Last reviewed 2026-11-04. Requirements change often — always verify with official sources.
Quick answers: studying in France
What can students study in France?
Foundation, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD programmes, with popular fields including Business, Fashion, Culinary Arts, Engineering.
Check each university's official programme page for the current course list.
What qualifications may be needed?
Entry requirements in France vary by institution, programme and study level.
Entry requirements in France vary by institution, programme and study level. Most programmes ask for recognised prior qualifications, proof of language proficiency and supporting documents. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
How can I verify a university?
Use the institution's official website and the national education or quality-assurance sources listed below for France.
Confirm the institution and programme are recognised before paying any fees.
What costs should I plan for?
Plan for tuition, living costs, visa fees, health insurance and travel.
Tuition in France depends on the institution, programme, study level and your nationality. Fees are published by each university. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source. Living costs in France vary by city, accommodation type and lifestyle. Visa authorities may set a minimum amount of funds you must show. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
How does the application process work?
Shortlist, check requirements, prepare documents, apply, accept an offer, then apply for your France student visa.
Shortlist programmes and institutions in France that match your academic background and goals. Check each programme's published entry requirements, language requirements and deadlines. Prepare documents: transcripts, certificates, passport, statement of purpose and references. Submit your application through the institution or the official national application portal. Receive and accept your offer, then complete any deposit or enrolment steps. Apply for your student visa or residence permit for France and arrange accommodation.
Where are the official visa requirements?
On the official immigration and government sources for France linked in the Student visa section.
Students from many countries follow the Campus France procedure before applying for a long-stay student visa. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Overview of studying in France
France combines prestigious public universities and grandes écoles with a rich cultural life in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Lille and beyond.
Education system
French higher education uses the LMD system (Licence, Master, Doctorat) alongside grandes écoles and specialised schools. Campus France supports international applicants.
Universities in France
Universities in France differ in programmes, entry requirements and fees. Tell us which university or course you have in mind and a SKILLVARO counsellor will help you explore the options, using official institution sources.
Make a university enquiry for France →Popular courses and study levels
- Business
- Fashion
- Culinary Arts
- Engineering
- Aerospace
- Art & Design
Study levels: Foundation, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
No individual programmes in France have been verified yet. Search programmes on the official university websites.
Browse courses in France →Eligibility
Entry requirements in France vary by institution, programme and study level. Most programmes ask for recognised prior qualifications, proof of language proficiency and supporting documents. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Admission process
- Shortlist programmes and institutions in France that match your academic background and goals.
- Check each programme's published entry requirements, language requirements and deadlines.
- Prepare documents: transcripts, certificates, passport, statement of purpose and references.
- Submit your application through the institution or the official national application portal.
- Receive and accept your offer, then complete any deposit or enrolment steps.
- Apply for your student visa or residence permit for France and arrange accommodation.
Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Tuition fees
Tuition in France depends on the institution, programme, study level and your nationality. Fees are published by each university. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Cost of living
Living costs in France vary by city, accommodation type and lifestyle. Visa authorities may set a minimum amount of funds you must show. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Scholarships
French government scholarships such as Eiffel, plus institutional awards, may be available. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Student visa
Students from many countries follow the Campus France procedure before applying for a long-stay student visa. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Career & post-study options
Graduates may be eligible for a temporary residence permit to seek work. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
FAQs about studying in France
What is a grande école?
A selective higher education institution in France, often specialised in engineering, business or political science.
Do I need IELTS to study in France?
Language requirements are set by each institution and programme, and some accept alternative tests or prior English-medium study. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
Can I work while studying in France?
Work rights for international students are defined by immigration rules and can change. Please confirm the current requirements through the official source.
How can SKILLVARO help with France?
Our counsellors help you shortlist programmes, prepare documents and plan your application timeline for France.
Enquire about France
Book a free session with a SKILLVARO counsellor to shortlist programmes, check eligibility and plan your application for France.
