France has long been a prime destination for international students, attracting individuals from around the globe. Over 412,000 international students are enrolled in French institutions, marking a three percent increase in one year and a 17 percent surge over the past five years. Renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant culture, and global career opportunities, France remains a strong draw. With affordable tuition, high academic standards, and strong career prospects, the country offers a well-rounded educational experience for undergraduate students. Let’s explore why studying in France might be the ideal decision for you.
1) France has a world-class undergraduate education system
France is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities and academic institutions, consistently ranking highly in global university rankings. France boasts three universities in the top 100 global rankings, including Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure, and Université PSL. Renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant culture, and global career opportunities, France remains a strong draw. With affordable tuition, high academic standards, and strong career prospects, the country offers a well-rounded educational experience for undergraduate students. Let’s explore why studying in France might be the ideal decision for you.
Types of institutions:
- Universities: These institutions generally focus on providing a comprehensive academic education. They are affordable and often offer various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Grandes Écoles: These elite institutions specialise in highly competitive fields such as business, engineering, and government. Known for their rigorous selection process, Grandes Écoles offer a more focused and prestigious education, often leading to top-tier career opportunities. Examples include HEC Paris, ESSEC, École Polytechnique and Sciences Po.
- Specialised schools: France is also renowned for its specialised institutions offering exceptional arts, design, fashion, and hospitality education. Prominent examples include L’Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) for fashion, Institut Lyfe for culinary arts, and ESMOD Paris for fashion and creative design.
Types of undergraduate degrees
While most undergraduate programmes typically last three years, some programmes, especially those at Grandes Écoles, can last up to five years. A bachelor’s degree, often referred to as a Licence in France, aligns with the Bologna Process, which ensures compatibility across European higher education frameworks. In the French higher education system, two primary undergraduate pathways exist:
1) Licence Générale
The Licence Générale is a national undergraduate degree that students can pursue after completing a Baccalauréat or an equivalent high school curriculum. To earn this degree, you must acquire 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). The Licence Générale is offered across various disciplines, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, economics, law, languages, and linguistics. Rooted in academic theory, this undergraduate programme provides students with strong foundations in their chosen disciplines.
The Licence Générale employs a structured pedagogical approach that includes:
- Cours Magistraux: Large lecture sessions focusing on theoretical concepts.
- Travaux Dirigés: Small-group tutorials facilitating in-depth discussions and practical exercises.
- Travaux Pratiques: Hands-on practical sessions, particularly prevalent in the scientific discipline.
2) Licence Professionnelle
The Licence Professionnelle is a national undergraduate degree for students seeking specialised, career-oriented training. It is a one-year programme, typically pursued after completing the Licence Générale. To earn this degree, students must acquire 180 ECTS credits (120 ECTS credits from the Licence Générale + 60 ECTS while pursuing the Licence Professionale). This degree is offered in various fields, including industrial technology, digital and web development, business and marketing, health and social care, hospitality and tourism, and sustainable energy. It is rooted in practical application and industry collaboration, providing students with job-ready skills and sector-specific expertise.
In addition to Cours Magistraux, Travaux Dirigés, and Travaux Pratiques, the Licence Professionnelle pedagogy also includes the Stage Obligatoire, a mandatory internship typically lasting between 12 and 16 weeks, designed to give students first-hand industry experience and improve their employability.
2) France offers affordable tuition and living costs compared to other destinations
France’s rich academic environment, world-class teaching methods, and diverse institutional offerings ensure that students receive an education that is both broad and specialised, equipping them with the skills needed for successful careers.
In France, the government heavily subsidises public higher education, making tuition fees extremely low for most students—even international ones. Non-EU students pursuing undergraduate programmes typically face a slightly higher annual fee of approximately €2,850. However, the overall cost remains modest compared to tuition fees in many other countries.
