France offers a distinctive higher education landscape — low tuition at public universities alongside a separate, highly competitive "Grande Ecole" system for specialized professional and business education — giving international students genuinely different paths depending on their goals.

Why Students Choose France

  • Low tuition at public universities: Often just a few hundred euros per year in administrative fees, regardless of nationality.
  • World-renowned Grande Ecoles: Elite institutions in business, engineering, and public administration with strong international reputations, though typically higher tuition.
  • Growing English-taught programs, particularly at the master's level.
  • Central location in Europe, convenient for regional travel and exposure to multiple cultures.

Costs to Budget For

  • Public universities: Roughly €170-380/year in administrative fees.
  • Grande Ecoles and private institutions: Often €5,000-20,000+/year.
  • Living costs: Roughly €800-1,200/month, with Paris notably more expensive than other cities.

Language Requirements

French-taught programs typically require DELF B2 or DALF C1 — see our DELF vs. DALF vs. TCF guide. English-taught programs typically require IELTS or TOEFL instead.

How to Apply

  1. Use Campus France, the centralized platform most students use to apply and manage their visa application.
  2. Meet the language requirement for your chosen program.
  3. Submit applications directly to Grande Ecoles if pursuing that track.
  4. Apply for your student visa once you have an admission offer.

Build your French language skills with our free French course.