Why Study in France?

Tuition-Free Education: Most public universities charge no tuition fees

Renowned for Engineering & Sciences: Excellent technical programs

English-Taught Programs: Over 1,000 programs taught entirely in English

Stay Back Option: 18 months after graduation to seek employment

Rich Cultural Heritage: Home to art, fashion, and culinary excellence

Strategic EU Location: Gateway to Europe with Schengen visa benefits

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Start your journey to study in France today!

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Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements
Completion of secondary education equivalent to French Baccalauréat. For postgraduate, recognized bachelor's degree with minimum average grade.
Language Proficiency
For French-taught programs: DELF B2/DALF C1. For English-taught: IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent.
Age Requirement
Minimum 18 years for higher education programs.
Campus France Procedure
Mandatory online application through Campus France portal.
Specific Program Requirements
Portfolio for art/design, motivation letter, and interview for competitive programs.

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees

Public universities: €170-€600 per year. Private institutions: €3,000-€20,000 per year.

Living Costs

€800-€1,200 per month in Paris, €600-€800 in other cities.

Proof of Funds

Minimum €615 per month for duration of stay.

Accepted Evidence

Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor's financial guarantee.

Health Insurance

Mandatory health insurance: approx. €200-€600 per year.

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents
  • Campus France attestation
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of accommodation in France
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Language proficiency certificates
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas
  • CV and motivation letter
  • Passport-sized photos
Additional Documents
  • Portfolio (for arts/design programs)
  • Research proposal (for PhD)
  • Work experience certificates
  • Birth certificate (translated)
  • Housing certificate

Fees & Processing Time

Visa Application Fee

€99 for long-stay student visa

Campus France Fee

€190-€250 depending on country

Processing Time

15-30 days after consulate interview

OFII Procedure

Required within 3 months of arrival (€60 fee)

Residence Permit

Convert to Titre de Séjour within 2 months of arrival

Visa & Study Permit Information

Visa Requirements

Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) requires an official acceptance letter, proof of funds (€615/month), proof of accommodation, and valid health insurance.

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Work During Study

964 hours per year (approx. 20 hours/week)

Post-Study Work

1-year job seeker visa after graduation

Dependents

Possible with sufficient financial resources

Cost Information
Cost of Living

€10,800-€21,600+ per year depending on city (Paris is significantly higher


Post-Study Work Rights

Post-Study Work Visa (APS) for up to 24 months to seek employment after a Master's or higher.

Rejections & Refunds

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Insufficient financial means
  • Unclear study project or motivation
  • Inadequate language proficiency
  • Previous visa violations in Schengen area
  • Incomplete Campus France procedure
  • Suspicion of immigration intent

Refund Policy

Visa Fee Refund

Non-refundable

Campus France Fee

Partially refundable in some cases

University Fees

Refund policies vary by institution

Appeal Process

Can appeal to consulate within 2 months

Dependent Visa Information

Eligible Dependents

Spouse and minor children

Work Rights for Spouse

Can apply for work permit after arrival

Study Rights

Children can attend French schools

Financial Requirements

Additional €200-€300 per month per dependent

Health Insurance

Required for all family members

Application Process

Apply for family reunification visa

Student Life & Regulations

Work Regulations

964 hours per year (approx. 20 hours/week)

Academic Requirements

Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

Residence Permit

Renew annually with proof of enrollment

Health Insurance

Mandatory throughout stay

Housing Assistance

CAF benefits available (up to €200/month)

Visa Conditions

Must comply with all student visa conditions

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Permanent Residency Pathways

Talent Passport

For qualified employees, researchers, and entrepreneurs

EU Blue Card

For highly qualified employment (€53,836.50+ salary)

Salarié Visa

After securing French employment contract

Entrepreneur Visa

For starting a business in France

APS Visa (Authorization Provisoire de Séjour)

  • 12 months (24 months for PhD graduates)
  • Master's degree or higher from French institution
  • Any professional activity
  • Cannot be renewed, must switch to work visa

Work Rights During APS

Full work rights with no restrictions

Extension Options

Can switch to other work visas during APS period

Application Timeline

Fall Intake (Sept)

Apply by Jan-Apr

1
Spring Intake (Jan)

Apply by Sep-Oct

2
Visa Processing

Apply 2-3 months before course start

3
Campus France Procedure

Required for most higher education programs

4
Language Tests

DELF/DALF for French programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English programs

5

Scholarships for France

View All Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Award: $80,000

Comprehensive scholarship program for African students worldwide

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply Now
Erasmus+ Programme

Award: $30,000

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Apply Now

Key Benefits for Students

Low Tuition Fees: Public universities charge minimal registration fees

Global Recognition: French degrees highly respected worldwide

Cultural Capital: World center for art, fashion, and cuisine

Research Excellence: Strong investment in research and innovation

EU Benefits: Schengen access and Erasmus+ opportunities

Post-Study Options: APS visa for job seeking after studies

Frequently Asked Questions

For English-taught programs, basic French is not required but recommended. For French-taught programs, you need B2/C1 level proficiency.

Public universities charge €170-€600 per year for bachelor's and €243-€600 for master's. Private institutions cost €3,000-€20,000 per year.

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