Complete guide to studying in France
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in France
Five top reasons to study in France
- Experience French culture and perfect your French language skills
- Enjoy high quality university tuition with relatively low tuition fees at public universities
- High quality of life, very good healthcare system and wonderful food
- A wide range of climates and landscapes to explore and enjoy
- Study in French or English
A quick introduction to France
Located in Western Europe, France is a European country that shares land borders with 8 countries (Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain and Switzerland), while the UK is a short distance away from Northern France, across the English channel.
France is a member of the European Union (EU), which means that students from other EU countries can study in France as though they are a domestic student.
The country is also a member of the Bologna Process, which uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), ensuring that if you study in France, your studies will be recognized and easily transferable throughout Europe.
France is an incredibly popular destination for international students, with latest statistics showing that over 412,000 foreign students were enrolled in higher education in 2022-2023. To put that in perspective, there are around 100,000 foreign students studying in Italy.
The countries that most international students in France come from include nations where French is a popular language, such as Morocco, Algeria, Senegal and Tunisia, nearby nations such as Italy and Spain, and from nations further afield such as China, India and the United States.
In all, international students from around the world make up 14% of France’s student population, resulting in a highly diverse, multicultural student body.
No matter where in the world you are from, France is a very attractive country for study abroad due to its welcoming attitude to international students, high quality university education and low tuition fees.
France’s higher education system
The university calendar year in France begins in September/October, depending on the university. The academic year then finishes in May/June. The year is divided into 2 semesters, with the first semester ending before the new year, and the second semester starting in the new year.
France follows the 3 cycle system, in line with other European nations. It is named the The LMD system, and works as follows:
- Licence, which typically takes 3 years to complete. These are known as bachelors degrees in other countries.
- Master, which take 2 years to complete
- Doctorat, which takes a total of 8 of education years to complete (License + Master + Doctorate degrees)
Universities
Many of the universities in France are public universities, which receive their funding from the government. There are 67 publicly funded universities in the country, which are named Université in France. These universities accept international students and offer you a wide range of degree courses in most subjects at bachelor, masters and doctorate levels.
Private universities
There are also private universities in France, which do not receive public funding. These include secular private universities such as OMNES Education (formerly INSEEC U.) and The American University of Paris.
Non-secular private universities in France include the Catholic University of Paris and the Catholic University of Lyon.
Grandes écoles
France also has institutions known as grandes écoles, which are viewed as providing the very highest level of education available in France, receiving more public funding than the public Université. They operate alongside traditional universities in France and offer specialised education in subjects such as business, engineering and science.
Whilst grandes écoles may be considered similar to Ivy league schools in America, grandes écoles are extremely elite, and admission requirements are very high, with domestic students from France required to complete an additional two years of preparatory studies before they may gain admission to year 1 of a grandes écoles.
Around 20% of the International students in France are studying in the grandes écoles. The Grande écoles can be either public or private, and tuition fees at private grande écoles are generally much higher than at their public counterparts.
Specialised schools and Schools of Art
There are numerous specialised schools in France that offer courses focused on specific subjects such as medical science, politics, and communications.
There are also over 40 schools of art and architecture, offering international students the opportunity to study in environments tailored to their creative interests.
University rankings
One of the major benefits of studying in France is access to world renowned universities, which can make a big difference to your future career prospects.
University rankings also help you to compare universities that you are interested in based on metrics that are relevant to your experience as an international student, such as the quality of teaching that you will receive.
