Universities in France for International Students: Requirements and Opportunities

France has long been a popular destination for international students, drawn to its prestigious education system, rich culture, and vibrant lifestyle. With a significant number of foreign students enrolled in higher education, France offers a diverse range of programs and opportunities for those seeking to study abroad. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements and resources available to international students aspiring to pursue higher education in France.

Why Study in France?

France's appeal to international students is multifaceted:

High-Quality Education: The French higher education system is highly regarded, with numerous universities consistently ranking among the best in the world.
Affordable Tuition: Tuition fees at public universities are relatively low, especially compared to other Western countries. Non-EU students generally face higher tuition fees compared to their EU counterparts since the 2019 academic year. However, many French universities offer exemptions or maintain low fees to make education more accessible. The average tuition fee at the cheapest universities in France ranges between €170 and €650 per year for both EU and non-EU students.
Cultural Experience: France boasts a rich culture and history, with numerous museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals to explore. As one of Europe’s largest countries, France boasts superb cuisine, a vibrant social scene, and 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering plenty to see and do.
Diverse Environment: France caters to a wide range of preferences, from bustling urban environments to quiet mountains and the relaxed atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast.
Government Support: International students are often treated no differently from native students, with access to the same tuition fees, health coverage, and housing subsidies. Students, even international ones, can apply for CAF, a government assistance program for housing, typically receiving around 100 euros a month.

Application Procedures and Requirements

The application process for international students varies depending on their nationality and the type of institution they are applying to.

Preliminary Steps

Choose Your Study Major: Identify your field of interest and desired degree level. Consider the numerous degrees France has to offer you in a variety of disciplines.
Check Admission Requirements: Pay close attention to the specific admission requirements based on your nationality, desired degree level, and chosen institution.
Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather all required documents well in advance, keeping in mind that translations into French may be necessary.

Application Platforms and Procedures

Etudes en France: This comprehensive online platform manages enrollment procedures for higher education institutions in France up to the visa request. With one common application on the Etudes en France platform, international candidates can apply to several higher education programs in France with the assistance of Campus France USA agents.
- Before applying to programs on the Etudes en France platform, candidates must verify all prerequisites and deadlines, including French proficiency requirements.
- Programs availability and prerequisites are provided by French institutions, candidates should contact directly the institution if they need clarifications about the requirements.
DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable): This procedure concerns international students applying to the first year of an undergraduate program (Licence 1), PASS and L.AS programs (first year of medical school), or architecture programs (all levels) in France. Apply for DAP at the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your home country.

Read also: USA Education for International Students
- Exemptions from DAP:
  - Children of diplomats posted in France and who themselves currently live in France
  - Candidates coming from a partner university with a cooperation agreement (special procedures apply)
  - Students with a scholarship from the French government, or a French organisation
  - Candidates holding a French, International, European, French-German, French-Italian or a French-Spanish baccalaureate
HDAP (Hors Demande d'admission préalable): This procedure concerns international students applying to the second or third year of an undergraduate program (Licence 2 and 3), or all other graduate programs (Masters) in France. HDAP candidates must apply through the Etudes en France online platform and are allowed to apply to up to 7 programs.
- It is important to note that some French institutions are not connected to the Etudes en France platform.
CampusArt: For candidates applying to art programs in France, the procedures and deadlines are different. Please contact Campus Art for more information about art programs. CampusArt is a unique shared and dematerialized recruitment program, created in 2005 at the request of Campus France partner institutions and in partnership with the Ministries in charge of Foreign Affairs, Higher Education and Culture. It participates in the influence of French cultural diplomacy. This exceptional program makes it possible to submit an online application at different levels of courses in art, design, fashion, music, architecture, etc. and thus gives students from all countries access to artistic training that school managers have.
Parcoursup: Apply through an online system for preliminary admission at Parcoursup, which starting from 2018 replaces the Admission Post-Bac (APB) platform.
- Applicants are selected based on the results obtained at very competitive entrance examinations, which take place at the end of a two-year preparation programme called "Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles" (CPGE - Preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles).
- You will also have a personal interview.

Nationality-Based Procedures

EU/EEA Students: European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) students can apply directly to the university, under the same conditions as French students. European nationals who wish to apply to the first year of a Bachelor’s need to apply through the Parcoursup Platform. However, there is no particular application procedure for enrolling in the 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor's, a Master's or Doctorate degree. In that case, contact the universities you want to apply to.
Non-EU/EEA Students: Non-EU/EEA students should apply through an online application system, formerly know as CEF and currently called the 'Studying in France procedure'. Through this system, you may also apply for your visa online and track the progress of your application. If you are already living in Europe but you don’t have European citizenship, you will have to apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where you are residing. Non-European students need to pass the Preliminary Admission or "Demande d'Admission Préalable - DAP" for applying in French institutions and should also apply online through Campus France.

