Study in France for Free: Top Universities, Application and Eligibility

France is one of the few countries where international students can study at public universities at a very low cost. This is because the French government funds these universities, making education affordable for Indian students.

While studying in France is not completely free, many universities offer fee waivers or discounts. In some cases, students with scholarships can even pay the same low fees as EU students.

Even with the standard fees for non-EU students, France remains much more affordable than countries like the UK, USA, or Australia. For example, a bachelor’s degree may cost around €2,895 per year without any discount, but with scholarships or exemptions, this can drop to as low as €178 per year.

Why Study in France for Free?

• Very Low or Zero Tuition Fees: Public universities charge very low fees (€178–€254/year for EU students). Indian students with scholarships or fee waivers can study at the same low cost or almost free.
• Scholarships for Indian Students: Programs like the Charpak Scholarship offer monthly financial support and fee reductions, helping you study at little to no cost.
• Government Support: French public universities are funded by the government, which keeps education affordable compared to other countries.
• Top-Ranked Universities: Institutions like Sorbonne, PSL, and Paris-Saclay offer globally recognised degrees at a low cost.
• Study in English: Over 1,500 master’s programs are available in English, so you can study without learning French.
• Part-Time Work Options: Students can work up to 964 hours per year, helping cover living expenses while studying.
• Post-Study Work Opportunity: After graduation, you can stay back for 12 months to find a job, making it a great return on a low-cost education.

Are you looking to study in France? Y-Axis is here to guide you through the entire process!

Top Universities in France with Free or Low Tuition Fees

France offers many public universities where Indian students can study at very low or almost zero tuition fees. Below is a clear list of top universities, their rankings, fees, and major fields of study:

Willing to study masters in France? Contact Y-Axis for complete guidance

Top Courses in France for Indian Students

France is particularly strong in engineering, aerospace, data science, business, and luxury management. Indian students account for a large share of enrolments in these fields. Here are the most in-demand programs for Indian students in 2026, along with the universities offering them at low or waived fees:

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Study in France for Indian Students?

France introduced differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students in 2019 under decree 2019–344. The French government still covers about two-thirds of the real education cost, but Indian students now pay more than EU students unless they have an exemption or scholarship.

Who Can Get a Tuition Fee Exemption in France?

• Scholarship holders: Students who receive scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship or Charpak Scholarship.
• Exchange students: Students studying through exchange programs (such as Erasmus+) between Indian and French universities.
• Fully funded students: Students who get a full grant from a French university that covers tuition fees.
• PhD students: All doctoral students pay the same low fee which is around €397 per year
• University-selected students: Some universities choose a limited number of students (up to 10%) for fee waivers.

Admission Requirements to Study in France for Free

To study in France at low or zero tuition cost, you must meet these basic requirements:

• Valid Passport: You need a valid passport to apply for universities and a student visa.
• Academic Qualifications: For bachelor’s programs, you need to complete Class 12 with good marks, and for master’s programs, you must have a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
• Language proficiency requirements include IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80–90+) for English-taught programs, and DELF B2, DALF C1, or TCF for French-taught programs.
• Scholarship or Fee Waiver Eligibility: To study for free or at very low cost, you should qualify for scholarships (like Charpak/Eiffel) or university fee exemptions.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written SOP explaining your goals, course choice, and why you want to study in France.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Usually 1–2 letters from professors or employers, especially for master’s programs.
• Updated CV / Resume: Should include your education, skills, internships, and any work experience.
• Campus France EEF Registration: Mandatory for Indian students applying for a long-stay student visa.

*Want to apply for Bachelor’s in France? Contact Y-Axis for complete guidance

How to Study in France for Free?

Step 1: Choose the Right Course and University

Start by searching for public universities on Campus France or Mastersportal. Focus on programs that match your background and career goals. If you don’t know French, filter for English-taught courses. Always check the university website to confirm tuition fees and whether fee waivers are available.

Step 2: Check Scholarships or Fee Waivers

Before applying, check if you are eligible for scholarships like Charpak or Eiffel. Also, see if your Indian college has partnerships with French universities, as this can help you get a tuition fee exemption or reduced fees.

Step 3: Meet Language Requirements

Make sure you meet the language requirements for your chosen course.

• English-taught programs: IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80–90+)
• French-taught programs: DELF B2 is usually required, while top programs may ask for DALF C1

Step 4: Register on Campus France India (EEF)

Indian students must complete the Etudes en France (EEF) process through Campus France India. This is a mandatory step for your visa. The processing fee is around ₹18,500 for courses longer than 90 days.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Your Application

Collect and prepare all required documents carefully. This includes your academic certificates, SOP, LORs, language test scores, CV, passport, and portfolio (if needed). Submit your application through the university portal or Campus France, depending on the process.

