Study in France

Studying in France for Pakistani students is an excellent opportunity to pursue higher education and gain exposure to a multicultural community. In 2026, Pakistani students are increasingly choosing to study in France. Because it is a part of Europe, students from other continents find it particularly appealing. Study in France provides excellent travel and post-graduation employment prospects, as well as access to the larger European continent.

The nation provides affordable tuition for top-notch education. The cost of public universities is relatively low. The annual cost of Bachelor's programs is approximately €2,770 for non-EU students, such as Pakistanis, and the cost of Master's degrees is approximately €3,770. Even more affordable are PhD programs, which often cost only a few hundred euros. Engineering, science, the arts, and social sciences are among the many courses offered by public universities. With deadlines typically falling between February and April, the majority have their biggest intake in September.

The annual tuition cost at private colleges and Grandes Écoles is higher, ranging from €6,000 to €15,000. These institutions focus on specialized fields such as business, fashion, design, and hospitality. English is used to teach several programs. While some universities accept evidence of prior English-language instruction, IELTS or TOEFL scores are frequently required. The visa acceptance rate in France is 90%. Applicant must have financial proof, which means having at least (7380+tuition fees) euros in your bank account.

There are scholarships available to assist with expenses, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. To help themselves, international students might also work part-time. Students can apply for a work visa to remain in France and seek employment after completing their studies.

École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, HEC Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, and Sorbonne University are among the best universities to think about. France is a fantastic option for Pakistani students, offering high-quality education and access to Europe's professional and cultural networks.

Key points of studying in France

Why choose France for Higher Education

High-Quality Education: The grandes écoles and esteemed universities of France are renowned for their academic prowess. It provides reputable, internationally recognized programs in business, engineering, the arts, and the sciences.

Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to many other nations, tuition at French public colleges is inexpensive. Government grants and scholarships are frequently advantageous to international students.

Wide Range of Programs in English and French: English-only degree programs are offered by numerous French universities. This gives non-French speakers options and allows them to learn French.

Rich Cultural Experience: France is known for its world-class gastronomy, thriving art scene, and rich cultural legacy. Students love seeing European culture and living in towns with a rich history.

Strong Global Recognition: Internationally recognized degrees from French universities are frequently associated with significant international enterprises. This creates global opportunities for employment or additional education.

Work opportunities: Students are permitted to apply for a post-study work visa and to work part-time while enrolled in classes. Additionally, graduates who want to remain and work in France after completing their degrees are supported.

Central Location in Europe: France's central location in Europe makes it simple to travel to other EU nations. This makes it perfect for international networking, internships, and travel.

Why Apply with Universities Page

• It can be not easy to decide which country, university, or program is best for you when you are studying abroad. Universities Page is a trustworthy and valuable resource for Pakistani students who wish to study in France or other prestigious European nations. Since each student is unique, we help you select the best program in France based on your financial situation, professional objectives, and CGPA.
• With more than six years of experience, our kind counselors are always here to help. They guide you through every stage, from selecting the best university to getting your paperwork ready. To increase your chances of acceptance, we identify three to five French universities that align with your interests and academic background. To ensure your application is complete and ready for the embassy, we also assist you in preparing crucial documents, such as your statement of purpose and financial evidence.
•  Our staff is highly knowledgeable about French university regulations and the student visa application process. We support you all the way —from gaining admission to preparing for your visa interview. Universities Page has already helped over 1,000 students begin their studies in France. Allow us to assist you in starting your trip with assurance.

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Scholarships in France

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
• France Excellence Scholarship
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship
• Emile Boutmy Scholarship
• Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
• Ampere Excellence Scholarship

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

Students pursuing Master's degrees (up to 25 years) and doctoral degrees (up to 30 years) in science, engineering, economics, law, and political science are eligible for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. The application deadline is January 8, 2026. With monthly stipends (€1,181 for Master's degrees and €1,700–1,800 for doctoral degrees), flights, insurance, housing, cultural events, and tuition exemptions, it provides up to 24 months for Master's degrees and 36 months for doctoral degrees. Candidates apply via nominations from French universities.