Common Application Documents

Most applications to French universities include:

A completed application form signed by the official authorities
Campus France authorization
A civil liability certificate
ID photos
Passport
High school transcripts
An essay (if asked by the university)
Proof of language competency in either English or French depending on the program
Proof of payment of the application fee

For non-European students, you might be asked to provide additional documents such as your birth certificate, financial support proof for your studies and, after admission, your French student visa. Please note that each program might ask for additional documents, so make sure you have the time to evaluate what is needed from your side.

Application Deadlines

April 30, 2026: Deadline for French universities and institutions’ responses and proposals for acceptance.

Language Requirements

Most degrees are taught in French, but you will find numerous study programmes taught in English, particularly at Master's and PhD levels. If you desire, it is entirely possible to study a degree in France completely taught in English. The widest range of courses in France are taught in the French language.

French Proficiency

Academic institutions in France accept the following language tests for French proficiency:

DELF
DALF
TCF

Exemptions from the requirement to demonstrate proficiency in the French language:

Holders of the French baccalauréat, the international or European baccalauréat, and the Franco-German baccalauréat
International recipients of scholarships from the French government, international organisations, or foreign governments whose grants are administered by an approved French entity
Nationals of states where French is the official language
Students graduating from bilingual programmes, in which French was one of the languages

English Proficiency

If you want to study in English in Italy, you will need to provide evidence of your English language ability. Academic institutions in France accept the following language tests for English proficiency:

PTE Academic
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
Duolingo

Each university determines the minimum grade or mark for language tests. Always check which tests are accepted by your university and what's the minimum passing grade they expect from international students.

Visa and Residence Permit

Student Visa: If you're a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you will have to apply for a student visa. Decide what type of visa you need, short or long term and read carefully the rules that apply depending on your nationality. Contact the French embassy in your home country if you need help with the visa process.
Residence Permit: If you plan to study more than six months in France, you will have to apply for a residence permit at French local authorities ("Préfecture").

Cost of Living and Finances

Understanding the financial aspects of studying in France is essential for international students.

Tuition Fees

While tuition fees are low in French public universities, it is not free to study in France. Citizens and permanent residents of EEA countries and Switzerland can study tuition-free (except for an immatriculation charge of around 200 euros per year), whereas students from outside Europe will have to pay around 3,000 to 4,000 euros per year at public universities. Private universities usually charge more, up to 20,000 euros annually.

Proof of Funds

You will have to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself. Students need proof of funds for the first semester’s tuition and at least €615 for the first month’s living expenses.

Living Costs

Living costs in France can vary depending on the city. On average, students can expect to spend between €700 and €1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Your living costs will vary depending on your location in France and your requirements.

Accommodation

An alternative to living in privately rented accommodation is CROUS housing, which is publicly organised housing for students. Competition for this accommodation can be tough, but rental prices are lower than private housing. Securing housing not handled through school can be challenging. Landlords often require a security deposit and/or a letter from the bank, and may ask for French references due to the strong renter rights in France.

Financial Assistance

There are several scholarship opportunities to seek out in France. Students, even international ones, can apply for CAF, a government assistance program for housing, typically receiving around 100 euros a month.

Health Insurance

As an international student living in France, it is compulsory to register in the French social security system, which entitles you to reimbursement of your medical fees in France. If you are from the EU/EEA, you can use the European health insurance card. If you are non-EU, you are eligible for the national health insurance offered in France. Once you have registered in the French social security system, you will be issued with your unique social security number. You can then claim either the full amount or part of the costs back through CPAM. Your Carte vitale will make this process more straightforward for you. If you wish, you can also take out a private supplementary health insurance to make up the difference if the costs of your treatments are not fully covered by l’Assurance Maladie.

Working While Studying

Yes, international students in France are allowed to work part-time while studying. International students in France may work up to 964 hours per year, which is the equivalent of 60% of the maximum working hours permitted in France.

Key Steps After Arrival

Register at Your University: Once you arrive in France, register in person at your university.
Pay Contribution to Campus and Student Life: You must pay about 90 EUR as a contribution to campus and students life.

Popular Cities for International Students

When you choose your university, you should give some consideration to the city you will be living in and what it can offer you.

