Can I study abroad in France? Yes, France offers internationally recognised degrees, many programmes taught in English, relatively affordable tuition (especially in public institutions), generous scholarship opportunities, and a vibrant cultural and academic experience. At the same time, you’ll need to understand visa requirements, budget for living costs, pick the right university, and act early.
For you as a study-abroad aspirant, France is a place where you can combine high-quality education with cultural immersion—whether you choose Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, or another city. But “affordable” doesn’t mean “free” or without effort: you’ll still need to meet eligibility, prepare documents, apply on time, and plan your finances.
In this guide I’ll walk you through five key topics: (1) Top universities in France you should consider; (2) Tuition fees in France in 2026 and how they vary; (3) Visa requirements for international students in France; (4) Scholarship and financial aid opportunities in France; and (5) Living costs in France plus practical budgeting for study abroad. Each section has five detailed paragraphs so you can dive deep.
You’ll finish this article not just knowing “France is good” but “Here’s exactly how you can make it happen” what to look for, what to expect, what steps to take. Let’s begin with the first major section: picking the right university in France.
1. Top Universities in France
When you think about studying abroad in France, the first big question is: which university? France has hundreds of higher education institutions, but for international students you’ll want to focus on the ones that are well-ranked, internationally recognised, offer programmes in English (or French if you plan to study French), and have support for international students.
One list identifies institutions such as PSL University, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University and Université Paris‑Saclay as top public universities for international students. CanApprove+1
PSL University in Paris, for example, is highly ranked and offers a mixture of science, arts, engineering and humanities programmes; its central Paris location adds appeal but also higher living costs. Institut Polytechnique de Paris is appealing if you are interested in engineering, technology or applied sciences and want a strong research-oriented environment.
Sorbonne University offers tradition, international networks, and depth across disciplines. Université Paris-Saclay has emerged strongly in global rankings. CanApprove
When choosing a university in France you should consider not just ranking but language of instruction, campus location (Paris vs smaller city), international student support, possibility of part-time work or internships, and the specific subject you plan to study.
For example, if your major is computer science or engineering you may prefer an institution with strong labs and industry connections—Institut Polytechnique of Paris fits. If your interest is humanities or culture you might opt for Sorbonne.
To help you decide, it’s useful to compile a short list of 3-5 universities that meet your subject area, budget, language readiness and location preference. Then evaluate each on admission criteria, cost and programme fit. Many French public universities also have lower tuition and more accessible admission criteria for international students—so don’t focus only on the top “brand names”. For example, one article lists “cheap universities in France” such as Université de Bordeaux and Grenoble INP for international students. Masters Portal
Finally, remember: studying abroad in France isn’t only about the name of the university—it’s about you making the most of it. Look into student services, housing support, English-language programmes, internship opportunities, and alumni networks. Choosing a university that fits your needs will boost your success more than simply selecting the highest ranked institution. Now that you’ve got university options, let’s move into the money side: tuition fees.
2. Tuition Fees in France 2026
One of France’s major attractions for international students is the comparatively low tuition fees (especially in public universities) thanks to state subsidies. According to the official French government site for 2025/26, for public higher-education institutions tuition rates are extremely low for EU/EEA students: €178/year at the bachelor (Licence) level and €254/year at master’s level. Campus France
For non-EU students, the differentiated registration fees for the 2025/26 academic year in public institutions are: €2,895 per year for a bachelor level, and €3,941 per year at masters level. Campus France So while these are higher than the EU/EEA rates, they remain far cheaper than many countries. Private institutions (including ‘grandes écoles’) charge more, ranging from €6,000 to €18,000 or more per year depending on programme. Campus France+1
It’s crucial for you to check the exact tuition for your programme: subject, institution and whether the programme is English-taught or involves extra costs will affect the tuition. Some highly specialised or business programmes may charge significantly more. For example one site reports that tuition for international students can be up to €9,000 per year or more depending on institution and subject. Yocket Study Abroad
Another important point: the tuition fee is just one part of cost. You’ll also need to budget for housing, living expenses and other fees (administrative, health insurance, student union). So when you compare tuition, make sure you consider the full cost of study abroad in France. One breakdown indicates that “true cost of education” is around €10,000/year when living costs are included, even though tuition may be low. Campus France
For your blog readers: emphasise that France offers great value—but you must check affordability based on your home country income, currency exchange, scholarship options and living costs. Show examples of tuition at public universities vs private and highlight that early preparation helps you secure lower costs or support. Next we’ll move into the visa requirements section—vital for any study-abroad plan.
3. Visa Requirements for International Students in France
If you’re planning to study abroad in France, understanding visa requirements is critical. France offers student long-stay visas (VLS-TS) for international students who plan to stay and study for more than three months. Campus France+1
You must first secure an acceptance letter from a recognised French higher-education institution. Then you must fill out the online visa application via France-Visas, submit required documents (passport, photos, acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation evidence) and attend any embassy/consulate interview or in-person step. ema.education+1
On proof of funds: you will likely need to show you can support yourself. For example, one guide says students must show around €615 per month or equivalent funds for living expenses. Studiali Education For tuition payments and living costs, your bank statements or scholarship letters serve as proof.