2. France Excellence Scholarship (French Embassy)

Pakistani nationals under 28 with 16 years of schooling are eligible for this Master's fellowship, which focuses on climate, environment, agriculture, and energy. January 2026 is often the deadline for applications. Benefits include health insurance, flights, a monthly salary of €700-€800, a full tuition waiver, and a waiver of visa fees. The Campus France Pakistan portal is used to submit applications.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship

This Master's scholarship is available to non-EU students, including those from Pakistan, and offers two-year joint degrees throughout the EU. Depending on the program, application dates range from December to January. Engineering, economics, photonics, and other subjects are among the areas of study. Benefits include insurance, travel reimbursement, a monthly salary of more than €1,000, and complete tuition coverage. Applications are submitted via the relevant Erasmus Mundus program websites in the EMJMD Catalogue.

4. Emile Boutmy Scholarship

Both undergraduate and graduate students accepted at Sciences Po are eligible for this grant; the application deadlines are in February for undergraduate programs and December for Master's programs. Students from outside the EU are welcome. Benefits for Master's students are from €10,000 to €13,000 annually, including a potential €5,000 living stipend, while benefits for Bachelor's students vary from €3,600 to €13,000. The Pakistan Merit Scholarship is also open to qualified Pakistani students. The Sciences Po admissions method is used to submit applications.

5. Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

Non-EU students under 30 who are accepted into a Master's program for the 2026–2027 academic year are eligible to apply for the Master's scholarship at Université Paris-Saclay. After the program coordinator selects an applicant by May 5, 2026, the scholarship application deadline is May 9, 2026. Late June 2026 will see the publication of the results. Depending on the entry level (M1 or M2), the scholarship grants €10,000 annually for one or two years, plus up to €900 for travel and visa costs.

For qualified students, tuition costs are frequently already lowered. Only students who have been chosen will receive an email invitation to apply for the scholarship. Applications are submitted through the Master's program admissions process.

6. Ampere Excellence Scholarship

This Master’s scholarship is offered by ENS Lyon for international students with an excellent academic record in Sciences, Arts, or Humanities. The deadline for applications is January 2026. Selected students at ENS Lyon benefit from almost free tuition and a monthly stipend of €1,000. High-achieving international students pursuing graduate studies at one of France's top universities are supported by the grant.

Top Universities in France

1. University of Lyon
2. École Polytechnique
3. Sciences Po
4. HEC Paris
5. Université Paris-Saclay
6. Sorbonne University
7. INSEAD (private business school)

1. University of Lyon

Prestigious Master's programs and courses in computer science, economics, physics, mathematics, earth sciences, and humanities are available at ENS de Lyon, which is ranked approximately 205 in the world. The tuition cost is about €250/year. Admission requires the IELTS or an equivalent English language test. Programs under the co-accreditation of Université de Lyon prioritize research, innovation, and cross-disciplinary training.

2. École Polytechnique

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, the esteemed French university École Polytechnique, usually referred to as l'X, is placed 493rd in the world. It provides demanding courses in economics, engineering, and science. Non-EU students pay about €18,800 in tuition per year. Proficiency in English is required, typically assessed through the IELTS or similar exams. With an estimated acceptance rate of 20%, the admissions process is highly competitive. With more than 40% of its teachers and students coming from outside, the university maintains a significant global presence.

3. Sciences Po

Sciences Po is ranked 563 in the world. Undergraduate and graduate tuition costs for non-EEA students are €14,720 and €20,380 annually, respectively. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is necessary. About 20% of candidates are accepted each year, which is a competitive acceptance rate.

4. HEC Paris

The Master of Management program at HEC Paris, which is ranked 41 in the world, costs €9,000 to enroll in. The acceptance rate is about 20%. For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 7.0 or above is required. The course is delivered in English, and fluency in French is not necessary.