Paris: A list of cities for international students in France would not be complete without the inclusion of Paris. Paris offers a unique metropolitan vibe in a charming environment. If you study in Paris, fear not: There are direct flights to Paris from virtually anywhere in the world. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the busiest airport in continental Europe; the second-largest local airport is Paris Orly.
Lyon: The capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the south east of France, Lyon is the third most populous city in the country, with over 500,000 inhabitants. Lyon is a much cheaper alternative to Paris for international students in terms of rent costs and living expenses, while being host to several high quality universities.
Toulouse: The capital of the southern Occitanie region of France, Toulouse benefits from warm weather and a UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Life in Toulouse is vibrant, with an active student community, but it is also a city that also benefits several historic gardens.
Lille: Located in the north of France, and with Belgium just across the border, Lille is the 10th most populous city in the country, with around 220,000 people living within the city. Lille is a bustling city filled with student life, with as many as 150,000 students attending universities in the area, many of these international students. There are several universities located in Lille, providing students with plenty of options for their choice of degree.
Nice: Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes region of France. Thanks to the beautiful shimmering beaches of the French Riviera, Nice is an attractive location for sun-seeking tourists, but it is also an excellent location for international students.
Grenoble: Grenoble is a very student orientated city with lots of sporting and cultural activities, and is a relatively affordable place to study.
Marseille and Montpellier: Marseille and Montpellier are directly off the Mediterranean coast; summer beaches included.
Rennes or Nantes: Rennes or Nantes are close to the rougher Atlantic coasts.

Cultural Immersion and Lifestyle

To get the most out of studying abroad in France, it is an absolute must that you dedicate yourself to learning and improving your French. Even when studying in France in English, you should not miss the opportunity to learn French. Not only because you will learn a beautiful language that enables you to speak to around 270 million people in almost 30 countries; but also because you will need some French in your everyday life. While many locals in France speak solid English, they simply prefer their native tongue, and will appreciate when foreigners make the effort. The French language is also one of the larger hurdles if you plan to stay after your graduation from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in France. To find a job, you will almost inevitably need to be fluent or at least near-fluent in French.

Social Life and Activities

Outside of your lectures in France, many student pastimes will be privately organized, rather than organized by your university. It is popular to go with friends to bars and cafes for a drink or a coffee in France, which can also involve some patisserie if you are in the mood. We recommend walking and exploring your new city. There are many interesting cultural experiences to enjoy in France, with many museums and galleries to enjoy. If you enjoy playing sports, there are many to try or join in with in France. Sports popular in France include football (soccer), tennis, basketball, handball, cycling and judo. If you live in the alpine region, skiing is a very popular winter sport.

Transportation

A convenient way of traveling in France is by bus and tram. Our advice when traveling by bus, tram or train, is always to get your ticket validated.

Safety

France is generally a safe country as an international student. For your personal safety, like in most European nations, care should be taken in certain situations.

French Cuisine

French cuisine is famous the world over, and many students come to France to train to become chefs! Regional delicacies are where the fun can be found in food, and in France there are plenty to choose from. Here is a selection of our personal favorites to get you started. If you like seafood, France is a wonderful place to eat. Several of our recommendations originate from the southern region of Provence. Nice proves a popular source of wonderful dishes, and for hot summer days, the salade Niçoise is tough to beat. Along the coast to the West in Marseille, is where the French fish soup named bouillabaisse originated. The southern region of Occitanie is home to the cities of Toulouse and Montpellier. Another brasserie staple, the croque monsieur can be enjoyed as a nice lunch. This dish is a celebration of the simple Onion, which makes for a very tasty lunch. Raclette is a dish popular in Switzerland, but also across the border in France. Finally, we should mention that cheese is celebrated and eaten with a passion in France.

Climate and Seasons

France experiences 4 distinct seasons. Spring begins in March, and temperatures are generally mild with average temperatures of between 10 - 15 degrees Celsius (50 - 59 degrees Fahrenheit), and you will start to notice wildlife springing up around you. Summer in France begins in June, and by now you will see less rainfall and more sunny days. The arrival of Autumn starts in October, during which temperatures will generally start to drop again, and rainfall will increase. Winter in France begins in December and temperatures can at times drop to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and below.

Grandes Écoles

France also has institutions known as grandes écoles, which are viewed as providing the very highest level of education available in France, receiving more public funding than the public Université. Around 20% of the International students in France are studying in the grandes écoles. Entry to a grandes école is more difficult, and generally only exceptional students are accepted.

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