Introduction

France is a world famous destination for international students. The combination of globally respected education, deep cultural heritage, and strong industry connections multiple fields such as: aerospace, fashion, gastronomy, technology, and research, make it a very attractive destination. Whether you are pursuing a degree, obtaining vocational training, or looking for an immersive cultural experience, France offers countless possibilities. With Arrows Education by your side, applying has never been easier.

Why Study in France

• High academic standards and world-class institutions
• Degrees recognized across Europe and internationally (ECTS framework)
• Competitive tuition compared to other major study destinations
• Thousands of programs available in English and French
• Safe, multicultural environment and dynamic student life
• Post-study pathways for work, entrepreneurship, or doctoral research
  

Study Options in France

Pathway	Duration	Highlights
Bachelor	3 years	Broad academic foundation, wide subject choice
Master	2 years	Specialized professional or research focus, internships included
Doctorate (PhD)	3 – 4 years	Advanced research supervised by a professor or lab
BUT / BTS	3 years / 2 years	Technical and applied learning for immediate employment
Foundation / Language Year	1 term – 1 year	French language or academic preparation
Summer & Short Programs	Weeks – months	Language, culture, or themed academic exposure

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate (Licence)

• Completion of secondary education equivalent to the French baccalauréat
• Official diploma and transcripts (certified and translated if required)
• Language requirements
  • French-taught programs: DELF B2, DALF C1, TCF, or TEF
  • English-taught programs: IELTS (6.0–6.5), TOEFL iBT (80–90)
• Motivation letter, CV, and 1–2 recommendation letters [depends on the institution]
• Portfolio or interview for design, architecture, or arts
  

Master

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Certified transcripts and degree certificate
• Proof of language proficiency depending on the medium of instruction
• Statement of purpose, CV, and 2–3 recommendation letters
• Portfolio or work experience if required by program
  

Doctorate (PhD)

• Master’s degree or equivalent
• Research proposal and academic CV
• Confirmation of supervision or acceptance by a research lab
• Language and funding proof as required
  

General

• Valid passport
• Certified translations if documents are not in French or English
• Application or administrative fees (as applicable)
• After admission: proof of funds, housing, CVEC receipt, and health insurance for visa application
  

Tuition Fees in France

Study Level	Annual Tuition Range (€)
Undergraduate	8,000 – 25,000
Master	7,000 – 30,000
PhD	4,000 – 20,000

Notes

• EU/EEA/Swiss students at public universities may pay lower national base rates.
• Some doctoral schools charge national rates for all students regardless of nationality.
• The CVEC (Student and Campus Life Contribution) is mandatory each year.
  

Cost of Living

Expense	Monthly Range (€)	Notes
CROUS or shared residence	250 – 600	Apply early; limited spaces
Private studio / apartment	500 – 1,200+	Higher in Paris and major cities
Food & groceries	200 – 350	Campus restaurants offer low-cost meals
Transport	30 – 75	Student passes available
Utilities & internet	50 – 120	Variable for private rentals
Health insurance & mutuelle	15 – 35/month	Registration in French social security required
Books & supplies	20 – 60	Depends on field of study
Leisure & miscellaneous	50 – 200	Lifestyle dependent

Average monthly total: €800 – €1,200 (higher in Paris, lower in regional cities).

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – for outstanding Master’s and PhD candidates nominated by French institutions.
• Erasmus+ – for exchange and joint-degree mobility within Europe.
• Institutional merit or sport scholarships – many universities offer tuition waivers or discounts to high-performing students.
• Regional and industry grants – funding from regional governments or companies in key sectors.
• CAF housing aid – rent support available to eligible students after arrival.
• External scholarships – sponsorships from home-country governments or foundations are accepted at French institutions.
  

Housing Options

• CROUS Residences: €150 – €600/month depending on city and room type.
• University or private residences: €300 – €800/month with modern facilities.
• Shared housing (colocation): €300 – €700/month, popular with international students.
• Private studios: €500 – €1,200+/month for full independence.
• Homestay: €200 – €800/month with meals and cultural immersion.
• Temporary housing: hostels or Airbnb for the first weeks after arrival.
  

Visa and Residency Requirements

EU/EEA/Swiss Students

• No student visa required.
• Only valid ID or passport needed.
• Register directly with your university.

Non-EU/EEA Students

• Must obtain a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) for studies over 3 months.
• Visa is valid for one year and renewable until completion of studies.
• Validation online within three months of arrival is mandatory.
• Proof of sufficient funds (about €615/month) required for visa application.
• Applicants from countries under the Études en France system must complete that process before applying for a visa.
  

Work While Studying

• International students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week).
• Common jobs include campus roles, tutoring, retail, hospitality, and administrative work.
• Internships lasting more than 2 months are paid.
• The minimum legal internship stipend is approximately €4.35 per hour. It gets adjusted annually.
• Students can also work full time during breaks, provided they stay within the annual hour limit.
  

Internships and Job Opportunities

• Most academic programs include internship periods.
• Internships require a Convention de Stage signed by the school, student, and employer.
• Strong industry clusters across France: aerospace in Toulouse, tech in Grenoble, fashion and business in Paris, hospitality on the Côte d’Azur.
• Universities and Grandes Écoles maintain close partnerships with employers to facilitate placements.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

• Job-search or start-up residence permit: allows graduates (Master’s and above) to stay and look for work or create a business.
• Work permits/Passeport Talent: available for qualified positions meeting salary and skill criteria.
• Continuous residence and professional integration can lead to longer-term permits.
  

Lifestyle and Student Experience

• France offers a lively, inclusive student culture, with cafés, art, sports, and festivals everywhere.
• Students enjoy subsidized meals at CROUS restaurants, travel discounts, and healthcare coverage.
• Learning French improves daily life and employability.
• Schengen access allows easy travel to 25+ European countries.
  

FAQs

Can I study in English in France?
Yes. Many Master’s and a growing number of Bachelor’s programs are offered fully in English.

Do I need a language test?
Yes, depending on your program’s language of instruction: IELTS/TOEFL/DET for English, DELF/DALF/TCF/TEF for French.

How much money must I show for a visa?
Approximately €615 per month of study; it may vary from country to country though.

Can I work full-time during the summer?
Yes, as long as you stay within the annual 964-hour limit.

Are PhD fees higher for non-EU students?
Usually not. Doctoral schools often charge the same national rate for all students.

What is the CVEC?
The Student & Campus Life Contribution: about €105 per academic year, paid before final registration.

Why Apply with Arrows Education

• Personalized guidance in selecting the right program and institution
• Scholarship and funding strategy, including Eiffel and sports or merit opportunities
• Assistance with Études en France and France-Visas applications
• Help with CVEC payment and visa documentation
• Support in securing student housing and guarantor services
• Pre-departure and on-arrival assistance (VLS-TS validation, healthcare, and settling in)
• Arrows partners with accredited institutions across France. Contact us to be matched with the right program for your goals and budget.
  

Conclusion

Studying in France offers an exceptional combination of academic excellence, affordability, and cultural richness. With English and French programs, strong post-study prospects, and a vibrant lifestyle, France is one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for international students.

With Arrows Education, you are supported from start to finish, from choosing your program to settling into life in France.

Study in France. Study with Arrows.