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Study in France

France offers European education with English-taught programmes across business schools, engineering, hospitality, design and research institutions.…

At a glance

France — Study Snapshot

  • Best fit for

    Students looking for European education, public university options, business schools, engineering schools, hospitality, luxury management, design, fashion, culinary arts, research and French/European exposure.

  • Popular course levels

    Bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Grande École programmes, MBA, MSc, engineering degrees, diplomas, research degrees and PhD routes.

  • Main intakes

    September/October is the major intake. January/February intake may be available for selected business, management and private institution programmes.

  • Typical planning timeline

    Ideally 9–15 months before intake, especially for Campus France process, language tests, applications, financial planning, visa preparation and accommodation search.

  • Cost sensitivity

    Medium to high. Public university fees may be lower than many destinations, but private school fees, Paris living costs, accommodation, visa funds, CVEC, insurance-related expenses and travel can increase the total budget.

  • Work while studying

    Eligible international students may be allowed to work within official limits, commonly up to 964 hours per year. Students must verify current rules, residence permit conditions and institution guidance before working.

  • Post-study route

    Eligible graduates may be able to apply for a Job Search / Business Creation residence permit, subject to qualification level, previous student residence status and official rules. This is not a job, work permit, PR or settlement guarantee.

  • LOMA counselling note

    LOMA helps students and parents compare course, city, public/private institution type, language needs, budget, documents and visa-stage readiness without making false guarantees.

Context

Why Students Consider France

France is an important study abroad destination for students from Kerala who are looking for European education, English-taught programmes, business schools, engineering schools, hospitality, fashion, design, research and comparatively structured public university options. For students and parents from Trivandrum, nearby districts and wider Kerala, France can be attractive, but it should be evaluated carefully based on course fit, language readiness, total budget, visa rules, accommodation, work conditions and post-study plans.

Research

Popular France Universities To Research

This list is for research and comparison only. Final shortlisting depends on course, budget, eligibility, intake and official admission rules.

University
Why students research it
Course areas
Université PSL Paris Visit website
Often researched for research-led education, sciences, humanities, arts and interdisciplinary programmes.
Course Areas MSc Chemistry, MSc Bioinformatics, MSc Computer Science, MSc Mathematics, MSc Physics, Diplôme Grande École (research route), MA Arts & Creation, PhD research routes.
Sorbonne University Paris Visit website
Students may research it for academic history, sciences, humanities and research exposure.
Course Areas MSc Computer Science, MSc Bioinformatics, BSc/MSc Life Sciences, MSc Mathematics, MSc Physics, MA Literature & Linguistics, MSc Marine Sciences, PhD research routes.
Université Paris-Saclay Paris-Saclay region Visit website
Commonly researched for science, engineering, technology and research-focused programmes.
Course Areas MSc Computer Science, MSc AI & Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering, MSc Applied Mathematics, MSc Physics, MSc Life Sciences, MSc Mechanical Engineering, PhD research routes.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris Paris region Visit website
Students may compare it for engineering, technology, data and advanced science pathways.
Course Areas MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Cybersecurity, MSc Data Science, MSc Mathematics, MSc Engineering & Innovation, MSc Computer Science, Diplôme d'Ingénieur tracks.
Sciences Po Paris and regional campuses Visit website
Often researched for social sciences, policy, international relations and governance-related fields.
Course Areas Master in Public Policy, Master in International Affairs, Master in Economics, MA Political Science & Government, Master in Business & Management, LLM Law & Governance, MA Journalism.
Grenoble Alpes University Grenoble Visit website
Students may research it for technology, research, mountain-region student life and science programmes.
Course Areas MSc Computer Science, MSc Applied Mathematics, MSc Physics, MSc Renewable Energy, MSc Environmental Science, MSc Engineering, MSc Data Science, MBA Grenoble IAE.
University of Strasbourg Strasbourg Visit website
Researched for broad public university options and location near the France-Germany border.
Course Areas MSc Life Sciences, LLM European Law, BSc/MSc Chemistry, MSc Economics, BSc/MSc Business, MA Humanities, MSc Biotechnology, MSc International Finance.
Aix-Marseille University Marseille / Aix-en-Provence Visit website
Students may compare it for southern France, public university options and research breadth.
Course Areas MSc Public Health, MSc Economics, LLM Law, MSc Mathematics, MSc Biology, MSc Computer Science, MSc Oceanography, MBA Aix-Marseille Graduate School.
EM Lyon Business School Lyon / Paris and other campuses Visit website
Often researched by students looking at business, management and entrepreneurship.
Course Areas MSc Management Grande École, MSc Finance, MSc Marketing, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation, MBA, MSc Supply Chain & Purchasing, MSc Data Science for Business.
SKEMA Business School Multiple French campuses Visit website
Students may research it for business school programmes and international campus exposure.
Course Areas MSc Finance, MSc International Business, MSc Luxury & Fashion Management, MSc Marketing, MSc Supply Chain Management, MSc Data Science & AI for Business, MBA, MSc Business Analytics.
  • Université PSL

