Lana Oconnell
France is a popular destination for international students due to its world-class institutions, prestigious degrees, and welcoming attitude towards international students. The country offers a high-quality university education with low tuition fees and access to specialised schools and courses. The academic year in France typically runs from September/October to May/June and is split into two semesters. International students must hold an equivalent qualification to the French Baccalaureate and meet the criteria for their chosen course. Students from outside the EU will need to apply for a visa and may need to take an entrance examination. France offers a range of scholarships and grants, and international students are allowed to work part-time to supplement their income.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic year | September/October to May/June |
| Semester | 2 |
| Semester break | 2 weeks for Christmas and 2 months for summer |
| Courses in English | Yes |
| Courses in French | Yes |
| Entrance requirements | French Baccalaureate qualification (A-Level in the UK) |
| Tuition fees | Lower than many countries |
| Living costs | High |
| Scholarships | Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme |
| Visa requirements | Short-stay "étudiant/étudiant-concours" (Student examination) visa |
| Work hours for international students | 964 hours (60% of normal working hours in France) |
| World ranking | 6th most popular country to study in |
| Number of international students | 358,000 in 2020; 412,000 in 2022-2023 |
| Prestigious institutions | Grandes écoles |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements
As an international student, you will need to obtain a visa to study in France. The type of visa you need depends on your country of origin and the length of your stay.
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a visa to study in France. You only need a valid passport or alternative travel ID document.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you will likely need to apply for a long-stay visa. Before applying for a long-stay visa, you must first obtain a short-stay "étudiant/étudiant-concours" (student examination) visa, which is valid for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. This visa is required if you need to take an entrance examination as part of the admissions process for your desired higher education institution in France. If you pass the entrance examination, you can then apply for a long-stay visa at the Préfecture (police station) in your place of residence in France, without having to return to your home country.
When applying for a visa, you must provide a temporary address for the first three months of your stay or your permanent address if you already have accommodation arranged. Additionally, you may need to provide supporting documents related to your personal situation, as indicated by the visa wizard. For example, if you are studying a medical or pharmacy degree, you must enclose your degree certificate and any relevant licences or agreements.
It is important to note that visa requirements may vary depending on your country of origin. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the international relations service at your host institution and refer to the relevant government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements for international students in France.
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Academic year structure
France is a very attractive country for international students due to its welcoming attitude, high-quality university education, and low tuition fees. The country has a growing academic reputation, which has led to it becoming one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students. The latest statistics show that over 412,000 foreign students were enrolled in higher education in 2022-2023.
The university calendar year in France typically begins in September or October and ends in May or June. The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester ends before the new year, and the second semester starts in the new year. Students get a two-week holiday during Christmas and approximately two months off during the summer.
France follows the LMD system, which is a 3-cycle system in line with other European nations. The LMD system works as follows:
- Licence: This cycle typically takes three years to complete and is equivalent to bachelor's degrees in other countries.
- Master: This is a postgraduate degree, and postgraduate studies in France are often less intensive than in other countries.
- Doctorat: This cycle takes a total of eight years of education, including the Licence and Master cycles, to complete a doctorate degree.
In addition to traditional universities, France has institutions known as "grandes écoles," which provide the highest level of education in the country. Grandes écoles operate alongside traditional universities and offer specialized education in subjects such as business, engineering, and science. They can be either public or private, with private grandes écoles generally charging higher tuition fees.
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University rankings
France has one of the world's leading education systems, and its universities are consistently ranked among the top in the world. In 2025, 50 French institutions were counted among the top universities globally, with 10 of these located in Paris. The city is also ranked 6th in the world for employer activity and 13th in the world for student mix, making it a popular destination for international students.
Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris, formed of 25 research and higher education institutions in the Paris area, is ranked first in France and 24th in the world. The university has produced 28 Nobel laureates across various fields and is known for its exceptional performance across all indicators, including international research network, faculty-student ratio, and employer reputation.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris, located 30km outside of Paris, is a leading university in science and technology, ranking second in the country and 46th in the world. The campus offers 120 hectares of green space for its 4,600 students, with approximately 35% of its student body comprising international students from 88 different nations.
