Studying Abroad for Graduate School: Your Complete Guide to France

Published on January 14, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Studying abroad is often a life project as much as an academic choice. Among the most sought-after destinations, France stands out as a major player: more than 430,000 international students were enrolled there in 2023‑2024, making it the 4th host country in the world. Between very low public tuition fees, a network of world-class universities and Grandes Écoles, a vibrant cultural life, and strong employment prospects, France ticks a lot of boxes for anyone wanting to pursue higher education abroad.

Understanding the French Higher Education System

Before diving into application files, it is useful to understand the general structure of studies in France. The country follows the European LMD scheme (Bachelor’s‑Master’s‑Doctorate) within the Bologna Process, with ECTS credits transferable across Europe.

Main Degrees and Their Organization

Most programs are structured around three main levels:

– Licence (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree): 3 years, i.e., 180 ECTS credits. Some professional licenses can be completed as work-study programs.

– Master’s: generally 2 years (Master 1 then Master 2), i.e., 120 ECTS credits, although a few specific tracks are concentrated into one year.

– Doctorate (PhD): most often 3 years, based in research laboratories.

Alongside this common core, France has developed highly specialized formats:

This work-study model is particularly valued in the French job market: it allows you to combine a degree, hands-on experience, and a professional network.

Types of Institutions: Universities, Grandes Écoles, and Specialized Schools

The French higher education landscape is diverse, allowing you to tailor your project to your profile.

Key distinctions include:

– Public Universities Funded by the state, this network covers all disciplines: sciences, health, law, economics‑management, humanities, social sciences, etc. Enrollment fees are heavily subsidized, especially for European students.

– Grandes Écoles These are selective institutions (public or state-recognized private), historically focused on engineering, business, political sciences, or training teacher-researchers. École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSA Lyon, ENS Lyon, or Sciences Po are emblematic examples. They are distinguished by:

– a highly selective admissions process (competitive exams, application files, interviews);

– smaller class sizes;

– close supervision and very strong ties with businesses.

The tables below provide an overview of structural differences between several types of institutions.

Type of Institution	Primary Funding	Typical Tuition Fees*	Class Size	Dominant Language of Instruction
Public University	State	A few hundred to ~€4,000/year	Large (lecture halls)	French (English offerings increasing)
Grande École (Business/Engineering)	Private / Partnerships	€5,000 to €30,000/year	Medium to Small	French and English
Specialized School (art, fashion…)	Primarily Private	€3,000 to €20,000/year	Very Small	Primarily French, sometimes bilingual

*Indicative amounts for non-scholarship students; non-EU students may be subject to differentiated fees in the public system.

France’s Place on the Global Academic Stage

France ranks very highly in international rankings:

– more than 10 French cities feature in the QS Best Student Cities ranking;

– France is ranked the 8th best student destination in some QS 2024 rankings;

– its researchers have amassed more than 64 Nobel Prizes and 15 Fields Medals, reflecting a deeply rooted scientific culture.

Some institutions stand out particularly in their field:

Institution	Key Areas	Proportion of International Students (Order of Magnitude)
Université PSL	Fundamental Sciences, Arts, Management	~22%
Sorbonne Université	Humanities, History, Medicine, Physics	~27%
École Polytechnique (IP Paris)	Engineering, AI, Data, Mathematics	~42%
HEC Paris	Management, Finance, MBA	~52%
Sciences Po	Political Science, International Relations	~48%
Université Paris‑Saclay	Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Research	~33%

Beyond academic prestige, the international reputation of a French degree weighs heavily on professional integration, especially in engineering, finance, luxury, aerospace, data, and AI sectors.

Academic Start Dates and Application Timeline

Studies in France are mainly organized around two major start dates, with some additional, more occasional admissions during the year.

The Three Main Intake Periods

– September Start (Fall intake) This is the main session: virtually all public universities and Grandes Écoles open their programs during this period. The semester generally begins in mid or late September.

– April Intakes There are a few start dates in late spring (April) at some private schools, but this remains marginal.

This breakdown directly influences your application timeline and planning.

Application Deadlines: Plan Almost a Year in Advance

Deadlines vary by institution and nationality, but strong trends emerge.

For a Fall start project, universities recommend: clearly defining your goals, developing a detailed calendar, researching reliable sources, and collaborating with peers.

For the January start, the timeline shifts:

– applications open around September of the preceding year;

– frequent deadlines between September and November;

– classes begin in January;

– visa procedures recommended to start from October.

