France is rapidly emerging as a strong study-abroad destination for Indian students, driven not just by its world-class universities and cultural appeal, but also by policy reforms, post-study opportunities, and relatively affordable education costs.
According to Mayank Maheshwari, Co-Founder and COO of University Living, France is increasingly being viewed as a practical and long-term education choice rather than just a lifestyle destination. Data from University Living’s European Student Landscape: Beyond Beds and Benches Report shows that France hosted nearly 2.9 million students in 2024, making it one of Europe’s largest higher-education hubs. While domestic students accounted for 89%, international students made up 11% of the total. Of these, 7,344 students were from India, a figure Maheshwari expects to grow sharply. He estimates Indian student numbers could rise by over 200% by 2030, driven by expanding middle-class aspirations and demand for globally recognised degrees.
Policy reforms improving student outcomes
France’s evolving visa and employment policies are playing a key role in boosting its appeal. Maheshwari notes that long-stay student visas now permit part-time work during studies, while non-EU graduates are eligible for a two-year post-study work visa. Scholarship opportunities through programmes such as Eiffel, Charpak, and Erasmus+ further reduce financial pressure, while public university tuition remains among the lowest in Europe.
Housing supply is also being addressed. France plans to add 35,000 affordable student housing units by 2027, alongside growing private Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) projects. The expansion of English-taught programmes and new career pathways linked to the €100 billion France Relance initiative are also strengthening France’s position among international students.
Globally ranked universities drawing Indian interest
France’s academic reputation continues to rise in global rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, leading institutions include Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL University) at 24, Institut Polytechnique de Paris at 46, Sorbonne University at 63, and Paris-Saclay University at 73. These rankings have made France an attractive option for Indian students, particularly those pursuing STEM, engineering, and research-oriented programmes.
Cost of living: Paris versus student-friendly cities
Living expenses in France vary widely by city. Maheshwari highlights that Paris remains the costliest, with average monthly expenses around €1,723 (approximately Rs 1.89 lakh). In contrast, cities such as Lyon and other regional centres offer a more affordable range of €1,100–€1,130 (Rs 1.2–1.23 lakh) per month. Accommodation alone typically accounts for 40–55% of monthly expenses, and choosing smaller cities can help students save €400–€600 (Rs 44,000–66,000) each month compared to Paris.
Housing options for Indian students
France offers a range of accommodation choices, including CROUS residences, off-campus rentals, PBSA, and homestays. CROUS housing remains the most economical at €200–€400 (Rs 22,000–44,000) per month, though availability is limited. Off-campus rentals range between €500 and €1,200 (Rs 55,000–1.31 lakh), while PBSA options in Paris typically cost €1,000–€1,500 (Rs 1.1–1.65 lakh). Homestays, which often include meals, range from €820 to €1,200 (Rs 90,000–1.3 lakh).
Admissions timelines and tuition fees
According to career guidance platform Edwise, applications for French universities generally open between November and March for the following academic year. Non-EU students, including Indians, usually apply through Campus France or the Études en France portal.
Tuition at public universities remains relatively affordable, with bachelor’s programmes costing around €2,770 per year (Rs 3.03 lakh), master’s programmes €3,770 (Rs 4.13 lakh), and doctoral programmes approximately €380 (Rs 41,671). Private institutions and Grandes Écoles are significantly more expensive, ranging from €8,000 to €20,000 (Rs 8.77–21.93 lakh), and rising to €30,000 (Rs 32.9 lakh) at top business schools.
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