Study in France
Affordable Public Education, Global Business Schools, and Rewarding Career Paths when you study in France with Stratagem Scholars.
Why Study in the France?
France is one of Europe’s most prestigious education destinations, known for its world-renowned business schools, public universities with low tuition, and deep cultural and scientific heritage. With over 1,500+ programs taught entirely in English, France offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, affordability, and post-study work opportunities.
Indian students are increasingly drawn to France for programs in Business, AI, Luxury Management, Fashion, Culinary Arts, Engineering, and International Relations, alongside access to Europe’s Schengen zone and a rich multicultural environment.
Top Universities to Study in France
Listed below are some of France’s top-ranked universities, highly preferred by international students.
HEC Paris – Business, MBA, Strategy
ESCP Business School – Management, Finance
ESSEC Business School – Business Analytics, Luxury
INSEAD (Fontainebleau Campus) – Global MBA, Executive Education
Sciences Po – Politics, Economics, International Relations
Sorbonne University – Humanities, Sciences
École Polytechnique – Engineering, Mathematics
Grenoble INP – UGA – Engineering, Technology
Skema Business School – Marketing, AI
Audencia Business School – Sustainability, Finance
France has 11 universities in the QS Top 300 and several elite Grandes Écoles for specialized education in management, fashion, and innovation.
Admission Requirements
Applying to universities in France requires academic records, language test scores (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF/DALF for French programs), and a well-written personal statement. Below is a simple checklist and intake timeline.
Academic Records
(10+2 for UG, Bachelor’s for PG)
Entrance Exams
IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (IELTS 6.0–6.5 recommended)
French Language
mandatory for English-taught programs but helpful for integration
GRE/GMAT
Required for MBA/Master in Management programs
Application Timelines
Fall (Sep/Oct)
Jan – June
Major intake for all programs
Spring (Jan/Feb)
Sep – Nov (select PG only)
Limited availability
Stratagem provides guidance on Campus France procedure, application deadlines, and interview preparation.
Visa Rules & Updates
• Visa Type – Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
• Work Rights – 20 hours/week during term
• Post-Study Work – 2-year APS visa (for Master’s students)
• PR Pathway – Available through long-term employment and residence permits
• Campus France – France’s visa process is centralized through Campus France, and students can apply for a 2-year residence extension after graduation
Stratagem provides Campus France application support, visa SOP help, and document validation.
Tuition Fee Range
| Institution Type | Tuition (EUR) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Universities
|
€2,770 (UG), €3,770 (PG)
|
₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Lakhs/year
|
|
Private Business Schools
|
€10,000 – €30,000
|
₹9 – ₹27 Lakhs/year
|
|
Specialized Schools (Fashion, Culinary)
|
€15,000 – €40,000
|
₹13 – ₹35 Lakhs/year
|
|
Institution Type
|
Tuition (EUR)
|
INR Equivalent
|
|---|---|---|
|
Public Universities
|
€2,770 (UG), €3,770 (PG)
|
₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Lakhs/year
|
|
Private Business Schools
|
€10,000 – €30,000
|
₹9 – ₹27 Lakhs/year
|
|
Specialized Schools (Fashion, Culinary)
|
€15,000 – €40,000
|
₹13 – ₹35 Lakhs/year
|
Plan your France education wisely with transparent fee estimates and customized financial planning tools.
Public universities in France are among the most affordable in Europe, and even top-tier B-schools offer ROI-friendly scholarships.
Scholarship Opportunities
| Scholarship Type | Offered By |
|---|---|
|
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
|
French Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs
|
|
Charpak Scholarships
|
Campus France India
|
|
Merit-Based University Grants
|
HEC Paris, ESSEC, Sciences Po
|
|
Erasmus+ Funding
|
For joint EU Master’s programs
|
|
Need-Based Bursaries
|
Available at public universities
|
|
Scholarship Type
|
Offered By
|
|---|---|
|
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
|
French Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs
|
|
Charpak Scholarships
|
Campus France India
|
|
Merit-Based University Grants
|
HEC Paris, ESSEC, Sciences Po
|
|
Erasmus+ Funding
|
For joint EU Master’s programs
|
|
Need-Based Bursaries
|
Available at public universities
|
Stratagem assists with Charpak and Eiffel applications, scholarship SOPs, and documentation for Campus France.
Student Life in the France
Explore our France Student Life Blog for practical guides and student voices:
- Choosing between Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Grenoble
- Lifestyle, food culture, and language tips
- Housing options: CROUS dorms vs private apartments
- Internships with L’Oréal, Renault, Airbus, BNP Paribas, and more
- Picking up French basics for daily life
- How Indian students network & thrive in business schools
Monthly blogs feature real student journeys, university tips, and career insights.
Cost of Living Calculator– France
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (€) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
|
Housing |
€300 – €700 |
₹27,000 – ₹63,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
€200 – €300 |
₹18,000 – ₹27,000 |
|
Transport (Student Pass) |
€30 – €50 |
₹2,500 – ₹4,500 |
|
Insurance & Health |
€50 – €80 |
₹4,000 – ₹7,000 |
|
Personal Expenses |
€100 – €200 |
₹9,000 – ₹18,000 |
Our Stratagem budget planner compares city-wise costs (Paris vs Lyon vs Nantes) to help students plan smartly.
Stratagem Scholars Supports Your France Journey?
Our experts help you navigate France’s unique dual-path admission and visa process with ease:
• University and business school shortlisting
• Campus France and Études en France portal support
• IELTS, GMAT, and SOP guidance
• Scholarship strategy – Charpak, Eiffel, Erasmus+
• Visa SOP, medical, and embassy interview preparation
• Accommodation and part-time work assistance
• Career planning and PR roadmap in France and Europe
