Study in France from India 2026 — Complete Guide
France is home to world-class grandes écoles, affordable public universities (tuition from €170/year), and the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. With 300,000+ international students and a vibrant culture, France is a top destination for Indian students in 2026.
120+ students
Students Placed
96%
Visa Success
6.0–6.5
Min. IELTS
September
Main Intake
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Why Study in France? — Key Benefits
Extremely Low Public University Tuition
French public universities charge approximately €170–243 per year for UG and €243–380 for PG — some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe for world-ranked education.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
The French government's Eiffel Scholarship offers €1,181/month for Masters students and €1,400/month for PhD students, plus travel and insurance allowances.
World-Ranked Grandes Écoles
HEC Paris, INSEAD, Sciences Po, and École Polytechnique are globally ranked business, political, and engineering schools that accept Indian students.
French as a Career Asset
With 300 million French speakers across Africa and Europe, French language opens career doors in diplomacy, hospitality, fashion, and luxury industries worldwide.
Talent Passport — Stay and Work
Graduates from French universities can apply for a Talent Passport, allowing 4 years of work in France. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Campus France — Simple Application Process
France has a streamlined Campus France application process. IMA is a registered Campus France preparation partner and guides you through every step.
Cost of Studying in France from India
| Expense | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition — Public University (per year) | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Tuition — Grandes Écoles / Private (per year) | ₹8L – ₹30L |
| Monthly living expenses (Paris) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Monthly living expenses (other cities) | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 |
| CAF (housing subsidy from French govt) | -₹10,000 to -₹25,000/month |
| Health insurance (CPAM) | ₹0 (free for students under 28) |
| Return flight | ₹45,000 – ₹70,000/year |
* Estimates for guidance only. Actual costs vary by city, university, and lifestyle.
Scholarships for Indian Students in France
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
€1,181–1,400/month + travel + insurance
Deadline: Jan 8, 2026
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
€24,000/year + travel allowance
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
Institut Français India Scholarships
Partial tuition support
Deadline: Varies
HEC Paris Merit Scholarship
Up to 50% tuition waiver
Deadline: Rolling
💡 IMA's scholarship specialists have helped students win over ₹12 crore in total funding. Book a free scholarship session →
Free Planning Tools for France
Top Universities in France for Indian Students
HEC Paris
FT MBA #6Popular courses: MBA, Finance, Management
Sciences Po Paris
QS #269Popular courses: Political Science, International Relations, Law
INSEAD (Fontainebleau)
FT MBA #1Popular courses: MBA, Executive Education
Université PSL (Paris)
QS #26Popular courses: Sciences, Engineering, Humanities
University of Paris-Saclay
QS #69Popular courses: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering
ESSEC Business School
FT MBA Top 20Popular courses: Business, Luxury Management, Finance
Most Popular Courses for Indian Students in France
- MBA at HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP
- MS in Engineering at École Polytechnique
- MS in Data Science & AI
- MA in Fashion & Luxury Management
- MS in International Relations (Sciences Po)
- MS in Architecture & Urban Design
- MS in Environmental Engineering
- Hospitality Management (Glion, EHL)
France Student Visa — Step by Step
Create a Campus France account at India.campusfrance.org and upload academic documents
Receive your Campus France appointment and attend the meeting at their office in New Delhi or Chennai
Receive your No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Campus France
Apply to French universities through Campus France or directly via university portal
Receive admission letter (Letter of Acceptance / LOA)
Apply for Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) at the French Embassy in New Delhi or VISA application centre
Travel to France and validate your visa online within 3 months of arrival at etudiant-etranger.ofii.fr
IMA's Visa Success Rate: 96%
Our visa team has successfully processed 1,000+ student visa applications for France and 20+ other countries.
FAQs — Study in France
Is studying in France affordable for Indian students?
Yes. French public universities charge only €170–380/year in tuition — one of the lowest in Europe. Living expenses are €800–1,200/month depending on the city. Paris is more expensive; cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Bordeaux are 30–40% cheaper.
Is French language required to study in France?
Not always. Many Master's programmes at top universities including Sciences Po, HEC Paris, and several engineering schools are taught entirely in English. However, learning French (A2–B1) significantly improves daily life and job prospects after graduation.
What is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to outstanding international students. It covers €1,181/month for Masters and €1,400/month for PhD, plus international travel, accommodation assistance, and health insurance. The deadline is typically January each year.
What is the Campus France process for Indian students?
Campus France is a mandatory process for Indian students applying to French universities. You register online, upload documents, attend a Campus France appointment in India, and receive a No Objection Certificate. IMA's counsellors guide you through each step.
Can I work in France while studying?
Yes. Students can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 60% of full-time). French minimum wage is €11.65/hour. International students are eligible for CAF (housing allowance) and the student health insurance system.
What is the student visa process for France?
After receiving your university admission letter and Campus France NOC, you apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) at the French Embassy. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. IMA's visa team assists with all documentation.
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