Study in France
Study in France with Gate to Globe
France is among the best study locations among Nepali students, the universities are of the best rank, the fees are low, and the diplomas are recognized throughout the world. France offers not only a good education in business and engineering but also boasts of a good culture and contemporary lifestyle. At the same time studying in France would give you the international exposure and you would get to explore unlimited opportunities in one of the most innovative countries in Europe.
At the Gate to Globe, we facilitate making the dream of studying in France come true to Nepali students. We have knowledgeable counselors who will guide you on all the processes such as course choice and university application, visa facilitation and scholarship support. France is the ideal choice to do your higher studies with reasonable living standards, internship and post study employment opportunities. You have been dreaming of studying in France since Nepal and now you are finally planning to do it, start your study abroad adventure with Gate to Globe.
Why Study in France?
France is one of the leading destinations that Nepali students resort to to get a good education, international exposure and culture. France has the best combination of universities, cheap tuition fees, and a variety of programs in English which makes it the best place to study and live in. France is the right place where the student can acquire international experience, post-study work opportunities, and internship, which makes it a successful global career.
Study in France Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Universities | 80+ (including top-ranked Sorbonne, Sciences Po, Ecole Polytechnique) |
| Average Living Cost | €12,000–18,000 per year |
| Popular Courses | MBA, Engineering, Business, Hospitality, Art & Design, Computer Science |
| Part-Time Work Allowance | 20 hours/week during term; full-time during holidays |
| Post-Study Work Permit (PSW) | 1–3 years (depending on degree level) |
| Student Visa Cost | €99–€120 |
Understanding the Education System at French Universities
The French system of higher education may appear to be quite peculiar, however, it is student-oriented. France boasts of more than 3,500 institutions, which work under a dual system under a nationally recognised system. It consists primarily of state-funded institutions of higher education and the reputable Grandes Ecoles.
The Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) structure that is based on the European Bologna Process is at the core of the system. This will guarantee that all French degrees (Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates) and their respective ECTS credits will be highly recognized globally, and therefore, easy movement of students.
Universities: The 72 public universities in France are the pillars of higher education and they are offering a great variety of LMD programs. Their high level of research specialization and wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines are known.
Grandes Écoles: These are elite schools which are very selective and provide specialisation in fields like engineering, business and public administration. They are normally admitted by way of competitive examination, and are famously known to create future leaders. Similar to universities, they award LMD compliant degrees, and may be state-owned or privately owned.
Also, there are numerous specialised institutions in the French education system: 227 engineering schools, 220 business and management schools, 45 public art schools, 271 doctoral schools and many research centres. They have comprehensive possibilities of academic and professional specialisation together. The French government is in a position to ensure that their national diplomas are highly valued and recognized internationally.
Upcoming Intakes in France
| Intake | Application Period | Program Start | Ideal For | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 (Fall) | Oct 1, 2025 – Dec 15, 2025 | Mid to Late September 2026 | Most undergraduate & postgraduate programs | Via Etudes en France platform (DAP/HDAP) |
| January 2026 (Spring) | Sep 2025 – Nov 2025 | Early January 2026 | Limited programs in Business, IT & some Engineering fields | Direct university application or via Etudes en France if available |
Top Universities to Study in France
| Rank | University | QS World Ranking | THE World Ranking | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Universite PSL | 28 | 48 | Interdisciplinary research, Sciences & Humanities |
| 2 | Ecole Polytechnique | 41 | 67 | Engineering, Technology |
| 3 | Universite Paris-Saclay | 70 | 68 | Engineering, Science & Technology |
| 4 | Universite Paris-Saclay | 72 | 76 | Sciences, Humanities, Medicine |
| 5 | Université Paris Cité | 300 | 190 | Health Sciences, Humanities |
| 6 | Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 205 | 251-300 | Humanities, Sciences |
| 7 | Universite Grenoble Alpes | 321 | 351-400 | Engineering, Science |
| 8 | Sciences Po | 367 | 601-800 | Political Science, International Relations |
| 9 | INSA Lyon | 406 | 801-1000 | Engineering |
| 10 | Université de Strasbourg | 420 | - | Multidisciplinary Programs |
Required Documents to Study in France
Here is a handy checklist of documents you will typically need to submit:
Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, and/or degree mark sheets)
A valid passport
Language test scores (IELTS Academic/TOEFL or DELF/DALF)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV or resume
- Portfolio (for design, architecture, or art courses)
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
Cost of Studying in France
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost (in EUR) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | €2,850 per year at public universities |
| Master's degree | €3,879 per year at public universities |
| Doctorate Level | €391 - the government takes care of the rest |
| Private Universities | €6,000 to €18,000 per year |
Scholarships and Financial Aid to Study in France
The scholarships that are worth considering to reduce your economic load are quite numerous:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship– This includes a monthly allowance of 1181 to master and 1400 to PhD student, travel allowance, health insurance and cultural activities.
- Campus France Scholarships -Nepali students have a number of different choices, which include a part or full tuition, as well as a monthly allowance of 700-1000 Euros.
- Erasmus+ Programme – Joint degrees costs 1,000 -1,500 monthly with funding, travel and set-up expenses.
- University-specific Grants – A large number of universities have merit-based scholarships which cover tuition fees of 25 to 100 percent. See the websites of separate universities.
In addition to these, investigate lower tuition and housing assistance. Any bit is helpful in planning your studies.
Student Visa Process to Study in France
According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Boston University, getting a student visa involves these steps:
Here is what you need to do:
- You must be over 18 years of age
- You must have already chosen your training course or studies
- You must be accepted by a higher education establishment
- Apply and receive an offer letter from a recognised French institution
- Apply for a France Student Visa
- Short Stay Visa for courses not exceeding 3 months
- Long Stay Visa for courses between 3 and 6 months
- Long Stay Visa equivalent to Residence Permit for courses above 6 months
- Pay the France Student Visa fee of EUR 99 or NPR 15,961
- Once you have received confirmation on email
- Schedule your visa appointment through the France Visas website.
- Prepare required documents: Gather your passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, and accommodation details.
- Attend your visa appointment: Submit documents and biometrics and wait for the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in France if I cannot speak French but only English?
Yes you can study in France although you only speak English as opposed to French. Several French Universities have English-taught courses particularly in the masters level. Being an international student, a firm grip on the medium language of instruction the English language will be required.
What GPA is required to study in France?
A minimum of 2.5 to 3.0 GPA (but varies according to universities) is generally required but it varies by course and university. Every university and course requires a specific minimum qualification based on the toughness of their programme designed for international students.
Can I get a job in France if I do not speak French?
Yes, you can get a job in France if you do not speak French, especially in global companies and tech roles. However, knowing French can improve your chances of getting part-time jobs while you study as an international student. It also eases your day-to-day struggles with the local vendors.
Do I need IELTS to study in France?
It depends. Some programmes accept other proofs of English proficiency, but many still prefer an IELTS Academic score. It is suggested to check the official course page on the university website thoroughly for English as well as French language requirements and exam acceptance along with their scores.
Why is studying in France so affordable?
Studying in France is relatively affordable when compared to the other top destinations for international students as public universities are heavily subsidised by the government, which keeps tuition fees low for global students applying from anywhere across the world.