Our table below shows the top 15 universities in France according to 3 well known university ranking systems:
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres University | 40 | 112 | 24 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 58 | 76 | 73 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 71 | 46 | |
| Sorbonne University | 75 | 56 | 63 |
| Université Paris Cité | 152 | 43 | 302 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 251-300 | 665 | 187 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 301-350 | 237 | 334 |
| Montpellier University | 301-350 | 218 | 448 |
| Aix-Marseille University | 351-400 | 199 | 481 |
| University of Bordeaux | 351-400 | 281 | 535 |
| Centrale Nantes | 401-500 | ||
| Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 | 401–500 | 344 | 562 |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | 401–500 | 1005 | 205 |
| IMT Atlantique | 401–500 | 1039 | |
| Institut Agro | 401–500 | 617 |
Climate
Like surrounding countries in Northern Europe, France enjoys a temperate climate, which means that you can expect moderate temperatures, with neither extremely cold winters, nor extremely hot summers.
Despite this, you can expect the weather to vary quite drastically depending on the season and where in the country you live.
France experiences 4 distinct seasons. Spring begins in March, and temperatures are generally mild with average temperatures of between 10 – 15 degrees Celsius (50 – 59 degrees Fahrenheit), and you will start to notice wildlife springing up around you. There may be plenty of rain depending on your location, but there will be sunny, crisp days to enjoy as well.
Summer in France begins in June, and by now you will see less rainfall and more sunny days. Average temperatures climb to between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
The arrival of Autumn starts in October, during which temperatures will generally start to drop again, and rainfall will increase. You will still experience some fine days, and you will notice leaves turned brown and crispy as you head toward winter.
Winter in France begins in December and temperatures can at times drop to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and below. There is often rain and sometimes snow, but you will also experience beautiful crisp sunny cold days.
The weather you will experience in France depends highly on your location.
If you choose to study at a university in the North of France in cities such as Lille and Paris, you will experience the moderate climate we have discussed.
If you choose a university in the South of France, such as in cities like Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse or Nice, you will experience a much more Mediterranean climate, so you can expect very warm summer months, and mild, dry winters.
If you want to study at a university in the West of France, such as in cities like Nantes, and Rennes, you will experience a cooler oceanic climate thanks to the proximity to the Atlantic coast.
If you prefer a university situated in the East of France, for example cities such as Lyon, Strasburg and Dijon, the climate you experience will be more continental, which means a potential for warmer summers and colder winters.
Lifestyle and Welfare
Healthcare
As an international student living in France, it is compulsory to register in the French social security system, which entitles you to reimbursement of your medical fees in France. International students do this using the l’Assurance Maladie website.
This system is administered by the organization named Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM), which can be considered the French public national health fund.
Once you have registered in the French social security system, you will be issued with your unique social security number. You may use this number to apply for your identity card, named Carte vitale.
Whilst health care for international students is not free, it is largely subsidized by the government.
Should you need to access healthcare in France during your studies, for some treatments you may be required to pay upfront for your service.
You can then claim either the full amount or part of the costs back through CPAM. Your Carte vitale will make this process more straightforward for you. Reimbursements are made through ameli.fr, and there is a dedicated app to help you keep track of everything.
If you wish, you can also take out a private supplementary health insurance to make up the difference if the costs of your treatments are not fully covered by l’Assurance Maladie. These additional insurance policies are known as mutuelles, and are offered by several private insurance companies.
Food
French cuisine is famous the world over, and many students come to France to train to become chefs! Whilst training in French cookery involves mastering many classical techniques, if you are a student wondering what you will eat during your studies, France offers you a wide variety of food.
For starters, familiar fast food chains and supermarkets are as normal in France as they are anywhere in the world, so if you are shopping on a budget for your groceries, you have plenty of options.
Breakfasts are traditionally coffee or hot chocolate, with your choice of croissant, baguette or other delectable pastries and breads, whilst meal times with friends and family can involve long leisurely dinners.
If you would like to eat out, brasseries and bistros offer you an informal dining experience for quick lunches or evening meals.
Regional delicacies are where the fun can be found in food, and in France there are plenty to choose from. Many of the popular meals in France involve dairy and meat, but there are also lots of vegetable based foods to be found.
Here is a selection of our personal favorites to get you started. You will find many of these dishes throughout France, but if you are studying in their home region, chances are that you will be able to try the very best versions!
