How to study in France

Studying abroad is a valuable opportunity to study at a top-ranked global business school and immerse yourself in a new culture. That said, applying to study abroad can also be a stressful process with numerous steps. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide on how to study in France.

France is one of the top 10 most popular destinations for international students globally, and in 2024-2025 more than 443,000 international students were in higher education there. When you study in France, you could learn a new language, explore world-famous cultural sights, and delight in the country’s celebrated gastronomy.

If you’re wondering how to study abroad in France, this guide will cover everything you need to know:

• The benefits of studying in France
• Where to study in France
• The application process for French business schools
• How to get a student visa to study in France
• How to finance your degree in France

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Why study abroad in France?

It’s no surprise that the number of international students in France continues to grow. The French education system is ranked among the best in the world, and prospective students are also drawn to the country's rich history and culture.

France is home to numerous renowned cultural institutions, many of which are concentrated in the elegant and lively capital, Paris. As you study abroad in the city, you can explore years of French art and history at The Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay.

Elsewhere in France, many student cities are known for their quality of life. In 2024, Lyon, for example, was ranked among the top 40 cities in the world for quality of life. It boasts elite universities, a rich cultural scene, and an excellent transport system. Other popular student cities, such as Grenoble and Lille, offer a lively nightlife alongside must-see cultural attractions

Students are also drawn to the vibrant gastronomy scene and the opportunity to learn French—a helpful skill when working in Europe. French is one of the EU’s three official languages and one of the most-spoken languages for business.

Is France good for business students?

France is one of the most popular global destinations for business students owing to its innovative business landscape and diverse economy. According to GMAC data, France is in the top five destinations for GMAT score submissions among global business school applicants, and it’s the best place to study a Master in Management. France has the third-largest GDP in Europe, boasting well-established sectors in tourism, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. The country is also renowned for its world-class luxury goods and fashion industries, and business schools such as HEC Paris and ESSEC have specialist knowledge in these sectors. 

Many global companies are headquartered in France, including Airbus, L’Oréal, Michelin, and Air France. The country also boasts a robust startup sector—French startups raised more than 8 billion euros in capital in 2025, with a significant proportion of these startups based in Paris. 

Paris ranks 13th in the world in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 and more than half of the 1,000 French AI startups are based in the city. 

The country also has many top-ranked business schools, the majority of which are clustered in Paris. One of the most well-known is INSEAD—its MBA is ranked second in the world—but institutions such as HEC Paris, ESCP Business School, ESSEC Business School and emlyon Business School also appear in the top 50 of the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking.

How do I apply to study in France?

Applying to study abroad in France works in much the same way as with other international business schools. First, you’ll need to compile the documents you’ll need for your application, including:

• Degree certificates
• Academic transcript
• CV/resume
• One or two professional references
• Passport photo.

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also be required to submit an English language test score. Some of the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests in France are the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and Cambridge exams.

Finally, for most applications to top-ranked MBA or master’s programs, you’ll also need to take the GMAT exam. You should start preparing for the GMAT exam well in advance to give yourself the best chance of submitting a competitive application.

What are the requirements for a French student visa?

After receiving your acceptance letter, all non-EU applicants have to apply for a French student visa. If your program lasts longer than six months, you’ll need a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), which costs 99 euros (around US$115).  
 
Residents of certain countries can apply for their student visa online through the Etudes en France website. If this applies to you, the visa fee is 50 euros (approximately US$60).  
 
As part of your application, you’ll need the following documents:

• Valid passport 
• Acceptance letter, plus an enrollment or pre-enrollment certificate from your chosen university 
• Proof of financial means to cover your tuition fees, plus living costs (at least 615 euros per month for one year) 
• Proof of accommodation for at least the first three months 
• Proof of health insurance

French border officials will request these same documents upon your arrival in France, so be sure to bring them with you. 

Your long-stay visa is valid for up to one year. If your studies are longer than this, you’ll need to extend your visa by applying for a Carte de Séjour, or official residence permit. You can do this up to three months before your initial visa expires.

What is the average cost of living for students in France?

If you’re wondering how to study in France on a budget, then the good news is that it’s possible. While France isn’t the cheapest country in Europe to study in, it does have a lower cost of living compared with other popular business school destinations, such as Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. So, if you avoid the most expensive cities, it’s entirely possible to study in France cost-effectively. 
 
The most expensive French city is undoubtedly Paris; but the city is also home to some of the best places to study in France, so you might have to weigh up your ideal business school against your budget.  
 
Rent will also vary considerably depending on whether you’re in university halls of residence (called CROUS in France) or renting privately. Monthly rent for a room in a CROUS residence can cost 450 to 550 euros in Paris and 280 to 380 euros in smaller French cities.  
 
If you’re planning on traveling around France during your stay, it’s also worth picking up an Advantage Jeune card, which costs 49 euros and gives anyone aged between 12 and 27 years old a 30% discount on intercity and national trains in France. 
 
To give you an idea of how expensive studying in France might be, here are some approximate figures for monthly costs and bills: 

• Rent: 280-1,000 euros 
• Groceries: 150-250 euros 
• Transport: 33-90 euros 
• Restaurant meal: 10-25 euros 
• Gym membership: 20-50 euros

Data gathered from numbeo.com, universityliving.com and colonies

What are the tuition fees for international students in France?

Tuition fees at public universities in France are heavily subsidized by the government, making them very cheap for EU citizens. Business schools, however typically charge significantly higher tuition fees, which are often the same for both EU and non-EU students.

A bachelor’s degree, for example, can cost between 2,895 and 18,000+ euros (approximately US$3,336-US$20,000+) per year, depending on your country of citizenship and if you attend a public or private university. A master’s degree can cost between 4,000 euros at a public university and 30,000+ euros (approximately US$4,600 to US$34,500+) at private institutions per year.  
 
If you’re aiming for one of the top-ranked Master in Management in France, expect to pay more than average for tuition. Fees for the Master in Management at HEC Paris total 57,700 euros (approximately US$66,480), while the same program at ESSEC Business School costs from 42,170 euros (approximately US$48,600).  
 
The typical cost of an MBA degree is much higher, and the same goes for French business schools. For example, France’s top-ranked program at INSEAD costs 109,860 euros (approximately US$126,500).

What scholarships are available for international students in France?

If you’ll need assistance with funding the cost of your business degree, then there are lots of options available. When it comes to French scholarships, the first place to check is the French Ministry of Higher Education.

If you fail to get a French government scholarship, there are options for loans. Students from France and the European Economic Area (EEA) can apply for a low-interest loan from a French bank, borrowing up to 20,000 euros (approximately US$23,000). If you’re ineligible, there are also third-party companies offering loans to international students in France, including Prodigy Finance.

TL;DR: How to study abroad in France

• France attracts more than 443,000 international students each year with its world-class education, culture, and lifestyle.
• Top French cities for international students include Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and lille, each offering unique opportunities and a high quality of life.
• To apply to international schools in France, you’ll need academic documents, test scores (GMAT exam/English proficiency), and strong references. A student visa (VLS-TS) is required for non-EU students, as well as proof of financial means and health insurance.
• Living costs vary depending on where you study, with Paris being the most expensive city for international students in France. Tuition varies widely and top MBAs can exceed US$120,000

Interested in studying in France? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more