France is one of the more popular places for Indian students to go for higher education. It has business schools, engineering institutes, public universities and specialist schools in fashion, hospitality and design, and a good number of programmes are taught in English.
This guide covers what you can study, how to apply from India, what it costs, and what the visa process involves. Always check the official sources linked below before you commit to anything, because fees and rules change.
Why choose France?
The range of institutions. France has public universities, business schools, engineering schools and specialised colleges, so you can match a programme to your background. Many courses mix lectures with research, case studies and industry projects.
The subjects. Popular areas include:
Business, management, finance and marketing
Engineering and technology
Computer science, AI and data science
Fashion design and luxury brand management
Hospitality and tourism
Art, design and architecture
International relations and social sciences
Before picking one, compare the course modules, entry requirements, teaching language and what graduates actually go on to do.
The classroom mix. You will study alongside people from many countries. If you plan to work with international clients or teams later, that experience is useful.
The language. You can get by in an English-taught programme, but daily life is easier in French. It also helps with internships, part-time work and jobs. If you want to stay in France long term, start learning it early.
What can you study?
Business and management. Options include bachelor’s degrees, the Master in Management and the MBA. Compare accreditation, internship options and total fees before applying.
Engineering. Mechanical, electrical, civil and renewable energy are the common ones. Depending on the institution, you may get lab work, research and industry projects alongside classes.
Computer science and AI. Look for programmes that include real projects, programming assignments, research or internships, and check that they match the career you want.
Fashion, design and hospitality. France is strong in luxury brands, culinary arts and creative industries. Admission criteria and fees vary a lot between schools here, so don’t assume one school’s terms apply to another.
What do you need to apply?
Requirements differ by institution and level. Typical documents are:
Academic transcripts and certificates
A valid passport
A statement of purpose or motivation letter
A CV, mostly for postgraduate courses
Letters of recommendation, where asked for
English or French proficiency evidence
A portfolio, for some creative programmes
Entrance exam scores, where applicable
English-taught courses usually ask for IELTS, TOEFL or something similar. French-taught courses may ask for proof of French. Check each university’s own website for its exact list.
How to apply from India
Research. Decide on your subject, level, budget and teaching language. Compare several institutions instead of going only by reputation. Look at course content, deadlines, internships, location and total expenses.
Prepare your documents. Gather your records, passport, CV, motivation letter and language results. Submit everything in the format the institution asks for.
Apply. Indian residents applying to eligible programmes generally go through Campus France India and the Études en France process. The exact route depends on the course and level, so read the official Campus France India application and admission guidance first.
Review your offer. Check the fees, payment deadlines, conditions of admission and any documents still outstanding. Confirm your place the way the institution tells you to.
Apply for your visa. Once you have the admission documentation, follow the Études en France and student visa procedures. Apply through the official France-Visas website, check the current requirements for Indian applicants, and leave time for processing and appointments.
Tuition and living costs
Public institutions in France are heavily government-funded, but international students may pay differentiated fees. For 2026–2027, the published national rates at covered public institutions are roughly:
Bachelor’s: €2,902 per year
Master’s: €3,950 per year
Doctorate: €398 per year
These don’t apply everywhere. Some institutions and students qualify for exemptions, and private institutions can charge much more. Confirm the amount with your university, and see Campus France’s tuition fee guide.
Living costs depend on your city and lifestyle. Paris is generally pricier than smaller cities, and the type of accommodation changes your monthly budget a lot. Budget separately for rent, groceries, transport, phone, study materials, insurance and personal spending. Don’t forget one-off costs like flights, deposits and basic household items.
Scholarships
Scholarships exist, but availability, eligibility and deadlines vary. Places to look:
Government scholarships: check official announcements from the French and Indian governments for your nationality and level.
University scholarships: some institutions offer merit awards or tuition reductions.
Research funding: some doctoral and research programmes come with funded positions or contracts.
External funding: educational organisations sometimes fund specific subjects or achievements.
Read what each award covers. Some pay tuition, some pay living costs, and some pay only part of the total. Don’t plan your finances around a scholarship until you know you’ve got it.
Visa requirements
Most Indian students on a full-time programme need the long-stay student visa. You may be asked for:
A valid passport
An admission or enrolment document
Completed application forms
Proof of financial resources
Accommodation details
Academic records and other supporting documents
From 1 August 2026, Campus France India states that the minimum financial resources required for a French student visa are €877.50 per month. That is the amount you must show for the visa. It isn’t a promise that it will cover your real living expenses. Visa rules change, so check with the official authorities before you apply.
Life in France
Accommodation. Options include university residences, private student residences, shared flats and rented studios. Prices and availability depend on the city, so start looking early. Read the rental agreement, confirm who you’re actually dealing with, and understand the deposit terms before you transfer any money.
Settling in. Learning basic French and joining student activities will help, and France has plenty to explore outside class: regional food, museums, festivals, historic sites.
Part-time work. International students may be allowed to work under the student immigration rules, but check the permitted hours and conditions before accepting a job. Don’t count on part-time earnings to pay for everything. Finding work also depends on your French, your location and what’s available.
Careers after a French degree
What you end up doing depends on your subject, your institution and your experience.
Business: marketing, finance, business analysis, consulting, sales and international business, subject to employer requirements.
Technology: software development, data analysis, cybersecurity and AI roles, if you have the skills to match.
Engineering and research: manufacturing, energy, research, product development and technical services.
Hospitality, fashion and creative work: hospitality management, tourism, fashion, design and luxury businesses.
A degree alone doesn’t guarantee a job. Internships, communication skills, language ability, networking and relevant experience all count. Also check the residence and work authorisation rules that apply to you after graduation.
Planning tips
Start early. Look into programmes and deadlines well before your intake.
Add up the full cost. Tuition, rent, transport, insurance and daily spending together, not tuition alone.
Pick a course that fits. It should follow from your previous studies and point toward a goal you actually have.
Work on your languages. English or French, depending on your programme.
Write a clear application. Accurate documents and an honest account of why you want this course.
Use official sources. University sites, Campus France and government pages for fees, procedures and visas.
Research life abroad. Housing, transport, healthcare and student services, before you leave.
Conclusion
France offers a wide choice of programmes in business, engineering, computer science, fashion, hospitality and more. Whether it suits you depends on your subject, budget and plans for after graduation.
Start by shortlisting universities, then check their admission requirements, work out a realistic budget, look at scholarships, and follow the official application and visa steps. Planning ahead is what keeps the process manageable. If you want an international degree, Study in France is worth a serious look.