    Often researched for research-led education, sciences, humanities, arts and interdisciplinary programmes.

    Course Areas

    MSc Chemistry, MSc Bioinformatics, MSc Computer Science, MSc Mathematics, MSc Physics, Diplôme Grande École (research route), MA Arts & Creation, PhD research routes.

  • Sorbonne University

    Students may research it for academic history, sciences, humanities and research exposure.

    Course Areas

    MSc Computer Science, MSc Bioinformatics, BSc/MSc Life Sciences, MSc Mathematics, MSc Physics, MA Literature & Linguistics, MSc Marine Sciences, PhD research routes.

  • Université Paris-Saclay
    Paris-Saclay region Visit website

    Commonly researched for science, engineering, technology and research-focused programmes.

    Course Areas

    MSc Computer Science, MSc AI & Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering, MSc Applied Mathematics, MSc Physics, MSc Life Sciences, MSc Mechanical Engineering, PhD research routes.

  • Institut Polytechnique de Paris
    Paris region Visit website

    Students may compare it for engineering, technology, data and advanced science pathways.

    Course Areas

    MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Cybersecurity, MSc Data Science, MSc Mathematics, MSc Engineering & Innovation, MSc Computer Science, Diplôme d'Ingénieur tracks.

  • Sciences Po
    Paris and regional campuses Visit website

    Often researched for social sciences, policy, international relations and governance-related fields.

    Course Areas

    Master in Public Policy, Master in International Affairs, Master in Economics, MA Political Science & Government, Master in Business & Management, LLM Law & Governance, MA Journalism.

  • Grenoble Alpes University

    Students may research it for technology, research, mountain-region student life and science programmes.

    Course Areas

    MSc Computer Science, MSc Applied Mathematics, MSc Physics, MSc Renewable Energy, MSc Environmental Science, MSc Engineering, MSc Data Science, MBA Grenoble IAE.

  • University of Strasbourg
    Strasbourg Visit website

    Researched for broad public university options and location near the France-Germany border.

    Course Areas

    MSc Life Sciences, LLM European Law, BSc/MSc Chemistry, MSc Economics, BSc/MSc Business, MA Humanities, MSc Biotechnology, MSc International Finance.

  • Aix-Marseille University
    Marseille / Aix-en-Provence Visit website

    Students may compare it for southern France, public university options and research breadth.

    Course Areas

    MSc Public Health, MSc Economics, LLM Law, MSc Mathematics, MSc Biology, MSc Computer Science, MSc Oceanography, MBA Aix-Marseille Graduate School.

  • EM Lyon Business School
    Lyon / Paris and other campuses Visit website

    Often researched by students looking at business, management and entrepreneurship.

