Studying in France is fast becoming a favourite choice for Indian students — and it's easy to see why. Sure, there's the Eiffel Tower, fresh croissants, and that effortless French style. But the real draw is more practical: a globally respected education without the eye-watering price tag you'll find in the UK, US, or Australia. Here's an honest, jargon-free guide to studying in France as an Indian student, covering the costs, the visa, scholarships, and everyday life.
Why Indian students are choosing France
France has quietly built one of Europe's strongest higher education systems. It's home to world-renowned business schools like HEC Paris, top-tier engineering institutions, and historic universities like the Sorbonne. The country shines in business, engineering, fashion, culinary arts, hospitality, and design. And because France sits right in the heart of Europe, weekend trips to Italy, Spain, or Germany are easy to manage on a student budget.
Do Indian students need to speak French?
This one surprises a lot of people. While picking up some French will make daily life richer (and friendlier), you don't need to be fluent to study there. French universities now offer well over a thousand programmes taught entirely in English, especially at the master's level. Still, learning even basic French goes a long way — both for making friends and for landing part-time work.
How much does it cost to study in France?
This is where France really stands out. Public universities are heavily subsidised by the government, so tuition sits far below what you'd pay elsewhere. International students typically pay around €2,770 a year for a bachelor's degree and €3,770 for a master's at public universities — and some charge even less. Private schools and the elite "Grandes Écoles" cost more, though scholarships often help close the gap.
Living costs depend on the city. Paris is pricey, but Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, and Montpellier are far gentler on the wallet — roughly €700 to €1,000 a month for rent, food, and transport. France also subsidises student housing, meals, and travel, which quietly adds up over a year.
How to apply: the Campus France route
As an Indian student, your application runs through Campus France, the official body that guides students step by step. You'll set up an account on the "Études en France" platform, apply to your chosen universities, attend a short interview, and then apply for your long-stay student visa (the VLS-TS).
It sounds like a lot, but it's a well-trodden path. You'll mainly need an admission letter, proof you can support yourself financially (around €615 a month), and confirmation of your accommodation. Starting early — ideally six months before your intake — makes the whole process far less stressful.
Scholarships for Indian students in France
Money shouldn't be the reason you rule France out. Several scholarships are open to Indian students, and one is designed just for you: the Charpak Scholarship, offered by the French Embassy in India. There's also the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, the Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po, and various Erasmus and university-specific awards. An afternoon of research here can genuinely reshape your budget.
Can you work while studying in France?
Yes. A French student visa lets you work part-time — up to about 20 hours a week — which helps cover daily expenses and gives you a real feel for French work culture. After graduation, master's students can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay on, hunt for a job, or even start a business. France actively welcomes skilled international graduates, particularly in tech, engineering, and management.
Is studying in France right for you?
Studying abroad is exciting, but it's also a big personal step. France will ask you to adapt — a new language, a different rhythm of life, the occasional bit of paperwork. Yet thousands of Indian students settle in every year and come away with far more than a degree: a genuinely wider view of the world.
If France has been quietly tugging at your curiosity, take that as a good sign. Do your research, talk to students who've already made the move, and take things one step at a time. When it comes to study in France for Indian students, a little planning goes a long way — and the croissants are just a bonus.
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