Top 10 Benefits of Studying in France for Indian Students
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France has become one of the top destinations for Indian students wanting to study abroad. As of 2024, France is home to more 10,000 Indian students pursuing their higher education. And, by the the year 2030, the country is expecting to welcome 30,000 Indian students. In 2020 and 2021, the country provided special assistance via remote learning and online classes to allow students to continue their education in the country. So apart from being home to some of the top universities in the world, what makes France a preferred study destination among Indian students? Let’s find out.
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Top 10 Reasons to Study in France
Here are the top reasons for candidates looking to study in France. Candidates should note that the below benefits of studying in France for Indian students are selected from a larger pool of top reasons to study in France. Your reasons may not feature below, but that should not take away from the goodness of the country.
- World-Class Universities
- Classes Internationales
- English Taught Programmes
- Cost of Studying in France
- Cost of Living in France
- Scholarships
- France Alumni Programme
- Easy visa process
- Economic Power House
- Appealing destination
Let us discuss the above in detail below.
Reasons to Study in France Explained
Check out the top reasons to study in France here:
World-Class Universities
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France is home to the top universities and colleges in the world. By choosing to study in France, students are assuring themselves of world-class education coupled with practical training at state-of-the-art universities across the country. A globally recognized degree after graduating from France would also lead to higher job prospects across France and in the international jobs market. Candidates can check out the top 10 universities in France on our website.
B-Schools in France enjoy Triple Accreditation
Multiple business schools in France enjoy Triple Accreditation. Triple accreditation more commonly referred to as the Triple Crown is a quality assurance provided for specific study programmes, or for a specific time. Accreditation is provided by an independent organization that assesses the educational quality of a specific study programme or educational institution.
The Triple Accreditation attributed to business schools in France implies that three organizations, namely, AACSB - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (based in Tampa, Florida, USA), AMBA - The Association of MBAs (based in London, United Kingdom) and the EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) (based in Brussels, Belgium) with its EQUIS accreditation, short for “EFMD Quality Improvement System” have accredited the following business schools in France.
| Lille, France |
Lyon, France |
Rennes, France |
| Angers, France |
Paris, France |
La Rochelle, France |
| Grenoble, France |
Paris, France |
Paris, France |
| Lille, France |
Paris, France |
Bordeaux, France |
| Montpellier, France |
Mont-Saint-Aignan,France |
Toulouse, France |
Wide Range of English Taught Programmes
France does not only boast top universities but also a wide range of courses for students looking to pursue any level of higher education. Campus France - the national agency for the promotion of French higher education abroad, has over 1,400 courses that are 100% taught in English. Campus France also organizes live events and education fairs for direct interactions between students, teachers, and representatives from French institutions. In the academic year 2022-23, the count of international students getting enrolled in a French institution for higher education stood at 412,087. Candidates can also know about the top courses in France from our website.
Cost of Studying in France
Public Universities vs Private Universities: Candidates applying to public universities in France would have to shell out INR 10 L per year at the Licence (Bachelor) level and INR 15 L - 20 L per year at the Master level of studies. Tuition costs in private institutions, and particularly in private business schools, is substantially higher than in public institutions, ranging from INR 25 L 30 L per year for both Bachelors and Master's level.
The cost of studying in France is low compared to countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). The table below shows us the tuition fee comparison between popular courses in France, the UK and the USA. Kindly note that while the fees shown below is the average first-year tuition fee, however, it does set the tone of how much a student would be required to shell out during his entire tenure. Know all about affordable and cheap universities in France on our website.
| Country |
Cost of studying in France |
Cost of Studying in the UK |
Cost of Studying in the USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee by Course (First Year) |
|||
| BE / BTech |
INR 2.5+ L |
INR 40 L |
INR 45 L - 50 L |
| MS |
INR 3.5+ L |
INR 45 L - 50 L |
INR 50 L - 60 L |
| MBA |
INR 25 L - 30 L |
INR 50 L - 80 L |
INR 50 L - 1 Cr |
source: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ and Campus France
Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in France varies as per the candidate's lifestyle and preferences. On an average, living in France would cost you around INR 8.2 L. For the convinience of our readers, we have listed below the breakdown of expenses:
| Particulars | Annual Cost of Living in France (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Housing & Dining | INR 4.3 L |
| Health & Insurance | INR 3.2 L |
| Services & Amenities Fee | INR 74 K |
| TOTAL | INR 8.2 L |
It can be noted that the cost of living in France is low compared to countries such as the USA and the UK. The figures provided below would increase or decrease depending on your location of stay i.e. accommodation/ single stay in the city would be more expensive compared to accommodation in the suburbs and on sharing basis.