    Course Areas

    MSc Management Grande École, MSc Finance, MSc Marketing, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation, MBA, MSc Supply Chain & Purchasing, MSc Data Science for Business.

  • SKEMA Business School
    Multiple French campuses Visit website

    Students may research it for business school programmes and international campus exposure.

    Course Areas

    MSc Finance, MSc International Business, MSc Luxury & Fashion Management, MSc Marketing, MSc Supply Chain Management, MSc Data Science & AI for Business, MBA, MSc Business Analytics.

Not sure which university fits your profile and budget?

Talk to a Counsellor
Trending Areas

Popular Course Areas in France

These areas are commonly researched by Kerala students. Course suitability depends on your academic background, career goals and entry requirements.

  • Business And Management

    Business and management courses may suit students interested in marketing, entrepreneurship, international business, project management, human resources, strategy or leadership roles. France has many business schools and management programmes, including Grande École and MSc routes.

  • Computer Science, AI And Data Analytics

    Computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, software engineering, business analytics and digital transformation are relevant course areas in France. These may suit students with technical ability, mathematics confidence or strong interest in digital careers.

  • Engineering

    Engineering is a strong and common area to research in France, especially through engineering schools, public universities and specialised institutions. Popular areas include mechanical, civil, electrical, electronics, computer, aerospace, energy, automotive, robotics and environmental engineering.

  • Healthcare, Nursing And Public Health

    Healthcare-related courses such as public health, health management, biomedical science, biotechnology, medical technology and health data may interest students from Kerala because of the state's strong healthcare education background.

  • Finance, Accounting And Supply Chain

    Finance, accounting, banking, fintech, logistics and supply chain management may suit students from commerce, business, mathematics or management backgrounds. France has business and logistics relevance through Paris, Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, Marseille and other economic regions.

  • Hospitality, Tourism And Culinary

    Hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, hotel management, gastronomy and luxury hospitality may suit students interested in service industries, food, travel, operations and customer experience. France is strongly associated with tourism, cuisine, hospitality and luxury service sectors.

  • Design, Media And Creative Industries

    Design, fashion, luxury brand management, animation, film, UX, visual communication, architecture and creative technology may suit students with creative ability and portfolio readiness. France is especially researched for fashion, luxury, arts, design and cultural industries.

  • Research And PhD Routes

    Research and PhD routes may suit academically strong students with clear research interests, supervisor alignment and long-term academic or specialist career goals. France may be researched for science, engineering, mathematics, AI, public health, humanities, social sciences, environment and policy research.

Budget Planning

Indicative Costs — France

Studying abroad involves tuition, living costs, visa fees and other expenses. Plan carefully before applying.

Indicative Tuition Ranges

Study Level Indicative Range
Public university bachelor's / Licence Non-EU international student tuition may be around €2,895 per year where differentiated fees apply, subject to official and institutional rules.
Public university master's Non-EU international student tuition may be around €3,941 per year where differentiated fees apply, subject to official and institutional rules.
Doctoral studies Doctoral tuition may be significantly lower in public institutions, but exact fees and funding must be verified from the university.
Public institutions with exemptions Some institutions may offer partial or full fee exemptions depending on policy, programme and student category. This should not be assumed.
Business schools / private institutions Fees can range from several thousand euros to €20,000–€40,000+ per year depending on school, course and level.
Hospitality, culinary, fashion and design schools Fees vary widely and can be higher in specialised private institutions.
CVEC Students enrolling in many higher education programmes may need to pay the Student and Campus Life Contribution unless exempt. The amount can change each academic year.

