus €350 elsewhere, and private studios starting around €800 in Paris versus €400 elsewhere. These are indicative starting points and availability is limited.

International students can apply for CROUS housing through the applicable route, but demand is much higher than supply. Exchange students and some scholarship holders may be handled through their institution or Campus France, while other applicants use the designated CROUS platform and dates.

Campus France notes that CAF housing support such as APL or ALS may be available subject to eligibility. Eligibility, amount and processing depend on the student's status, housing and current rules, so apply only through official CAF channels.

Yes, under conditions. A non-EU student with a valid student VLS-TS or residence card may generally work up to 964 hours per year without a separate work authorisation. Special rules apply to Algerian nationals and certain work-study arrangements.

France-Visas advises that part-time work should be treated as secondary income and will not normally cover all expenses. Students must prepare sufficient funding independently of expected earnings.

It depends on the programme. French-taught courses require the institution's specified French level, while English-taught programmes may require English evidence. Even on an English-taught course, practical French helps with housing, administration, healthcare and daily life.

Yes. Many institutions offer full or partial English-taught programmes, especially at master's level, but availability and language evidence are programme-specific. Confirm the teaching language for every module and assessment.

Études en France is the reference application procedure for students living in participating countries and territories. It may cover application and pre-consular steps through to the student visa. Check the current country list and route; doctoral applications do not follow the standard EEF procedure.

The correct route depends on nationality, country of residence, study level, previous education and programme. Use Campus France's current route guidance and the institution's instructions; do not submit duplicate applications unless told to do so.

Common documents include passport or ID, prior diplomas and transcripts, language evidence, CV and motivation statement. References, a portfolio, interview, entrance examination, research proposal, certified translation or legalisation may also be required.

Begin roughly 9–12 months before the intended intake. France uses different annual deadlines for DAP, Parcoursup, master's and direct institutional routes. Always use the current academic-year timetable rather than copying a previous year's date.

For study lasting no more than three months, a short-stay visa may apply. For studies longer than three months, visa-required students normally need a long-stay student visa, often a VLS-TS that must be validated after arrival. Use the France-Visas Visa Wizard for the exact route.

France-Visas says visa decisions are usually made in 15 days and may take up to 45 days in special cases. Appointment availability, local conditions and additional checks can add time, so apply well before travel.

France-Visas publishes an indicative fee of €50 for applicants in Études en France territories and €99 for other long-stay student applicants. Exemptions, exchange rates and external service-provider fees may affect the amount paid.

For applications filed from 1 August 2026, Campus France published a minimum resources threshold of €877.50 per month. Because this is date-sensitive and the Visa Wizard is applicant-specific, confirm the live figure and accepted evidence immediately before filing.

France-Visas says the student should provide a temporary address for the first three months or a permanent address if already secured. The applicant-specific checklist may require additional proof depending on the country and housing arrangement.

Validate the VLS-TS online within three months of arrival. If the visa instead says a residence permit must be requested after arrival, follow the deadline printed for that route. Complete institutional enrolment and health-registration steps as well.

Registration with French Social Security is free for eligible foreign students and provides reimbursement of covered healthcare costs. It does not mean every medical expense is fully paid; students may choose complementary insurance and should check travel or visa coverage needs.

Funding may come from French or foreign governments, embassies, regions, institutions, Erasmus+ and other organisations. Campus Bourses lets students filter opportunities by nationality, level and field. Eligibility and deadlines vary widely.

No. Eiffel applications are submitted by French higher-education institutions for selected master's, engineering or doctoral candidates. Students should contact the target institution early about its internal nomination deadline.

Eligible non-EU graduates of specified French qualifications may apply for a one-year job-search or business-creation residence status. It is not automatic, and diploma, timing, status and nationality-specific conditions apply.

No. The Bienvenue en France label evaluates services and support for international students. It is useful for judging welcome arrangements, but it is not a programme accreditation or university ranking. Check academic recognition separately.