Explore France
Study in France.
Picture lecture halls in historic cities, cafés full of conversation and a world of culture. Explore France through the courses and places that inspire you.
At a glance
Studying in France, at a glance.
Main intakes
September (main), with some January starts
Bachelor’s degree
Licence: 3 years
Master’s degree
Master: 2 years
Teaching language
French, with a growing number of English-taught programmes
Tuition (indicative)
€2,895 (bachelor’s) or €3,941 (master’s) a year at public universities
Differentiated fees for most non-EU students from September 2026; some exemptions apply. Grandes écoles and private schools set higher fees.
Living costs (indicative)
Often €800 to €1,200 a month
A typical estimate outside Paris. Paris is considerably more expensive.
General guidance, reviewed in November 2026 against official and published sources. Fees, living-cost figures and requirements change and differ by institution and course, so always confirm with the institution and official sources such as Campus France before making decisions.
Why France
What draws students to France.
Public universities and grandes écoles
Choose between public universities and selective grandes écoles in engineering, business and political science.
Culture and creativity
Strengths in art, fashion, design, cuisine and the humanities.
At the heart of Europe
High-speed rail links to neighbouring countries.
Study opportunities
Subject areas with a wide choice of programmes.
English-taught options are most common at master’s level and in business schools. Start with what you want to learn, then check each course’s modules, teaching approach and entry requirements.
- Business and management
- Engineering
- Fashion, art and design
- Political science and international relations
- Hospitality and culinary arts
- Mathematics and physics
Where to study
Examples of well-known institutions in France.
In no particular order. These are examples to start your research, not rankings or recommendations, and many other excellent institutions exist.
Sorbonne University
- City
- Paris
- Type
- Public research university
Université Paris-Saclay
- City
- Paris region
- Type
- Public research university
Sciences Po
- City
- Paris
- Type
- Public institute of political studies
Université Grenoble Alpes
- City
- Grenoble
- Type
- Public research university
Aix-Marseille University
- City
- Marseille and Aix-en-Provence
- Type
- Public research university
École Polytechnique
- City
- Palaiseau
- Type
- Public engineering school (grande école)
Check programmes, entry requirements and fees on each institution’s official website.
Admission requirements
What applications usually ask for.
Requirements are set by each institution and course. Use this as a starting checklist, then follow the official course page.
Most applications
- Academic transcripts and certificates from your previous study.
- Evidence of your proficiency in the language of instruction.
- A personal statement or statement of purpose, written in your own words.
- One or two academic or professional references.
- A CV, particularly for postgraduate applications.
- A valid passport.
Specific to France
- Students from many countries apply through the Études en France procedure managed by Campus France.
- French-taught courses usually need DELF, DALF or TCF results.
- Selective schools may hold competitive exams or interviews.
Scholarships
Scholarships worth researching.
Public information only. Eligibility, deadlines and amounts are set by each provider; WINAR does not provide or arrange funding.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
A French Government scholarship for international master’s and PhD students, run by Campus France.
French Embassy scholarships
Many French embassies offer scholarships for students from their country.
Student life
Everyday life in France.
Housing support
Students may be eligible for housing assistance (CAF); check current rules.
Student restaurants
University restaurants (CROUS) offer low-cost meals.
Learn some French
Even on an English-taught programme, French helps with daily life.
Visas and immigration
Visa and immigration rules are set by the government of France and change regularly. WINAR does not provide immigration advice or services. Read the official guidance published by France-Visas, and speak to a suitably qualified and regulated adviser if you need advice on your own circumstances.
Questions, answered plainly
Questions about studying in France.
What would your France chapter need?
Discuss your study goals, the information still to verify and possible next steps with WINAR. Support scope and destination coverage are subject to confirmation.