🇫🇷 Studying in France for international applicants

Higher education in France at a glance

France is a global hub for business education, fashion, design and gastronomy. It is home to some of Europe's best business schools and legendary culinary and fashion schools, while public universities charge only moderate fees.

Education follows the Bologna system. Public universities teach mainly in French, while private schools (Grandes Écoles, business schools) offer many English-taught programs.

Advantages of studying in France

• Top business schools and legendary schools of fashion and gastronomy.
• Low fees at public universities.
• English-taught programs at private schools.
• Degrees are recognized across the EU.
• Rich culture and the chance to learn French.

France: public programmes and private schools have different budgets

Start with the programme type and applicable fee. Private design or business-school costs do not describe a public bachelor’s degree, and a fee exemption needs a separate eligibility check.

Scenario	Approximate USD
Public bachelor’s, differentiated fee for the relevant non-EU category, 2026/27	$3,300
Public master’s, same fee category, 2026/27	$4,600
Living for 12 months: European Commission general guide	$11,100–$16,600

The European Commission guide was published in 2025 and includes housing. For a 2026/27 budget, replace it with actual costs in the chosen city: Paris may cost more. Check the mandatory CVEC contribution and insurance for your status separately.

The standard fee plus this living guide gives about $14,400–$20,000 for a bachelor’s year or $15,600–$21,200 for a master’s year, before separate charges and relocation.

Private schools, culinary diplomas and preparation programmes have their own prices and durations. The relevant institution decides any fee exemption under the applicable rules.

If your budget is limited

Compare public programmes outside Paris if the language and academic requirements fit. The funding plan should work before a scholarship or exemption decision.

What to prepare next

Prepare your French or English level, education details and intended programme. Include the city, start period and annual budget in the initial enquiry.

Rounded amounts are shown in US dollars for comparison, using ECB reference rates from 2026. The programme and its provider’s terms determine the final fee. Totals are calculated before individual rows are rounded. Count housing and other categories once. Check what the university calculation includes; add only missing expenses and StudyU fees separately. A deposit can require funds before studies start. Do not add proof of funds again to expenses those same funds cover.

Campus France: tuition · European Commission: France

Institutions featured on this page

Institution	What to compare
SKEMA Business School	Lille, Sophia Antipolis and Paris: campus, language, subject and full programme duration.
Istituto Marangoni Paris	Paris: portfolio, language, qualification and mandatory programme charges.
Le Cordon Bleu Paris	Paris: exact diploma, course duration and included materials.

The way in

Admission is based on your school diploma and proven language (French or English). For private schools, motivation and sometimes a portfolio matter.

StudyU helps compare universities, check scholarship requirements, and prepare application and visa documents; the university and consular authority make the decisions.

Step by step:

1. Campus France. For most CIS applicants the application runs through the state Campus France platform: dossier, motivation, interview.
2. Language. French B2 (DELF/TCF) for French-taught programs; English tracks live in business schools and graduate programs.
3. Pick your track. Universities are affordable; Grandes Écoles and business schools cost more but carry strong career weight.
4. Deadlines. Campus France campaigns open in autumn and close in winter-spring - a year ahead.
5. Visa and housing. Student visa follows the Campus France result; CROUS student housing is cheap but scarce - book early.

Applying after an 11-year school programme

Entry after school depends on the certificate, programme and institution’s requirements. Nationality, country of residence and qualification determine the procedure: Études en France, DAP, Parcoursup or direct application may apply. An 11-year school certificate does not establish automatic eligibility; the institution decides admission.

Further reading: Campus France: application procedure · study-abroad guide

Master's degrees in France

Master’s admission depends on the content and level of the previous degree and the programme’s language requirements. Compare academic master’s programmes with business, design or culinary qualifications. Funding is assessed separately and should not be assumed before an award.

How to check the final budget

Compare the same academic year, fee status and programme duration. Check the tenancy period, compulsory charges and pre-arrival payments. Financial evidence and the living expenses it covers are counted once.

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