Step 6: Attend Campus France Interview

After submitting your application, you will be invited for an interview by Campus France. This is to check your study plans, course choice, and background. It is not the final visa interview but an important step.

Step 7: Receive Your Admission Letter

If your application is successful, you will receive an official admission letter from the university. This document is required to proceed with your student visa application.

Step 8: Show Proof of Funds

You must prove that you can manage your living expenses in France. This is about €615 per month or €7,380 per year. You can show this through a bank statement, scholarship proof, or a sponsor letter.

Step 9: Apply for the France Student Visa (VLS-TS)

Apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through VFS Global or the French Consulate. After arriving in France, you must validate your visa online within 3 months to continue your stay legally.

*Want to apply for a France student visa? Contact Y-Axis for end-to-end guidance.

Campus France EEF

The Etudes en France (EEF) process is a mandatory system for Indian students who want to study in France. It is managed by Campus France and is used to check your academic details, documents, and study plans before your visa process. Completing EEF is required to move forward with your France student visa.

Steps to apply for Campus France EEF:

Step 1: Register on the Campus France India (EEF) portal and create your profile.

Step 2: Add your academic history, personal details, and select your preferred courses and universities.

Step 3: Submit documents like academic certificates, SOP, CV, and language test scores.

Step 4: Pay the EEF processing fee (around ₹18,500 for courses longer than 90 days).

Step 5: Book and attend the Campus France interview to verify your study plans and background.

Step 6: Once approved, your application is validated, and you can proceed with your student visa.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France for Free

There are many scholarships available for Indian students that can reduce or fully cover your tuition fees. Some scholarships also give a monthly allowance, travel support, and health insurance, making it easier to study in France at little or no cost.

 

*Want to apply for scholarships in France? Contact Y-Axis for end-to-end support

French Proficiency Requirements for France Universities

For studying in France, the required French level depends on your course:

• DELF B2 is the minimum level for most French-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs.
• DALF C1 is needed for top or competitive programs like grandes écoles and fields such as law or humanities.
• TCF is an alternative test accepted by many universities and for visa purposes.
• For English-taught programs, French is not required, but basic levels (A2/B1) can help with scholarships, jobs, and daily life.

DELF/DALF certificates are valid for life, while TCF is valid for 2 years. Having even basic French (A2 level) can improve your chances of scholarships and better integration in France.

Cost of Living in France for Indian Students

France offers very low or almost free tuition at public universities, but students still need to manage their daily expenses. Free or low tuition does not include costs like rent, food, transport, or personal expenses. Before moving to France, it is important to plan your monthly budget. Living costs depend on the city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation. Paris is the most expensive, while cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, and Strasbourg are more affordable. On average, students need around €700 to €1,600 per month depending on the city.

Average Monthly Expenses in France

• Accommodation (Rent): €300 – €1,200
• Food & Groceries: €150 – €350
• Health Insurance: Free (for students under 28)
• Transportation: €20 – €100
• Personal & Miscellaneous: €50 – €200

Annual Budget Estimate: Around €8,500 to €15,000 per year

CAF Housing Subsidy: Most students in France, including international students, can apply for housing support from Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF). This support can reduce your rent by about €50 to €250 per month, depending on your city and accommodation. You can apply after you arrive in France and confirm your place to stay.

City-wise Cost of Living in France

Part-Time Work for Indian Students in France

Working while studying in France is a good way to manage your living expenses. If you have a student visa (VLS-TS), you are allowed to work part-time during your studies.

Indian students can work up to 964 hours per year, which is about 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays. You do not need extra permission to work, it is already included in your student visa.

The minimum wage in France is about €12 per hour. By working 20 hours per week, you can earn around €800–€950 per month, which can help cover food, transport, and daily expenses.

Types of Part-Time Jobs

• Campus Jobs: Library assistant, lab helper, or tutor. Easy to get for students.
• Restaurants & Cafes: Jobs like waiter, kitchen staff, or delivery. Common in big cities.
• Retail Jobs: Supermarkets or shops (basic French is usually needed).
• English Tutoring: High demand; you can earn around €15–€25 per hour.
• Internships: Many courses include internships, which are usually paid and part of your degree.

Important Rules

• You must not work more than 964 hours per year.
• Always work legally with a proper contract (no cash jobs).
• Working illegally can affect your visa.
• Some income may be taxed, so check with your university for guidance.

Why Does France Offer Such Low Tuition Fees?

