Why study in France

France has long been one of the world’s leading destinations for international education, attracting hundreds of thousands of students each year. With its world-class universities, globally recognised degrees, affordable tuition, and strong links between academia and industry, France offers an education experience that is both high-quality and practical. Beyond academics, students benefit from generous government support, a vibrant cultural environment, and excellent career opportunities during and after their studies. Below are the key reasons why France continues to be a top choice for international students worldwide.

1. World-class higher education

French universities and Grandes Écoles are globally renowned for their high academic standards. You can refer to rankings by Financial Times or top MBA program rankings (2025). Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees awarded by French universities follow the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) standards, ensuring international recognition and academic quality. France offers diverse qualifications tailored to students’ goals, levels, and study duration.

2. An education system open to all international students

France ranks seventh worldwide in the number of international students, hosting around 445.000 students in 2024 – 2025. It is also the top destination for students who do not use English as their primary language. Currently, more than 6.000 Vietnamese students are studying and working in France. You can also enroll in programs taught entirely in English.

3. Affordable study costs

The French government subsidizes about two-thirds of the tuition fees for non-EU international students at public universities; students only pay the remaining one-third.

• Tuition in French: approx. €200 – €1.000/year;
• Tuition in English: approx. €5.000 – €15.000/year, depending on the field;
• Accommodation: €300 – €500/month, often 50% subsidized;
• Food: €200 – €500/month if cooking at home. 

4. Scholarships

Various social support funds and scholarships are available for international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, or Doctoral programs. See detailed information here.

5. Student benefits equivalent to French students

International students enjoy the same benefits as local students, helping reduce living costs. You may apply for housing support from CAF (the French Housing Assistance Fund). You must register for social health insurance to receive reimbursement for medical expenses. Students also receive discounts on entertainment, transportation, and restaurants. You may dine at university cafeterias for €3.2, comparable to the price of a simple street snack!

6. Practice-oriented academic programs

Higher education in France emphasizes practical skills. Internships in companies are compulsory in many fields (law, economics, architecture, etc.). These internships help students adapt to professional environments and often serve as a pathway toward full-time employment after graduation.

7. Strong emphasis on research alongside practical training

France hosts around 67,000 PhD candidates, with 42% being international students. The French system encourages Master’s graduates to pursue doctoral studies. A PhD takes 3 – 6 years and allows candidates to conduct research while gaining professional experience. 

Students can work in prestigious research institutes such as CNRS, INRA, INSERM, and many others. France invests 2.23% of its GDP (around €45 billion annually) in public and private research and ranks fourth worldwide in Nobel Prize achievements.

8. Opportunity to learn a widely used international language

French is spoken by 200 million people and studied by 745,000 learners across five continents. It is an official and working language of the European Union, United Nations agencies, and the Olympic Games. France, the world’s fifth-largest trading nation, is a major economic partner for many countries, especially within Europe.

9. Part-time work during studies

International students holding a French residence permit may work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week) without a work permit. The minimum wage was €11.88. 

10. Pleasant living environment and opportunities for European travel

France is the world’s most visited country, with rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and exceptional cuisine. Its infrastructure – especially transportation and healthcare – is highly developed. Universities are often located in city centers, offering easy access to cultural and social activities.

With a French student visa, you can travel freely across the Schengen Area without applying for additional visas. Travel within Europe is extremely convenient, with affordable options such as buses, high-speed trains, and low-cost flights.

11. Employment and residency opportunities in France

Graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit (APS), allowing them to stay in France for one year to look for employment, with the possibility of long-term residence if eligible. See more details here.

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