Masters In France: Eligibility, Top Universities, Courses, & Scholarships

Looking to study masters in France? France's higher education enrollment rate is rising annually, reaching a total of more than 2.9 million students in 2023-2024. It has been recorded that there were more than 140,000 master's degree holders in 2024, including specialized programs, and 1 year masters in France program.

In this blog, The Student Helpline will provide you with insights about the top French universities, top courses to study masters in France, deadlines, costs, and employment opportunities

Overview of Masters in France

The Franco-Indian collaboration 2024 aims to establish an Indian alumni community, offering significant benefits. Indian students who have studied in France for at least one semester will be granted Schengen visas with a validity period of five years, provided they have completed a Master's level degree.

Check out the key highlights before applying to pursue a Master's in France.

Table 1: Study Masters in France Key Highlights

(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, Campus France)

Best Universities In France For Masters 2025

From the leading public universities in France for masters to specific grandes écoles, the high-ranked institutions in France offer excellent academic reputations, affordable education, and reasonably priced cost of living when compared to other nations.

List of 10 best universities in France for Masters (Updated List)

Table 2: Top-Ranking Universities in France for Masters

(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Official university websites) 

These deadlines may vary depending on the course. It's essential to consult The Student Helpline overseas education consultants for precise information.

Acceptance Rate For Master's Program France For Indian Students

15-40% is the acceptance rate to study masters in France. For Indian students seeking a Master's degree in France, the Fall Intake (September/October) has the greatest acceptance rate because major programmes are offered during this intake.

List Of Universities In France For Masters With High Acceptance Rate

1. University of Paris-South XI (99%)
2. University of Strasbourg (85%)
3. University of Montpellier (80%)
4. Aix-Marseille University (75%)
5. University of Bordeaux (80%)

Admission Requirements To Study Masters In France

Are you ready to study masters in France? We have compiled the essential requirements to get admitted to university of your choice.

Listed below are the admission requirements to study MS in France:

• Academic Requirements:
  - 10^th standard: 60% and above
  - 12^th standard: 70% and above
  - A recognized bachelor's degree: 75% and above
• Language Proficiency Requirement:
  - English: IELTS: 60, TOEFL iBT: 80
  - French: B2 level of French (TEF/TCF/DELF exams)
• General Standardized Test Scores (for business and management courses)
  - GRE: 310+
  - GMAT: 650-750

Documents Required To Study Masters in France

• Application filled out and signed by the appropriate authorities
• Authorization of Campus France
• A passport copy
• Evidence of proficiency in either French or English (depends on curriculum)
• Proof of payment of the application fee.
• Academic Transcripts
• A civil liability certificate
• 5-6 Passport-size photographs
• Minimum 2 LOR
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• Portfolio (for creative courses)
• Proof of enrollment in health insurance
• Proof of Funds

Popular Masters Courses In France For Indian Students

From business administration to aerospace engineering, France's higher education system provides the best courses to study masters in France for Indian students.

List Of Popular Master Courses In France For Indian Students

Table 3: Top Courses to Study Masters in France

(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Times Higher Education

Best Scholarships To Study Masters in France

The best universities in France for masters help students finance their education through various scholarship programs. For the year 2023-24, the Eiffel Excellence scholarship program was awarded to around 394 students out of which nearly 360 scholarships were allocated to Masters's level students.

List of best scholarships to study masters in France in 2025-26:

1. Ampère Excellence Scholarships (Up to INR 88.6K/year)
2. Amba Dalmia Scholarship (Covers Monthly stipend & Waiver in visa and tuition fees)
3. Charpak Master Scholarship (Monthly allowance of INR 76 K & accommodation support)
4. INSEAD Indian Alumni Scholarship (Up to INR 22.15 Lakhs)
5. Tiger Master's Excellence Scholarships (Up to INR 8.86 Lakhs for one year & accommodation facility)
6. IDEX Master's Scholarships (Up to INR 7.08 Lakhs to INR 8.86 Lakhs)
7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (Monthly stipend of INR 1.59 Lakhs)
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Scholarship (Full tuition fees & INR 88.6K monthly living allowance)