Brittany
Crêpes and Galettes
If you are studying in the northern region of Brittany, such as cities like Rennes and Brest, you should try the delicious pancakes known as galettes and crepes.
Galettes are made with buckwheat, and are often eaten with savory fillings, and crêpes are made with flour, often enjoyed with sweet fillings.
Bouchot Mussels
If you like seafood, France is a wonderful place to eat. Mussels are popular around the coastal regions, and in Brittany you can find Bouchot Mussels, usually served simply with french fries.
Provence
Several of our recommendations originate from the southern region of Provence. If you are studying in Nice, Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, consider trying these:
Pissaladière
Common in the coastal city of Nice, the pissaladière is based on a pizza-like dough base, topped with soft caramelized onions, olives and anchovies, and is thoroughly delicious.
Socca
Another dish popular in Nice and the surrounding region is the flatbread known as socca, which is a tasty snack made from chickpea flour.
Salade niçoise
Nice proves a popular source of wonderful dishes, and for hot summer days, the salade Niçoise is tough to beat. Traditionally consisting of local Tomatoes, olive oil and anchovies, with the addition of hard boiled eggs, black olives, tuna and various vegetables arriving in later years, yum!
Ratatouille
Completing our love-in to the food of Nice is ratatouille, a vegetable ragout including tomatoes, courgettes, onion, garlic and olive oil.
Bouillabaisse
Along the coast to the West in Marseille, is where the French fish soup named bouillabaisse originated. Packed with local fish and tomatoes, garlic and herbs, this is a must-try.
Occitanie
Cassoulet
The southern region of Occitanie is home to the cities of Toulouse and Montpellier. If you are studying here, look for the best cassoulet to try, a comforting slow cooked casserole containing sausage, white beans, tomatoes, garlic and onions.
Île-de-France
The northern region of Île-de-France is home to Paris, and a great many culinary treats emanate from this area.
Mille Feuille
One of our favorite sweet treats to be found in France, the mille feuille is a dessert made from layers of puff pastry and crème pâtissière, finished with icing.
Steak Frites
A classic dish that can be found in brasseries throughout France, if you eat beef then a rare steak paired with french fries is a perfect treat.
Croque Monsieur
Another brasserie staple, the croque monsieur can be enjoyed as a nice lunch. It is a ham and cheese sandwich, which is topped with gruyère cheese and cooked until everything is tasty and melted.
Soupe à L’oignon (French onion soup)
This dish is a celebration of the simple Onion, which makes for a very tasty lunch. Caramelized onions cooked in stock, with a cheese crouton.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
If you are studying in the east of France in a city such as Auxerre or Dijon, look out for dishes inspired by the local produce such as Dijon mustard and local wines.
Boeuf Bourguignon
A slow cooked beef stew in red wine with a selection of seasonal vegetables, it makes for a comforting winter meal.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
South of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and bordering Switzerland, this region is home to cities such as Lyon and Grenoble.
Raclette
Raclette is a dish popular in Switzerland, but also across the border in France. A large wheel of raclette cheese is toasted in front of you, with the molten layer scraped off onto a bed of roasted potatoes.
Enjoyed throughout France
The croissant and the baguette can be found at boulangerie (bakery) throughout France, and should be viewed as part of the French way of food life.
Tasty desserts like Crème brûlée, a custard top with caramel and the Tarte Tatin, a caramelized apple tart are always a nice way to finish a meal.
Finally, we should mention that cheese is celebrated and eaten with a passion in France. You will come across almost endless regional variations, but some of our favorites are soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie de Meaux and harder cheeses like Comté.
Leisure
Outside of your lectures in France, many student pastimes will be privately organized, rather than organized by your university. We recommend seeking out activities that you enjoy, and finding local groups that match your interests.
It is popular to go with friends to bars and cafes for a drink or a coffee in France, which can also involve some patisserie if you are in the mood. This is a popular way for students to unwind and chat for a couple of hours between lessons.