Living Cost Areas

Accommodation
Rent is usually the biggest monthly expense. Options may include student residences, CROUS housing where available, private rooms, shared flats and private student accommodation.
Food and groceries
Cooking at home can reduce expenses. Indian groceries are available in larger cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille and Toulouse.
Public transport
Student transport discounts may be available depending on city and age. Paris transport can be convenient but adds to monthly cost.
Health insurance
International students generally need to register for French social security after arrival where applicable. Registration is free and mandatory in many cases, but students may choose supplementary insurance for better coverage.
Visa / proof-of-funds awareness
Indian students may need to show one year of tuition fee plus living cost proof, commonly calculated using €615 per month for one full year. Students must verify current Campus France and France-Visas requirements.
Initial settlement costs
Students should budget for visa fee, travel, accommodation deposit, bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing, local SIM, transport card and emergency needs.
Emergency buffer
Families should keep extra funds for rent delays, medical needs, currency fluctuation, job delays or unexpected university expenses.

Want a clearer picture of what studying in France will cost for your situation?

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Location Comparison

Cities And Regions To Compare in France

Location affects cost, lifestyle, employment opportunities and commute. Compare before shortlisting universities.

  • Paris / Île-de-France

    Why students consider it Strong academic, business, fashion, luxury, research and international exposure.
    Cost & lifestyle Usually the most expensive region, especially for rent.
    Course relevance Business, finance, luxury, fashion, design, AI, engineering, public policy, research.
    Check carefully High cost, accommodation competition, commute time and safety by area.
  • Lyon

    Why students consider it Major student city with business, engineering, biotech and cultural appeal.
    Cost & lifestyle Often more manageable than Paris, but rent varies by area.
    Course relevance Business, management, engineering, life sciences, hospitality, data.
    Check carefully Course fit, internship access, accommodation and French language needs.
  • Toulouse

    Why students consider it Known for aerospace, engineering and student-friendly environment.
    Cost & lifestyle Can be more manageable than Paris, depending on accommodation.
    Course relevance Aerospace, engineering, computer science, data, business, research.
    Check carefully Industry relevance, language expectations, transport and course structure.
  • Grenoble

    Why students consider it Researched for technology, research, engineering and mountain-region lifestyle.
    Cost & lifestyle Student-friendly, but accommodation should be planned early.
    Course relevance Engineering, computer science, physics, environment, AI, research.
    Check carefully Weather, local job market, research fit and housing.
  • Lille / Strasbourg

    Why students consider it Students may compare these for regional access, European location and public university options.
    Cost & lifestyle Often more manageable than Paris, but costs vary.
    Course relevance Business, law, European studies, science, humanities, logistics.
    Check carefully Weather, city fit, language needs and course relevance.
  • Bordeaux / Marseille / Nice

    Why students consider it Considered for lifestyle, business, tourism, hospitality and regional exposure.
    Cost & lifestyle Costs vary; some areas can be expensive due to tourism and location.
    Course relevance Hospitality, tourism, business, design, public health, marine/environmental areas.
    Check carefully Accommodation, seasonal job market, transport and long-term career plan.
Fit Assessment

Is France Right For You?

Every student's situation is different. Use these points to evaluate whether France suits your academic profile, budget and goals.

Good Fit If

8
  1. You want European education with English-taught programme options.
  2. You are interested in business, luxury, fashion, hospitality, culinary arts, engineering, data, AI, design or research.
  3. You are open to learning French for daily life and career growth.
  4. You want to compare public university and private institution pathways carefully.
  5. Your family wants a destination that may offer lower public university tuition in many cases.
  6. You have a realistic budget for living costs, accommodation, visa funds and settlement expenses.
  7. You are ready to start accommodation planning early.
  8. You want counselling support for course, city, language and visa-stage planning.

