The Complete Guide to Studying in France in 2025

France is one of the world’s most popular study destinations — not only for its culture, food and history, but also for its high-quality degrees, strong job market and affordable tuition (especially in public universities).

If you are planning to study in France in 2025, this complete guide will walk you through everything:

• Types of programs
• Eligibility and admission requirements
• Tuition fees and cost of living
• Scholarships and funding options
• Student visa process
• Accommodation, part-time jobs and daily life
• How StudyConnectFrance supports you from A to Z

For a quick overview of key facts, you can also explore our dedicated page on the Benefits of Studying in France .

Why Choose France for Your Studies?

France offers an attractive mix of academic quality, international recognition and lifestyle:

• 🎓 World-recognised degrees – French degrees are respected across Europe and globally, especially in business, engineering, hospitality, fashion, luxury and arts.
• 💶 Affordable tuition fees – Public universities offer relatively low tuition for EU and, in many cases, non-EU students compared to other Western countries.
• 🌍 International environment – Thousands of programs taught in English, and a large international student community.
• 💼 Career opportunities – France is home to global companies in luxury, automotive, tech, energy, hospitality and more, with strong internship and job prospects.
• ✈️ Location in Europe – Easy travel to neighbouring countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium.

To see how this fits into a bigger strategy, have a look at our overview page: Resources – Admissions, Visa, Housing & More .

Types of Programs in France: Bachelor, Master, MBA, DBA & More

France has a wide variety of programs for different profiles and stages of career.

1. Bachelor’s Programs (Licence / Bachelor)

• Duration: Usually 3 years
• Typical age: Students who have completed high school / +2 / A-levels
• Fields: Business, International Trade, IT, Computer Science, Hospitality, Tourism, Health/Life Sciences, Design, etc.
• Taught in: English, French, or bilingual (depending on the school)

Bachelor’s programs focus on strong foundations plus first exposure to internships, projects and exchange programmes.

You can browse a curated list of options on our page: 👉 Bachelor Programmes in France (English-Taught Options)

2. Master’s Programs (Master / MSc / MA)

• Duration: 2 years (Master 1 + Master 2) or 1-year specialised MSc
• Entry: After a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (3 or 4 years of higher education)
• Popular fields for international students:
  • International Business, Marketing, Finance, HR
  • Data, AI, Cybersecurity, IT & Digital Business
  • Supply Chain, Logistics, Luxury Management, Hospitality
  • Health / Life-Science–related management paths

Many schools offer career-oriented Master’s with internships and strong links to industry.

Explore our focused section here: 👉 Specialized Masters & MSc Programmes

3. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

• Duration: Generally 1 to 2 years
• Target profile: Professionals with 2+ years of work experience
• Focus: Leadership, strategy, management, entrepreneurship, international business
• Benefits: Strong networking, managerial positions, career switch or promotion

MBAs are often offered by private business schools, many of which we feature here: 👉 Private Business Schools in France

4. DBA / Doctorate

DBA and doctoral routes are designed for experienced professionals or researchers who want to deepen their expertise in research, consultancy or academia. They typically involve 3+ years of research, publications and a final thesis in partnership with a university or business school.

5. Short Programs, Foundation & Language Courses

• Foundation / Pathway courses (for students needing academic or language preparation)
• French language programs (FLE)
• Summer schools and certificate programs

These can help you adapt more smoothly before starting a full degree. If you’re unsure where you fit, you can request guidance via our Free Study Abroad Counselling .

Admission Requirements for International Students

Requirements vary by level (Bachelor/Master) and institution (public university vs private school), but the main elements are similar.

You can also see a complete admissions & services overview here: 👉 Student Services – Campus France, Visa, Housing & More

1. Academic Background

You will typically need:

• For Bachelor’s:
  • High school completion certificate (e.g., +2, A-levels, 12th grade, IB)
  • Minimum grade/percentage set by the institution
• For Master’s:
  • A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
  • Minimum GPA/percentage (varies by program and competition)

2. Language Requirements (English and/or French)

For English-taught programs:

• IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE or similar tests
• Some schools may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead of IELTS (case by case).