This commitment to affordable education reflects France’s long-standing belief that higher education is a public good rather than a commodity. By allocating substantial government funding to public universities, France ensures that domestic and qualifying international students can access quality education without high tuition costs.
| Costs | France | US | UK |
| Approximate undergraduate tuition fee for international students | Annual fee: €2,850 Source | Annual Public university fee: $25,000 to $40,000 Annual Private university fee: $40,000 to $70,000 Source | General range £11,400 – £38,000. Costs vary by university and programme. For example: Medicine at the University of Cambridge costs £67,194 Medicine at the University of St Andrews costs £36,990 |
| Approximate living expenditure for international students | € 600 to €800 per month | $1,171 (without rent) | £1300-£1400 (London). £900-£1300 in the rest of the UK |
Disclaimer: These costs are for 2024-25. They are subject to change every year.
3) France has a wide range of English-taught undergraduate programmes
Over the past few years, French institutions have ramped up their efforts to attract international students by expanding the number of courses offered in English. While most English-taught programmes in France have traditionally been at the master’s level, an increasing number of universities are now introducing undergraduate degrees delivered entirely in English. This shift is part of France’s broader strategy to become a more welcoming and competitive destination for global students.
For example:
- Sciences Po has launched an English-taught Undergraduate Programme—a multidisciplinary liberal arts course that prepares students for a globalised world.
- In the business fields, SKEMA Business School and NEOMA Business School now offer international bachelor programmes in Business Administration and International Management, respectively.
- The American University of Paris offers a variety of undergraduate courses in the arts and humanities, including programmes in international relations, business, and fine arts.
- Some institutions are also beginning to expand into engineering and technology, ensuring that fields like engineering, business, arts, and humanities are increasingly accessible in English.
This growing portfolio of English-taught bachelor’s programmes reflects France’s commitment to diversifying its academic offerings and making its high-quality education more accessible to students worldwide.
4) France offers several scholarships for international undergraduate students
France is actively working to attract international talent by easing the financial burden of higher education. While many scholarships in France have traditionally targeted master’s and doctoral students, several initiatives and university-specific awards are now available to support undergraduate international students. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and, in some cases, provide additional living or travel allowances.
Below is a summary table of some key scholarship opportunities for undergraduate international students in France:
| Scholarship Name | Awarding Organisation | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| Campus France Undergraduate Scholarship | Campus France / French Government | Outstanding academic record; international applicants for undergraduate programmes | Partial or complete tuition fee waiver; sometimes living support |
| Emile Boutmy Scholarship | Sciences Po | Non-EU students applying to Sciences Po undergraduate programmes in social sciences | Reduction in tuition fees (amount varies by award) |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Individual French Universities (e.g., Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne University) | Based on academic merit and/or financial need, international undergraduate applicants | Tuition fee reductions: additional support varies by institution |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships (Exchange Programmes) | European Union & Partner Institutions | Students participating in exchange programmes between home institutions and French universities. | Funding for travel and living expenses during the exchange period |
5) France has multiple work opportunities for international students
France offers a range of work opportunities that cater to international students both during and after their studies.
- During studies: International students can work part-time—up to 964 hours per year—allowing them to gain experience while studying.
- After graduation: Graduates can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), which permits a temporary stay (up to 12 months) to find work or start a business. Additionally, the Talent Passport visa supports long-term residency for skilled professionals.
- Benefits for Indian students: Strengthened Franco-Indian ties have led to simplified visa processes, mutual degree recognition, government scholarships, and co-financed scholarships. France also aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, making it an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students.
6) Opportunities in business, luxury, and engineering
France offers abundant opportunities for Indian students across diverse sectors. With iconic luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and L’Oréal, the country is an ideal destination for those pursuing careers in fashion and luxury management. It also stands out as a dynamic hub for technology and engineering, presenting exceptional prospects for STEM graduates. Moreover, France’s robust startup ecosystem and strong financial sector create an attractive landscape for students interested in business and finance, making it a prime choice for launching successful careers.
Exploring your educational options in France can open the door to incredible career opportunities and life-changing experiences. Whether you’re interested in luxury, engineering, or business, there’s a pathway waiting for you. If you need assistance applying to undergraduate universities in France, get in touch. Meanwhile, read our blogs on Study in Germany: 6 Compelling Reasons For International Students and 5 German Universities Offering English-Taught Bachelor’s Programmes: Everything You Need to Know.