Check Carefully

10
  1. France is not automatically low-cost; Paris and private institutions can be expensive.
  2. French language may be important even if the course is taught in English.
  3. Public university admission and documentation can be process-sensitive.
  4. Some institutions may have differentiated fees, exemptions or private tuition structures that must be checked carefully.
  5. Accommodation can be competitive in major cities.
  6. Part-time work should not be treated as the main funding source.
  7. Admission, visa approval, scholarships, internships, jobs, post-study work, PR and settlement are not guaranteed.
  8. Healthcare, nursing and regulated careers may require French language and professional recognition.
  9. Some programmes may have limited English-taught options.
  10. Visa, financial, work and post-study residence rules can change.
After Study

Job And Visa Awareness

France offers a Job Search / Business Creation residence route for eligible graduates who have completed qualifying French higher education diplomas, such as certain master's-level or equivalent qualifications, subject to official rules. This route may allow eligible graduates to remain in France temporarily to look for suitable employment or start a business.

Preparation

Documents To Start Preparing

Document requirements vary by university, course and visa route. Verify the exact list from official sources before submitting.

Identity & Travel 1
  1. Valid passport.
Academic Records 6
  1. Academic transcripts.
  2. Degree certificate or provisional certificate.
  3. 10th and 12th certificates, where applicable.
  4. French language certificate if required.
  5. Internship or training certificates, if relevant.
  6. Research proposal for research degrees or PhD applications.
Language Tests 2
  1. English language test score if required.
  2. French language certificate if required.
Application Documents 4
  1. Statement of Purpose, motivation letter or personal statement.
  2. Updated CV.
  3. Portfolio for design, media, fashion, architecture or creative courses.
  4. Research proposal for research degrees or PhD applications.
Financial Documents 3
  1. Financial documents.
  2. Education loan sanction letter, if applicable.
  3. Proof of tuition fee payment or deposit, if required.
Work & Experience 2
  1. Work experience documents, if applicable.
  2. Internship or training certificates, if relevant.
Visa & Entry 4
  1. University admission letter or acceptance letter.
  2. Visa application documents as per official checklist.
  3. Previous visa refusal details, if applicable.
  4. Any additional documents requested by the institution, Campus France or France-Visas.
Other Documents 3
  1. Letters of recommendation.
  2. Campus France / Études en France process documents where applicable.
  3. Accommodation details, if available.

Questions About Studying in France

Is France good for Kerala students?

France may be a good option for Kerala students who want European education, English-taught programmes, business schools, engineering, hospitality, fashion, design, culinary arts or research options. Suitability depends on academic profile, budget, language readiness, course choice, visa readiness and career goals.

What are the popular courses in France?

Popular course areas include business, management, luxury brand management, fashion, hospitality, culinary arts, engineering, computer science, AI, data analytics, public health, finance, design, media and research programmes.

How much does it cost to study in France?

Costs vary by institution and course. Public university tuition for non-EU students may be comparatively lower in many cases, while private schools, business schools, hospitality schools and design schools can be much more expensive. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transport, CVEC, travel, visa funds and emergency expenses. Exact figures must be verified from official sources.

Can students work part-time in France?

Eligible international students may generally work up to 964 hours per year, subject to official rules and their residence conditions. Students must verify current France-Visas, Campus France and institution guidance before working.

Which intake should I choose?

September/October is the main France intake and usually offers wider course choice. January/February intake may be available for selected business, management and private institution programmes. The right intake depends on course availability, deadlines, documents, finances and visa timeline.

Are scholarships available?

Scholarships may be available through French government programmes, universities, business schools, faculties, research funding or external bodies. They are competitive and not guaranteed. Students should prepare strong academics, SOP or motivation letter, CV, recommendations, language scores and portfolio or research documents where required.

Can I stay after study?

Eligible graduates may be able to apply for France's Job Search / Business Creation residence route, subject to qualification level, residence status, documents and official rules. This does not guarantee employment, work permit, PR or settlement.

Does LOMA guarantee admission or visa approval?

No. LOMA does not guarantee admission, visa approval, scholarships, part-time jobs, internships, post-study work, PR or settlement. LOMA helps with counselling, course and institution comparison, application planning, document readiness and visa-stage preparation based on available information and official requirements.

Ready To Plan Your France Study Journey?

Discuss your profile, course options, budget and intake timeline with LOMA before making a decision.