You can prepare smarter with our dedicated coaching: 👉 Test Preparation – IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, TCF/TEF

For French-taught programs:

• DELF/DALF or TCF/TEF scores
• Usually at least B2 level French for full academic programs.

3. Documents You Usually Need

Most schools ask for:

• Passport copy
• Academic transcripts & certificates
• CV (résumé)
• Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (sometimes)
• Language test scores (if required)
• Portfolio (for design, architecture, arts, etc.)

If you want an expert review of your profile and documents, you can book: 👉 Premium Study Abroad Counselling

Tuition Fees in France: Public vs Private Institutions

The cost of tuition in France depends heavily on the type of institution and your nationality.

For a more structural explanation of the system, see: 👉 Public Universities in France  and  Private Business Schools in France.

Public Universities

Public universities generally offer lower tuition fees because they are subsidised by the French government.

• For EU/EEA students: often just a few hundred euros per year.
• For non-EU students: tuition may be higher but still often more affordable than in many other countries.

They usually focus on traditional academic disciplines (sciences, humanities, law, etc.), but also offer professional and job-oriented tracks.

Private Schools & Business Schools

Private institutions, especially business schools, management schools and specialised schools, set their own fees.

• Tuition fees vary widely, from a few thousand euros per year to much higher amounts, depending on brand, ranking and program.
• Many offer:
  • Strong corporate connections
  • Mandatory internships
  • Career support, networking events and job fairs
  • International accreditations and RNCP-certified degrees

You can explore curated options and guidance on our Academics hub.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students

There are multiple funding options that can help reduce your costs. Start with the main overview here: 👉 Scholarships & Funding for France

1. French Government Scholarships

These include a range of national and regional schemes. For a deep dive, visit: 👉 French Government Scholarships

Some well-known examples include:

• National excellence scholarships
• Regional scholarships offered by French regions or cities
• Specialist programs for specific fields or partner countries

2. Institutional Scholarships (Universities & Schools)

Many universities and schools have their own scholarships:

• Merit-based
• Need-based
• Early-bird or excellence discounts
• Nationality-specific schemes

We’ve compiled them here: 👉 Institutional Scholarships in France

3. Erasmus+ Mobility & Other External Scholarships

If your program includes mobility in Europe, you may access Erasmus+ funding: 👉 Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships

You may also find external support from:

• Foundations & NGOs
• Home-country government or local organisations
• Corporate/industry-specific sponsors

Step-by-Step France Student Visa Process

Once you receive your admission letter, the next step is obtaining your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS “étudiant”).

For a structured overview of services related to Campus France and visa, check: 👉 Student Services – Campus France & Visa Support

1. Campus France (in many countries)

In several countries (for example, India and many others), you first need to:

1. Create a Campus France account
2. Upload documents (admission letter, academic records, passport, etc.)
3. Attend an interview or orientation (if required)
4. Pay the Campus France fee
5. Receive a Campus France certificate/approval

2. VFS / Consulate Visa Application

After Campus France (or directly in some countries), you proceed to VFS or the French consulate. You will usually need:

• Valid passport
• Admission letter from a recognised French institution
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel insurance for the initial period
• Passport-size photos
• Campus France documents (where applicable)
• Visa application form and fee

3. Biometric Appointment & Interview (If Required)

You submit your application, provide biometrics, and may answer questions about your study plans, financial situation and future goals.

4. Visa Decision

Processing times vary, but you typically receive either:

• Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) – validated after arrival in France
• Additional requests for documents, if needed

5. After Arrival in France

Once in France, you must:

• Validate your VLS-TS online
• Arrange health insurance (if not already covered)
• Complete registration with your school
• Set up essentials like bank account, SIM card, and transport card

We summarise many of these steps in our Resources and through our Campus support.

Accommodation Options in France

Finding a place to live is one of the most important parts of planning your study in France. We offer practical help via our Student Accommodation services (accessible through the Campus page).