| Country |
Annual Cost of Living (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Cost of living in France |
INR 8.2 L |
| Cost of living in the UK |
INR 13 L |
| Cost of living in the USA |
INR 12.5 L - 17 L |
Source: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/
Scholarships to Study in France
Every year, the French Embassy in India along with French companies awards scholarships totalling up to 11 crore Indian rupees to more than 500 meritorious Indian students who wish to pursue their higher education in France. Indian applicants with outstanding academic records have a number of funding options for their studies in France. Popular scholarships for Indian students looking to pursue higher education in France are as follows:
- The Charpak Scholarship Programme
- Raman Charpak Fellowship (PhD)
- La Femis
- Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
- Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
-
Legrand Scholarship Program
Top Student Cities in France
Paris is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations but also a hub of globally renowned universities and is a favourable location for international students looking for study abroad options. According to the QS Best Student City Rankings 2025, the city of Paris stands tall at position #7. Apart from this, most of the popular French universities are situated in the cities of Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble, Lille, Nice, Nantes and more.
| City in France | QS Best Student City Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Paris | 7 |
| Lyon | 47 |
| Toulouse | 97 |
| Montpellier | 138 |
Average Salary in France
Business & Management is one of the most popular education as well as job sectors in France. Other popular job industries for international students in France are Medicine, Law, IT Professions, Engineering, Teaching, and Research. We have given below the details of the average salary in some of the top universities in France:
| University Name |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| HEC Paris |
INR 96.3 L |
| Institute Polytechnic de Paris |
INR 54 L |
| Sorbonne University |
INR 43 L |
| Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon |
INR 96.3 L |
| Ecole des Ponts ParisTech |
INR 1 Cr |
Also Read:
| Popular Job Sectors in France: Top Job Roles & Average Salaries |
France Alumni Programme
A lot of times, students opting to study in France or any country abroad are not sure about being able to get access to the right organizations. Campus France, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched the France Alumni Programme which is aimed at building an engaging and supportive alumni network. It is a platform that enables Indian students, who studied in French higher education institutions, to network, get together, organize events and share experiences. The network also provides support with work placements to help students launch their careers and continue to develop knowledge of professional links. Candidates can get access to the France Alumni portal – India chapter, from the Campus France official website: https://www.campusfrance.org/en Easy visa process
The France study visa is presented in a simple and easy manner for all the students, regardless of their programme level. Candidates who wish to pursue their studies in a higher education institution for a period exceeding 3 months must apply for a long-stay visa for studies. It is recommended to apply well in advance and make sure that your passport is valid for a sufficiently long period when you submit the application. Candidates can learn more about Visa requirements or get assistance on university applications by contacting our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.
Economic Power House
Referred to as an economic powerhouse of Europe, France is a country of traditional, very high-quality craftsmanship. Renowned for its outstanding research and development opportunities. France is home to the world's fifth-largest economy and 31 of the world's 500 most powerful companies. France is home to international corporations such as Airbus, Total, Orange, Sanofi, LVMH, L’Oréal and Danone, to name a few. Hence such a thriving economy would only mean a strong jobs marketplace for young graduating individuals.
Know more about the Difference Between MBA, MIM and MSc in France for International Students
Appealing Destination
Apart from the country’s excellent higher education and research being acknowledged around the world, France is a picturesque destination. The country and its territories are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, seas and oceans and the nightlife in France is all straight out of a Hollywood movie. An extraordinary personal adventure awaits candidates who visit France for their higher education.
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Top Reasons to Study in France FAQs
Q. Is studying in France worth it for Indian students?
A. Yes, studying in France is definitely worth it for Indian students. It offers a unique blend of world-class education, rich culture, affordable tuition fees, and excellent job opportunities. With renowned universities, diverse programs, and a welcoming environment, France provides an ideal platform for Indian students to excel academically and professionally.
Q. What are the benefits of being a student in France?
A. The following are the key benefits of being a student in France:
- Quality education: World-class universities and institutions.
- Affordable tuition fees: Lower costs compared to other European countries.
- Rich culture and history: Immerse yourself in French culture and heritage.
- Language learning: Opportunity to learn French, a global language.