A good practice is to build a 12-month work calendar, writing down the key steps: shortlisting universities, preparing for tests, collecting recommendation letters, writing motivation letters, online submission, and allowance for follow-ups.

Admission Procedures: Parcoursup, “Études en France”, DAP, and Direct Applications

The process depends heavily on your country of residence and the type of institution you are targeting.

EU/EEA Students: Procedures Close to Those for French Students

Candidates from the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland benefit from conditions aligned with those for French students:

– application for bachelor’s programs via the national platform Parcoursup for the first year after high school;

– application for master’s programs directly to universities;

– public tuition fees are very low (around €170 to €254 per year for a bachelor’s or master’s in the public system);

– no visa required, freedom of movement, and access to the French social security system.

Non-EU Students: The “Études en France” Procedure and DAP

For most non-European countries, the gateway is called “Études en France” (formerly CEF), managed by Campus France. This platform centralizes:

– the search for programs;

– the submission of applications to multiple institutions;

– and, in many cases, the student visa application.

Simultaneously, certain profiles must go through a mandatory Preliminary Admission Request (Demande d’Admission Préalable – DAP) to enroll in the first year of a bachelor’s program at a public university. This applies notably to many non-EU students aiming for first-time enrollment in Year 1 (L1). This process is done via the cultural services of the French embassy in the country of origin. Exemptions exist for:

– children of diplomats;

– holders of certain international or French baccalaureates;

– students with scholarships from foreign governments or international organizations.

For Grandes Écoles (engineering schools, business schools) and some specialized schools, the application can be done:

Admissions are through Parcoursup for post-high school admissions (with preparatory classes or integrated programs); or directly on the schools’ platforms for parallel admissions into master’s programs.

Admission Procedures

In all cases, the key is to read very carefully the “International students / Admissions” section on each institution’s website.

Application Files and Required Documents

Even if each university has its specifics, a common core of documents is required everywhere:

– diplomas and academic transcripts from secondary and/or university studies (with certified translation if necessary);

– detailed CV/resume, highlighting internships, projects, and extracurricular activities;

– motivation letter or Statement of Purpose, explaining the academic and professional project;

– 2 to 3 academic recommendation letters (and sometimes professional ones);

– language certificates (French and/or English depending on the program language);

– passport copy;

– sometimes standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE) for business schools and certain scientific master’s programs;

– proof of financial means for the visa application (often around €615 to €800 per month to demonstrate).

Application fees range from €0 to €150 depending on the institution and the nature of the program.

Admission Requirements: Diplomas, Level, Language

Beyond documents, universities set precise academic and linguistic criteria.

Required Academic Level

To enter a bachelor’s program, you generally need:

– a secondary school leaving diploma recognized as equivalent to the French baccalaureate;

– a good overall level, with some programs requiring a particularly strong application file (medicine, law, engineering, economics…).

For a master’s program, institutions require:

– a bachelor’s degree level diploma in a relevant field;

– often a good grade: in many selective fields, the equivalent of a 14/20 or 15/20 average is expected.

Interviews, written tests, or in-house exams may be added, especially for Grandes Écoles.

Language Requirements: French, English, or Bilingual

France has widely developed its offerings in English, but French remains omnipresent in many fields. Requirements vary by the language of instruction.

For programs in French:

– a B2 level (CEFR) is very frequently required for bachelor’s level;

– for master’s, certain fields – humanities, social sciences, law, political science – sometimes require a C1, or even C2 level in schools like ENS Lyon;

– accepted certifications include DELF (up to B2), DALF (C1/C2), TCF, TEF. DELF/DALF diplomas are valid for life, standard tests (TCF/TEF) for about 2 years.

For programs in English:

Exemptions are frequent for:

– students who have completed at least two years of study in a program entirely in French or English;

– holders of international baccalaureates in French or English;

– certain scholarship holders or students from French-speaking countries.

It is important to note that a test like IELTS is not required for the visa itself, but remains almost essential for admission to many English-taught programs.

Study Costs: Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

A major advantage of France, compared to other English-speaking destinations, remains the quality/price ratio of its higher education.

Tuition Fees in Public and Private Institutions

In public universities, fees are largely set by the state and remain very low, especially for EU/EEA nationals.

