France continues to be one of the maximum appealing destinations for global college students, imparting exceptional better training, cultural richness, and comparatively low-cost prices as compared to many Anglophone international locations. This manual breaks down what to anticipate in 2025—from universities and prices to visa requirements and living expenses—to help prospective students plan nicely.
What reading in France entails
French better schooling has a various device of universities, grandes écoles (prestigious better training establishments), specialized colleges (for engineering, commercial enterprise, arts), and carried out institutes. Many packages are taught in French, but there are growing numbers of English-taught guides, mainly at master’s degree and in worldwide fields (engineering, enterprise, statistics technology, etc.).
The French government subsidizes public universities, which keeps lessons costs pretty low for lots college students. For non-EU worldwide college students, there was a alternate in recent years: differentiated charges in some universities, even as others preserve low or backed costs.
International student admissions regularly undergo Campus France, which acts as an intermediary for plenty application, visa, and credential verification techniques.
Why study in France subjects in 2025
Access to good education: Many French universities are ranked globally, with strong research production, especially in technology, engineering science, humanities and art.
Strength (especially in public universities): Subsidized education for public universities reduces many expenses compared to non-public institutions in Europe or North America.
Strong internationalization efforts: France focuses on increasing the broad style of students in students (as an example from India) under its "Select France" technology, technology is quickly streamlined and useful.
The programs take a look at the programs: Grade options include graduates (licenses), Grasps, doctoral applications, art, engineering science, commercial business colleges, and so on, many with many international attention.
Opportunities after the studies: EU Union students have enormous rights for stay and work each time after reading. The students want to make France a long -term study career desire for a long -term study career.
Recent updates and tendencies for 2024-2025
In 2024, France persevered to enforce differentiated tuition charges for non-EU students in many public universities, although many universities pick out to exempt non-EU college students from higher costs.
Living expenses have been growing in principal French towns, particularly Paris. Students making plans to look at in Paris should count on higher accommodation, software, and transportation prices. Smaller cities offer foremost savings.
More grasp’s packages taught entirely in English, mainly in STEM, enterprise, and worldwide family members fields.
Visa method updates: the requirement for proof of sufficient price range, affirmation of recognition, health insurance, and so forth., stays strict; processing instances can vary. Also, greater aid via Campus France or embassy tactics is to be had.
Tuition, charges, and scholar living in 2025
Tuition charges
Public universities for non-EU students commonly fee about €2,770/yr for Bachelor’s (Licence) packages and €3,770/yr for Master’s packages.
Doctoral applications in public universities frequently have very low fees (for instance ~€380/year for plenty PhD candidates).
Private universities and grandes écoles rate better fees, frequently between €five,000 to €30,000/12 months depending on the application, prestige, and field of study.
Living prices
Living costs rely heavily at the town:
In Paris, month-to-month expenses (housing food shipping utilities) are higher—expect around €1,2 hundred to €1,800/month.
In towns like Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, etc., dwelling charges are decrease, regularly €800 to €1,2 hundred/month relying on accommodation kind.
Smaller or much less relevant towns may additionally permit budgets around €600-€900/month.
Health coverage is mandatory. Non-EU students typically want to sign up in the French public health insurance device. Cost is often €25-€forty/month, although “pinnacle-up” or extra insurance may cost a little extra.
Student registration and administrative charges (which include things just like the statutory fitness contribution, pupil welfare contributions) might be required.
Books, materials, transportation, food, internet, and miscellaneous living prices additionally add up.
Student visa and legal requirements
Most international students (non-EUs) require a long-term student visa (VLS-TS) for degree programs for more than 3 or 6 months.
Large visa requirements include: Acceptance letter from a recognized French institute; Evidence of financial instruments (enough money to stay during periods); Proof of housing; Health insurance; Passports and pictures; Probably language skills (French or English on the basis of the program).
The visa fee for students' visa for a long time is about € 99.
Students can usually work partial work up to 964 hours/year (~ 20 hours/week) while studying.
After the study, students at the non-European Union can apply for residence permits or residence-back options (depending on the degree, field, institute).
Universities and application processes
Public universities in France include the University of Paris, Paris-Sacley, Universit de Lione, Universate Grenoable Alps, University of Montpelier, etc.
Grands Écoles, special schools (business, engineering science), in many cases also offer more reputation, but also high fees.
Application windows: Many programs begin in September (autumn intake). The time limit varies from the institution, but often for a downturn between January and May; Some master's programs may have other intake.
Using campus France is often compulsory for international students: it handles electionability, document verification, sometimes pre-visa stages.
Scholarships and financial assistance
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: The French government was introduced to the outstanding international master and doctoral students.
Scholarship at university level: Many universities offer merit -based or needs -based prices.
Erasmus+ for qualified students or funded exchange programs funded by the EU.
Some national government or embassy grants (eg for Indian students: Charpak scholarships, etc.)
Tips to manage and succeed
Consider studying in small French cities instead of Paris to save rent and daily expenses.
Shared housing or university housing (crous) housing costs can reduce significantly.
Search early on scholarships; Prepare strong application documents (educational records, purpose details, recommendations).
Although the program is in English, you can know the basic French - help with daily life, internship and integration.
Students use discounts, Public Transport Pass, Student Food (Cross Cantine) and student welfare services.
Frequently requested questions
Are public universities in France simply low cost for worldwide students?
Yes. For many public universities, tuition is closely subsidized. For non-EU students, costs are higher than for EU college students (e.G., ~€2,770/yr for Bachelor’s and ~€3,770/year for Master’s) however nevertheless much decrease in comparison to many private institutions globally.
Can I look at in English in France?
Yes. Many master’s and specialized packages are presented completely in English, particularly in fields like engineering, commercial enterprise, information technological know-how, and worldwide family members. Always take a look at the unique application’s language of training.
How much money do I need to refer to a French student visa?
Usually, the evidence of financial instruments is € 615/month or around the total amount covering the expenses that live for the academic year. Some sources suggest proof of ~ € 7,380/year for non-EU students.
What is visa processing time and fees?
Visa fee (long-term student visa) is around € 99. The treatment time is usually 2-6 weeks based on land and embassy.
Can international students work while studying?
Yes. Students are allowed to work part -time during their studies (964 hours per year, about 20 hours/week).
Conclusion
France in 2025 stays a strong preference for international students searching for extraordinary training, wealthy cultural experience, and comparatively inexpensive lessons costs—particularly in public universities. While fees in principal towns like Paris are excessive, many other cities offer accurate fee. Visa and scholarship structures are properly-set up, though cautious practise of documents and economic making plans is essential.
By choosing the proper institution, applying early, exploring financial useful resource, and being aware of living charges, students can make analyzing in France both enriching and sustainable.