- Career opportunities: Strong job market and international recognition of French degrees.
- Post-study work opportunities: Work permit options available after graduation.
- Multicultural environment: Interact with students from diverse backgrounds.
- Beautiful landscapes: Explore stunning cities and countryside.
- Delicious food: Enjoy French cuisine and culinary experiences.
- Student life: Vibrant student culture and affordable living costs.
Q: Why Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School - France?
Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School in France because:
- Academic excellence: ESSEC Business School is a top-ranked institution in France and is known for its high-quality education. The school has been ranked among the top schools in France and is recognised globally for its academic programs.
- International exposure: The school has a strong international network and welcomes over 200 graduate exchange students each year from top business schools and universities around the world.
- Career opportunities: ESSEC Business School has a strong connection with top companies, such as L'Oréal, Danone, and Procter & Gamble.
Q: How expensive is it to live at ESSEC Business School - France?
According to the ESSEC Business School's official website, the estimated cost of living in France for a student is between €7,000 and €11,000 per year, with an average of €8,000. This includes housing (which includes utilities, charges, and insurance), meals, local transport, telephone, health insurance for the year, and miscellaneous expenses (excluding leisure). The cost of accommodation varies depending on whether you choose to live on or off-campus, with one-bedroom apartments in Paris starting at €800 per month.
Q: Why to choose ESSEC Business School - France for MBA in France rather than HEC Paris?
ESSEC Business School and HEC Paris are both prestigious institutions offering MBA programs in France. In terms of global standing and recruitment, HEC Paris has a better reputation outside of France. However, ESSEC Business School offers a more affordable option for students, especially those taking loans. ESSEC Business School is ranked around 13 in Europe in QS rankings 2023 and has a more affordable tuition fee, reduced to approximately 35,000 Euros with a scholarship.
HEC Paris is ranked as the top business school in Europe in QS rankings 2023 and has a higher tuition fee of 98,000 Euros.
Q: What are the English language requirements at Excelia School of Business?
At Excelia School of Business, students who are admitted to a programme taught in English and whose native language is not English are required to submit an officially recognised English test (IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC/Cambridge). The required level is B2 and the minimum score details are mentioned below:
Exam | Minimum Score |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet based | 72-94 |
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | 5.5-6.0 |
TOEIC | 785-940 |
Q: What scores do I need to have to get a scholarship at ESSEC Business School - France?
The minimum GMAT score for the Global MBA programme is 585, but exceptions can be made if other elements of your application stand out. The ESSEC Academic Excellence scholarship is offered to all international candidates and can cover up to 40% of total tuition fees. You also have to demonstrate academic excellence in your file and in the required tests and obtain a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 out of 4.0 for the BBA program. More than 25% of international students are awarded scholarships for undergraduate programs at ESSEC Business School France.
Q: How to apply for a France visa?
Applying for a student visa to study at Sorbonne University or any other institution in France requires several steps. Here is a general guide to help you with the process:
Acceptance Letter from Sorbonne University:
- Before applying for a visa, you should have already been accepted into a programme at Sorbonne University. Ensure you have received an acceptance letter or an enrollment certificate.
- You may need to demonstrate your proficiency in French or English, depending on your program's language of instruction. Check the specific requirements for your program.
Please note that visa requirements and procedures may change over time, and it's essential to check the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the French Consulate or Embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date information.
Q: What are the job opportunities after doing MBA from ESSEC Business School - France?
After completing an MBA from ESSEC Business School in France, you can expect a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors. Some of the career paths available to ESSEC MBA graduates include:
- Consulting: Graduates can work with top management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain
- Finance: Opportunities in investment banking, private equity, and asset management are available for ESSEC MBA graduates
- Marketing: Graduates can join renowned companies like L'Oréal and Danone to work in marketing roles
- Technology: Jobs in the technology sector are also available for ESSEC MBA graduates
- Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): French business schools, including ESSEC, offer courses focusing on sustainability and CSR, preparing students to become responsible leaders who can make ethical decisions while driving business growth.
Q: What is the cost of a student visa for France?
International students going to France to pursue higher education are required to apply for a student visa before arriving in France. International students enrolled in bachelor/master courses are required to apply for a “Long Stay National Visa”. The cost of processing the ‘Long Stay National Visa’ for study purposes is EUR 99/INR 8,923. This application fee is needed to be paid at the nearest BNP Paribas Branch.
*EUR/INR = 90.13
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