Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated On - May 13, 2026
Indian students can study in France after Class 12 through a 3-year Bachelor’s (Licence) at public universities or programs at Grandes Écoles. The country offers globally ranked universities, relatively affordable tuition, and a 1-year post-study work permit (APS) under its agreement with India.
- The most important 2026 update is the tuition fee increase: from September 2026, public university fees for non-EU students are €2,895 per year (₹3.24 lakh) for a Bachelor’s degree, up from €178, a 16-fold rise announced on April 21, 2026.
- French language proficiency is essential: most Bachelor’s programs at public universities are taught in French. English-taught options are limited and mostly offered by private Grandes Écoles. Without at least B2-level French, long-term career opportunities are restricted.
- The Campus France procedure is mandatory: Indian students must apply via the Études en France (EeF) portal, attend an interview, and obtain a No Objection certificate before applying for a visa. This step typically adds 4–8 weeks to the process.
Conversion Note: All INR conversions in this article are based on an exchange rate of 1 EUR = ₹112 (May 12, 2026).
- Why Indian Students Choose France After Class 12
- Eligibility Requirements to Study in France After Class 12
- Study Pathways: Public Universities vs Grandes Écoles
- Top Universities and Institutions in France (QS 2026)
- Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
- Campus France Procedure and Student Visa for Indian Students
- Scholarships for Indian Students in France
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Indian Students Choose France After Class 12
France is the most popular non-English-speaking study destination for Indian students in Europe. Indian student enrolments in France rose 17% in 2024–25 to 9,100 students, and France has set a target of 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
- 4 universities in the QS global top 100 (2026): PSL #28, Institut Polytechnique de Paris #41, Sorbonne #72, Sciences Po #72.
- 3-year Bachelor's degree (Licence): same duration as the UK, saving one year vs the US.
- Tuition fee at public universities is significantly lower than in the UK, US, Canada or Australia — even after the 2026 fee increase.
- India has a bilateral agreement with France: Indian graduates get a 1-year APS post-study work permit.
- 964 hours/year (20 hours/week) part-time work permitted during studies.
- France ended yearly student visa renewals for Indian students: multi-year visas are now available.
- Strong presence in engineering, fashion, culinary arts, business, international relations and fine arts.
- CAF housing allowance available to international students: reduces monthly accommodation costs.
One honest note: France is not an easy destination for students who do not speak French. Most public university programs are in French. The job market strongly favours French speakers. Students who succeed in France long-term are those who commit to learning the language seriously.
Eligibility Requirements to Study in France After Class 12
French universities accept Class 12 results from CBSE, ISC and state boards. No SAT or ACT is required. The key requirements are academic percentage and language proficiency — either French or English, depending on your program.
Academic Requirements
| Institution Type | Minimum Class 12 Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top public universities (Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay) | 75%–85%+ in relevant subjects | Competitive programs like Medicine and Law require higher scores |
| Other public universities | 60%–75% | Most programs are taught in French |
| Grandes Écoles (private business/engineering schools) | 70%–85%+ | Many offer English-taught programs; higher fees apply |
Language Requirements
| Program Language | Required Test and Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French-taught programs (public universities) |
DELF B2 or TCF B2 minimum | B2 is the minimum; C1 is strongly recommended for academic success |
| English-taught programs (grandes écoles, some universities) |
IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–95 | Mainly at private institutions; limited at the public university bachelor's level |
| Bilingual programs | French B1–B2 + IELTS 6.0 | Available at select institutions |
A critical note for Indian students: Even if you enrol in an English-taught program, daily life in France - housing, banking, healthcare, part-time jobs which requires French. Students consistently report that A1–A2 French before arrival is the minimum for a comfortable experience. B2 French is needed for most part-time jobs and for long-term career prospects in France.
