Admissions·Europe· 8 min read

How to Study in France: Complete Guide

An end-to-end guide to studying in France — the Études en France / Campus France procedure, finding and applying to a programme, and the student visa — with all fees and deadlines deferred to official sources.

Key facts

Pre-application procedure: Études en France (Campus France) — mandatory for students from many countries, including India
Languages of instruction: French and a growing number of English-taught programmes
Tuition (public institutions): Regulated; depends on level/status (verify current figure)
Student visa: Long-stay student visa generally required for non-EU/EEA students (verify on France-Visas)

Why study in France

France has a large higher-education system that includes universities, specialised "grandes écoles", and business and engineering schools, with a growing number of programmes taught in English alongside French-taught ones. It is a long-standing destination for international students across many fields.

This guide explains the main steps in order: how the Campus France procedure works, how to find and apply to a programme, and how the student visa fits in. The exact fees, deadlines, and requirements are set by the French authorities and each institution, so confirm the current details on the official sources linked below.

The Campus France / Études en France procedure

For students from many countries, including India, the application to French higher education goes through an official online procedure called "Études en France", managed by Campus France. It is a mandatory pre-application step that centralises your application, hosts an interview where required, and connects to your visa application.

Whether the procedure applies to you depends on your country of residence and your level of study. See the companion guide on the Campus France application process for the step-by-step details, and confirm on campusfrance.org whether it is required for your case.

Finding a programme and checking requirements

Use official course databases to find programmes by field and language of instruction. For each programme, read the entry requirements, which typically cover your previous qualification, a language certificate (French or English depending on the programme), and sometimes additional tests or interviews.

Make a shortlist that matches your academic background and language ability, and note each programme's deadlines early, because intakes and cut-off dates differ between institutions.

Tuition and costs

Tuition at public institutions in France is regulated, and the amount that applies to you can depend on your level of study and status. Private institutions and some specialised schools set their own, often higher, fees. You should also budget for living costs and compulsory items such as student health cover.

Because fees and any registration charges are set officially and change over time, do not rely on an unofficial figure — verify the current amounts on the official French government or institution source before you budget.

Student visa and residence

Students from outside the EU/EEA generally need a long-stay student visa to study in France, and the Campus France procedure is typically linked to the visa application. Common requirements include proof of admission, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and health cover, with a validation or residence step after arrival.

Visa rules, financial-proof amounts, and processing differ by country and change over time. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify the current requirements on the official French government source (France-Visas) before you act.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use Campus France to apply?

For students from many countries, including India, the Études en France procedure managed by Campus France is a mandatory pre-application step. Whether it applies depends on your country of residence and level of study — confirm on campusfrance.org.

Are programmes in France taught in English?

France offers both French-taught and a growing number of English-taught programmes, especially at master's level. Check each programme's language of instruction and language-certificate requirement before applying.

How much is tuition in France?

Tuition at public institutions is regulated and can depend on your level of study and status; private and specialised institutions set their own fees. Verify the current amounts on the official French government or institution source.

Do I need a visa to study in France?

Students from outside the EU/EEA generally need a long-stay student visa, and the Campus France procedure is usually linked to it. Verify the current requirements on the official France-Visas source. This is general information, not immigration advice.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Campus France — official site; France-Visas — official government portal.

Last verified: 2026-06-13.