Study Masters in France for Indian Students 2027

The essentials

Studying in France at a glance

Grandes écoles and big public universities, a structured Campus France route from India, and one of Europe's lowest proof-of-funds requirements.

English-taught Master's: 1,000+
Main student cities: Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble
Tuition: Public: ≈ €3,879/yr for non-EU Master's (many universities waive part of it); grandes écoles set their own fees
Proof of funds: ≈ €615 / month (≈ €7,380 / year) — among the lowest in Western Europe
Language: English-taught Master's accept IELTS/TOEFL; French helps daily life but isn't required for the programme
Intakes & deadlines: September (main); a few programmes in January
How you apply: "Études en France" (EEF) portal via Campus France India
After you graduate: Job-search stay after your Master's — Indian graduates can get up to 2 years under the India–France migration partnership

Step by step

Your journey to France, in order

The stages in the order they actually happen — and where we step in on each one.

STEP1

Profile review & shortlist

Map your degree, grades and goals to the right French programmes — public university Master's, or a grande école (engineering/business). France rewards a focused list, not a scattergun one.

✦An honest fit check before you spend on tests or application fees.

STEP2

Language plan — IELTS/TOEFL

English-taught Master's ask for IELTS (typically 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL. French is not required for admission to English programmes, but basic French (A1–A2) makes housing, internships and daily life far easier.

✦A clear target score plus prep material guidance — our IELTS course covers this.

STEP3

The Campus France (EEF) file

Indian applicants go through the official "Études en France" portal: you build one verified file (academics, SOP, CV) that universities read. The Campus France processing fee is about ₹18,500 + taxes, and an academic interview is part of the process.

✦We help you build the EEF file and prepare for the Campus France interview.

STEP4

University applications

Apply to your shortlist through EEF (public universities) or directly on each school's own portal (many grandes écoles). Strong SOP/CV matter — French admissions read them closely.

✦CV, motivation letters and a per-school application plan, deadline-tracked.

STEP5

Offer, acceptance & funding

Accept your offer inside EEF. Look at Eiffel Excellence and Charpak scholarships, plus school-specific waivers — non-EU fee waivers at public universities are common.

✦We check every scholarship and waiver you're eligible for before you pay fees.

STEP6

Visa — VLS-TS long-stay

With your EEF acceptance, book VFS France. Show funds of ≈ €615/month (≈ €7,380/year) via bank statements, education loan or sponsor. Visa fee ≈ €50; the whole India-side cost is roughly ₹25,000 including Campus France and VFS charges.

✦Full document check and appointment preparation, file by file.

STEP7

Arrive & settle in

Validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival, apply for CAF housing aid (yes — international students can get rent support), and get your student job rights (≈ 964 hours/year).

✦Arrival checklist, housing guidance and student connections where possible.

Where to apply

Universities in France

A starting shortlist of France's best-known universities for English-taught Master's. Browse our directory for programme-level detail.

Université PSL

Paris

Research powerhouse (ENS, Dauphine, Mines Paris)

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

Palaiseau

École Polytechnique + 4 top engineering schools

Université Paris-Saclay

Paris region

Huge STEM campus, many English MSc programmes

Sorbonne Université

Paris

Sciences and humanities, strong research

Université Grenoble Alpes

Grenoble

Tech valley of France — CS, nano, energy

INSA Lyon

Lyon

Leading public engineering school

Questions we get asked

France FAQs for Indian students

How much does a Master's in France cost for Indian students?

Public: ≈ €3,879/yr for non-EU Master's (many universities waive part of it); grandes écoles set their own fees. Tuition is only part of the picture — you also need to budget living costs, and to show funds for your visa or residence permit.

How much money do I need to show for a France student visa?

≈ €615 / month (≈ €7,380 / year) — among the lowest in Western Europe. This is the financial requirement you must evidence in your application. Confirm the current figure on the official portal before you submit — these rates are revised regularly.

Do I need to speak the local language to study in France?

English-taught Master's accept IELTS/TOEFL; French helps daily life but isn't required for the programme

When can I start, and when should I apply in France?

September (main); a few programmes in January

How do I actually apply to universities in France?

"Études en France" (EEF) portal via Campus France India

Can I stay and work in France after my Master's?

Job-search stay after your Master's — Indian graduates can get up to 2 years under the India–France migration partnership. Post-study work rules are one of the biggest differences between European countries, and worth weighing before you choose a destination.

How many English-taught Master's programmes does France offer?

Around 1,000+ English-taught Master's programmes, concentrated in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble. This is an approximate count from national portals, not a promise — programme catalogues change every intake.

Campus France India Études en France portal France-Visas

Study a Master's in France — the complete guide for Indian students