• Need for Skilled Workers: France needs skilled professionals in fields like engineering, healthcare, and technology, so it attracts international students to fill these jobs.
• Long-Term Benefit: Students who study and work in France later pay taxes, which helps the government recover the cost of education.
• Government Support: Education is seen as important for everyone, so the government funds public universities to keep fees low.
• Attracting Global Students: Scholarships like Charpak and Eiffel are offered to bring talented students from countries like India.

English-Taught Programmes in France

France offers a wide range of study options for international students, including many programs taught completely in English. This makes it easier for Indian students to study in France without needing to learn French, especially at the master’s level.

• France has over 21,000 study programs in total.
• More than 1,500 master’s programs are taught in English.
• Over 100 bachelor’s programs are available in English at public universities.
• Around 445,000+ international students studied in France in previous year

Application Timeline for Indian Students — Winter & Summer Intakes Fall / Winter Intake

Planning your application timeline in advance is very important to avoid missing deadlines. For the Fall/Winter intake (September), students should ideally start preparing at least 8–10 months earlier. This includes shortlisting universities, preparing documents, and completing language tests on time.

Fall / Winter Intake (September 2026)

Spring / Summer Intake (January / February 2027)

The Spring/Summer intake has fewer courses compared to the Fall intake, but it is a good option if you miss the main intake. Students should still plan early and complete all steps on time to avoid delays.

Exceptions and Paid Programs in France

Higher Fees for Non-EU Students

Since 2019, non-EU students including Indians, may have to pay higher fees at public universities if they do not get a fee waiver.

• Bachelor’s: about €2,895 per year
• Master’s: about €3,941 per year
• PhD students usually pay low standard fees and are not affected by these higher charges.

Grandes Écoles and Private Universities

Top institutions like HEC Paris, Sciences Po, ESSEC Business School, and ESCP Business School have their own fee structure.

• Fees range from €6,000 to €20,000+ per year
• Scholarships like Eiffel and Erasmus can help reduce these costs.

Engineering Schools

Public engineering schools such as CentraleSupélec and INSA Lyon have moderate fees. Fees range from €628 to €2,613 per year. These are still more affordable compared to private universities in other countries.

France vs Germany vs UK vs Canada: Cost Comparison for Indian Students

Choosing the right country for your studies depends on factors like tuition fees, living costs, work opportunities, and PR options. The table below gives a simple comparison to help you understand which country offers the best value for your budget and long-term goals.

Post-Study Work in France: APS Permit & Career Pathways for Indian Students

One of the biggest benefits of studying in France is the opportunity to stay and work after your course. France has a clear system that allows students to build their careers after graduation. Indian students also get some additional benefits compared to students from other countries.

APS: Post-Study Work Permit

The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) is a temporary permit that allows international students to stay in France after completing their master’s degree.

• It lets you stay for 12 months to search for a job or start a business
• During this time, you can work without strict hourly limits
• It is officially called a job search or business creation permit

Who is Eligible for APS?

• You must hold a Master’s degree or higher (specialised master’s, engineering diploma, or PhD) from a recognised French institution.
• Your student residence permit must still be valid at the time of APS application.
• You must have completed your degree in France, not via a distance learning programme.
• APS can only be obtained once. A renewal is possible only from within France.

Special 5-Year Alumni Visa for Indian Graduates

Indian students who have studied in France for at least one year are eligible for a special 5-year short-stay Schengen visa (multiple entry). This allows you to return to France for up to 90 days per 6-month period for networking, business meetings, or job interviews even after returning to India. This benefit is not available to graduates from most other countries and reflects the strength of the Franco-Indian academic partnership.

*Read more....

French firms asked to hire Indians who Study in France

How Can Y-Axis Help You Study in France?

Y-Axis has helped over 10 lakh students study, work, and settle abroad over 25+ years. Our France study experts guide Indian students through every step of the process.

• Y-Path Guidance: Personalised course and university selection — including identifying tuition-free or fee-waiver opportunities.
• Charpak & Eiffel Scholarship Support: Expert guidance on applying for India-specific scholarships that can reduce or eliminate your tuition costs in France.
• Campus France EEF Assistance: Step-by-step help with your Etudes en France (EEF) registration, document preparation, and Campus France interview preparation.
• SOP and LOR Writing: Professional support in writing strong Statements of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation tailored for French universities.
• France Student Visa Process: Complete guidance for the VLS-TS student visa, including VFS appointment booking and document checklist.
• IELTS and TOEFL Coaching: Improve your language test scores at the Y-Axis Coaching Centre.
• Accommodation Guidance: Help finding CROUS options, private residences, and Visale guarantor registration.
• Post-Arrival Support: Guidance on CAF subsidy applications, ANEF visa validation, APS permit, and staying on after graduation.

Our team ensures you receive the right advice and assistance from course selection to visa approval. Contact Y-Axis today to begin your France study journey.