
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 430,000 international students enrolled in its higher education institutions in 2023/24. This number has been steadily increasing, with a 4.5-4.6% increase in international students in 2023/24 compared to the previous year. International students make up about one-quarter to one-sixth of the total student population in France. The country's quality-price ratio, low tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and great life and education standards are major draws for international students.
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What You'll Learn
- In 2023/24, France hosted over 430,000 international students
- International students in France mostly study Business and Management (42,559)
- The majority of international students in France come from Africa
- France is one of the most popular non-English-speaking countries for international students
- France has a quality-price ratio, with low tuition fees for non-European students

In 2023/24, France hosted over 430,000 international students
France has long been a popular destination for international students, and this trend has continued into 2023/24. This year, France has hosted over 430,000 international students in its higher education institutions, a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is part of a broader trend of increasing international student enrolment in France, with a sharp 8% increase in 2021/22 and a more modest 3% increase in 2022/23.
The country's world-class universities, renowned for their quality education and expertise, are a significant draw for international students. France's rich culture, student population, gastronomy, and liveliness also contribute to its appeal. In addition, the opportunity to gain cultural perspective, experience diversity, learn a new language, and enjoy social life attracts thousands of students worldwide.
French universities often offer specific courses taught in English to attract more international students and make their programs more accessible to non-French speakers. Additionally, the country's higher education institutions provide a wide range of academic opportunities, with international students divided equally between science (31%) and social sciences, literature, and humanities (31%). Some students also pursue programs in health and medicine (8%), law and political science (12%), and economics (18%).
The increase in international student enrolment in 2023/24 is partly due to renewed demand from the Asia-Pacific region, with 6% more students from China and 12% more from India choosing French institutions. France also saw a significant increase in students from Ukraine (+14%) and Romania (+10%), while Morocco, Algeria, Italy, and Senegal remain among the top source countries.
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International students in France mostly study Business and Management (42,559)
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 430,000 foreign students enrolled in its higher education institutions in 2023/24. This number has been steadily increasing, with a 4.6% year-over-year growth, maintaining France's position as the sixth most popular host country for international students.
International students are drawn to France for various reasons, including its rich academic traditions, diverse culture, and world-class institutions. The country's quality-price ratio is also attractive, with lower tuition fees compared to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Among the different fields of study, business and management are particularly popular among international students in France. In fact, out of all international students in France, 42,559 chose to study business and management in the 2023/24 academic year. This popularity is reflected in the growth of business schools in the country, with an 11% increase in international student enrolment last year.
France's business schools, known as "écoles de commerce," are globally renowned for their excellence. In international rankings, French institutions consistently perform well, with INSEAD ranked third worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015 for business and management. Additionally, two of the top five business schools in Europe, according to the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report, are French: INSEAD and HEC Paris.
The curriculum offered by French business schools is designed to meet the demands of the current job market and the international business environment. MIM (Master in Management) programs, for example, provide a broad range of courses such as corporate finance, business performance, marketing, and cost analysis. Furthermore, MIM programs at Grandes Écoles include internships and practical workshops in collaboration with local companies, enhancing students' employability.
In conclusion, France's higher education system is highly attractive to international students pursuing business and management studies. The combination of renowned academic institutions, innovative courses, and opportunities for practical experience through internships makes France a desirable choice for those seeking a world-class business education.
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The majority of international students in France come from Africa
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 412,000 foreign students enrolled in French higher education institutions in 2022-2023, making up about one-sixth of the country's total student population. This number increased to 430,466 in 2023/24, a year-over-year growth of 4.6%. France's world-class universities, rich culture, student population, gastronomy, and liveliness attract thousands of international students worldwide.
In 2024, one-quarter of foreign students in France came from Africa, with the largest contingent from Sub-Saharan Africa, making up 24% of the country's international student body. North Africa was a close second, with 23% of all international students. Together, students from Sub-Saharan and North Africa accounted for about 47% of all international students in France. This indicates a significant presence of African students in French higher education institutions.
The number of students from the Asia and Oceania regions has also remained high, with a notable increase in the number of Indian students. In the 2022/23 academic year, 6,986 Indian students studied in France, an 11% increase over the previous year. France's business schools are particularly attractive to Indian students, with 31% considering business and management programmes. Almost half of prospective Indian students are exploring postgraduate programmes in France.
