Last Updated: January 7, 2026
France offers a unique combination of world-class education, rich culture, and affordable tuition at public universities. With the VLS-TS visa system simplifying the process and strong post-study work options, France is an increasingly popular destination for international students.
Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | VLS-TS (Long-stay visa as residence permit) |
| Visa Fee | €99 |
| Campus France Fee | €50-180 (country-dependent) |
| Work Hours | 20 hrs/week (964 hrs/year) |
| Post-Study Work | APS (1 year) or RECE (2 years) |
| Intakes | September (main), January |
Why Study in France?
Affordable Education
Public universities charge very low tuition compared to other countries:
- Bachelor's: €2,770/year
- Master's: €3,770/year
- PhD: €380/year
Grandes Écoles and private institutions: €10,000-30,000+/year
Quality Education
- Over 3,500 higher education institutions
- World-renowned Grandes Écoles
- Strong in business, engineering, arts, and sciences
Step 1: Campus France Procedure
What is Campus France?
Campus France is the French government agency that promotes French higher education and manages the "Études en France" application process.
Mandatory for: Students from countries including India, Nigeria, USA, and others
Études en France Process
- Create Account: etudes-en-france.campusfrance.org
- Fill Profile: Personal details, academic background
- Submit Applications: Up to 7 university choices
- Pay Fee: €50-180 depending on country
- Interview: With Campus France advisor
- Receive Approval: Get pre-consular opinion
Campus France Fees
| Country | Fee |
|---|---|
| India | €50 |
| Nigeria | €180 |
| USA | €75 |
| Others | Varies |
Key Deadlines (HDAP Programs)
| Deadline | For |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2026 | DAP (undergraduate) programs |
| March 15, 2026 | Most Master's programs |
| Varies | Direct admission programs |
Step 2: Apply to Universities
Types of Institutions
Public Universities
- Affordable tuition
- Wide range of programs
- Research-focused
Grandes Écoles
- Highly selective
- Business schools (HEC, ESSEC, INSEAD)
- Engineering schools (Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec)
Private Institutions
- More expensive
- Often English-taught
- Industry connections
Application Platforms
| Platform | For |
|---|---|
| Études en France | Most international students |
| Parcoursup | French baccalaureate holders |
| Direct Application | Some programs |
Step 3: Apply for VLS-TS Visa
What is VLS-TS?
The VLS-TS (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour) is a long-stay visa that serves as your residence permit for up to one year. No separate residence permit needed for the first year!
Required Documents
- Valid Passport (valid for 3+ months after visa expiry)
- Campus France Certificate/Attestation
- Acceptance Letter from French institution
- Proof of Accommodation (first 3 months)
- Financial Proof:
- Minimum €615/month (€7,380/year)
- Bank statements or sponsor letter
- Health Insurance (travel insurance for visa)
- Passport Photos (biometric)
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
- Motivation Letter
- CV/Resume
Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Long-stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) | €99 |
| OFII Validation (after arrival) | €50 |
| Campus France Fee | €50-180 |
Total Cost: Under €250 (excluding travel and living)
Processing Time
- 2-8 weeks depending on season
- Apply 2-3 months before departure
Apply at: VFS Global or French Consulate
Step 4: After Arrival - OFII Validation
What is OFII?
Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration - the office responsible for validating your visa as a residence permit.
Validation Process
- Complete online form at anef-sejour.interieur.gouv.fr
- Pay €50 validation fee
- Receive validated visa
- Must be done within 3 months of arrival
After First Year
For subsequent years, apply for:
- Temporary residence permit (1 year) or
- Multi-year residence permit (2-4 years)
New for 2026: From January 1, 2026, stricter civic integration requirements apply. You may need to pass a civic exam and demonstrate higher French language proficiency to renew your residence permit or switch to a multi-year permit.
Step 5: Financial Requirements
Minimum Resources
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly minimum | €615 |
| Annual minimum | €7,380 |
Costs of Living
| Expense | Monthly (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared in Paris) | 500-800 |
| Rent (shared outside Paris) | 300-500 |
| Food | 200-300 |
| Transport | 30-80 |
| Health Insurance | 20-50 (with CVEC) |
| Miscellaneous | 100-150 |
| Total (Paris) | €900-1,400 |
| Total (Other cities) | €650-1,000 |
CAF Housing Allowance
International students can apply for CAF (housing subsidy):
- Covers 30-50% of rent
- Apply after arrival at caf.fr
Step 6: Work Rights While Studying
Work Authorization
| Category | Hours Allowed |
|---|---|
| Maximum per year | 964 hours |
| Average per week | ~20 hours |
No Additional Work Permit Needed
Your VLS-TS allows you to work without additional authorization.
Student Jobs
- Teaching assistant (lecteur)
- Internships (stage)
- Part-time employment
- Research assistantships
Step 7: Post-Study Work Options
APS (Autorisation Provisoire de SĂ©jour)
1-year permit to search for work after graduation.
Eligibility:
- Master's degree or equivalent
- Professional project related to studies
- Must apply before current permit expires
RECE (Recherche d'Emploi / Création d'Entreprise)
2-year permit for job search or business creation.
Eligibility:
- Master's or PhD from French institution
- More flexibility than APS
Talent Passport
For highly skilled workers:
- Multi-year residence permit
- Family reunification rights
- Path to long-term residency
After Finding Work
- Change status to employee residence permit
- Salary requirements may apply
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
Medical Studies
French medical education follows a unique system (PACES/PASS) and is taught entirely in French.