Nightlife in bars and clubs in France is a popular way for students to spend an evening, with nights out lasting longer into the night than you might be used to.
We recommend walking and exploring your new city. There will be excursions organized by your local Erasmus Student Network, which are a great way to meet other international students and make friends, and you don’t need to be an Erasmus student to join in.
There are many interesting cultural experiences to enjoy in France, with many museums and galleries to enjoy. World famous examples include the Louvre and Musée Rodin in Paris and Claude Monet’s gardens in Normandy.
Many museums in France offer free admission for international students, so if you happen to be interested in art, find the nearest museum to you and jump right in.
If you enjoy playing sports, there are many to try or join in with in France. Sports popular in France include football (soccer), tennis, basketball, handball, cycling and judo. If you live in the alpine region, skiing is a very popular winter sport. Finally, a leisurely game of Pétanque is a nice way to relax with friends.
Transport
How to get around while you study in France depends on your location, your budget and your preferences.
Cycling
Many cities in France are suitable for cycling, such as Strasbourg, Grenoble and Paris, with many kilometres of devoted bicycle paths.
It is relatively inexpensive to find a used bicycle in France, using a private sales website like leboncoin you should be able to find a suitable bike for around 100 € (EUR), which you can always resell at the end of your studies.
Alternatively, most cities offer bicycle rental schemes, such as Vélib in Paris, which costs between €3 to €9 per month for access to a suitable city bike.
Buses and trams
A convenient way of traveling in France is by bus and tram. Most large cities have well established bus networks, usually which operate affordable travel schemes for students.
Our advice when traveling by bus, tram or train, is always to get your ticket validated. If you don’t, it is likely that you will have to pay a fine for traveling with an unvalidated ticket.
Safety
France is generally a safe country as an international student. France is a member of NATO, and is a relatively peaceful country.
For your personal safety, like in most European nations, care should be taken in certain situations. Try to avoid walking alone in areas outside of busy city centres in the late evening time and be wary of pickpockets on public transport.
In the late evening, cycling, taxis and getting a lift to and from locations tends to be a safer mode of transport than walking alone.
There is currently political polarisation in the population of France, with the centre-left New Popular Front (NFP), centrist Ensemble alliance and far-right political party Rassemblement National (RN) recently fighting a national election where costs of living and immigration were key topics, that has led to a hung parliament.
The Global Peace Index ranks France as 87th most peaceful nation in the world, which is lower than surrounding european nations such as Spain (23rd), Germany (20th) and Italy (33rd).
Language
In France, the official language is French, which is the first language of the majority of the population.
Common second languages in France are English, Spanish and German, whilst Arabic is also spoken as the first language by a small amount of the population.
By far the largest selection of university courses in France are taught in French.
It is increasingly common to find degrees taught in English at universities in France, with over 1,000 courses taught entirely in English.
To get the most out of studying abroad in France, it is an absolute must that you dedicate yourself to learning and improving your French. This will not only benefit your studies, but will help you in all aspects of daily life, from shopping for groceries, to making friends and getting around.
University cities
France offers international students a variety of experiences, with landscapes, climate, food and local customs being appreciably different from region to region.
When you choose your university, you should give some consideration to the city you will be living in and what it can offer you. Here are some of our picks of the best cities for students in France:
Grenoble
Located in the south east of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Grenoble is a beautiful place to study thanks to its location at the meeting point of the Drac and Isère rivers, and the mountain ranges that surround it.
Getting around Grenoble by bicycle is very popular, in part due to how flat the city is!
Grenoble is a very student orientated city with lots of sporting and cultural activities, and is a relatively affordable place to study. In addition, Lyon is just an hours coach journey away and you have the option of hopping across nearby borders with Switzerland and Italy to explore during your studies.
Grenoble is home to several high quality universities, including the Grenoble Institute of Technology, which is a grande école.
