Best fit
Students seeking affordable public higher education, management, design or engineering, and willing to handle Campus France/EEF.
STUDY IN FRANCE
Study in France with Campus France and renewal funds planned
France can work well for students seeking affordable public higher education, management, design or engineering options, especially when they are ready for Campus France, language planning and realistic renewal funds.
Main route
Long-stay student visa VLS-TS. Indian students generally use Etudes en France and Campus France.
Work while studying
Student work is allowed within French student rules, but it should not be the main funding source.
Post-study
Job seeker/new business creator residence permit can be 12 months and non-renewable for eligible graduates such as master's/equivalent.
MONEY PLAN
Funds and tuition for France
These figures are planning ranges from the Journey Sync country guide. Recheck official sources before filing because visa rules, fees and exchange rates can change.
Initial visa funds
Historically at least EUR 615 per month
Approx INR 66,200 per month unless Campus France or France-Visas wizard states otherwise.
Renewal funds
EUR 877.50 per month from 1 Aug 2026
Approx INR 94,400 per month; do not confuse initial visa counselling with renewal.
Other payments
Tuition, enrolment, accommodation, insurance and CVEC/social security steps
Visa pricing for EEF countries indicated EUR 50 in the guide; recheck before filing.
Bachelor public standard
- Annual
- Often EUR 2,850 per year for non-EU if differentiated fee applies
- Total
- EUR 8,550 for 3 years
- Note
- Some universities waive or reduce non-EU fees.
Bachelor private/high
- Annual
- EUR 6,000-18,000 per year
- Total
- EUR 18,000-54,000 for 3 years
- Note
- Business and design private schools are costlier.
Master public standard
- Annual
- Often EUR 3,879 per year for non-EU if differentiated fee applies
- Total
- EUR 7,758 for 2 years
- Note
- Engineering schools may differ.
Master/MBA high cost
- Annual
- EUR 10,000-35,000 per year
- Total
- EUR 10,000-70,000 for 1-2 years
- Note
- MBA and grande ecole routes can be high cost.
APPLICATION READINESS
What students should prepare before applying
This is the part that turns the page from general interest into an actual filing plan.
Public tuition advantage
Public fees can be low compared with UK/USA if admitted and fee waiver applies.
Language
French improves internships, part-time work and long-term employability. English-only students need a warning.
Post-study
The 12-month job seeker/new business creator route is not renewable and must convert to work or business status.
Document checklist
Campus France
Campus France/EEF file, interview and acceptance.
Academics
Academic documents, CV and SOP/motivation letter.
Language
DELF, TCF, IELTS or TOEFL depending on course.
Funds
Bank/sponsor proof and accommodation details.
VISA AND OUTCOME
Pathway after choosing France
Study
VLS-TS student and residence formalities.
Post-study
12-month job seeker/new business creator permit if eligible.
Work/PR
Work permit, talent passport or long-term residence if eligible.
Citizenship
Residence, language and integration conditions apply.
Green fit
Academic fit, Campus France ready, clear funds and French/employability plan.
Amber fit
No French, expensive private school or weak renewal funds plan.
Red fit
No funds, family migration promise or fake documents.
FAQS
Key questions before you choose France
Is France affordable for Indian students?
It can be affordable in public higher education, but admission, Campus France, language and renewal funds must be planned carefully.
Do I need French to study in France?
Some courses are taught in English, but French strongly helps internships, part-time work and employability.
NEXT STEP
Get a realistic France plan before you commit
Journey Sync can review your profile, budget, intake, documents and country fit before you spend on applications, deposits or visa steps.