World-renowned for art, culture, and fashion — affordable public universities and full access to the EU job market.
3,500+
Institutions
400K+
Int'l Students
€170
Min Annual Tuition
#2
EU Economy
Why France?
6 Reasons to Study in France
🗼
Iconic Culture & Lifestyle
Paris is the world's most visited city and Europe's cultural capital. France offers an unmatched quality of life — cuisine, art, fashion, history, and geography that spans beaches, mountains, and vineyards.
💰
Extremely Low Tuition
French public universities charge as little as €170/year for EU students and €2,770/year for non-EU undergraduates. This is among the lowest in the developed world for a high-quality education system.
🏆
World-Class Grandes Écoles
France's elite Grandes Écoles (École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, HEC Paris, CentraleSupélec) produce leaders in business, engineering, and public policy across the world.
💼
EU Work Rights
After graduating, students can apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — a 12-month post-study work permit to find employment in France or the EU.
🌍
International Research
France is home to INSEAD, ESCP, and major EU research institutions. French universities have strong partnerships with industry and government for research and internships.
🏥
Excellent Healthcare
France has one of the world's best healthcare systems. International students are covered by the French student social security system (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) at low cost.
Budget Planning
Cost of Studying in France
Expense
Estimated Range
Public university tuition (non-EU undergrad)
€2,770/yr
Public university tuition (non-EU postgrad)
€3,770/yr
Grandes Écoles / Business schools
€10,000 – €35,000/yr
Living expenses (Paris)
€1,000 – €1,800/month
Living expenses (other cities)
€700 – €1,100/month
Student visa fee
€99
💡 France offers some of the lowest public university tuition in the developed world. Cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Montpellier offer excellent universities at significantly lower living costs than Paris.
What to Study
Popular Courses
Engineering (Grandes Écoles)Business & Management (HEC Paris, INSEAD)Fashion & DesignPolitical Science & International RelationsArchitectureCulinary ArtsNatural SciencesComputer Science & AI
Receive VLS-TS (Long-Stay Student Visa equivalent to Residence Permit)
6
Validate your visa online within 3 months of arrival (mandatory)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to study in France?
France has some of the lowest public university tuition in the world for international students — €2,770/year for undergraduates and €3,770/year for postgraduates at public universities. Private Grandes Écoles and business schools are more expensive (€10,000–€35,000/year). Living costs vary significantly by city — Paris is expensive, but Lyon, Bordeaux, or Toulouse are much more affordable.
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not for all programmes. Many Grandes Écoles and business schools offer English-taught programmes — particularly at postgraduate level. INSEAD, HEC Paris, ESSEC, and Sciences Po all offer significant English-medium options. For public universities, French language proficiency (B2 level minimum) is generally required.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. Non-EU students with a valid student visa can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week). Students from certain countries may work more with special authorisation.
What happens after I graduate from a French university?
Non-EU graduates can apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — a 12-month residence permit allowing you to look for work in France or the EU. If you find employment in a qualified role, you can apply for a Talent Passport or work permit and build toward permanent residency.
Still have questions?
Ask an expert about studying in France
Get instant AI-powered answers to your visa, costs, and application questions.