Study Pathways After Class 12: Public Universities vs Grandes Écoles
France has two distinct higher education tracks. The choice between a public university and a Grande École has major implications for cost, language requirements, program availability and career outcomes.
| Factor | Public University (Université) | Grande École (Private/Selective) |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Open admission for most programs; competitive for Medicine, Law, and Engineering | Selective, competitive entrance process |
| Language of instruction | Primarily French; limited English-taught UG programs | Many English-taught programs available |
| Annual tuition (non-EU, from Sept 2026) | €2,895 (Bachelor's) / €3,941 (Master's) | €6,000–€18,000 (set independently) |
| Degree duration | 3 years (Licence/Bachelor's) | 3–5 years, depending on program |
| Global recognition | Strong in research and academia | Strong in business, engineering and industry |
| Examples | Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po (public programs) | HEC Paris, ESSEC, Ecole Polytechnique, INSEAD |
For Indian students after Class 12, public universities are the most common entry point due to lower fees. However, if you want English-taught programs and are willing to pay higher fees, grandes écoles like HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School and Ecole Polytechnique offer internationally recognised degrees with strong industry connections.
Explore Top Universities and Colleges in France with fees and courses
Top Universities and Institutions in France for Indian Students (QS 2026)
France has 35 universities in the QS World Rankings 2026, with 4 in the global top 100. Here are the top institutions most relevant to Indian students after Class 12.
| Institution | QS Ranking 2026 | Location | Known For | Annual Tuition (Non-EU, from Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) | #28 | Paris | Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Business | €2,895 | INR 3.24 lakh (public programs) |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | #41 | Palaiseau | Engineering, Science, Technology | €2,895–€15,000 | INR 3.24 – 16.8 lakh depending on the program |
| Sorbonne University | #72 | Paris | Medicine, Science, Humanities, Literature | €2,895 | INR 3.24 (Bachelor's) |
| Sciences Po | #72 | Paris | Political Science, International Relations, Law | €2,895–€14,000 | INR 3.24 – 15.6 lakh depending on program |
| HEC Paris | Top 10 globally for Business | Jouy-en-Josas | Business, Management, Finance | €16,000–€18,000 | INR 3.24 – 20.1 lakh year (private) |
| Ecole Polytechnique | Top 50 globally for Engineering | Palaiseau | Engineering, Mathematics, Physics | €12,000–€15,000 | INR 13.4 – 16.8 lakh year (private) |
| Rennes School of Business | AACSB Accredited | Rennes | Business, International Management | €8,000–€12,000 | INR 8.96 – 13.4 lakh year (private) |
| Grenoble Ecole de Management | AACSB Accredited | Grenoble | Business, Technology Management | €8,000–€13,000 INR 8.96 – 14.5 lakh year (private) |
Note: Tuition fees shown are for non-EU international students. Public university fees (€2,895 for Bachelor's) apply from September 2026 for new enrolments. Private institution fees are set independently and are not affected by the government's April 2026 announcement.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
France underwent a major tuition fee change in April 2026. From September 2026, all French public universities must charge non-EU students differentiated fees. Here is the complete cost picture for Indian students.
Tuition Fees: Before and After September 2026
| Degree Level | Previous Annual Fee (Non-EU) | New Annual Fee from Sept 2026 (Non-EU) | New Fee in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Licence): Public University | €178 (₹19,936) | €2,895 | ₹3.24 lakh/year |
| Master's: Public University | €254 (₹28,448) | €3,941 | ₹4.41 lakh/year |
| PhD: Public University | €397 (₹44,464) | €397 — unchanged | ₹44,464/year |
| Grande École / Private Institution | €6,000–€18,000 (set independently) | €6,000–€18,000 — unchanged | ₹6.72 lakh–₹20.16 lakh/year |
The fee change applies only to new enrolments from September 2026. Students already enrolled before this date continue at the previous rate for the duration of their program. Exemptions are available but capped at 10% of non-EU students per institution — primarily for scholarship holders and documented financial hardship cases.
Even at the new rates, France remains significantly cheaper than the UK (£11,400–£38,000/year), Canada (CAD $22,000–$55,000/year) or the US. A full 3-year Bachelor's degree at a French public university now costs approximately €8,685 in tuition (₹9.73 lakh total) — compared to ₹40–90 lakh for a comparable degree in the UK.
Read our full breakdown: France Raises Non-EU Tuition 16x from September 2026
Monthly Cost of Living in France
The CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) housing allowance is available to international students in France and can reduce your monthly rent by €100–€200. Apply for CAF as soon as you have a French address — it is one of the most practical financial benefits available to students in France.
Cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Rennes and Montpellier offer strong universities at significantly lower living costs than Paris. Many Indian students on Reddit specifically recommend Lyon and Toulouse as the best balance of university quality, cost and quality of life.
| Expense | Paris (Monthly) | Paris (INR approx.) | Other Cities (Monthly) | Other Cities (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (student residence/shared) | €600–€900 | ₹67,200–₹1,00,800 | €350–€600 | ₹39,200–₹67,200 |
| Food and groceries | €150–€200 | ₹16,800–₹22,400 | ₹120–₹160 | ₹13,440–₹17,920 |
| Public transport | €86 (Navigo student pass) | ₹9,632 | €30–€60 | ₹3,360–₹6,720 |
| Health insurance (student) | €50–€80 | ₹5,600–₹8,960 | €50–€80 | ₹5,600–₹8,960 |
| CVEC (student life contribution, annual) | €103/year | ₹11,536/year | €103/year | ₹11,536/year |
| Total Monthly Estimate | €1,200–€1,800 | ₹1,34,400–₹2,01,600 | €800–€1,300 | ₹89,600–₹1,45,600 |
- Read our guide: Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students
- Also read: Part-Time Work While Studying in France
Campus France Procedure and Student Visa for Indian Students
The Campus France procedure is mandatory for all Indian students applying for a French student visa. It cannot be skipped. The entire process — from Campus France registration to visa collection — takes approximately 8–12 weeks.
Step-by-Step: Campus France and Visa Process
- Step 1: Register on Études en France (EeF) portal: Create an account at the Campus France India portal. Fill in your academic profile, upload Class 10 and 12 transcripts, language test scores, CV and Statement of Purpose. Note your Campus France Registration Number (format: INXX-XXXX).
- Step 2: Apply to French institutions: Through the EeF portal, apply to your chosen programs. You can apply to multiple institutions simultaneously.
- Step 3: Attend Campus France interview: Campus France India will contact you for an in-person or online academic interview at one of their offices (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Pune). Bring all original documents and photocopies. You receive an interview completion certificate.
- Step 4: Receive university acceptance and pay Campus France fee: Once you receive an acceptance letter from a French institution, pay the Campus France fee (mandatory and non-refundable). Then apply for your visa online at france-visas.gouv.fr.
- Step 5: Visa appointment at VFS: Book a VFS appointment, submit biometrics and collect your visa. After arriving in France, complete the OFII online process within 3 months to validate your student status.
Key Visa Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance letter | From a recognised French institution |
| Campus France interview certificate | Mandatory for Indian students |
| Financial proof | Minimum €615/month (approximately ₹68,880/month) + full year tuition fees |
| Valid passport | Valid for the duration of stay |
| Language test scores | DELF B2/TCF for French programs; IELTS/TOEFL for English programs |
| Health insurance | Proof of coverage for the duration of stay |
| Visa fee | €50 (approximately ₹5,600) — non-refundable |
Important update: France ended yearly student visa renewals for Indian students. Under reforms announced in April 2026, Indian students can now receive multi-year student visas for the duration of their program — eliminating the need for annual renewals.
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France
France offers several scholarships specifically for Indian students, including fully funded options from the French government. These are competitive but genuinely accessible for strong academic profiles.
| Scholarship | Offered By | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs | Monthly stipend €1,181 (Master's) / €1,400 (PhD) + health insurance + return airfare | Master's and PhD level; Indian students eligible; 2026 results already announced |
| Charpak Scholarship | French Embassy in India | Monthly stipend + visa fee waiver + health insurance | Indian students for exchange, Master's and research programs in France |
| French Government BGF Scholarship | French Government | Full tuition + monthly stipend + health insurance | Exceptional academic merit; exempts from Campus France fee |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | European Union | Monthly stipend for exchange programs | Students in partnership programs between Indian and French institutions |
| University-specific scholarships | Individual institutions (HEC, Sciences Po, etc.) |
Partial to full tuition waivers | Merit-based; varies by institution |
Note: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 results were announced in March 2026. If you missed this cycle, the next application window opens in late 2026 for 2027 entry. The Charpak Scholarship has rolling deadlines — check the French Embassy India website for current dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Can I study in France directly after Class 12 from India?
