Study in France for Indian Students
Highlights
Here are the key details related to studying in France
Why Choose France?
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A Thriving Global Economy
France ranks as the 7th largest economy in the world, with a GDP per capita of $46,792 (2025), demonstrating its robust economic foundation. It is home to 67 Fortune Global 500 companies, including iconic brands like LVMH, Airbus, Renault, L'Oréal, BNP Paribas, and Schneider Electric. The country’s industrial landscape spans across aerospace, automotive, luxury goods, agriculture, and finance. Additionally, France is the world’s top tourist destination, with tourism contributing €60 billion annually and supporting 2.9 million jobs. Its commitment to innovation in sectors like AI, green tech, biotech, and deep tech makes it a strategic hub for future-ready careers.
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World-Class Education System
France is a Top 5 global destination for international students, attracting over 400,000 international students year on year. Enrollments from the Asia-Pacific region have steadily increased with Indian students choosing France over other traditional study abroad destination due to a strengthening of bilateral initiatives between both the countries. France has set an ambitious goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen educational and cultural ties between both the countries. Educationally, France stands as a prominent hub for academic excellence, with 80 globally ranked institutions and over 30 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The country is also ranked #2 in the world for the number of Triple Crown-accredited business schools (19), second only to the UK. Leading schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, and Rennes School of Business offer top-tier programs in business, engineering, luxury, arts, and philosophy, making France a top tier study abroad destination.
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Excellent Quality of Life for Students
International students in France enjoy a high standard of living supported by generous government benefits. Indian students have access to free public healthcare, while private healthcare costs are reimbursed up to 70%. Students also receive housing allowances that cover at least 30% of their rent—for instance, a rent of €450/month would be subsidized by €135. Families benefit as well, with free education for minor children up to age 18. Moreover, France is known for its strong emphasis on work-life balance, offering a 35-hour work week, mandatory overtime pay, and up to 5 weeks of paid vacation, fostering a student-friendly and employee-supportive environment.
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Long-Term Career Opportunities
France offers excellent post-study pathways for international students. Graduates of master’s programs are eligible for a 2-year post-study work visa (APS) that enables them to seek employment in France. Furthermore, non-EU international graduates can avail the 5-year Talent Passport – Alumni visa, a special long-stay residence permit that allows them to live and work in France for up to five years post-graduation, opening doors to long-term career and settlement opportunities in a leading European economy.
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Partners with Renowned Universities
GlobalGrads partners with top-tier French institutions offering MBA, MSc, and Undergraduate programs in fields such as Management, Data Science, Hospitality, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Luxury Brand Management. These institutions offer world-class education, industry-focused curriculums, and strong international student support.
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Partners with Renowned Universities
GlobalGrads partners with top-tier French institutions offering MBA, MSc, and Undergraduate programs in fields such as Management, Data Science, Hospitality, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Luxury Brand Management. These institutions offer world-class education, industry-focused curriculums, and strong international student support.
Application Process for Studying in France
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Self-Assessment and Research
Choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals.
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Consultation with an Education Counselor
Get guidance from our experts to understand your current academic position and what would be the best way forward for your education overseas.
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Submit Applications
Gather your academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose (SOP), and other required documents.
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Apply for Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities based on merit or need to reduce tuition costs.
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Apply for a Student Visa
Start your visa application process and prepare for the visa interview. GlobalGrads’s expert advisory team helps you in the entire visa application process.
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Prepare for Departure
Once you receive your visa, plan your travel and accommodation.
Academic Calendar to Study in France
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The academic calendar in France typically follows a semester system, comprising:
- Fall Semester (Primary): September–January
- Spring Semester: January/February
Some business and engineering schools may have flexible intakes or rolling admissions.
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Intake Cycle in France
- Main Intake: September/October (Fall)
- Secondary Intake: January/February (Spring) – available for selected programs.
Applications generally open 8–10 months prior, so students should plan accordingly.
Admission Requirements for France
Typical admission criteria include:
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Undergraduate Programs:
- Completion of 12th Grade with minimum 60–70%
- IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (70+)- Waiver granted under certain circumstances
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Postgraduate Programs (MS/MBA):
- Recognized Bachelor’s Degree (60% or above)
- IELTS (6.5+) / TOEFL (80–90)- Waiver granted under certain circumstances
- Work experience preferred for MBA/MSc Programs
- SOP, LORs, Resume
Student Visa Requirements for France
Indian students must apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) valid for programs longer than 90 days.
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Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Accommodation proof
- Medical insurance
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Campus France NOC (No Objection Certificate)
Visa processing takes 2–4 weeks after the Campus France interview.
Cost Of Living in France
Here are the major requirements to study in the France, which you need to ensure while applying to a France university:
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Rent€200 to €700 (lesser in small towns).
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Food€150 to €250.
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Transport€30 to €60 (often included in semester ticket).
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Miscellaneous€100 to €200
Career Opportunities
France offers a vibrant job market across sectors such as Business & Management, Fashion and Luxury, Tourism, IT, Engineering, and Consulting. It is home to global business giants like L’Oréal, Airbus, Capgemini, LVMH, Renault, Dassault, and Total Energies. While French proficiency is often a prerequisite, tech and global consulting roles increasingly accept English speakers.
Top industries and Roles include:
Business & Management – Business Analyst, Operations Coordinator, Supply Chain Associate
IT & Software Development – Software Developer, Junior QA, Full-Stack Developer
Fashion & Luxury Management – Brand Executive, Visual Merchandiser, Retail Strategy Analyst
- Average salary of approximately
- 60,000 per year
- Average salary of approximately
- 65,000 per year
- Average salary of approximately
- 70,000 per year
- Average salary of approximately
- 75,000 per year
- Average salary of approximately
- 80,000 per year
- Average salary of approximately
- 60,000 per year
- Average salary of approximately
- 68,000 per year
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