France

Spotlight: France

French Advantage

World-Class Education System

Home to globally ranked institutions like Sorbonne University, HEC Paris, Sciences Po etc.

Gateway to Europe

Schengen access allows visa-free travel across 26 European countries

Housing Subsidies (CAF/APL)

Eligible students receive government housing support to reduce accommodation costs

Cultural & Historical Hub

Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum enrich student life

Pathway to Long-Term Residency

Work visa transition options leading to long-term residence or citizenship

Government-Regulated Tuition

Stable and predictable tuition fees in public universities ensure financial clarity

From School to University

How French Study Works

Topic	What it means
Study Path	École Maternelle (3–6) → Primary (CP–CM2) → Collège (Brevet) → Lycée (Baccalauréat) → Universities / Grandes Écoles / Vocational Routes
Undergraduate Routes	international students require 12 years education + language proof
Postgraduate Routes	Master 2 years (120 ECTS); MBA 1–2 years; Doctorate 3+ years (research-based)
Intakes	September (Main intake), some programs January/February
Costs & Budget	Public: €170–€3,770/year (varies by level), Private: €5k–€20k/year, Living: €800–€1,200/month

Universities & Badges

Decode French Universities in 10 Seconds

Public Universities

Affordable tuition with open Licence admissions and strong global research reputation

Grandes Écoles

Highly selective elite institutions offering 5-year integrated programs in engineering, business, and public administration

Private & Specialized Schools

Independent or state-recognized institutions specializing in business, design, niche professional fields

Engineering Schools

CTI-accredited institutions with strong industry partnerships

Institutes of Technology (IUT)

University-attached applied institutions offering 3-year BUT degrees with mandatory internships and employability focus

Business Schools

Globally accredited schools offering Bachelor, Master in Management, and MBA programs.

Career-Linked Accreditations (your cheat-sheet)

Subject	Badge to look for	Why it matters
Engineering	CTI	Mandatory for Diplôme d’Ingénieur; ensures EU-wide engineering recognition
Law	Ministry of Justice, Bar Exam (CRFPA)	Law degree alone not sufficient, bar exam required for practice
Medicine	Ministry of Health accreditation	Required for medical licensing and professional practice
Accounting	Ordre des Experts-Comptables (DEC)	Required for certified accountant status
Public Health	EHESP + Ministry oversight	Required for regulated public sector roles
Teaching	CAPES / Ministry of Education	National teaching qualification for public schools
Nursing	State Diploma (Diplôme d’État)	Required for professional nursing registration
Business & Management	AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA	International recognition for MBA & Master in Management programs

Apply • Qualify • Work

Am I Eligible?

Academic Range	Competitive Scores	English Readiness	Waiver Policy
12-year schooling (UG) / 3-year Bachelor (PG)	Strong academic record; subject alignment for STEM & selective programs	IELTS 6.0–6.5 (UG), 6.5+ (PG)	French B2–C1 for French-taught; not required for English-taught

Course-Fit Boosters

Subject	Test	Notes
Mathematics / Statistics	No test required	Strong academic background preferred
Business / MBA	GMAT or GRE	Typically requires 2–5 years of work experience and professional references
Medicine	No Specific test	Admission via PASS or LAS first-year system
Fine Arts / Design	No standardized test	Portfolio mandatory; practical test/interview possible
Research Degrees (MPhil / PhD)	No test required	Research Proposal required

From Campus to Career

Stage	Permissions	Conditions	Key Considerations
During your degree	20 hrs/week during term	retail, restaurants, internships (paid), research assistant, campus jobs, admin roles	exceeding quota, undeclared work, regulated professions without qualification
After completing degree	Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) valid for 12 months	extendable to 24 months for Master’s graduates	Full-time employment allowed during APS
After Graduate Route	Switch to “Employee” or “Talent Passport”	Employment should align with qualification level	Must meet minimum salary threshold for conversion

Passport To Possibility

Start

Undergraduate

Application Opens 1 Oct 2025 Application Closes 15 Dec 2025

Postgraduate

Applications 17 Feb–16 Mar 2026

Long-Stay Student Visa
Obtain official admission letter from French institution
Fill online visa application at france-visas.gouv.fr
Schedule biometric appointment via VFS
Processing time: usually 2–4 weeks

Funds

Tuition - Free or Proof of payment or payment plan
Living Expenses: Minimum €615 per month

Financial Rules:

Accepted: Self-funded bank balance, parent/guardian sponsorship, official scholarship/funding letter

Not accepted: Sudden large deposits, non-liquid assets (property, gold), unverifiable sponsors, or inconsistent financial history

Arrival

Pre-Departure Checklist:

Carry originals: passport, visa, admission letter, financial proof, Keep Campus France confirmation

At the France Border:

Validate VLS-TS online within 3 months

Pay residence tax online

Enroll in French Social Security

Open bank account