Other logistic requirements: for long-stay student visas, once you arrive you may need to validate your visa as residence permit within France. Also, you must insure yourself and possibly subscribe to French social security for students. Many institutions require health insurance or check your existing coverage. ema.education
For your audience: encourage them to begin the visa process as soon as they receive the acceptance letter. Deadlines matter; delays can push start dates and sometimes conditional admissions become affected. Additionally, show them the difference between short stays vs full-degree visas, that they need sufficient funds, accommodation proof, and correct institution recognition. Now, having understood the visas, we’ll turn to financial support.
4. Scholarships & Financial Aid Opportunities
While France is already relatively affordable for international study, scholarships and financial aid can further reduce the burden—and make it accessible even if you come from a lower-income country. Several major scholarship programmes and institutional aid exist.
For example: the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious government scheme for master’s and PhD students (non-French nationals) and provides significant support including stipends, maybe visa support. Scholarships for Development+1 The Charpak scholarship for Indian students is another example. University Living At the institutional level, one school, École Polytechnique, offers merit-based support, full tuition waiver and living-allowance scholarships for top international students. programmes.polytechnique.edu
Campus France offers a scholarship search engine listing many funding opportunities for foreign students. hongkong.campusfrance.org Also, many universities themselves offer fee waivers or partial reductions, especially for non-EU students, based on merit or need. For example, at Sciences Po the Emile Boutmy scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for non-EU students. UniPage
For your study-abroad site: you should provide readers with a shortlist of top scholarships—including eligibility criteria (nationality, field, academic merit), deadlines (often early, e.g., October-January), and what’s covered (tuition waiver, stipend, health insurance). Use examples: Indian applicants can target Charpak; STEM students can target Eiffel; campus-based aid at institutions like École Polytechnique.
Also advise: apply early for scholarships, submit strong motivation letters, verify language requirements, check that your university supports your application, and plan for living-cost aid (not just tuition). Combining scholarship + part-time work (where permitted) + budget living = smart plan. Next we’ll examine what you’ll spend while studying—the living costs.
5. Living Costs in France & Budgeting for Study Abroad
Understanding the living costs in France is essential to realistic planning—tuition is just one part of the equation. Depending on the city (Paris vs smaller city), your lifestyle, accommodation type, transport, and food, your monthly budget can vary. One article states international students in France typically spend €600 to €800 per month for essentials like housing, food and transport. University Living+1
Breaking it down: in Paris you might spend more on rent than in smaller cities. One source lists rent in Paris centre at up to USD 1,379 (~€1,300+) per month in some cases, whereas in smaller cities like Montpellier or Grenoble it can be around USD 640-700 per month. UniPage You’ll want to factor in accommodation (shared flat or student residence), utilities, food, transport (student pass), health insurance, leisure and emergencies.
Key budgeting tips for you: Prefer cities outside Paris if your budget is tight (e.g., Lyon, Grenoble, Bordeaux). Consider university residences/hostels which are cheaper. Apply early for housing because student places fill quickly. Use student discounts, get the carte jeune (youth travel card) for train/bus travel. Article shows such benefits exist. UniPage
Also remember: visa/permit costs and your proof-of-funds requirement can include living cost threshold. One guide says visa cost for student is about €99 and you may need to demonstrate monthly funds of ~€615. BSBI+1 So your budget planning must include these up-front costs.
From your blog audience perspective: provide a sample budget for a year (Accommodation: €7,200; Food & Misc: €3,600; Transport: €600; Health/Insurance: €300; Total ≈ €11,700). Then show how scholarships, part-time work (20 hours/week allowed under many student visas) and cost-saving strategies can reduce net cost. This practical figure helps them assess feasibility.
Conclusion
To wrap up: Studying abroad in France in 2026 is a highly viable and attractive option for many international students. With top universities like PSL, Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay and Institut Polytechnique of Paris, you’ll access high-quality education. Tuition fees in public institutions remain very affordable (just a few hundred euros for EU/EEA students, a few thousand for non-EU), and scholarship schemes and financial aid further ease the cost. Visa requirements are manageable if you act early, meet acceptance and funds criteria. Living costs vary by city but with smart budgeting you can make it work.
What this means for you: you must treat your study-abroad plan as a full project. Choose your university carefully (subject, language, support), verify tuition and scholarship availability, begin the visa process as soon as you receive your acceptance, prepare your proof-of-funds and financial plan, budget realistically for living costs, and apply for scholarship aid early.
Your blog readers will benefit from this guide by gaining clarity: “Here’s what the costs look like, here’s what I need to do (visa + scholarship), here’s how to pick the university.” By embedding this deep and structured content you help them move from vague hopes to informed action—and your site will align well with high-volume search intent around study abroad in France.