Studying in France as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In France, tuition at a public university is €3,950 / yr for a master’s and €2,902 / yr for a bachelor’s. For the student visa you must show €877.50 / mo, you can work 964 h / yr while studying, and you can stay 12 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | €3,950 / yrPublic master’s, non-EU rate, 2026–27 | €2,902 / yrPublic licence, non-EU rate, 2026–27; universities may waive it |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | €8k to €30kGrandes écoles, est. | €8k to €30kPrivate schools, est. |
| Money to show for the visa | €877.50 / mo€10,530 a year to show | |
| Visa and permit fees | About €400, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ €30,300 | ≈ €42,100 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget), for the whole degree, plus visa fees once.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | No visa |
| United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Koreaand some other passports | Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) before travel, usually via Campus France |
| Most other countries | Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) before travel, via Campus France |
Work rights
- While studying: 964 h / yr.
- After graduating: 12 months (APS permit after a master’s). After a bachelor’s: None after a general licence.
Will my degree from France be recognized?
Public universities award national master’s degrees. At a private school, look for a diploma that confers the ‘grade de master’, the strongest sign, or at least a state-approved ‘diplôme visé’. An RNCP level-7 title is a professional certification, not a master’s degree, and names like ‘mastère’, ‘MSc’ or ‘MBA’ are not protected.
Check an institution: CEFDG: business school diplomas and grades · France Compétences: RNCP register
For a bachelor’s: First-year licence applicants usually file a preliminary admission request (DAP); for 2027–28 the deadline is 15 December 2026. About 125 undergraduate programmes are taught in English, against about 1,200 master’s.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): Parcoursup applications are per programme, but some universities run first-year ‘portails’ where you choose your licence subject in year 2 (for example UVSQ, sciences). To renew your residence permit, a change of course must be explained.
- Medicine or dentistry: Entry is through a first year called PASS or LAS, then a ranked selection for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and midwifery. Non-EU applicants file a DAP; French at C1 is typically required (for example Université Paris Cité).
- Art, design or music: National art schools admit by entrance exam with a portfolio; the national conservatoires (CNSMD) by competitive exam.
Recent official changes for France
- No rule change for France has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare France
See France next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in France?
Tuition at a public university is €3,950 / yr a year for a master’s and €2,902 / yr for a bachelor’s. With the money you must show for the visa, a 2-year master’s comes to about €30,300 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in France?
€877.50 / mo (€10,530 a year to show).
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes: 964 h / yr.
Can I stay in France after graduating?
12 months (APS permit after a master’s).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Préfecture du Bas-Rhin: student funds from 1 August 2026
- Ministry of Higher Education: differentiated fees FAQ
- Aix-Marseille University: official 2026–27 fee schedule
- Service-Public.fr: housing aid for foreign students
- Service-Public.fr: 2026–27 university fees
- Service-Public.fr: residence permit to look for work after studies
- Ministry of Higher Education: DAP notice 2027–28
- Campus France USA: programmes taught in English
- CEFDG: business school diplomas and grades
- France Compétences: RNCP register
- UVSQ: science portals
- Service-Public.fr: student residence permit
- Université Paris Cité: health studies for international students
- Ministry of Culture: getting into a national art school
Information, not legal or immigration advice.