Study in France from Pakistan
France offers low public-university tuition and well-known business and engineering schools. Intakes are mainly in September, with some in January. Pakistani students go through the Campus France procedure, then apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) on France-Visas. You can work up to 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week.
Key Facts: Studying in France
Intakes
September / January (Grandes Écoles: September only)
Course length
3 years (Licence/Undergraduate) · 2 years (Master's) · 3 years (PhD)
Tuition fees
About EUR 2,900–4,000/year at public universities for non-EU students (some waive this); EUR 10,000–35,000 at Grandes Écoles and private schools
Living costs
EUR 800 – 1,500 per month (Paris higher at EUR 1,200–2,000)
Student visa
French Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) — apply via France-Visas portal. Campus France pre-admission process required for Pakistani students.
Work rights
Up to 964 hours/year (roughly 20 hours/week) during studies. APS permit (2 years) after graduation for job-seeking without employer sponsorship.
Overview
France is one of the world's top study destinations, attracting over 400,000 international students annually to its world-class universities, Grandes Écoles, and research institutions. French public universities charge among the lowest tuition fees in the world — just EUR 170–380 per year for most programs — while delivering education of the very highest calibre.
France's higher education system is divided between public universities (offering broad academic programs) and the elite Grandes Écoles — selective institutions like HEC Paris, École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, and ESCP — which are among the most prestigious business and engineering schools on the planet. Many of these institutions offer full programs in English.
Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg are all major student cities offering exceptional quality of life. France is also the world's leading country for tourism and culture, and studying in France means daily access to world-class museums, cuisine, fashion, and intellectual life.
Why study in France?
- 1
Near-Zero Tuition at Public Universities: French public universities charge just EUR 170–380 per year for most programs — among the lowest tuition fees of any developed nation — making high-quality European education genuinely affordable.
- 2
World's Most Prestigious Business Schools: HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESCP, and ESSEC consistently rank among the world's top five business schools. A French Grande École degree is among the most elite credentials globally.
- 3
Strong Engineering and Science Programs: École Polytechnique, École des Mines, and CentraleSupélec are globally ranked engineering schools producing graduates who lead major multinationals and research institutions worldwide.
- 4
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: The French government's Eiffel Scholarship Programme provides EUR 1,181/month stipend plus travel and health insurance for outstanding international Master's and PhD students.
- 5
Post-Study 2-Year APS Permit: Non-EU graduates of French institutions can apply for the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) — a 2-year residence permit to seek employment or start a business in France.
- 6
Global Language & Cultural Capital: French is the world's fifth most spoken language and an official language of 29 countries. Learning French while studying in France adds immense long-term professional value.
- 7
Central European Location: France borders eight countries and provides effortless access to the entire EU, making it ideal for Erasmus+ exchanges, travel, and cross-border career development.
- 8
World-Class Research Infrastructure: France is a global leader in fundamental research, with institutions like CNRS, INRIA, and INSERM providing PhD students with access to world-class facilities and funding.
- 9
Rich Cultural and Intellectual Life: Studying in France means living in the country of Voltaire, Camus, and Curie — a society that values intellectual discourse, cinema, philosophy, and the arts at every level.
- 10
Strong Expat and Student Community: France has a large and well-established Pakistani and South Asian community, particularly in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, providing a welcoming support network for new students.
Degrees offered
Undergraduate Level
Licence (Bachelor's) — 3 years at public universities. Classes Préparatoires feed into Grandes Écoles (2 years prep + 3 years).
Postgraduate Level
Master's Degree (M1 + M2) — 2 years. MBA and specialised master's at Grandes Écoles, widely taught in English.
Doctoral Level
Doctorat (PhD) — 3 years. Strong funding from CNRS, ANR, and university doctoral contracts (paid positions).
Leading universities
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres)
- Sorbonne University
- École Polytechnique
- HEC Paris
- Sciences Po Paris
- CentraleSupélec
- Université Paris-Saclay
- INSEAD Fontainebleau
- ESSEC Business School
- Aix-Marseille University
Popular subjects
- Business and Management (MBA, Grande École)
- Engineering (Aerospace, Civil, Nuclear)
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Political Science and International Relations
- Arts and Humanities
- Medicine and Pharmacy
- Architecture
- Fashion and Luxury Management
- Law (LLB / LLM)
- Environmental and Life Sciences
Entry requirements
- TCF/DELF B2 (for French-taught programs); IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL 79+ (for English programs)
- Campus France registration and interview (mandatory for Pakistani students)
- University acceptance letter
- Proof of financial resources (EUR 615/month minimum)
- Accommodation proof for first term
Free, no obligation
Get a free profile check for France
A counsellor reviews your grades, English test and budget and tells you which universities fit, in a free 30-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationHow to Apply to France from Pakistan
- 01
Free profile check
A free 30-minute consultation to review your grades, budget and goals for France.
- 02
Shortlist and apply
We shortlist universities that fit your profile and prepare and submit your applications.
- 03
Offer and acceptance
We help you compare offers, meet any conditions and secure your place.
- 04
Visa application
We prepare your French Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) file and check every document before you submit.
- 05
Pre-departure
Accommodation, travel and arrival guidance so you are ready for your first day.
Studying in France: Common Questions
When are the intakes for France?
The main intakes are September and January (Grandes Écoles: September only). We recommend starting your application 12–18 months before your intended start date, so there is time for English tests, applications and the visa.
How much does it cost to study in France?
Tuition is About EUR 2,900–4,000/year at public universities for non-EU students (some waive this); EUR 10,000–35,000 at Grandes Écoles and private schools. Living costs are around EUR 800 – 1,500 per month (Paris higher at EUR 1,200–2,000). Costs vary by university, programme and city, so we confirm exact fees for your shortlist at your free consultation.
Which visa do I need to study in France from Pakistan?
French Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) — apply via France-Visas portal. Campus France pre-admission process required for Pakistani students.
Can I work while studying in France?
Up to 964 hours/year (roughly 20 hours/week) during studies. APS permit (2 years) after graduation for job-seeking without employer sponsorship.
What are the entry requirements for France?
Typical requirements are: TCF/DELF B2 (for French-taught programs); IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL 79+ (for English programs); Campus France registration and interview (mandatory for Pakistani students); University acceptance letter; Proof of financial resources (EUR 615/month minimum); Accommodation proof for first term. Exact requirements depend on the university and programme.
Can IEN help me apply to study in France?
Yes. IEN has advised students since 2009 from offices in Lahore, Gujranwala, Peshawar and Sialkot. Book a free 30-minute consultation or message us on WhatsApp, and a counsellor will check your profile for France.
Other Destinations to Consider
- 🇬🇧 Study in the UKThe UK offers shorter, intensive degree programmes at world-renowned institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, combined with a Graduate Route visa for post-study work.
- 🇩🇪 Study in GermanyGermany offers tuition-free education at world-class public universities, a booming engineering and technology sector, and a gateway to the entire European job market.
- 🇮🇪 Study in IrelandIreland is an English-speaking EU country, home to the European headquarters of Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft — making it a top destination for tech, business, and pharma graduates.
Start Your France Application
Book a free 30-minute consultation at our Lahore, Gujranwala, Peshawar or Sialkot office, or online. No obligation, no hidden fees.


