With its rich cultural heritage and prestigious educational institutions, France has become an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students considering studying abroad[^1]. President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030 underscores the nation’s openness to international scholars[^1].
The visa process for France is streamlined, offering a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa for postgraduates, with short-term visas processed in about six days and long-term visas taking up to a month[^1]. The cost of studies in France is relatively low for public higher education institutions, as the French government subsidizes a significant portion of the education costs[^1]. Non-European Union (EU) students, however, must pay differentiated registration fees, with the state covering two-thirds of the cost of studies[^1]. The fee is €2,770 per year at the bachelor level, and at the master level, it is €3,770 per year. At the same time, doctoral students from outside the EU are not subject to these differentiated tuition fees[^1].
Scholarships are available to international students through various programs, including those offered by the French Foreign Ministry, which finances 25% of these scholarships under the Eiffel and Major programs[^1]. Campus Bourses provides a comprehensive list of scholarships available to international students, which can be filtered by nationality, field, and level of studies[^1].
France boasts more than 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education, including universities, multi-institute campuses, doctoral schools, engineering schools, business and management schools, art schools, and architecture schools[^1]. More than 1,200 classes are offered in English, catering to students who may need to improve in French[^1]. For those interested in digital learning, France Université Numérique offers nearly 300 courses from over 80 institutes[^1].
For students taking courses in French, a certain level of proficiency is required, often attested by official French examinations such as the DELF, DALF, TCF, or TEF[^1]. The recommended levels are B1 or B2 for undergraduate and Master’s studies, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, with some institutions requiring higher levels for specific programs[^1].
Top universities in France, according to QS World University Rankings, include Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University, and Université Paris-Saclay, among others, with strong showings in various academic disciplines[^1].
In summary, France offers Indian students a wealth of opportunities for higher education, supported by a welcoming visa process, affordable tuition fees, various scholarships, and a wide range of programs in both French and English. With the country’s commitment to international education, Indian students can look forward to a rewarding study experience in France[^1].
Suggested Reading:
[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/president-macron-s-invite-what-indian-students-should-know-about-france-as-a-study-abroad-destination-101706256846956.html](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/president-macron-s-invite-what-indian-students-should-know-about-france-as-a-study-abroad-destination-101706256846956.html)
