Student guide
France suits students who want Europe, a strong research or business school brand, and tuition that can be lower than the US or UK — especially at public universities. Most Indian applicants go through Campus France / Études en France, then apply for a VLS-TS long-stay student visa. English-taught master’s programmes are growing in business, engineering, and data; many bachelor’s courses are still in French.
Main intake
September
Application path
Campus France
Student visa
VLS-TS
After study
APS job-search stay
Why students choose France
- Public-university tuition is often lower than Anglophone destinations (programme-dependent).
- Grandes Écoles and business schools are well known to global employers.
- You live in the Schengen area, with travel options during holidays (follow visa rules).
- A post-study job-search residence (APS) exists for eligible master’s and some other awards.
Popular programmes
These are common choices, not a ranking. A counsellor will match courses to your marks, budget, and career plan.
- Management / Grande École MSc
- Data Science & AI
- Luxury & Hospitality
- Engineering
- Public Policy
- Fashion & Design
- Wine & Tourism
- International Business
Intakes and when to apply
| Intake |
Starts |
When students should begin |
| September (main) |
September |
Campus France usually opens in the previous autumn. Finish the dossier months before summer visa appointments. |
| January (limited) |
January |
Some private business and engineering schools only. |
What you typically need
- Campus France / Études en France file: academics, SOP, CV, and passport.
- English or French language proof, depending on the teaching language.
- Acceptance letter / pre-enrolment from the school.
- Proof of funds, accommodation plan, and insurance for the visa.
- VFS / consulate appointment after Campus France has processed your file.
Indicative cost
Public tuition (indicative)
EUR 2,800–4,000 / year*
Private / business school
EUR 8,000–20,000 / year
Living (indicative)
EUR 8,000–13,000 / year
*Non-EU fees at public universities are set by the French government and can differ by degree level. Paris costs more than Lyon, Toulouse, or Nantes. Confirm the exact fee on the school page.
Visa in simple steps
VLS-TS student visa
- Create the Campus France file, complete the interview if required, and obtain the acceptance.
- Book the VLS-TS appointment with the listed funds and housing papers.
- After arrival, validate the VLS-TS online and complete OFII / residence steps.
- Renew or switch status only with a counsellor if your course or work plan changes.
Work while you study
Student-status holders can usually work a limited annual hour cap (often described as 60% of a full-time year). Keep the job secondary to studies.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for a temporary job-search / business-creation residence (APS). Length and degree rules change — check the current prefecture guidance.
Scholarships and funding
- Eiffel scholarship (highly competitive, mainly master’s/PhD).
- School-specific tuition waivers and early-bird offers.
- CROUS housing and campus jobs after you arrive.
How Trencher helps
Start Campus France 10–12 months before September. Visa appointments in India get busy from June.
- Public university vs Grande École vs private school comparison.
- Campus France dossier, SOP, and interview prep.
- VLS-TS document list and funds planning.
Figures and visa steps here are a student-friendly overview. Official amounts, work hours, and forms change. A counsellor will confirm the current embassy / university rules for your case.
