France

Study in France

Combine academic depth with culture, research and European opportunity.

Explore public universities, grandes écoles and specialist institutions across a destination known for science, business, arts and innovation.

France flagFRYOUR NEXT DESTINATION
StudyBuild expertise
ExploreGrow globally
TYPICAL INTAKESSeptember | selected January
STUDY LEVELSLicence to Doctorate
TEACHING LANGUAGEFrench | English
APPLICATION ROUTECampus France or direct, by programme
WHY FR

Why study in France?

Start with the academic experience, then test the destination against your personal profile, budget and long-term direction.

01

Academic diversity

Compare universities, grandes écoles and specialist schools across many fields.

02

Research excellence

Explore established strengths in science, engineering, health and humanities.

03

Cultural experience

Study within globally influential arts, design, food and heritage environments.

04

European connection

Build networks in a central EU economy with international industries.

VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

France Long-Stay Student Visa
requirements at a glance.

Plan your application with the latest core requirements in one place. Final eligibility, costs and evidence always depend on your personal circumstances and official instructions.

STUDENT ROUTEFrom admission to VLS-TS

Complete the Campus France procedure where applicable, secure admission, prove resources and accommodation, then apply through France-Visas.

Visa typeLong-stay student visa, commonly VLS-TS, for study over 90 days
Application routeFrance-Visas plus Campus France/Études en France where applicable
Visa feeLong-stay visa fee is generally €99; reductions or exemptions may apply
Financial resourcesShow at least the official monthly resource threshold and credible tuition funding
AccommodationProvide a valid first-address or accommodation plan
Academic evidenceSubmit admission, qualifications and a coherent study plan
Language evidenceFrench or English level depends on the programme and institution
ValidationValidate the VLS-TS online after arrival within the required period
Work during studyEligible students can work up to 964 hours per year
Health coverageComplete health-registration and insurance steps that apply to your situation
After graduationEligible graduates may seek an appropriate job-search or business-creation residence route
Important:French visa fees, Campus France steps, work and post-study permissions can change by nationality and qualification. Confirm your personalised France-Visas checklist.
POPULAR STUDY AREAS

Find a field that moves your future forward.

Course availability and entry criteria vary by institution. SAG can help you compare options that fit your previous studies and career direction.

Get a personalised course shortlist →
Business & ManagementEngineeringFashion & LuxuryData & Artificial IntelligenceHospitality & Culinary ArtsArts & Humanities
STUDY PATHWAYS

Choose the right academic level.

Foundation or pathway

Build subject knowledge, academic skills or language readiness before progressing.

Undergraduate study

Choose a bachelor-level route aligned with your previous education and career direction.

Postgraduate study

Develop specialist knowledge through taught, professional or research-led programmes.

Doctoral research

Explore supervisor, proposal and research-fit requirements for advanced study.

LEADING FR UNIVERSITIES

Explore globally recognised institutions.

Discover a selection of respected institutions in France. Your best-fit choice should be based on course content, entry requirements, budget and career direction.

University logos are shown for identification and exploration only; inclusion does not imply a formal partnership.

STUDY LOCATIONS

Explore different student environments.

Paris

A global centre for universities, business, culture, fashion and research.

Lyon

A major student city with strengths in business, life sciences and gastronomy.

Toulouse

Europe’s aerospace hub with strong engineering and technology programmes.

Grenoble

An Alpine research city recognised for science, energy and microtechnology.

Bordeaux

A lively south-west city with business, wine science and digital sectors.

Lille

A well-connected northern student city close to Belgium and the UK.

Strasbourg

A European institutional centre with a bilingual, cross-border atmosphere.

Montpellier

A Mediterranean university city known for health, science and student life.

FAMILY & DEPENDANTS

Bringing family to France?

A standard student visa does not automatically grant a general dependant route. Family members usually need their own appropriate visa, while specific facilitated procedures may apply in limited circumstances.

YOUR ROUTE

Separate family visa planning

Review each family member’s nationality, relationship, duration of stay and purpose using France-Visas before applying.

SPOUSE OR PARTNER

Spouse or partner

Normally applies under the visa category matching their own intended stay.

CHILDREN

Children

Need passports, parental consent and the appropriate long-stay visa where required.

RESOURCES

Resources

Show sufficient funds and accommodation for the whole family.

INSURANCE

Insurance

Arrange health coverage and complete French registration steps.

WORK RIGHTS

Work rights

A family member can work only if their own visa or residence status permits it.

RESEARCH ROUTES

Research routes

Doctoral researchers on talent-status routes may have different family provisions.

Before paying any feeUse the France-Visas assistant for every family member instead of assuming the student visa extends to dependants.Check My Family Eligibility →
FR FAQs

Questions before you start?

Your exact route depends on your qualification, chosen course, institution and intake.

Ask an SAG Counsellor →
What intakes are commonly available in France?

Typical planning options include September | selected January. Not every programme is offered in every intake, so check the exact course calendar.

How do I apply to institutions in France?

The common route is Campus France or direct, by programme. SAG can help you follow the correct process for your study level and selected institution.

Which English or language test will I need?

Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by course and institution. Some programmes may also have local-language requirements, so confirm the programme page before applying.

Can I apply with a study gap?

A gap does not have one universal outcome. Your academic history, work or personal activities, course relevance and explanation should be reviewed together.

Can SAG help with the complete process?

Yes. SAG can support profile review, country and course shortlisting, applications, document preparation, interview guidance and pre-departure planning.

START YOUR FR JOURNEY

Your France study plan.
Built around you.

Get a focused profile assessment, a realistic university shortlist and step-by-step support—from your first decision to your visa file.

Profile ReviewCourse ShortlistApplication Guidance
Plan My France Journey →