Study in France for Indian Students 2026

An India-focused path to France: admissions, money, visas, and work rights. The full destination guide has every section.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in France in 2026?

Budget approximately €2,900 a year in tuition for a Bachelor's degree and approximately €3,900 for a Master's degree at public universities following the 2026 fee changes for non-EU students, a roughly 16 times increase compared to the previous below €200 rate that applied before differentiated fees were introduced. Private institutions and Grandes Écoles charge considerably more, commonly ranging from €8,000 to over €20,000 a year depending on the school and program. On top of tuition, the student visa requires proof of at least €615 a month in living costs.

What Are the Admission Requirements for French Universities?

Requirements vary by level and institution, but generally include:

• Secondary school qualifications equivalent to the French Baccalauréat, or a recognised foundation program for students who don't meet this directly
• A relevant Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record for Master's applicants
• Proof of language proficiency, French for most public university programs, English for a growing number of Master's and business school programs taught in English
• Completion of the Études en France (Campus France) procedure for applicants from countries with a Campus France office, required before a visa application can even be submitted
• Academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and, for Grandes Écoles, a separate competitive entrance process

Which Entrance Exams Are Required? (TCF, DELF, IELTS, TOEFL)

For French taught programs, proficiency is generally demonstrated through the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) or DELF/DALF certifications. For English taught Master's and business school programs, IELTS or TOEFL are the standard requirements, with exact score thresholds set individually by each institution rather than following one national standard. Some Grandes Écoles and business schools also require GMAT or GRE scores as part of a broader competitive admissions process, alongside interviews conducted in French or English depending on the program.

How Do I Apply for a French Student Visa (VLS-TS)?

The VLS-TS process runs through these stages:

1. Complete the Études en France procedure through Campus France if your country has an office, this includes an academic verification and, in many cases, an interview
2. Receive your official letter of acceptance from a recognised French institution, which anchors the dates on your entire visa file
3. Gather your proof of financial means, at least €615 a month for the full duration of your stay
4. Submit your visa application online through France-Visas, then book and attend your consulate appointment for biometrics and document submission
5. Pay the visa fee, €50 for applicants going through the EEF/Campus France procedure, €99 for those outside it
6. Validate your VLS-TS online through the ANEF portal within 3 months of arrival, and pay the OFII validation fee, in the range of €50 to €60 depending on the source, at which point your visa functions as your residence permit

How Long Does the French Student Visa Process Take?

Budget 4 to 6 weeks for standard consulate processing, though this can extend during peak season between May and August. Starting too late is the single most common mistake, since the Campus France procedure itself typically needs to begin 4 to 5 months before your intended start date to leave enough time for both academic verification and the consulate appointment that follows.

What Are the Financial Requirements for a French Student Visa?

France sets a clear, government confirmed minimum, one of the more precise figures in this entire guide:

• Minimum living costs: at least €615 a month, roughly €7,380 for a full academic year, a figure that has not increased for 2026 and remains one of the lowest thresholds in Western Europe
• Realistic Paris budget: consulates are aware that €615 a month doesn't stretch far in Paris specifically, and a more realistic monthly figure once rent, food, and transport are included is closer to €1,000 to €1,200, worth showing if you're applying to study in the capital

Acceptable evidence: bank statements covering the last 3 to 6 months, a scholarship award letter, a blocked account (compte bloqué) opened in France, or a formal sponsor guarantee (attestation de prise en charge) from a financial guarantor based in France.

A note on treating €615 as a floor, not a target: consulates look for consistent, regular financial history rather than a single large deposit shortly before applying, which is one of the most common reasons for refusal.

Can I Work While Studying in France?

Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week, calculated on a pro rata basis if your residence card is valid for less than 12 months. France's minimum wage (SMIC) sits at approximately €11.88 gross an hour as of January 2026, meaning a student working 15 hours a week for 10 months can earn a meaningful share of their living costs, particularly outside Paris where costs are lower.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students?

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship - a French government award covering Master's and PhD study for outstanding international students, including a monthly stipend
• Erasmus+ - available for eligible exchange and joint degree programs within the EU framework
• CampusBourses - the official Campus France tool listing available scholarships by country and program, expanded in response to the 2026 tuition changes
• University and Grande École specific scholarships - varying by institution, often targeted at students from specific regions or fields of study

When Should I Apply? (Intake Deadlines)

France runs one primary intake with a smaller secondary option at some institutions:

• September intake - the main intake for nearly all programs, with the Campus France procedure ideally starting in April for a September start given the 4 to 5 month runway it requires
• January or February intake - offered by a smaller number of institutions and specific programs, mainly for exchange or short cycle courses

Given the Campus France procedure, consulate appointment availability during peak season, and OFII validation after arrival, start your application at least 6 to 9 months before your target intake.