Ans. Yes. Indian students can apply for a 3-year Bachelor's degree (Licence) at French public universities or programs at private grandes écoles directly after Class 12. No entrance exam like SAT or ACT, is required for most programs. You need your Class 12 marksheet, a French or English language test score depending on your program, and must complete the mandatory Campus France (Études en France) procedure before applying for a student visa.
Ques. How much are tuition fees in France for Indian students in 2026?
Ans. From September 2026, Indian students at French public universities pay €2,895 per year (approximately ₹3.24 lakh) for a Bachelor's degree and €3,941 per year (approximately ₹4.41 lakh) for a Master's degree. This is a 16-fold increase from the previous near-zero fees of €178 and €254, respectively. PhD fees remain unchanged at €397/year. Private grandes écoles charge €6,000–€18,000 per year independently. Despite the increase, France remains significantly cheaper than the UK, Canada or the US.
Ques. Do I need to know French to study in France after Class 12?
Ans. For most Bachelor's programs at French public universities, yes — French proficiency at DELF B2 or TCF B2 level is required. English-taught programs exist but are limited at the undergraduate level and are mainly offered at private grandes écoles and business schools. Even for English-taught programs, French language skills (at least A2–B1) are strongly recommended for daily life, part-time work and long-term career prospects in France.
Ques. What is the Campus France procedure, and is it mandatory for Indian students?
Ans. The Campus France procedure (Études en France) is mandatory for all Indian students applying for a French student visa for programs longer than 90 days. You must register on the EeF portal, upload academic documents, apply to French institutions through the portal, attend an in-person or online academic interview at a Campus France office in India and receive an interview completion certificate. Only after this can you apply for your visa. The Campus France fee is mandatory and non-refundable. The entire process takes 4–8 weeks.
Ques. What is the APS post-study work permit for Indian students in France?
Ans. The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) is a 1-year post-study work permit available to Indian graduates of French universities. India has a bilateral agreement with France on professional migration, which makes Indian students eligible for the APS. It allows you to stay in France for 1 year after graduation to search for employment or start a company. During this period, you can work up to 964 hours per year. The APS is free to apply for — submit your request to the local Préfecture after graduation.
Ques. How much does it cost to live in France as an Indian student?
Ans. Monthly living costs in France range from €1,200–€1,800 in Paris (approximately ₹1,34,400–₹2,01,600) and €800–€1,300 in other cities like Lyon, Toulouse and Bordeaux (approximately ₹89,600–₹1,45,600). Accommodation is the largest expense. The CAF housing allowance — available to international students — can reduce monthly rent by €100–€200. University restaurant meals (CROUS) cost approximately €3.30 per meal for students, significantly reducing food costs.
Ques. How many hours can I work in France on a student visa?
Ans. French law allows international students to work up to 964 hours per year — equivalent to approximately 20 hours per week. This is included in your student visa and does not require a separate work permit. At the French minimum wage (SMIC) of approximately €11.88/hour in 2026, working 20 hours/week allows you to earn approximately €950/month before tax, which meaningfully offsets living costs especially outside Paris.
Ques. What are the top scholarships for Indian students to study in France?
Ans. The main scholarships for Indian students in France are: the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (French Ministry of Foreign Affairs — monthly stipend + health insurance + airfare; for Master's and PhD level), the Charpak Scholarship (French Embassy India — stipend + visa fee waiver; for exchange and Master's programs) and the French Government BGF Scholarship (full tuition + stipend). The Eiffel 2026 results were announced in March 2026 — the next cycle opens in late 2026 for 2027 entry.
Ques. What is the financial proof required for a France student visa?
Ans. For a French student visa, you must show proof of financial resources of at least €615 per month (approximately ₹68,880/month) for the duration of your stay, plus proof of full first-year tuition fee payment. For a 12-month stay, this means showing approximately €7,380 (approximately ₹8.27 lakh) in living funds plus tuition. Bank statements, education loan sanction letters or a sponsor's financial documents are accepted as proof.
Ques. Which are the best cities in France for Indian students?
Ans. Paris is the most popular city but also the most expensive. Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Rennes and Montpellier are consistently recommended by Indian students as better value alternatives. These cities have strong universities, lower accommodation costs (€350–€600/month vs €600–€900 in Paris), growing Indian communities and easier access to part-time work. Lyon and Toulouse are particularly popular among Indian students for their quality of life and affordability.
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