France

• Country Overview: France is a Western European country (area ≈632,700 km², population ≈68.6 million in 2025). It is a stable Fifth Republic (since 1958) with strong democratic institutions and one of the world’s most influential cultures. French culture has had a global impact on art, science, cuisine and philosophy. The country ranks highly on OECD quality-of-life measures (notably work–life balance and safety). Major cities like Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle, while the countryside is known for its wine, gastronomy (the “French gastronomic meal” is a UNESCO heritage) and scenic regions.
• Higher Education: France’s higher-education system is highly regarded. In the QS World Rankings 2024, 35 French universities are ranked globally, including four in the top 100. Public universities charge very low tuition (for EU/EEA students, only about €170/year for a bachelor’s and €243 for a master’s) because the French state subsidizes most of the cost. Even Grandes Écoles (elite public/private schools) remain relatively affordable. Many graduate programs (particularly in science, engineering, and business) are offered in English. For example, Université PSL (Paris) “excels in all areas of knowledge”, and Paris-Saclay University offers a wide range of science and engineering programs. Student life in France is vibrant: campuses are well-equipped, and students enjoy cultural experiences (museums, festivals, café life).
• International Students (especially Indian): France is popular with global students, including Indians. The international student body grew to about 430,000 in 2023–24. As of 2023–24 there were roughly 8,000 Indian students (and rising) in France, and France aims to reach 30,000 Indians by 2030. Tuition remains low even for non-EU students due to subsidies (effectively the same €170/€243 rates for public universities). Living costs vary: roughly €800–1,200/month in major cities (Paris is highest). The French government and universities offer scholarships to Indians – for instance, the Campus France “Charpak” (France Excellence) fellowships support Indian master’s/PhD studies. Indian students often choose fields like engineering, IT, management and hospitality. A student visa (long‑stay “visa de long séjour pour études”) is required; after one year family reunification is possible. Students can work part-time (up to 964 hours/year at the legal minimum wage of €11.65 gross).
• Top Public Universities: Leading public universities accepting internationals include Sorbonne University (Paris – strong in humanities, sciences and medicine), Université PSL (Paris – multidisciplinary research), Paris-Saclay University (near Paris – top engineering and sciences), University of Lyon (sciences, tech, business), University of Grenoble-Alpes (engineering, natural sciences), and Toulouse University (aeronautics/space engineering, business). Other well-known schools include Aix-Marseille University, University of Strasbourg, University of Bordeaux and University of Montpellier. Grandes Écoles such as École Polytechnique or Sciences Po (Paris) also admit international master’s students.
• Work & Post-Study: Foreign students may work part-time (up to 964 hours/year) while studying. The French minimum wage (~€9.22 net/hour in 2024) makes on-campus jobs viable. After graduation, France offers a one-year job-seeker residence permit (APS – Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) to non-EU graduates, allowing them to remain up to 12 months to find work or start a company. Many graduates enter French industries (engineering, IT, finance, luxury goods, research), and a post-study work visa can later be converted into a skilled-worker permit if they secure a job.