Dreaming of studying in Europe but worried about tuition costs, language barriers, or not knowing where to start? France is one of the most searched study destinations for international students, yet many applicants feel overwhelmed trying to piece together requirements, find funding, and identify the right university. This guide answers all of that in one place, covering everything from the level of French needed to study in France, to the best scholarships, top universities, and how to get into a Masters in France.
France welcomed nearly 500,000 international students in 2024 alone, drawn by world-class universities, heavily subsidized tuition, and a rich cultural environment that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. Whether you are chasing a Masters degree in engineering, business, social science, or the arts, France has a program built for you, and likely a scholarship to help fund it.
French Language Requirements to Study in France
One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: what level of French is needed to study in France? The answer depends on your program, but there is a clear baseline.
The minimum level of French required for programs taught in French is B2. Some programs, however, require a C1 level. The DELF B2 and DALF C1 are both acceptable credentials. Accepted tests include the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française), the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français), and the TEF (Test d’Évaluation du Français).
While most French universities only require a B1 or B2 level to admit international students, some institutions require a C1 level, the level of an experienced user according to the CEFR. This applies to programs at certain faculties of humanities, law, and elite Grandes Écoles.
If your program is taught in English, the French requirement is often reduced or waived entirely. Many French universities offer programs taught in English, especially at the Masters level, making France accessible even if you do not speak French fluently. That said, building at least conversational French before arrival will significantly improve your day-to-day experience living in France.
For students looking to brush up before applying, our guide on how to learn a foreign language fast is a great starting point.
Top Universities in France for International Students
France is home to some of the most internationally recognized universities in the world. Whether you are searching for French top universities by research output or looking for the best France university for your specific field, the list below covers the most competitive institutions.
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) – Ranked first in France and 24th in the world by QS 2025, PSL combines arts, humanities, science, and engineering to foster interdisciplinary excellence.
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) – Home to over 3,000 international students, IP Paris stands as a beacon of excellence in master’s and engineering programs, with campus partnerships with global companies like Google and Airbus.
- Sorbonne University – Established in 1257, Sorbonne is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in France, with programs in humanities, sciences, and medicine and over 8,000 international students.
- Université Paris-Saclay – Renowned for STEM fields, Paris-Saclay hosts 275 laboratories and collaborates with top research institutes like CNRS and CEA, with over 15% of its 30,000 students being international.
- Sciences Po Paris – Sciences Po specializes in law, economics, social science, and politics and has around 14,000 students, nearly half of whom are international, representing more than 150 nationalities.
The best university in France overall is Paris Sciences et Lettres, a collegiate university formed of 25 research and higher education institutions in the Paris area and three national research institutions. However, cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, and Bordeaux also house highly ranked institutions with lower costs of living, making them increasingly popular among budget-conscious international students.
For a deeper look at university selection strategies, check out our resource on how to choose the right university abroad.
Masters in France: What You Need to Know
Pursuing a Masters in France is one of the most cost-effective ways to earn a globally respected postgraduate degree. Public universities charge among the lowest tuition in Europe, typically around 3,770 euros per year for Masters programs. Compare that to the UK or the US, and the value is hard to argue with.
France also offers strong post-study work rights. Masters graduates in France are eligible for a two-year post-study work permit, with opportunities to work in sectors like AI, engineering, IT, hospitality, fashion, and management, improving global employability and opening doors across Europe.
To apply for a Masters program in France, most students will use the Études en France platform managed by Campus France, the official French government body for international student admissions. Applications typically require academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, language proficiency certificates, and letters of recommendation.
For guidance on writing a compelling statement of purpose, see our article on how to write a personal statement for graduate school.
Scholarships to Study in France
Funding is often what separates students who actually study abroad from those who only dream about it. The good news is that France offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at every level of study.
1. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is the most prestigious government-funded award available. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program was established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to enable French higher education institutions to attract top foreign students to enroll in their Masters and PhD programs, giving opportunity to future foreign decision-makers in priority areas of study.
Eiffel scholarship holders at Masters level receive a monthly allowance of 1,200 euros (from January 2026), while doctoral holders receive 2,100 euros per month, with additional services including international transportation, insurance, and housing assistance.
Students cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted through a French higher education institution on the student’s behalf.
2. Emile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
The Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po offers up to 19,000 euros per year for undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students. It is awarded to international students with outstanding academic records and is renewable annually.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus joint Masters program awards scholarships to the world’s best students for one or two years, regardless of field of study. Students must take their Masters program in at least two participating countries, and several French institutions offer joint Masters programs under this scheme.
Ampere Excellence Scholarship (ENS de Lyon)
The Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon offer 1,000 euros per month for Masters students, making them one of the top scholarships in France for postgraduate study.
IDEX Masters Scholarship (Université Grenoble Alpes)
The IDEX Masters Scholarship at Université Grenoble Alpes provides 8,000 euros for the first academic year and 5,000 euros for the second year, covering Masters and Engineering programs.
For a broader overview of funding your studies internationally, visit our guide on international scholarships for students.
General Requirements to Study in France
Beyond language proficiency, international students need a few core documents and clearances before arriving.
- Student Visa (VLS-TS): A long-stay visa that doubles as a residence permit upon arrival in France
- Academic Transcripts: Translated into French or English where required
- Proof of Financial Resources: To satisfy both visa and university requirements
- Health Insurance: Students under 28 are generally covered under the French social security system
- Language Certificate: DELF B2 or above for French-taught programs; English proficiency tests for English-taught programs
Students in France are able to access a range of benefits such as some social security, housing subsidies, and basic rights protection through university international offices. Students are also allowed to work in France with a valid student visa.
If you are planning to take standardized tests as part of your application process, our article on how to prepare for standardized tests breaks down proven strategies.
FAQs: Study Abroad in France
Yes. France combines globally ranked universities, affordable public university tuition starting at around 2,770 euros per year, generous scholarship options, and strong post-graduation work rights, making it one of the most well-rounded study destinations in the world.
Yes, especially at the Masters level. Many top universities offer English-taught programs. However, proving intermediate French proficiency (B2) is required for French-taught programs, and basic French will greatly improve daily life.
You cannot apply directly. You must first secure a place at a French university and have that institution submit an application on your behalf to Campus France. Contact the international relations department of your target university early.
According to QS World Rankings 2025, Université PSL is ranked number one in France and 25th worldwide. Top courses include computer science, engineering, management, and finance.
Not necessarily. For many public universities in France, IELTS is not mandatory if you meet other English proficiency criteria, making France a good destination for students who want an easier application pathway without compromising on education quality.
Studying in France is one of the most enriching academic decisions an international student can make. With affordable public universities, strong scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence program, and over 1,500 programs taught in English, the barriers are lower than most students assume. The key is starting early: identify your target university, confirm your French language requirement, gather your documents, and reach out to the institution’s international office well before any scholarship deadlines.
For more resources on studying abroad, explore our full library at allstudyguide.com.
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