Study in France as an International Student: 2027/28 Complete Guide

Yes, you can study in France as a non-EU student, in English, at a public university that costs €2,902 a year for a bachelor's or €3,950 a year for a master's (official 2026/27 rates). The route is clear once you know three things: which application procedure applies to your country of residence, which English-taught programs exist, and how much money you must show for the student visa.

This pillar guide walks you through the whole journey for the 2027/28 intake and links to a detailed article for every step. All figures come from Campus France, Service Public and other official French sources, with the academic year they apply to.

Why non-EU students choose France

France combines low public tuition with a large choice of universities and grandes écoles. Even the differentiated fees for non-EU students are modest compared with many English-speaking countries, and doctoral students pay only €398 a year (2026/27).

• Low public fees: €2,902 (bachelor) and €3,950 (master) per year for 2026/27, and some universities apply partial exemptions so non-EU students pay EU rates.
• Many English-taught master's programs: in FindUniPath's database, 93 public institutions offer 714 English-taught master's programs.
• Work rights: 964 hours of work a year while you study, and a 12-month post-study permit to look for a job.
• Free health cover: students register for French social security at no cost after enrolment.

There are real difficulties too, from French bureaucracy to housing shortages. Read our honest pros and cons of studying in France before you decide.

Step 1: Find English-taught programs

Start with the official Campus France catalogue of programmes taught in English, then check each program's language, fees and entry rules on the university's own website. Be realistic about the level: almost all English-taught degrees at public universities are master's programs.

Our guide to English-taught programs in France lists the universities with the most options and the English test scores they ask for.

Step 2: Work out how you must apply

France does not have one central portal for everyone. Where you live, not your nationality, decides your route. Campus France explains that residents of the 75 countries covered by Études en France (EEF), including Pakistan, Iran and India, must apply through the EEF platform for every level from first-year bachelor to master, all the way to the visa.

The full process, with the Campus France interview and the fee for your country, is in our step-by-step guide on how to apply to universities in France.

Step 3: Check the entry requirements

Each university decides admission itself. For a first-year bachelor's, the university checks that your school-leaving diploma gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued. For an M1 you normally need a completed bachelor's (180 ECTS), and for an M2 a completed first master's year (240 ECTS).

English-taught programs usually ask for at least B2 English (often IELTS 6.0 to 6.5), and some ask for C1. Details by level are in our France university admission requirements guide.

Step 4: Prepare documents, translations and legalization

Expect to upload your passport, diplomas, transcripts, a CV and an English certificate, and to explain any gap of more than six months. Documents not in French or English may need a sworn translation, and some countries' documents must be legalized.

See documents, translation and legalization for France for the full checklist.

Step 5: Budget for fees and living costs

Tuition is only part of the bill. You also pay the Études en France fee in EEF countries (for example PKR 30,000 in Pakistan for 2026/27), the CVEC student life contribution (€105 for 2026/27), the visa fee and, after arrival, a €100 tax to validate your visa.

Our cost of studying in France guide covers rent, CROUS housing and a realistic monthly budget.

Step 6: Apply for scholarships early

The flagship government award is France Excellence Eiffel, which pays €1,200 a month for master's students and €2,000 a month for PhD students. You cannot apply yourself: the French institution nominates you, and for the 2027 call institutions submit files by 6 January 2027. Afghan nationals also have a dedicated France Excellence call with a 31 May 2027 deadline.

More options and deadlines are in scholarships in France for international students.

Step 7: Get the student visa (VLS-TS)

Non-EU students staying more than three months need the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit, 'étudiant' (VLS-TS). You fill in the form on France-Visas, book the visa centre appointment and show your admission, funds and accommodation details. After arrival you validate the visa online within three months.

Our France student visa guide covers the checklist, fees and processing times.

Applying from Afghanistan

Step 8: Arrive, enrol and settle in

1. 1

   Pay the CVEC

   Pay the student life contribution online before your administrative enrolment (€105 for 2026/27).

2. 2

   Enrol at your institution

   Complete administrative enrolment, pay tuition and receive your certificat de scolarité and student card.

3. 3

   Register for health cover

   Register free with French social security on etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr.

4. 4

   Validate your visa

   Validate the VLS-TS on the ANEF website within three months of arrival and pay the €100 tax.

Your 2027/28 timeline at a glance

Individual universities often set their own, earlier windows for English-taught master's programs, so always check the program page. Some open in October and close in January, others run in several rounds until spring.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying through the wrong channel. If you live in an Études en France country, applying only on a university portal is not enough: you still need the EEF file to get the visa.
• Starting too late. Most windows for the 2027/28 intake open in October 2026 and many close before spring.
• Choosing a French-taught or mixed program by mistake. Check the language of instruction on the program page, not just the program title.
• Booking the visa appointment late. Campus France Pakistan warns that slots are limited and given first come, first served.
• Forgetting to validate the visa. Without online validation within three months, you are no longer legally resident and need a new visa to return to France.

Working and staying after graduation

While studying you may work up to 964 hours a year. After a master's (or equivalent degree) you can apply for a 12-month, non-renewable permit to look for work or create a business. Read work and stay in France after graduation for the rules.

Want every French deadline in one place? Track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, or browse the France country hub.