Study in France 2026: Complete Requirements Guide for Indian Students

If you want to study in France for Indian students 2026, this is the only guide you need. France is now the fourth-largest host of international students worldwide, and over 12,000 Indian students are already studying there — a number that grows every year. With public university tuition starting at just €2,895/year for Bachelor's programmes and 1,600+ English-taught programmes available, France offers an unbeatable combination of academic quality, affordability, and post-study career opportunities. At EEC — 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ students placed globally — we prepare Indian students with French language training and FREE France study abroad counseling to make this journey smooth from day one.

Why Study in France? 8 Reasons for Indian Students

Why are thousands of Indian students choosing to study in France over traditionally popular destinations? Here are eight compelling reasons that make France a top choice in 2026:

1. Affordable Public University Tuition — Bachelor's at €2,895 and Master's at €3,941 per year at public universities make France dramatically cheaper than the UK, USA, Australia, or even Canada for many programmes. PhD students pay just €380/year regardless of nationality. 2. World-Class Academic Quality — France has 71 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings. Grandes Ecoles like HEC Paris, Sciences Po, and Ecole Polytechnique are globally elite. 3. 1,600+ English-Taught Programmes — You do not need fluent French to start. Over 40% of Master's programmes are taught entirely in English, especially in business, engineering, and sciences.

4. Post-Study Work Opportunities — The 12-month RÉCE (Recherche d'Emploi ou Création d'Entreprise, formerly APS) visa and the 4-year Talent Passport for highly qualified graduates give Indian students a genuine pathway to work in Europe after graduation. 5. Schengen Access — Your French student visa gives you access to 27 Schengen countries, making weekend trips to Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belgium effortless. 6. Rich Cultural Experience — From Paris to Lyon to Toulouse, France offers an unparalleled cultural immersion that enriches both your personal growth and global perspective.

7. Erasmus+ Mobility — Many French universities participate in Erasmus+, allowing you to spend a semester at a partner university in another European country at no additional tuition cost. 8. Gateway to Francophone Career Markets — French is spoken in 29 countries. Studying in France with French language skills opens career doors across Europe, Africa, and Canada. EEC students who combine French A1 training with France study abroad planning gain a massive advantage.

“France offers Indian students what very few countries can: world-class education at public university fees lower than most private colleges in India — with a genuine pathway to stay and work in Europe after graduation.”

— EEC Expert, Education Consultant

Tuition Fees — Surprisingly Affordable

One of the biggest myths Indian students believe is that studying in Europe is prohibitively expensive. France's public universities charge regulated tuition fees that are a fraction of what you would pay in the UK or Australia. Here is the exact fee structure for non-EEA (including Indian) students in 2026:

Compare this to the UK (£12,000-30,000/year), Australia (AUD 25,000-45,000/year), or the USA ($20,000-55,000/year), and France becomes one of the most affordable quality education destinations in the world. For PhD students, the fee is just €397/year — making France arguably the best country in the world for doctoral research affordability.

Academic Requirements for Indian Students

Academic requirements to study in France for Indian students vary by programme level. Here is what you need:

Bachelor's (Licence) — 3 Years

You need a completed 10+2 (HSC or equivalent) with good academic performance. Most public universities require 60%+ in your 12th standard, while competitive Grandes Ecoles may require 75%+. You apply through Campus France and the Etudes en France portal. Some programmes require you to sit for entrance exams. Your 12th-standard marksheet, school leaving certificate, and passport are essential documents.

Master's — 2 Years

You need a completed Bachelor's degree (minimum 3-year programme) in a relevant field. Most universities require 55-65%+ aggregate or equivalent GPA. For competitive programmes in business, engineering, or sciences, 70%+ is preferred. Some Master's programmes at Grandes Ecoles require GMAT or GRE scores. Letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a detailed CV are standard requirements.

PhD (Doctorat) — 3-4 Years

You need a completed Master's degree. PhD admissions in France work differently — you typically identify a supervisor and research lab first, then apply to the doctoral school. Many PhD positions in France come with funding (contrat doctoral) of approximately €1,750-2,000/month. EEC can guide you through the France PhD application process.

Language Requirements

Language requirements are where many Indian students get confused. The requirements depend entirely on whether you are applying to a French-taught or English-taught programme. Here is a clear breakdown:

For English proficiency, France accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English. Most English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent. EEC prepares you for both your English test and French language simultaneously — the dual-track approach saves you months of preparation time.

Campus France Application Process — Step by Step

Campus France is the official French government agency that manages international student applications. Every Indian student must complete the Campus France (Etudes en France) procedure before applying for a student visa. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Create Your Etudes en France Account — Register on the Campus France India website and create your online dossier. Step 2: Fill Your Academic Profile — Upload all academic documents (marksheets, degree certificates, transcripts), language test scores, CV, and statement of purpose. Step 3: Select Universities — You can apply to up to 7 programmes through the portal (3 for DAP/white form procedure for Bachelor's at public universities). Step 4: Pay Campus France Fee — The Campus France processing fee is approximately ₹16,000-18,000.

