• France is one of the leading study destinations in Europe with a strong global academic reputation


• Strategic location in Europe, making it easy to travel to other European countries


• Safe, comfortable, and well-regulated learning environment


• International students are allowed to work part-time up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week)


• Graduates can apply for a post-study residence permit (APS) to stay and work in France after graduation


• Strong industry connections in sectors such as business, fashion, luxury, engineering, technology, and hospitality


• Comprehensive support services provided by French institutions for international students

Student Visa & Health Insurance (Long-Stay Student Visa & Social Security)

International students studying in France for more than three months must apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS). The visa validity follows the duration of the study program and must be validated online after arrival in France.

France has a strong and well-regulated education system under the Ministry of Higher Education, ensuring quality and protection for international students.

Students under 28 years old are required to register for the French Social Security system, which provides basic health coverage at little to no cost. Additional supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) is recommended to cover dental and optical care.

• VLS-TS Application: Non-EU students apply via France-Visas.gouv.fr or Études en France platform (for Indonesians); requires proof of €615/month funds, university acceptance, accommodation, and initial insurance. Fee: €50-€99; processing: 2-6 weeks. Allows 964 hours/year work.


• Online Validation: Within 3 months of arrival at anef.gouv.fr/OFII portal; pay €50 tax, submit address; mandatory for residence permit status.


• Social Security Registration: Mandatory for under-28s in >4-month programs via etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr; free, covers 70% medical costs; exemptions for EHIC (EU) or RAMQ (Quebec). No major changes; PASS ceiling rises to €48,060 (impacts unrelated benefits).


• Mutuelle Options: LMDE (€4.90+/month), Heyme; covers extras like glasses (€200+ reimbursement).

Accommodation

International students in France can choose from several accommodation options:

• University residence (CROUS): EUR 150 – EUR 400 per month


• Private apartment or shared housing: EUR 500 – EUR 900 per month


• Homestay: EUR 300 – EUR 450 per month

Costs vary depending on the city and type of accommodation.

Part Time Work

International students are allowed to work part-time up to 964 hours per year (around 20 hours per week) and full-time during official holidays.

Part-time work helps students gain experience and earn extra income, with average wages ranging from EUR 9 – EUR 12 per hour.

1. Primary & Secondary Schools

Primary and secondary education in France is offered by public and private schools, both of which accept international students. Education is compulsory for 12 years. After completing upper secondary school, students receive the Baccalauréat (Bac), a nationally recognized qualification required for entry into universities in France and abroad.

Tuition fees for international students at secondary level range from EUR 8,000 - EUR 20,000 per year, depending on the school.

Public primary/secondary schools remain free for residents, but international boarding options (internats) cost €1,500-€12,000/year including meals. Private international schools (e.g., American School Paris) charge €20,000-€35,000/year with IB/AP curricula; Bac reforms emphasize interdisciplinary skills via Parcoursup platform.

2. Language Programs

France offers French and English language programs for international students who do not yet meet academic language requirements. French proficiency is commonly proven through DELF/DALF, while English-taught programs may accept IELTS or equivalent tests.

Program duration is flexible, from short courses to one-year programs, with average fees of EUR 200 - EUR 400 per week.

Alliance Française and CAVILAM centers offer intensive FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) from A1-C2; fees €250-€450/week including housing. English programs at EF/CIL offer IELTS prep; Campus France subsidies available for select long-term courses.

3. Vocational & Professional Education

Vocational and professional programs focus on practical skills and career readiness. These programs offer Diplomas and Professional Certificates and may allow progression to undergraduate studies.

Tuition fees generally range from EUR 5,000 - EUR 15,000 per year.

BTS/BUT (2-3 years) via lycées/STS prepare for trades like hospitality/IT; fees €4,000-€10,000 at private CFA. RNCP certifications align with Pôle Emploi; 964-hour work allowance applies.

4. Foundation / Preparatory Programs

Foundation programs prepare international students for university entry and usually last 6-12 months, covering areas such as business, science, and arts.

Fees range between EUR 8,000 - EUR 20,000 per year.

Prépa programs (CPGE for Grandes Écoles) last 2 years, €0 public/€12,000-€25,000 private; foundation years at unis like Paris-Saclay cost €10,000-€18,000 with language/academic bridging.

5. Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor / Licence)

Bachelor programs in France typically take 3 years and are offered by public universities and Grandes Écoles. Degrees are internationally recognized.

Public university tuition fees for international students average EUR 2,770 - EUR 3,770 per year.

Fees fixed at €2,850/L1-L3 (non-EU); Grandes Écoles like HEC/ Polytechnique €10,000-€20,000/year. LMD-Bologna compliant; Parcoursup selects via grades/motivation.

6. Postgraduate Degree (Master & Doctorate)

Postgraduate study includes Master’s degrees (1-2 years) and Doctoral degrees (3-4 years), with a strong focus on research and professional expertise.

Tuition fees at public universities are approximately EUR 3,770 - EUR 4,000 per year.

Masters €3,900/year non-EU; PhDs €391/year + CIFRE funding (€23,484 stipend). "France 2030" boosts AI/green tech Masters; 80% employability post-grad.