For the recent academic year, the order of magnitude is as follows:

Profile and Level	Public Universities (range)
Bachelor’s – EU/EEA	~€170–€178/year
Master’s – EU/EEA	~€243–€254/year
Engineering – EU/EEA	~€601–€628/year (with a few higher exceptions)
Doctorate – all profiles	~€380–€397/year
Bachelor’s – non-EU (differentiated regime)	~€2,770–€2,895/year
Master’s – non-EU	~€3,770–€3,941/year

Many non-EU students can nonetheless benefit from exemptions and pay the same fees as Europeans, notably in case of bilateral agreements, specific residencies, scholarships, or special statuses (refugees, subsidiary protection, etc.).

Type of Institution	Indicative Annual Range
Private Universities	~€3,000 to >€20,000
Grandes Écoles (non-business)	~€500 to €11,000, sometimes up to €18,000
Business Schools (Bachelors, MSc, MBA)	~€5,000 to €30,000

For comparison, some tables contrasted:

– United States: €20,000 to €50,000/year on average;

– United Kingdom: €15,000 to €30,000/year;

– France (public universities): around €3,770/year for a non-EU master’s, and significantly less for Europeans.

This difference largely explains France’s growing appeal for students hesitating between the US or the UK.

Cost of Living: Paris vs. the Rest of the Country

The monthly budget depends heavily on the city and lifestyle. Some benchmarks:

City / Type of City	Average Monthly Budget (incl. housing)*
Paris	~€1,200 to €1,800
Major Metropolises (Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes)	~€800 to €1,000
Medium and Small Cities	~€650 to €900

Order of magnitude for a student, including housing, food, transportation, miscellaneous.

Another breakdown by expense category gives:

Expense Category	Typical Monthly Range
Housing	€300 to €800 (more in Paris, less elsewhere)
Food	€200 to €400
Transportation	€30 to €100 depending on the city
Health Insurance (complementary)	€20 to €60
Miscellaneous (leisure, clothing, phone…)	€100 to €200

University restaurants (CROUS) offer complete meals for around €3.30, an important lever for controlling your budget.

Public Support: CAF, CVEC, and Other Schemes

Several schemes ease the budget for students, including international ones:

– CVEC – Contribution to Student and Campus Life All students (except scholarship holders on social criteria) must pay an annual contribution, around €100–€105, intended to fund student associations, student health, sports, culture, etc.

– VISALE – Rent Guarantee For those without a French guarantor, this public scheme acts as a guarantor free of charge for the landlord, greatly facilitating access to housing.

– Student Discounts The student card entitles you to reduced rates on transportation, museums, cinemas, and many cultural activities.

Finding Accommodation During Studies: A Real Practical Challenge

Finding housing is often cited as the number one difficulty of a study project in France, especially in large cities. It is advisable to start searches 3 to 6 months before arrival, particularly for Paris.

Main Accommodation Options

Several solutions exist, with varying levels of cost and comfort.

– CROUS Residences (public subsidized) These are the most affordable student accommodations, managed by regional centers. Expect generally €150 to €450 per month (around €400 in Paris). Rooms are furnished, close to campuses, with kitchens and common areas. In return, demand is very high and places are scarce, with priority given to scholarship students and those with low incomes.

– Shared Apartment (flatshare/colocation) Renting a room in a shared apartment is an economical and convivial solution, very common among students. The individual rent frequently ranges from €300 to €700, depending on the city.

– Private Studio or Apartment Complete autonomy, but the budget reflects it: from €400-€600 in medium-sized cities to €800-€1,500 for a studio in Paris.

– Homestay (family accommodation) Living with a host family allows for stronger linguistic and cultural immersion. The cost generally oscillates between €500 and €800 per month, sometimes in exchange for services (childcare, domestic help).

Rental Process: File, Guarantor, Inspection Report

Accessing the French rental market requires respecting a few rules:

– prepare a rental application file (passport, proof of enrollment, proof of income or financial support, possibly references from previous landlords);

– have a guarantor (a physical person in France or a guarantor organization like VISALE or Garantme);

– take out home insurance, which is mandatory;

– sign a lease (furnished or unfurnished), generally for 9 to 12 months renewable if furnished;

– carry out an incoming and outgoing inspection report, a key document for getting your security deposit back.

It is strongly advised to visit the accommodation in person or via video conference before paying a deposit, and to be wary of listings that seem too good to be true or require a bank transfer before signing the lease: scams exist.

Funding Your Studies: Scholarships and Financial Aid

Even if the cost of studies can be more moderate than elsewhere, the combined living and tuition expenses remain significant. France, however, has a very developed ecosystem of scholarships, at the national, regional, and institutional levels.

