How to study in France: universities, Parcoursup and key steps for international students

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Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: Campus France, Parcoursup, Service-Public.fr

France is one of the most popular destinations for international students: public universities with low tuition fees, world-renowned grandes écoles, and a housing-aid system (APL) accessible from the first month. This guide explains how to apply, enrol and handle the essential paperwork.

The French higher-education system

Public universities (universités publiques): affordable, with reduced tuition fees (around €170/year for a Licence, €243 for a Master). They offer the widest range of degree programmes.
Grandes écoles: selective institutions (engineering, business, political science). Entry is by competitive exam or application. Public grandes écoles charge fees similar to universities; private ones can exceed €10,000/year.
BTS and IUT: short professional programmes (2–3 years) highly valued in the job market.
LMD structure: Licence (3 years), Master (2 years), Doctorat (3+ years), aligned with the European Bologna system.

How to apply: Parcoursup and Campus France

If you already live in France (or are an EU citizen)

Parcoursup (parcoursup.fr) is the centralised platform for first-year higher-education applications (Licence, BTS, CPGE, etc.). The typical calendar is:

January–March: registration and submission of choices (up to 10 options).
April: confirmation of choices.
June–July: admission phase (offers and responses).
September: supplementary phase.

EU citizens use Parcoursup under the same conditions as French students.

If you live outside France (non-EU)

Campus France (campusfrance.org) is the main portal. Applications are made through the “Études en France” procedure (DAP or Hors-DAP depending on your situation). You will need to:

Create an account on the Campus France portal in your country.
Select programmes and institutions.
Provide academic documents (diplomas, transcripts, language certificates).
Attend an interview (required in some countries).
Obtain your admission, then apply for a student visa.

Student visa

EU citizens: no visa or residence permit required.
Non-EU nationals: you need a visa de long séjour pour études (VLS-TS étudiant). Apply at the French consulate in your country after obtaining your admission.
Upon arrival in France, you must validate your visa online at ANEF within 3 months.

Sécurité sociale for students

International students register for free with the Sécurité sociale through etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. Registration can begin even before you arrive in France. There is no need to wait 3 months. See our guide to the Sécurité sociale number.

Housing aid

Students are entitled to APL (housing aid) from the CAF from the first month, regardless of nationality. Apply at caf.fr as soon as you sign your rental contract. See our guide to CAF benefits.

Working while studying

International students with a student visa can work up to 964 hours per year (equivalent to 60% of a full-time job). No additional work authorisation is needed.

Scholarships and funding

French government scholarships: through Campus France or French embassies.
Erasmus+ grants: for European students on exchange programmes.
Scholarships from your home country: many countries offer grants for studying in France.
Tuition waivers: some universities offer partial or full fee exemptions for international students.

French-language requirements

Most French-taught programmes require a certified B2 level (DELF B2, TCF or TEF). Some Master’s and doctoral programmes are taught in English and require IELTS or TOEFL. Check the language requirements of each programme before applying.

Related guides

Official sources

Calendars, fees and requirements may vary by programme, institution and nationality. Check directly with Campus France and the institution for up-to-date information.