Pathway to Medicine
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| System | PASS/L.AS (reformed 2020) |
| Duration | 9-12 years (including specialization) |
| Language | French (mandatory) |
| Tuition | €370-770/year (public) |
Language Requirement
⚠️ Important: All medical programs in France are taught in French only. You need:
- DELF B2 minimum, preferably C1
- Medical French proficiency for clinical work
Admission System
French medical school admission is highly competitive:
- PASS (Parcours d'Accès Spécifique Santé) - dedicated health pathway
- L.AS (Licence avec Accès Santé) - license with health access
For International Students
Direct entry to French medical programs is extremely difficult for non-francophone students due to:
- Language requirements
- Competitive national exam
- Limited international quotas
Alternative Options
- Postgraduate medical specialization (if already a doctor)
- Research programs in medical sciences (English available)
- Consider other EU countries (Italy IMAT, Hungary) for English-taught medicine
Law Studies
French law follows the civil law tradition. Programs are in French, with limited English options at graduate level.
Law Degrees
| Degree | Duration | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Licence en Droit | 3 years | French |
| Master en Droit | 2 years | French (English options exist) |
| LLM International | 1 year | English options |
| Doctorat | 3-5 years | French |
Language Requirement
⚠️ French law degrees require French proficiency (B2-C1). Some LLM programs are taught in English.
English LLM Options
| University | Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences Po | LLM Economic Law | English-taught |
| Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | LLM Programs | Some in English |
| Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas | International LLM | Limited English |
Top Law Schools
| University | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas | Paris | #1 for law in France |
| Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | Paris | Historic, comprehensive |
| Sciences Po | Paris | International law, political science |
| Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 | Lyon | Strong practical focus |
Pathway to Practice
To practice law in France:
- Master's in law (5 years)
- Pass the bar exam (CRFPA)
- Complete EFB (18 months training)
- Obtain certificate (CAPA)
MBA & Business Programs
France is a global leader in business education, with several schools consistently ranked among the world's best. MBA programs are often taught in English.
Top MBA Programs
| School | Location | Duration | Cost (EUR) | FT Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | Paris | 16 months | €95,000+ | Top 5 Global |
| INSEAD | Fontainebleau | 10 months | €100,000+ | Top 3 Global |
| ESSEC | Paris | 12 months | €70,000+ | Top 20 |
| ESCP | Paris | 10 months | €55,000+ | Top 20 |
| EDHEC | Nice/Lille | 10 months | €60,000+ | Top 30 |
MBA Admission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | 4-6 years (INSEAD avg: 6 years) |
| GMAT/GRE | 700+ for top schools |
| English | TOEFL 105+ / IELTS 7.0+ |
| French | Not required (English-taught) |
| Essays | Multiple required |
| Interview | Required |
Why France for MBA?
- Home to world's top business schools
- Strong luxury, fashion, aerospace industries
- Central European location
- 1-2 year post-study work permit
Nursing Studies
French nursing education follows a different system and is taught entirely in French.
Nursing Pathways
| Program | Duration | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier (DEI) | 3 years | French |
| Infirmière en Pratique Avancée (IPA) | 2 years post-DEI | French |
| Aide-Soignant | 1 year | French |
Language Requirement
⚠️ French proficiency (B2 minimum) is required. Patient care is in French.
For International Nurses
If you're already qualified:
- Apply for recognition through DRJSCS
- Complete adaptation measures (if required)
- Register with Ordre National des Infirmiers
- Pass French language exam (B2)
Work Opportunities
Nurses are in demand in France:
- Talent Passport for healthcare workers
- Path to long-term residency
- Public hospital positions available
- Starting salary: €1,800-2,200/month (gross)
Top Institutions
Grandes Écoles - Business
| School | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | Jouy-en-Josas | MBA, Management |
| ESSEC | Cergy | Business, Luxury |
| ESCP | Paris | International Business |
| INSEAD | Fontainebleau | MBA, Executive Ed |
| EDHEC | Lille/Nice | Finance, Business |
Grandes Écoles - Engineering
| School | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| École Polytechnique | Palaiseau | Engineering, Sciences |
| CentraleSupélec | Paris | Engineering |
| Mines Paris | Paris | Engineering, Energy |
| École des Ponts | Paris | Civil Engineering |
| INSA Lyon | Lyon | Applied Sciences |
Public Universities
| University | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Paris-Saclay | Paris | Sciences, Research |
| PSL University | Paris | Research, Arts |
| Sorbonne University | Paris | Humanities, Sciences |
| Université de Paris | Paris | Medicine, Sciences |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | Grenoble | Engineering, Sciences |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Campus France | campusfrance.org |
| Études en France | etudes-en-france.campusfrance.org |
| France-Visas | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| OFII | ofii.fr |
| CAF | caf.fr |
| VFS Global | vfsglobal.com/france |
Learn French
Why Learn French?
- Better integration
- More job opportunities
- Required for some programs
- Cultural experience
Free Resources
- FrancaisFacile
- TV5Monde
- Alliance Française courses (paid)
DELF/DALF Certification
| Level | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| A1-A2 | Basic communication |
| B1-B2 | University (French-taught) |
| C1-C2 | Advanced proficiency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education free in France?
Public universities have low tuition (€2,770-3,770/year), not free. Grandes Écoles and private institutions are more expensive.
Do I need to speak French?
Not always. Many Master's programs are taught in English. However, French helps with daily life and employment.
What is the Campus France interview like?
It's a 10-15 minute conversation about your academic background, choice of France, career plans, and knowledge of the program.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours/week). Your VLS-TS includes work authorization.
Can I stay after studies?
Yes, you can apply for APS (1 year) or RECE (2 years) to search for work. After finding employment, you can change to a work residence permit.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always verify current requirements with official French government sources before applying.