France is gaining popularity amongst Indian students because of several factors, such as providing an extraordinary blend of programs related to Arts, Design, Technology, Science, Culture, and Management, setting a target of 30,000 indian students on French soil by 2030, and offering affordable tuition fees. quality education, a high standard of living, and so on. As far as the latest International data is concerned, France has hosted around 4,30,000 International students for the year 2023-24.
It used to be Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia, which always used to dominate the chart for Indian students preferences for study abroad, but now the gear is shifting gradually as the Indian students are now mulling over landing in France, as it is also one of the reputed study destinations across the globe. As far as the stats are concerned, according to education ministry data highlighted by Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education, France has witnessed a surge in enrollment.
In 2022, 6,406 Indian students chose France to pursue their further studies, whereas in 2023, the number increased to 7,484; the same trend was followed in the 2024 figure, where 8,536 Indian students flocked to France to complete different study programs. Though France has all the capabilities yet it was underestimated by the Indian students, so let’s learn some of the reasons that
Indian students should choose to study in France
- Top-Notch Institutions
- Blend of programs
- Affordable Tuition Fee
- Robust Economy and Job Opportunities
- Schengen Area ticket
- CDI (Indefinite Employment) – can not be fired, lifetime
- Top-Notch Institutions
France is known for its marvelous academics and the french institutions always find the spot in top 100 QS ranking, as per the recent ranking 2025, Four French Universities comes under the top 100 podium, where PSL University topped the rank on 24th position then Poltechnic Institute of Paris ranked 46th position, apart from it Sorbonne University ranked 63rd whereas University of Paris Saclay ranked 73rd in the list.
- Blend of programs
The one thing that sets the French education system unique is that it offers a combination of different fields of study, such as science and humanities programs like psychology, cognitive science, etc., business and tech combination programs like tech management, digital business. The institutions in France allow dual degrees and even partnerships with universities abroad.
- Affordable Tuition Fee
In France, the government provides full support to higher education institutions so that not only EU citizens but also International students can get an education at a subsidized rate. Many finest scholarships are granted by the French government specifically to Indian students, such as the Charpak Scholarship and, Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. These scholarships not only take the financial burden down but also offer living expenses to the students.
- Robust Economy and Job Opportunities
France is a developed nation and has the 7th largest economy in the world and the second largest in Europe after Germany. It is a founding member of the European Union, the G7, the OECD, and the Eurozone. It offers amazing job opportunities in almost every sector, such as Tech & IT, Engineering, Finance, Consulting, Healthcare, Tourism, Green Economy, Luxury Fashion and Design, etc. For International students, it allows a post-study work visa for one year after completion of the studies, plus the companies in France also offer permanent job contracts, which is known as CDI or Contrat à Durée Indéterminée.
- Schengen Area ticket
Since France is a part of the Schengen Area, it allows students to roam around 29 countries that are part of the Schengen Area. This lures indian students who are always up for travel adventure and love to know other cultures as well.
Affordable Universities in France for Indian Students
Let’s explore the affordable and best Universities in France for Indian students that offer English-taught programs as well.
- Université Grenoble Alpes
- Université d’Orléans
- Université de Paris
- Université de Montpellier‘
- Université de Strasbourg
- Université de Lille
- University Name – Université Grenoble Alpes
- Founded – 1339
- Campus – Grenoble
- Popular Programs – Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, Political Science, Law, Language, Engineering, Science, Technology, etc.
- International Students – 11,000 International Students
- Average Tuition Fee – 170 Euro per year (UG), 243 Euro per year (PG)
- QS Ranking – 334 overall ( 22nd for Geology and 23rd for Geophysics)
- University Name – Université d’Orléans
- Founded – 1306
- Campus – Orléans
- Popular Programs – Law, Social Sciences, Technology, Management, Economics
- International Students – Approx 2,000
- Average Tuition Fee – 170 – 650 Euro per year( Depends on the program)
- QS Ranking – 1500+
- University Name – Université de Paris
- Founded -1896
- Campus – Paris
- Popular Programs – Computer Science, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology
- International Students – Around 10,000
- Average Tuition Fee – 1850 Euro per year (Bachelor), 3800 Euro per year (Master)
- QS Ranking – 302
- University Name – Université de Montpellier
- Founded – 1289
- Campus – Montpellier
- Popular Programs – Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Medicine, Law
- International Students – Around 6700
- Average Tuition Fee – 170 Euro per year (Bachelor), 243 Euro per year (Master)
- QS Ranking – 448
- University Name – Université de Strasbourg
- Founded – 1262
- Campus – Strasbourg
- Popular Programs – Arts, Literature, Law, Management, Science, and Technology
- International Students – Around 12,000
- Average Tuition Fee – 184 Euro per year (Bachelor), 243 Euro per year ( Master)
- QS Ranking – 456
- University Name – Université de Lille
- Founded – 1559
- Campus – Lille
- Popular Programs – Medicine, Engineering, Law
- International Students – 11,000
- Average Tuition Fee – 170 Euro per year ( bachelor), 243 Euro per year
- QS Ranking– 721-730
Some of the other institutions in France that provide well-mannered education with an affordable fee structure are Université de Nantes, Université Jean Moulin Lyon, and Université de Lorraine etc. According to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Countries for Education rankings, France consistently ranks fifth. France is a hub for the arts, culture, food, and fashion, which draws students there in addition to its academic offerings. There is no doubt that France has been taking the momentum in a gradual manner, and in the upcoming years, it will find its spot in the top 5 best countries to study.
