The French Spirit:
What is it like to live and study in France?
Studying in France means mastering the famous art de vivre (the art of living) while integrating into one of the most respected and competitive educational systems. The country that shaped Western thought offers an environment today where historical tradition coexists side by side with technological modernity and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Living in France means debating ideas in historic cafés, exploring world-class museums at the weekend, and adopting the habit of appreciating haute cuisine and local markets. French campuses are known for their multicultural environment and strong links to cutting-edge industries. Whether perfecting your French on the Riviera, attending secondary school at a boarding school, or taking a higher education degree in Paris, you will be constantly challenged to raise your standards of excellence and creativity.
What are the advantages of studying in France?
Highly Subsidised Higher Education:
The French government funds a massive percentage of education costs in public universities. This means tuition fees are extraordinarily low for European students and extremely competitive for international students.
Unique Social Support (CAF Subsidy):
France is one of the few countries in the world where all students (including international ones) are entitled to apply for the CAF, a monthly government financial subsidy to help pay for accommodation costs.
Leadership in Business Schools (Grandes Écoles):
If your focus is Management, Finance or Business, French Grandes Écoles consecutively dominate global rankings (such as the Financial Times), offering an absolute elite networking and employability network.
Most Sought-After Fields of Study and Courses
Business, Management and International Finance:
Through the unique system of the Grandes Écoles, students receive intense executive preparation with integrated internships in the largest multinationals in the Eurozone.
Fashion, Luxury Management and Creative Arts:
France is the undisputed capital of haute couture and luxury brands (LVMH, Chanel, L’Oréal). Courses in this area combine creative aspects with global business strategies.
Gastronomy, Pastry and Luxury Hospitality:
World-renowned schools (such as Le Cordon Bleu) attract students from all over the world to learn the most refined techniques in the industry.
Aerospace Engineering, Science and Technology:
With massive hubs like the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, the country stands at the forefront of aeronautics, artificial intelligence and advanced mathematics.
The Programmes You Can Study in France
Bachelor’s Degrees
1 to 2-year specialisations, with a strong professional focus and a direct link to the corporate market.
Master’s Degrees
3-year programmes taught in both French and an increasing selection of courses 100% in English.
High School Abroad
Attend high school in prestigious international French schools, experiencing the local day-to-day life.
Language Courses and Summer Courses:
Full immersion programmes in French or themed summer camps in Paris, Lyon or on the Riviera.
Where do you want to study? You decide.
We map out the ideal French ecosystem for your lifestyle and academic goals:
Paris:
The City of Light. The nerve centre of arts, finance, fashion and diplomacy. Ideal for those seeking an intense cosmopolitan experience and the most historic, iconic institutions.
Lyon:
Considered one of the best student cities in France. It is the country’s major gastronomic hub, offering a more balanced cost of living and a young, dynamic and technological environment.
Toulouse and Bordeaux:
The vibrant French South-West. Dynamic cities that combine the pulse of the aeronautical and wine industries with an excellent quality of life and proximity to nature.
Nice and the French Riviera:
Perfect for language courses, hospitality and summer programmes. Exceptional Mediterranean climate and an international environment geared towards luxury tourism.
Entry Routes and Academic Requirements
Higher Education (Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees)
The process in France varies depending on your nationality and the type of institution (Grandes Écoles vs. Public Universities):
Centralised Application: The Parcoursup platform is used for Bachelor’s degrees and the Mon Master portal for Master’s degrees (for EU students). Applications for non-European students are frequently processed through Études en France.
Academic Transcript: Translated grades from previous years (in some cases, an official grade equivalence is required).
Language Proficiency: If the course is in French, the DELF/DALF exam (B2/C1 level) is required. If you choose one of the hundreds of programmes in English, simply provide an IELTS or equivalent certificate.
Admission Competitive Exams (Concours): Many Grandes Écoles select students through their own entrance exams and detailed profile and logic interviews.
Other Programmes (Languages, Summer, High School)
Direct and simplified registrations. Only identification documents, basic school records (for High School) and internal language proficiency tests from the host school itself are required.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in France?
Public Universities (EU Students):
Extremely low government-fixed fees, around €170/year for Bachelor’s degrees and €245/year for Master’s degrees.
Public Universities (Non-European Students):
Some institutions apply differentiated fees of around €2,770/year (Bachelor’s) and €3,770/year (Master’s), although many still grant exemptions that allow students to pay the same amount as Europeans.
Grandes Écoles and Private Schools (Fashion/Gastronomy):
Tuition fees generally vary between €8,000 and €22,000 per year.
Monthly Cost of Living
Average Global Budget:
In Paris, estimate between €1,200 and €1,600 per month (due to the high cost of rooms). In cities like Lyon, Toulouse or Montpellier, the budget drops significantly to €700 to €1,100 per month.
Visa Information and Legal Requirements
Students with European Citizenship (EU):
Visas: You do not need a student visa. You have total freedom of residence and movement. However, you must apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving.
Non-European Students:
Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): Applied for through the French consulate after the enrolment is validated. It functions as a temporary residence permit.
Visa Validation (OFII): Within the first 3 months after arriving in France, the student must obligatorily validate their visa online and pay a residence fee (taxe de séjour).
Proof of Funds: The government requires proof that the student has sufficient funds to support themselves during the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
French law authorises all international students to work part-time. However, the rhythm of classes and exams demands good time management.
France has one of the most generous systems: all higher education students (European and international) have the right to register completely free of charge with Sécurité Sociale (the French public healthcare system).
For students who need a visa (via the Études en France portal), the deadlines close very early, usually between December and January for the start of classes in September. For EU students applying through Parcoursup or Mon Master, applications open at the beginning of the year and typically close between March and April.