Destination Guide

Study in France

The global hub for Luxury, Fashion, and Management. Home to the elite "Grandes Écoles" and the unique CAF housing subsidy for students.

CAF Subsidy Govt Pays ~40% Rent

Post-Study Visa 2-Year "APS" Visa

Industry Leader #1 in Luxury/Mgmt

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Breakdown of estimated annual expenses (EUR). *Note: The CAF subsidy is available to all international students to reduce rent.

Public Uni Tuition

€2,770 - €3,770

State-Subsidized Rate (Non-EU)

Grande École (Private)

€12,000 - €25,000

Business & Luxury Schools

Visa Financial Proof

€7,380 / Year

Minimum Required (€615/mo)

Housing (After CAF)

€400 - €700 / mo

CAF Subsidy Included

Total First Year (Public)

€12,000+

EUR Per Academic Year (Public Uni)

Avg. Mgmt Salary: €45,000+

Financial Aid

Government Scholarships

France offers generous "Excellence" scholarships funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and top universities.

Eiffel Excellence

The most prestigious French government award. Covers a monthly allowance, return flights, and insurance.

Monthly Allowance €1,200 / Month

Erasmus+ Master

For students entering Joint Master Degrees (Erasmus Mundus). France is a top partner country.

Full Living Stipend €1,400 / Month

France Excellence

Embassy scholarships offered regionally (e.g., France Excellence Europa, Charpak, USA).

Varies by Region Stipend + Waiver

Top University & External Awards Merit Based

HEC Paris Foundation

Excellence

€15,000 - €20,000

Université Paris-Saclay

Intl. Master's

€10,000 / Year

Emile Boutmy (Sciences Po)

Non-EU Merit

Up to €14,210

ENS International

Selection Intl.

€1,000 / Month

INSEAD (MBA)

Diversity

Up to €25,000

VLS-TS Visa

The Roadmap to France

Campus France is your first stop. Once in France, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online within 3 months.

Campus France (EEF)

Mandatory Step

Students from 67 countries (the "Études en France" list) must pass an academic interview with Campus France to obtain their EEF Certificate before applying for a visa.

"EEF Certificate" Required

VLS-TS Visa Application

Embassy / VFS

Apply for the Long Stay Visa (VLS-TS). You will need proof of accommodation (for at least 3 months) and financial proof (€615/month). The visa stamp allows you to enter France.

Proof of Housing Required

Online Validation (The Tax)

Critical In-Country

Within 3 months of arriving, you MUST validate your visa online at the ANEF portal. You will pay a €50 tax stamp. If you miss this deadline, your visa becomes invalid.

Must Validate in 90 Days

APS (Job Seeker Visa)

Post-Study

After graduating with a Master's, you can apply for the APS (Carte de Séjour). This allows you to stay to find a job or start a business.

12 - 24 Months (Varies by Region)

Excellence in Education

Top 3 Universities

France has a unique dual system: The prestigious "Grandes Écoles" (Business/Engineering) and the historic Public Universities.

HEC Paris

Paris (Grande École)

Legendary Status "#1 Master in Mgmt"

The undisputed leader in European business education. Extremely selective private school, but offers the highest ROI in France.

Global Rank #1 (MiM)

Intl. Students 95%

Avg Salary €75k+

Sorbonne University

Paris (Public Uni)

Legendary Status "800 Years of History"

A world-renowned Public University. Famous for Humanities, Science, and Medicine. Lower tuition fees (state-subsidized).

Global Rank #72

Intl. Students 20%

Avg Salary €42k+

IP Paris

Palaiseau (Engineering)

Legendary Status "Home of École Poly."

Institut Polytechnique de Paris. A grouping of 5 elite engineering schools. The most prestigious technical degree in France.

Global Rank #41

Intl. Students 43%

Avg Salary €62k+

France