French (English-taught programmes are available, particularly at master's level)
Study in France
Your French study plan starts here.
EUR
Paris
Why Study in France?
French universities, grandes écoles and specialist institutions offer programmes across the full Licence-Master-Doctorat (LMD) structure for international students.
Education System: French higher education spans public universities, grandes écoles, engineering schools and specialist institutions, with degrees organised on the national LMD structure.
Tuition Fees
At public universities in 2026-27, international students outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland pay differentiated registration fees of EUR 2,902 per year for Licence programmes (EU/EEA/Swiss and other exempt categories pay EUR 178); institutions may grant exemptions, capped at 30% of differentiated-fee students from 2026-27
EUR 3,950 per year for Master's programmes at public universities in 2026-27 (EUR 255 for EU/EEA/Swiss and other exempt categories); private institutions set their own fees, from a few hundred to over EUR 10,000 per year
Doctoral registration is EUR 398 per year (2026-27) for all students - doctoral candidates are not subject to differentiated fees
Fees are fixed annually by ministerial decree; the CVEC student contribution of EUR 105 (2026-27) is additionally payable before enrolment. Exemptions exist (scholarship holders, refugees, long-term residents, fiscal ties to France). Verify the current decree via etudiant.gouv.fr before publication.
Visa & Work Rights
Long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS) with the mention 'étudiant' (student) - required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals studying in France for more than 3 months; doctoral candidates use the long-stay 'passeport talent' visa
Varies - processing depends on your nationality, the purpose of stay and local conditions; apply well before your course start date
Proof of income of at least EUR 877.50 per month is required for long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026 (official threshold)
EUR 50 for students from 'Etudes en France' procedure countries, otherwise EUR 99 (indicative; exemptions may apply)
International students may work up to 964 hours per year (60% of the legal working time in France). Part-time work will not cover all expenses and is officially framed as a secondary source of income.
Graduates with a Master's-level or equivalent French diploma can apply for the 'recherche d'emploi / création d'entreprise' residence card: valid 12 months, non-renewable, costing EUR 75, allowing work or business creation. Work must relate to the studies and pay more than EUR 2,702.70 gross per month to switch to a work-based residence card.
Living Costs
No single official national figure - the government states there is no one student budget (costs vary by city). The official long-stay student visa income threshold is EUR 877.50 per month from 1 August 2026; official guidance cites around EUR 300 per month for food and roughly EUR 250-374 per year for a student transport pass.
Common Questions
Do I need a visa to study in France?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students need a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS, mention 'étudiant') for courses longer than 3 months. Apply online via France-Visas, then validate the visa within 3 months of arrival through the ANEF online portal. EU/EEA and Swiss students do not need a student visa.
How much does it cost to study at a French public university?
For 2026-27, national registration fees are EUR 178 for Licence and EUR 255 for Master programmes. Most international students outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland pay differentiated fees of EUR 2,902 (Licence) and EUR 3,950 (Master); doctoral registration is EUR 398 for everyone. Institutions may grant exemptions, capped at 30% of differentiated-fee students from 2026-27.
How much money do I need for the French student visa?
Long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026 must include proof of income of at least EUR 877.50 per month (official France-Visas threshold).
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. International students may work up to 964 hours per year, which corresponds to 60% of the legal working time in France. Part-time work is considered a secondary source of income and will not cover all your expenses.
Can I stay in France after my course?
Yes. After a Master's-level (or equivalent) French diploma, you can apply for the 'recherche d'emploi / création d'entreprise' residence card - valid 12 months, non-renewable, costing EUR 75 - to look for work or start a business. A job linked to your studies paying more than EUR 2,702.70 gross per month allows a switch to a work-based residence card.
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