1. CROUS Student Residences

• Public student residences
• Generally cheaper than private housing
• Priority often given to scholarship holders or certain categories
• Rooms are basic but functional

2. Private Student Residences

Modern buildings operated by private companies:

• Rooms or studios with shared or private facilities
• Often include internet, common areas, laundry, etc.
• More expensive than CROUS, but convenient and student-oriented

3. Shared Apartments (Colocation)

Many students share an apartment:

• Splitting rent and utilities lowers costs
• Great way to meet people and improve language skills
• Offers more flexibility in location and style

4. Homestay & Other Options

Some students live with host families or rent studios. The right choice depends on:

• Budget
• City/neighbourhood
• Distance from campus
• Lifestyle preferences

If you’re unsure which option is best, you can request guidance in your Free Counselling Session .

Part-Time Jobs for Students in France

International students with a valid student residence permit usually have the right to work part-time within legal limits.

Work Rights (General Overview)

• Students can work a limited number of hours per year
• Both on-campus and off-campus roles are possible
• Internships integrated into your program may follow different rules, and may be paid

Common Student Jobs

• Café/restaurant staff
• Retail or supermarket positions
• Campus assistant roles
• Babysitting and language tutoring

Why Part-Time Work Helps

• Reduces day-to-day living costs
• Helps you integrate and understand local culture
• Improves your French language
• Adds experience to your CV

Life in France: Culture, Cities, Food, Transport & Safety

Studying in France is also about enjoying daily life in a new culture.

For inspiration on where you might live, explore our city pages and guides:

• Paris – Study in the Capital
• Lille
• Grenoble
• 10 Great Study Destinations in France

Culture & Language

• France values politeness, punctuality and respect for rules.
• Basic French phrases are extremely helpful in daily life.
• People may seem reserved at first, but relationships become strong over time.

Food

• Famous for bread, cheese, pastries, wine and diverse regional cuisines.
• Student-friendly options like university restaurants (RU) and affordable lunch menus are widely available.

Transport

• Excellent public transport in most student cities: metro, tram, bus.
• Discounted monthly passes for students.
• Train and budget carriers make European travel accessible.

Safety

• Generally safe, especially in university areas.
• As always:
  • Stay aware of your surroundings
  • Keep valuables secure
  • Follow local guidelines and your school’s advice

How StudyConnectFrance Helps You From A to Z

Navigating everything alone can be overwhelming. StudyConnectFrance is a France-focused education consultancy based in Lyon, fully dedicated to helping international students succeed.

You can learn more about our approach here: 👉 Who We Are

1. Profile Analysis & Course Selection

We analyse your academic background, budget and career goals. We match you to fit-first programs (Bachelor, Master, MBA, specialised programs) across public universities and private schools.

Start with a quick check here: 👉 Check Eligibility in 60 Seconds

2. Application & Documentation Support

We guide you on:

• CV and motivation letters (SOP)
• Recommendation letters
• Online applications and deadlines

And we help align your profile to the expectations of French institutions, including RNCP-recognised programs.

3. Admission & Scholarship Strategy

• Compare offers: city, school, ranking, tuition and ROI
• Identify and apply for government, institutional and mobility scholarships using our guides:
  • Scholarships Overview
  • French Government Scholarships
  • Institutional Scholarships
  • Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships

4. Visa File Preparation

Through our Campus Services , we help with:

• Campus France strategy (where applicable)
• Visa document checklists
• Financial proof planning
• Explanation letters where necessary

Our aim is to help you present a clear, consistent and realistic visa file.

5. Accommodation & Arrival Support

• Understanding housing options and typical rents in your chosen city
• Initial arrival guidance (airport → city, first days in France)
• Practical steps: bank account, SIM card, insurance, transport card, etc.

6. Ongoing Support During Your Studies

• Doubts about renewal, internships or part-time work
• Exploring second-cycle options (Masters after Bachelor, etc.)
• Long-term planning: employability and stay-back routes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ready to Start Your Journey to France?

Studying in France in 2025 can transform your career, lifestyle and future – but only if you choose the right program, city and strategy.

• Quickly see where you stand: 👉 Check Eligibility in 60 Seconds
• Or speak directly with our team in Lyon: 👉 Book a Free Consultation