Studying in France
France is one of Europe's largest international study destinations, hosting more than 430,000 international students across public universités and the selective grandes écoles. This is the complete guide: the VLS-TS étudiant visa and the Campus France procedure, the LMD degree system, tuition and the CVEC, working rights and the RECE permit, cities, costs, and how admissions work.
Explore France
Visas
The VLS-TS étudiant long-stay visa, the Campus France procedure, and validating your visa within three months.
Cities
Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille, and Montpellier.
Courses
The LMD system — Licence, Master, Doctorat — and how teaching language and admissions work.
Institutes
Public universités and the selective grandes écoles, and how the two differ.
Working
Working up to 964 hours a year alongside your studies, and the RECE post-study permit.
Cost of living
Tuition at public universities, the CVEC fee, proof of funds, and everyday living costs.
Accommodation
CROUS halls of residence, private student housing, and renting in the open market.
Healthcare
Free registration with French social security, reimbursements, and the optional mutuelle.
Culture
What life as an international student in France is really like, and the role of the French language.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the VLS-TS visa and do I need Campus France to apply?
Most non-EU students study in France on the VLS-TS étudiant, a long-stay visa that doubles as your residence permit for the first year — but you must validate it online within three months of arrival. If you are a national of one of the 46 designated countries, you apply first through the Campus France "Études en France" platform. See our French student visa guide for the full process.
How much is tuition in France for international students?
EU/EEA students pay the standard public rate of around €178 a year for a Licence and €254 for a Master. Non-EU students face "differentiated" tuition of about €2,895 a year for a Licence and €3,941 for a Master, though many universities currently waive or reduce it. Note that differentiated non-EU tuition becomes mandatory from September 2026. Full breakdown in our cost of studying in France guide.
How much money do I need to prove for a French student visa?
You need to show proof of funds of about €615 per month (roughly €7,380 a year) to get your student visa. Your biggest ongoing cost will usually be housing, which varies enormously depending on where and how you live — compare student accommodation in France to budget realistically.
Can international students work in France, and how many hours?
Yes — your student status lets you work up to 964 hours a year, about 60% of full-time or roughly 20 hours a week averaged across the year. It's an annual cap rather than a strict weekly limit, so you can work more during holidays and less around exams. See our working in France guide for details.
Can I stay in France after graduating? What is the RECE?
At master's level, eligible graduates can apply for the RECE (Recherche d'Emploi ou Création d'Entreprise, formerly the APS) — a 12-month, non-renewable permit to look for work or start a business. It is restricted to nationals of countries with a bilateral agreement with France. Learn more about master's study in France and how it connects to the RECE.
Is healthcare free for international students in France?
Yes — students can register free of charge with French social security via etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr, which typically reimburses about 70% of medical costs. Most students also take out an optional mutuelle top-up to cover the rest. You'll also need to pay the mandatory €105 CVEC fee before enrolling. See our healthcare in France guide.
What's the difference between French universities and grandes écoles, and which city should I study in?
Public universités are large, broad, and relatively open to apply to, while the grandes écoles are smaller, highly selective, and often admit via competitive exams — both lead to the same LMD degrees and visa pathway. See our French universities and grandes écoles guide, and compare French student cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse to decide where to live.
Last reviewed . Rules and figures change — always confirm with the official source before applying.