5. Université Paris-Saclay

Tuition for programs at Université Paris-Saclay, ranked 70th in the world, ranges from €178 to €400. IELTS is necessary for non-native English speakers. The university is a selective institution of higher education, with an admission rate of about 20%.

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Admission Requirements and Documents List

• CNIC Front and Backside
• Passport First page
• Matric (Marksheet + Certificate)
• Intermediate (Marksheet + Certificate)
• University (Transcript {Front + Back} + Degree)
• Medium of instruction + IELTS
• Recommendation letter (Professor's email mandatory on the letter for the Master's)
• Formal passport-size photo (White background) in JPEG format
• Passport (with at least 1.8 months left in expiry).
• Achievements.
• Experiences, Certificates, Internship, Projects, Thesis, and Volunteer experiences, etc.

Visa Requirements and Documents List

• 2 Copy visa form (3 photos)
• Passport (A4 page recommended)
• AEG ki appointment (small page)
• ID card (single page, front and back color copy)
• Admission Letter.
• EEF payment slip.
• Cover Letter.
• CV
• Educational docs (starting from Bachelor’s degree+ Transcript+ Inter degree+ Matric)
• English Proficiency letter (degrees k bad)
• Certificates
• Experience Letters (optional)
• Sponsor Docs (starting from Affidavit + FRC + Bank maintenance letter +Bank statement + Sponsor ID + Job letter etc + Partnership/ Sale deed etc)
• Accommodation Proof

Cost of Living

Part-time Working Hours and Jobs Opportunity

To supplement their living expenses and gain valuable work experience, international students in France are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week as part of their studies. Graduates with a Master's degree or above are eligible to apply for the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS), a two-year post-study work (PSW) visa. This provides a route to long-term career options in France or the larger European labor market, enabling them to remain in the country and seek work or launch a business.

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Jobs in France

• Retail: Working in shops, supermarkets, or malls
• Hospitality: Working in cafés, restaurants, bars, and hotels
• Tutoring: Especially for those who are proficient in English or other subjects
• Administrative: Working in offices or providing support roles in various organizations
• Library assistant: Working in a library
• Activity leader: Leading cultural or social activities
• Student health representative: Working in student health
• Receptionist: Working as a receptionist

Student Life in France

French student life is lively, varied, and rich in culture. Life is interesting and reasonably priced, with everything from historic campuses and top-notch education to vibrant cafés and student discounts. Students have access to festivals, museums, and beautiful European trips. France is the perfect place for international students seeking a top-notch education and life-changing experiences, offering a healthy blend of academics and adventure, along with part-time employment opportunities and first-rate public transportation.

Final Note

Pakistani students have access to top-notch instruction, affordable tuition, and substantial subsidies when they study in France. France offers a perfect setting for both academic and personal development, with a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and cultural variety. For individuals seeking quality, opportunity, and global exposure, it's a wise choice due to its well-regarded universities and active student community. Apply as soon as possible, be well-prepared, and discover a world of opportunities in France!

FAQs

Q1: How much does it cost to study in France?

Answer: The annual cost of attending a public university in France ranges from €10,000 to over €60,000, while private schools charge more. The cost of living in Paris is between €1,200 and €1,800, but in smaller towns like Lyon or Nantes, it is approximately €800.

Q2: Can I study in France if I only speak English?

Answer: It is feasible to study English in France, with possibilities ranging from complete degrees to short-term courses. Without being fluent in French, non-native speakers can nevertheless seek education and a happy life overseas.

Q3: How much GPA is required for France?

Answer: The majority of French organizations search for: Standard programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average), which is equivalent to about 12–14 on the French 20-point scale. For competitive courses like engineering, medicine, or elite grandes écoles, there are higher prerequisites (3.5+).

Q4: Can I work while studying in France?

Answer: All international students are entitled to employment in France. Regardless of whether a person is a student or not, employment in France is legally required to pay a minimum wage.