Sorbonne University, formed through the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre et Marie Curie University, is a research-led university specialising in humanities, languages, science and engineering, and health studies. It ranks third in France and 63rd internationally.
Other notable universities in France include Sciences Po Paris, which specialises in law, economics, social science, politics, and history, with almost half of its 14,000 students coming from international backgrounds. The Université Grenoble Alpes, founded in 1339, is another top-ranked university with an impressive international research network. It offers a wide range of disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and business.
Outside of Paris, Lyon is a popular student city, known for its vibrant culture and high-quality universities, including the École normale supérieure de Lyon and the National Institute for Applied Sciences. Marseille, Montpellier, and Bordeaux are also renowned for their leading universities.
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Grandes écoles
France is a popular destination for international students due to its welcoming attitude towards them, high-quality university education, and low tuition fees. The country is home to world-renowned universities, which can significantly enhance one's future career prospects.
Admission to a grande école is highly competitive and primarily based on national rankings in written and oral exams called concours, organised annually by the French Ministry of Education. Domestic students from France typically complete two years of preparatory studies before gaining admission to the first year of a grande école. International applicants may be offered direct admission based on entrance exams, academic records, language proficiency, and motivation interviews.
Some well-known examples of grandes écoles include the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, Lyon, or Paris-Saclay, and the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne. Degrees from grandes écoles can be up to the BAC+8 level, which is eight years of study after high school.
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Living costs
France is a popular destination for international students due to its welcoming attitude towards them, high-quality university education, and low tuition fees. However, it is important to note that living costs in France can be quite high. Here is a guide to help you understand the living costs for international students in France:
- Tuition Fees: While tuition fees in France are generally considered low compared to other countries, it's important to note that private universities, "Grandes Écoles", and certain specific courses will be subject to higher fees. For example, Grandes Écoles set their own fees, so be sure to contact them directly or visit their websites for more information.
- City and Lifestyle Choices: Living costs in France vary depending on the city you choose to live in and your lifestyle choices. Paris, for example, is known for being expensive. Consider the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment in your chosen city.
- Accommodation: On-campus accommodation is often limited in France, so many international students opt for private rentals or shared apartments. Costs vary depending on the city and the type of accommodation.
- Food and Groceries: The cost of food and groceries in France can vary depending on your dietary preferences and whether you shop at local markets or supermarkets. Eating out at restaurants can be more expensive, especially in tourist areas.
- Transportation: Transportation costs depend on the city you're living in and your travel needs. Larger cities like Paris have extensive public transportation systems, which can be more affordable with student discounts.
- Other Expenses: Don't forget to budget for other expenses such as utility bills, mobile phone plans, internet access, and personal items. These can add up quickly and vary depending on your usage and preferences.
It is crucial to thoroughly research and plan your budget before moving to France as an international student. Remember that part-time work may not be sufficient to cover all your expenses and should be considered a secondary source of income.
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Frequently asked questions
France has a growing academic reputation, with world-renowned universities, quality teaching, resources and research opportunities, and a wide range of academic fields. It also has a welcoming attitude towards international students, low tuition fees, and a temperate climate.
You will need to hold an equivalent of a French Baccalaureate qualification (A-Level in the UK) and meet the specific course criteria. If you are from a non-EU country, you will need to apply for a short-stay "étudiant/étudiant-concours" (Student examination) visa.
Tuition fees in France are generally lower than in many other countries. However, living costs can be high, so it is important to factor these into your budget. Private universities, Grandes Écoles, and certain specific courses will be subject to higher fees.
The academic year in France typically runs from September/October to May/June and is divided into two semesters. The first semester ends before the new year, and the second semester starts in the new year.
There are various funding opportunities available for international students in France, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, which attracts top students from abroad to enrol in Master's and PhD programmes. Each university may also offer its own scholarships and grants, so it is worth checking with the specific institutions you are interested in.