Step 5: Attend the Interview — Campus France India will schedule a personal interview (online or in-person) to verify your academic profile, language skills, and study plan. This interview is critical — it determines whether your dossier receives a favourable opinion. Step 6: Receive University Decisions — After Campus France forwards your dossier, universities review and respond. Acceptance letters typically arrive within 4-8 weeks. Step 7: Accept Your Offer — Confirm your admission and proceed to the visa application stage.

Student Visa Process for France from India

After receiving your university admission and Campus France approval, you apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) through VFS Global India. Here is what you need:

Required Documents: valid passport (at least 6 months beyond programme end), Campus France approval printout, university admission letter, proof of accommodation in France, proof of financial resources (minimum €615/month — approximately ₹7,500/month in a blocked account or sponsor letter), travel insurance, 2 passport-size photographs, and the visa application form. The visa fee is €99 (approximately ₹9,000) plus the Campus France fee (total approximately €260 / ₹22,000-24,000 for the entire process).

Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks from the date of application at VFS Global. France has VFS centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Puducherry, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kochi, and Goa. Your EEC study abroad counselor will guide you through every document and ensure your application is complete before submission.

Cost of Living in France

Understanding the cost of living in France is essential for financial planning. Costs vary significantly between Paris and other French cities. Here is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for Indian students:

Part-Time Work: 964 Hours/Year

As an international student in France with a valid VLS-TS visa, you are legally entitled to work 964 hours per year — equivalent to approximately 20 hours per week during term time. You do not need a separate work permit. Common part-time jobs for Indian students include tutoring, restaurant work, retail, campus jobs, and freelancing. Typical hourly wages range from €11.65 (SMIC — French minimum wage in 2026) to €15-20 for specialised work.

At minimum wage, 964 hours of work earns you approximately €11,200/year — which can cover a significant portion of your living expenses outside Paris. Many Indian students supplement this with summer internships (stages), which often pay €600-1,200/month and count toward your annual work hours. Some Master's programmes include mandatory 4-6 month internships that provide both income and invaluable French work experience.

Post-Study Work: RÉCE Visa & Talent Passport

France offers one of Europe's most generous post-study work frameworks — a key reason Indian students choose to study in France in 2026:

RÉCE Visa (formerly APS) — 12 Months

After completing your Master's or PhD, you can apply for a 12-month RÉCE visa (formerly APS) to search for employment or start a business in France. During this period, you can work full-time at any job. Once you find a position related to your field of study with a salary of at least 1.5x the French minimum wage (approximately €2,800/month gross), you can convert to a regular work permit without returning to India.

Talent Passport — 4 Years (Renewable)

If you graduated from a programme on the French government's designated list of elite institutions, or if you secure a job with a salary of at least 2x the minimum wage (approximately €3,700/month gross), you qualify for the Passeport Talent — a 4-year renewable residence permit. This is France's equivalent of a fast-track skilled worker visa, and it includes the right for your spouse to work in France. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence or French citizenship.

Compare this to the UK (2-year Graduate Visa), Germany (18-month job-seeker visa), or Canada (1-3 year PGWP). France's 4-year Talent Passport is among the longest post-study pathways in Europe, making it particularly attractive for Indian students planning a long-term European career.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Several scholarships specifically target Indian students seeking to study in France:

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — Funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, covering monthly stipend of €1,181 (Master's) or €1,700 (PhD), plus housing allowance, return flights, and health insurance. Open to Indian students under 25 (Master's) or 30 (PhD). Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's — EU-funded programme offering full tuition coverage plus €1,400/month living allowance for 1-2 year Master's programmes. Many Erasmus Mundus programmes include a semester in France. French Embassy Scholarships (Charpak) — The Charpak programme offers scholarships for Indian students at Master's level covering tuition, stipend, and visa fee waivers.

University-Specific Scholarships — Many French universities and Grandes Ecoles offer their own merit-based fee waivers and scholarships. HEC Paris, ESSEC, Sciences Po, and other elite institutions offer need-cum-merit scholarships specifically for international students. Your EEC France counselor will identify which scholarships match your profile and help you prepare winning applications. You can also combine a France scholarship with French language skills for future Canada options.

Start with French A1 at EEC + FREE France Counseling

At EEC, we have helped 50,000+ students across 27+ years achieve their study abroad goals. For students planning to study in France in 2026, here is the EEC advantage:

French A1 Course — Live online with expert trainers at just ₹7,500. Small batch sizes ensure personalised attention. This is your first step whether you need French for admission or for daily life in France. FREE France Study Abroad Counseling — University shortlisting, Campus France application support, visa documentation, scholarship guidance, and pre-departure briefing — all at no extra cost when you enrol for French at EEC. English Test Preparation — If you are applying to English-taught programmes, EEC simultaneously prepares you for IELTS or PTE.

Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor's at a public university in Lyon, a Master's at Sciences Po, or a PhD at Sorbonne, your journey to study in France as an Indian student in 2026 starts with one step: contacting EEC for a free counseling session. We also support applications to Belgium and other Francophone destinations where your French skills open additional doors. Explore all study abroad options at EEC.

Frequently Asked Questions