Lyon
The capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the south east of France, Lyon is the third most populous city in the country, with over 500,000 inhabitants. Lyon is a large, attractive city located at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
You won’t be short of activities in Lyon, and with a large number of students in the city, including over 15,000 international students, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends during your studies.
Lyon is a much cheaper alternative to Paris for international students in terms of rent costs and living expenses, while being host to several high quality universities. These include the École normale supérieure de Lyon, which is a grande école, and the National Institute for Applied Sciences.
Toulouse
The capital of the southern Occitanie region of France, Toulouse benefits from warm weather and a UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. The city is known as La Ville Rose (the pink city), due to the distinctive red stone and terracotta roofs that make up much of the city’s buildings.
Toulouse is the fourth most populous city in France with over 500,000 inhabitants, and around 15,000 international students, and was ranked the 4th best student city in France by a recent ranking published by l’Etudiant.
Life in Toulouse is vibrant, with an active student community, but it is also a city that also benefits several historic gardens. Toulouse is also home to the most successful rugby club in Europe, Stade Toulousain.
There are several highly ranked universities for international students to choose from in Toulouse, including Toulouse 1 Capitole University and Universite Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier.
Lille
Located in the north of France, and with Belgium just across the border, Lille is the 10th most populous city in the country, with around 220,000 people living within the city. This extends to over 1,500,000 people when including the surrounding Little metropolitan area.
Lille is a bustling city filled with student life, with as many as 150,000 students attending universities in the area, many of these international students. You will experience more rainfall in Lille than in cities further south, but there is always plenty to do in this student city.
There are several universities located in Lille, providing students with plenty of options for their choice of degree. These include the highly ranked University of Lille, at which over 8,000 international students enrol every year.
Paris
A list of cities for international students in France would not be complete without the inclusion of Paris. Filled with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre gallery, incredible history, culture and architecture, Paris has long been one the most important cities in Europe.
The largest city in France, with a population of over 2,000,000 residents, international students will find that living costs in the city are higher than other French cities, although this is offset by the sheer amount of cultural experiences and high quality education available.
There are a large number of universities and higher education institutions in Paris, including several Parisian Grandes Ecoles such as École Polytechnique, ESCP Business School and HEC Paris.
Nice and Monaco
Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes region of France. Situated on the south coast of the country to the east of Marseille, and with its mediterranean climate, you will experience very hot summer temperatures and very mild winters.
Thanks to the beautiful shimmering beaches of the French Riviera, Nice is an attractive location for sun-seeking tourists, but it is also an excellent location for international students. The main university in the city is the Université Côte d’Azur, a highly ranked public research university which in 2019 replaced the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
A short journey east from Nice lies the Principality of Monaco, which is the second smallest independent state in the world, and home to the International University of Monaco.
Those living and studying in Nice have the added advantage of being able to visit nearby Marseille and Montpellier during weekend or study breaks, whilst Italy is also a short journey away to the east.
Student visa
International students who want to study in France will need to obtain a valid student visa. For study periods between 4 – 12 months, this is called a Visa de long séjour études (long-stay visa), or the VLT-TS.
To study in France beyond 12 months, you apply for the carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-annual residence permit).
If you are a student moving to Italy from an EU/EEA nation for your studies, you do not require a student visa.
The VLT-TS also serves as your residence permit in France.
Costs of studying
Course fees
Tuition fees at public universities in France, including public grande écoles, are subsidised by the government and are attractively low for international students, whilst fees at private French universities are uncapped and can be much higher.
International students from outside of the EU/EEA will pay €2,850 Euros per year in tuition fees at the licence level (bachelor degree) and €3,879 per year for a masters degree.
International students studying for a doctorate have their tuition fees subsidised by the French government to the same level as domestic and EU students, so will pay just €391 per year.
Tuition fees for domestic and EU/EEA students are lower, and amount to €175 per year at the licence level (bachelor degree) and €250 per year for a masters degree.