Major National and European Scholarships

Several schemes stand out for their scale and amount.

– France Excellence Eiffel Program Managed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this is one of the most prestigious scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies. It targets excellent foreign students in fields like engineering, mathematics, ecology, law, economics, political science, history, etc. It offers:

– a monthly stipend of about €1,181 for master’s, higher for doctorates;

– coverage of international travel, part of living expenses, insurance, and possible training fees for certain programs. Candidates do not apply directly: French universities submit files to Campus France after pre-selection.

– France Excellence Europa A program dedicated to students from 26 EU countries wishing to pursue a master’s in France. It covers tuition fees, health insurance, and a living allowance.

Scholarships from Foreign Governments and Embassies

Some foreign governments have specific agreements with France. An emblematic example: Charpak scholarships, managed by the French Embassy in India, which cover:

– all or part of tuition fees (up to €5,000);

– a monthly stipend;

– visa fees and sometimes insurance.

Other French embassies worldwide offer excellence scholarships, generally managed by Cooperation and Cultural Action Services (SCAC). These grants can cover in full or in part:

– enrollment fees;

– living costs (€700 to €1,200 per month);

– airfare;

– insurance.

University and Grande École Scholarships

A large proportion of French institutions have their own scholarships, often combinable with other aid:

How to Identify Relevant Scholarships?

Two resources are essential:

– the Campus Bourses database (Campus France), which centralizes public and private aid accessible to international students;

– the “Scholarships / Financial aid” pages of each university or school, detailing the criteria (degree level, nationality, field of study, academic excellence, income, etc.) and timelines.

In all cases, it is recommended to start looking for scholarships 6 to 9 months before the target start date, as deadlines often occur in the fall or early winter for admission the following September.

Visa, Stay, and Work During Studies

For non-European students, the success of the project also depends on mastering the visa and residence procedures.

The Long-Stay Visa Serving as a Residence Permit (VLS‑TS)

For a study stay longer than 3 months, non-EU/EEA students must apply for a long-stay “student” visa (VLS‑TS). This document, once validated online within 3 months of arrival in France, serves as a residence permit for 4 to 12 months depending on the program duration.

Documents generally required include:

– acceptance letter from a recognized institution;

– valid passport;

– proof of financial means (often at least €615 to €800 per month);

– proof of accommodation (lease, hosting letter, residence booking);

– health insurance;

– sometimes a language certificate (French or English).

Students from countries subject to the “Études en France” procedure complete a large part of the process (including the visa application) via this platform.

Work Rights During Studies

The student visa authorizes part-time work without a separate work permit, up to 964 hours per year, i.e., about 20 hours per week. During university vacations, full-time work is possible.

The gross minimum hourly wage (SMIC) is around ten euros (slightly more), which theoretically allows covering part of living costs, although it’s not always enough to cover the entire monthly budget in Paris. Typical student jobs include:

Internships (“stages en entreprise”) are also very common, especially in master’s programs. Beyond a certain duration threshold, a monthly stipend (up to ~€1,200 depending on the organization) is mandatory.

Health Coverage and Social Security

All students must be covered by health insurance:

– EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC);

– non-EU students enrolled for more than 4 months must register with the general French Social Security system via a dedicated platform. This registration is in principle free, and the scheme covers about 70% of routine healthcare costs;

– to supplement this, it is strongly advised to take out complementary health insurance (mutuelle) at €20–€50 per month, to reduce the “out-of-pocket” costs for consultations, medication, and hospitalizations.

Universities generally have a student health service that offers prevention, consultations, and sometimes psychological support.

After Graduation: Staying to Work in France

One of the major interests of France is the possibility to extend your stay to look for a job or start a business.

Post-Graduation Residence Permit and APS

For non-European graduates, several options exist:

– Temporary Residence Permit (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour – APS) or “Job Search / Business Creation” permit This is a temporary permit, generally for one year, accessible mainly to holders of a master’s degree or equivalent (MBA, certain engineering schools, Grandes Écoles). It authorizes:

– job searching;

– taking up salaried employment (often up to 60% of full-time);

– or preparing an entrepreneurial project. In certain specific cases (bilateral agreements, targeted profiles), this period can be extended.

– EU Blue Card Intended for highly qualified profiles with a job offer above a certain salary threshold (a little over €50,000 gross annual), it allows for intra-European mobility in the long term.

Beyond these permits, there are also specific “salaried employee”, “temporary worker” permits, or entrepreneur statuses.