Other major source countries for international students in France include the United States, with around 6,422 students, and the United Kingdom, with approximately 4,112 students. France's higher education institutions also attract students from across Europe, with neighbouring countries like Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Spain being popular destinations for French exchange students.
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France is one of the most popular non-English-speaking countries for international students
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 430,000 international students enrolled in its higher education institutions in 2023/24. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with a 4.5% or 4.6% increase in 2023/24 compared to the previous year. France is one of the most popular non-English-speaking countries for international students, offering a range of benefits that attract students from all over the world.
One of the main draws is the quality-price ratio of French higher education. Tuition fees are relatively low compared to other popular study destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia. For example, a bachelor's degree costs €2,770 per year for a non-European student and a master's degree costs €3,770. Additionally, France offers a range of financial aid opportunities, such as government scholarships, internships, and tuition fee exemptions for non-European students.
French universities also have a strong reputation for academic excellence. In the ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024, France ranked third worldwide in the number of institutions in the Top 50, with 25 French institutions in the World Top 1,000 and 18 in the Top 500. This outstanding performance showcases the quality of the French higher education system and makes France a competitive option for international students seeking a world-class education.
Another advantage of studying in France is the emphasis on employability. French institutions have strong links with the job market through apprenticeships and internship programs, which can enhance students' career prospects. This is reflected in the high graduate starting salaries, which 39% of international students in a survey considered indicative of the teaching quality of a higher education institution. France's flourishing reputation for higher education and its focus on practical skills and industry connections make it an attractive choice for students seeking a successful career path.
The French government has also set ambitious goals to attract more international students. The "Bienvenue en France" national strategy aims to welcome 500,000 international students by 2027. This includes initiatives to increase the number of English-taught programs, making French higher education more accessible to non-French-speaking students. France's popularity among international students is expected to continue growing, solidifying its position as one of the top non-English-speaking destinations for higher education.
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France has a quality-price ratio, with low tuition fees for non-European students
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 400,000 enrolled in higher education institutions in 2023/24. This number is expected to grow, with a government goal of attracting 500,000 international students by 2027. The country offers a quality-price ratio, with low tuition fees for non-European students compared to other countries.
Tuition fees in France are relatively low due to government subsidies for higher education. While the true cost of education is around €10,000 per year, the French government assumes a large share of this cost for students in public institutions. For non-European students, bachelor's degrees cost €2,770 per year, while master's degrees cost €3,770. These fees are significantly lower than those in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
International students in France also benefit from the opportunity to work while studying. With a VLS-TS visa, students can work up to 964 hours per year (20 hours per week) and explore other countries in the Schengen area. Living costs in France are also moderate compared to other European countries. For example, students can expect to spend between €850 and €1,000 per month, including accommodation, in cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, or Toulouse.
The quality of education in France is also high, with French institutions regularly ranking among the best in Europe and the world. The country's universities have a strong reputation for research and teaching, and business schools are particularly attractive to international students. Additionally, French institutions emphasize employability, with links to the job market through apprenticeships and internship programs.
In conclusion, France offers a quality-price ratio for international students, with low tuition fees and living costs compared to other countries. The country's strong educational system, emphasis on employability, and opportunities for work and travel make it an attractive destination for those seeking a quality education at a reasonable price.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023/24, there were over 430,000 international students in France, a 4.5-4.6% increase from the previous year.
Universities host the most foreign students, with about two-thirds of international students enrolled. Business and management schools are the second most popular, with 42,559 international students enrolled, followed by engineering schools with 26,548 students.
In 2023/24, one-quarter of foreign students in France came from Africa. The majority of students come from Sub-Saharan Africa, making up 24% of the international student population. North Africa and the Middle East are also large sending markets, representing 23% and 28% of the international student population, respectively. France has also seen increased enrolment from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly from China and India.
France is one of the most popular non-English-speaking countries for international students due to its low tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and high-quality education. French universities also offer courses in the English language, making them more accessible to international students.











































