Study in France for Indian Students

Some French universities and programmes may accept students without IELTS depending on their English-language requirements, previous education and accepted alternatives. IELTS is not universally mandatory for every programme, so students should check the specific requirements of their chosen institution.

Entry requirements depend on the university, programme and level of study. Students may need relevant academic qualifications, transcripts, language proficiency, a CV, SOP, recommendation letters and other programme-specific documents.

Backlog policies vary by university and programme. Some institutions may consider applicants with backlogs, while others may have specific academic requirements. Students should check the admission criteria of each programme before applying.

A 3-year Indian Bachelor's degree may be considered for Master's admission depending on the university and programme. Campus France India recognises an Indian Bachelor's degree as comparable to a French licence in its mutual-recognition framework, but individual institutions determine admission eligibility.

The cost depends on the university, programme and city. For 2026–27, the differentiated public tuition fees for eligible non-EU students are €2,902 per year for Bachelor's programmes and €3,950 for Master's programmes. Private institutions and business schools may have substantially different fees.

September/October is generally the main academic intake, while January/February intakes are available for selected programmes. Exact intakes and deadlines vary by university and course.

No, French is not mandatory for every programme. Many institutions offer English-taught programmes, particularly at Master's level. However, French-language programmes require appropriate French proficiency, and learning French can be useful for everyday life and career opportunities.

Yes. International students can work subject to French student employment rules. The current annual limit is 964 hours.

Indian students generally follow the applicable Études en France procedure and then complete the France-Visas process and required appointment/biometric steps. Campus France India provides guidance through the application and visa process.

From 1 August 2026, the minimum financial resources required for a French student visa are €877.50 per month. Applicants should check the latest France-Visas and Campus France requirements before submitting their application.

Education loans can form part of a student's overall funding arrangements, but the acceptability of specific financial documents depends on the current visa requirements and individual circumstances. Students should verify the required proof with Campus France India and France-Visas before applying.

Eligible graduates with qualifying French degrees may be able to obtain a 1-year job-search or business-creation residence status, subject to current eligibility and immigration requirements.

WeConnect Overseas provides end-to-end France study abroad guidance for Indian students, including profile evaluation, university and course shortlisting, application assistance, Campus France guidance, scholarship support, education loan assistance, visa support and pre-departure counselling.