Cost of Living In France For Indian Students

The cost of living in France is INR 61K to INR 1.40L (monthly) which is approximately 10% lower as compared to the United States of America. Listed below is the total cost of master's in France for Indian students:

• Tuition Fees for Masters in France: INR 1.8 Lakhs to INR 26.58 Lakhs/year
• Living Expenses (including rent): INR 6.20 Lakhs to INR 12.48 Lakhs/year
• Transportation Cost: INR 35 K to INR 75 K/year
• Utilities: INR 1.9 Lakhs/year
• Food and Groceries: INR 3.18 Lakhs/year

While gathering the data on the cost of living in France for a student, it was observed that the rent is the largest contributor to the overall cost of living, especially in cities like Paris and Nice. To provide an overview, listed below is average cost of living per month for students in various cities in France.

Table 4: Cost of Living in various cities in France for Indian students. The average monthly cost includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses.

(Source: Campus France India)

Student Visa To Study Masters In France

The VLS-TS (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour "étudiant) student visa is a long-stay student visa to study masters in France which will allow you to stay in the country for more than 4 months to one year. However, upon arrival you are required to validate your VLS-TS student visa so that it can serve as a residence permit, allowing you to stay for the whole academic duration in France.

What does VLS-TS Student Visa Offer?

• Access to travel to Schengen Area
• Work 964 hours every year (20 hours/week)
• Use VISALE (free security deposit service)
• Use CAF services for rental subsidies
• Eligible to apply for a Multi-Annual Residence Permit

Masters In France Placements & Salary

LVMH (Louis Vuitton), Apple, Chanel, Google and L’Oreal are the major and top recruiters in France. Around 20% of the graduates from universities in France for masters have been recruited so far by the top-ranking Multi-National Companies.

Listed Below Are The Top Universities With High Graduate Employability Ranking And Salary For Masters In France

Table 5: Top Universities in France that have offered Highest Salaries

(Source: Time Higher Education and Official French University Websites)

The Student Helpline's Take On Masters in France For Indian Students

Masters in France for Indian students is a great opportunity to receive an academic and cultural experience. France can offer a great foundation setting for postgraduate studies. Regardless of whether you are interested in management, engineering, or arts, French universities provide a wide range of programs to choose from.

The Student Helpline highly recommends this study abroad venture and is dedicated to assist students through the admission process in colleges in France for masters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Are The Top Universities In France For 1 Year Masters?

University, École Polytechnique, and Sciences Po, HEC Paris and INSEAD are some of the top universities in France for 1 year masters. These institutions provide great opportunities for international students to learn.

Is French Language Proficiency Required For Masters In France?

Yes, certain universities in France such as Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV), etc. require you to have a minimum B2 level of French proficiency.

Which Universities Offer Masters In Computer Science In France?

École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and CentraleSupélec lec are the top universities that provide masters in computer science in France. Connect with The Student Helpline to gain insight on the application process for these universities.

Can I Pursue 1 Year Masters In France?

Yes, 1 year masters in France is possible for business and management-related courses including HEC Paris, Sciences Po Paris, ESSEC Business School, etc.

Are Public Universities In France For Masters Affordable?

Yes, the cost of public universities in France for master's is relatively low compared to private countries.

• Public Universities tuition fees: INR 3,40,000 - INR 3,60,000
• Private Universities tuition fees: INR9,00,000 - INR 27,00,000

Which Are The Best Universities In France For Masters In Management?

HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC Business School are some of the best universities for masters in management in France. These institutions are particularly famous for their management courses.

What is M1 Certificate for Campus France?

M1 means the first year of a master's whereas M2 means the second year of a master's degree in France. With M1 entry you can enroll in a two-year master's program in France, however, an M2 master's degree is a one-year program that may only be completed after earning an M1 certificate.

Can I stay in France after my studies to work?

Yes, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (APS) which will allow you to work for 1 year in France. After getting a suitable job you can increase you APS residence permit into a long-term residence permit.