Living costs
Your living costs will vary depending on your location in France and your requirements. You should budget between €1,000 – €2,000 per month to cover your rent & utility bills, groceries and transport costs.
Accommodation in France tends to be privately rented flats, rooms and apartments, so do not expect on-campus living that is popular in US colleges and universities.
In cities with higher living costs like Paris, accommodation can be expensive, ranging from between a minimum of €650 – €1,000 per month before utility bills.
In most cities outside of Paris, rental costs and other living expenses are much lower, with rental fees of between €450 – €600 per month.
An alternative to living in privately rented accommodation is CROUS housing, which is publicly organised housing for students. Competition for this accommodation can be tough, but rental prices are lower than private housing. Depending on your city and the amenities you require, rental prices at CROUS housing can range between €190 – €250 per month in cheaper cities to €450 per month in Paris.
Try to budget between €150 – €200 per month for your groceries, and another €50 per month if you will need to use public transport during your studies.
Scholarships
France is appealing to international students thanks to its relatively low university tuition fees, but securing a scholarship for your studies can make studying in France even more affordable.
There are several scholarship opportunities to seek out in France. These include:
- Scholarships and bursaries offered by universities
- Scholarships offered by French foreign ministry
- For EU students – Erasmus+ mobility scholarships
What can I study?
With a plethora of high quality universities catering to degrees in any subject you could wish to study, you will not be limited by choice at a French university.
If you are interested in an education at a grandes école, these offer specialised tuition in subjects like political sciences, management, architecture, engineering and sciences.
Bachelor’s degrees are known as the licence in France, and take 3 years of full-time study to complete, while a masters degree takes 2 years of study.
Research degrees such as the PhD typically take between 3-6 years to complete.
Entry requirements
Grades
As France follows the Bologna process, entry requirements into bachelors and masters degree courses will be similar to other European universities.
This means that students will be expected to have achieved the equivalent of a school leaving certificate to meet entry requirements for a bachelor degree in France.
To be accepted into a masters degree course, you will typically be expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related subject.
Entry to a grandes école is more difficult, and generally only exceptional students are accepted. Grandes écoles will usually have entrance exams on top of academic requirements, and both domestic students and international students may be expected to have completed 2 years of additional preparatory study, known as classes préparatoires.
Languages
Study in English
If you desire, it is entirely possible to study a degree in France completely taught in English. This gives you the option of enjoying living in France and working on your French language skills outside of your studies.
There are over 1,700 courses in France taught in English across all study levels, and this number is growing over time.
If you want to study in English in Italy, you will need to provide evidence of your English language ability. English language exams widely used by international students include:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System). You will usually be expected to have achieved a score of 6.0/6.5+.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). You will usually be expected to have achieved a score of 80+
- Cambridge Advanced or Pearson Test of English may also be accepted by your chosen university
Study in French
The widest range of courses in France are taught in the French language. You will be expected to provide evidence of your French proficiency to study at a French university, and there are two main tests that may be required:
- The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) spans the levels A and B of the CEFR.
- The DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) corresponds to the level C of the CEFR, and shows an advanced level of French language skills.
How to apply to university
If you are a student from outside the EU, to apply to a French university you must first submit a preliminary admission application (DAP), which you send to your local French embassy.
If you are a student residing within the EU, you make your application through Parcoursup, which is the national platform that manages student applications in France.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in France
Whilst tuition fees are low in French public universities, it is not free to study in France. You may be able to find a scholarship that pays a portion or the full amount of your tuition fees.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
Yes. International students in France may work up to 964 hours per year, which is the equivalent of 60% of the maximum working hours permitted in France. Students from Algeria may work up to 50% of the maximum working hours permitted.
Can I stay in France after I graduate?
Students from non-EU countries can stay in France after the completion of their studies providing that they have the promise of employment that pays at least one and a half times the minimum wage wage in France.
Alternatively, non-EU students may apply for a temporary residence permit (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), which permits them to stay in France for 12 months whilst looking for employment.