Job Market and High-Potential Sectors

France has a diversified economy, with centers of excellence in:

Entry-level salaries for master’s graduates often fall within the following ranges:

Sector	Approximate Gross Annual Starting Salary
Business, Finance, Consulting	~€40,000 to €60,000
Engineering (non-IT)	~€45,000 to €65,000
Information Technology, Data, AI	~€50,000 to €70,000
Arts, Culture, Creative Sectors	~€30,000 to €45,000

Large companies like Airbus, TotalEnergies, L’Oréal, BNP Paribas, Deloitte, Accenture, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, or McKinsey regularly recruit graduates from French engineering and business schools. A master’s obtained in France leads to an average salary of about €44,000 annually in some surveys.

In the longer term, after about 5 years of continuous residence (with study years counting in some cases), a graduate can consider applying for a long-term resident card and then, eventually, French citizenship, provided they meet integration criteria, notably linguistic (a B1 level in French is recommended).

Daily Life, Culture, and Integration

Beyond the academic framework and job prospects, France is appealing for what you experience outside lecture halls.

A Rich Cultural Experience

France is the most visited country in the world, with an exceptional heritage:

– iconic monuments and sites (Eiffel Tower, Mont‑Saint‑Michel, Loire Valley castles, French Riviera, cathedrals, classified villages);

– world-renowned museums (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musée des Confluences in Lyon, MUCEM in Marseille…);

– gastronomy recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, ranging from haute cuisine to local markets.

Major student cities – Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille, Montpellier, Nantes, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Nice… – additionally organize festivals, musical events (like the Fête de la Musique), cinematographic events (Cannes Film Festival), sports events, etc.

Thanks to the student card, access to this offering is greatly facilitated, with:

– free or heavily discounted entry to many museums for residents of France under 26;

– student rates at cinemas, theaters, operas, concert halls;

– networks of free or almost free media libraries and libraries.

Campus Life and Student Networks

Universities and schools generally have a very dense network of associations:

– sports clubs, cultural, humanitarian, entrepreneurial, political associations;

– international associations like the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) which organize parties, trips, guided tours, and language tandems;

– student unions (BDE) that animate the life of the cohort.

Integration notably involves:

If the language barrier or culture shock is felt (which is common), Campus France support services, university services, or psychological support units can help.

Learning French: A Decisive Asset

Even if some master’s programs are 100% in English, learning French is still highly recommended:

– for daily life (administration, housing, health, interactions), not speaking French can quickly become a hindrance;

– in the job market, mastery of the language clearly improves prospects, even in international companies;

– to fully enjoy cultural exchanges, understand codes and humor, a minimum of French changes everything.

Many universities and schools offer FLE courses (French as a Foreign Language) free or at low cost for their students. Some programs (like work-study ones) require a high level (B2 or C1) upon admission.

Building a Realistic Project: Some Strategic Benchmarks

Given the wealth of the French offering, it can be difficult to find your way. Some reference points can help structure your thinking.

First, clarify your main objective:

– aim for a highly recognized degree to boost a fast international career (top-tier engineering schools, major business schools, Sciences Po, PSL, Paris‑Saclay…);

– seek the best quality/price ratio in a solid public university, potentially aiming for a specialized master’s or doctorate afterward;

– prioritize a dense cultural and linguistic experience, in a medium-sized city offering lower living costs.

Next, adjust your target budget:

Finally, work on your application accordingly:

– build a clear CV, highlighting projects, internships, associative commitments;

– pay particular attention to your motivation letters: French institutions place great importance on the coherence of the project;

– aim for solid scores on language tests and, where applicable, the GMAT/GRE.

At the same time, start early to inform yourself about: market trends, career opportunities, and in-demand skills.

– the scholarships for which you are potentially eligible (Campus Bourses, Eiffel, university scholarships, embassy scholarships);

– housing options aligned with your budget (CROUS, shared apartments, private residences);

– administrative procedures (Campus France, DAP, visa, Social Security).

In Summary: France as a Platform for Studies and Career

Choosing to pursue higher education abroad in France means betting on a country that combines: academic excellence, cultural richness, a pleasant living environment, and openness to the world.

This project requires in return anticipation, rigor, and clarity on your priorities. But for those who take the time to prepare – by understanding the “Études en France” procedures, working on their application file, securing a funding plan, opening up to the French language and culture – France can become much more than just a host country: a launchpad for a sustainable international career.