France is a global hub for business education, fashion, design and gastronomy. It is home to some of Europe's best business schools and legendary culinary and fashion schools, while public universities charge only moderate fees.
Education follows the Bologna system. Public universities teach mainly in French, while private schools (Grandes Écoles, business schools) offer many English-taught programs.
Advantages of studying in France
Specialist schools: SKEMA for business and finance, Istituto Marangoni for fashion and design, Le Cordon Bleu Paris for culinary arts.
Public universities, non-EU category, 2026/27: about $3,300 a year for a Licence and $4,600 for a Master (Campus France).
English-taught programs at private schools.
Student status usually allows up to 964 hours of work a year.
France: public programmes and private schools have different budgets
Istituto Marangoni Paris — Paris
Start with the programme type and applicable fee. Private design or business-school costs do not describe a public bachelor’s degree, and a fee exemption needs a separate eligibility check.
Scenario
Approximate USD
Public bachelor’s, differentiated fee for the relevant non-EU category, 2026/27
$3,300
Public master’s, same fee category, 2026/27
$4,600
Living for 12 months: European Commission general guide
$11,100–$16,600
The European Commission guide was published in 2025 and includes housing. For a 2026/27 budget, replace it with actual costs in the chosen city: Paris may cost more. Check the mandatory CVEC contribution and insurance for your status separately.
The standard fee plus this living guide gives about $14,400–$20,000 for a bachelor’s year or $15,600–$21,200 for a master’s year, before separate charges and relocation.
Private schools, culinary diplomas and preparation programmes have their own prices and durations. The relevant institution decides any fee exemption under the applicable rules.
If your budget is limited
Compare public programmes outside Paris if the language and academic requirements fit. The funding plan should work before a scholarship or exemption decision.
What to prepare next
Prepare your French or English level, education details and intended programme. Include the city, start period and annual budget in the initial enquiry.
Rounded amounts are shown in US dollars for comparison, using ECB reference rates from 2026. The programme and its provider’s terms determine the final fee. Totals are calculated before individual rows are rounded. Count housing and other categories once. Check what the university calculation includes; add only missing expenses and StudyU fees separately. A deposit can require funds before studies start. Do not add proof of funds again to expenses those same funds cover.
Paris: exact diploma, course duration and included materials.
The way in
Admission is based on your school diploma and proven language (French or English). For private schools, motivation and sometimes a portfolio matter.
StudyU helps compare universities, check scholarship requirements, and prepare application and visa documents; the university and consular authority make the decisions.
Step by step:
Campus France. For most CIS applicants the application runs through the state Campus France platform: dossier, motivation, interview.
Language. French B2 (DELF/TCF) for French-taught programs; English tracks live in business schools and graduate programs.
Pick your track. Universities are affordable; Grandes Écoles and business schools cost more but carry strong career weight.
Deadlines. Campus France campaigns open in autumn and close in winter-spring — a year ahead.
Visa and housing. Student visa follows the Campus France result; CROUS student housing is cheap but scarce — book early.
Applying after an 11-year school programme
Entry after school depends on the certificate, programme and institution’s requirements. Nationality, country of residence and qualification determine the procedure: Études en France, DAP, Parcoursup or direct application may apply. An 11-year school certificate does not establish automatic eligibility; the institution decides admission.
Further reading: Campus France: application procedure · study-abroad guide
Master's degrees in France
Master’s admission depends on the content and level of the previous degree and the programme’s language requirements. Compare academic master’s programmes with business, design or culinary qualifications. Funding is assessed separately and should not be assumed before an award.
How to check the final budget
Compare the same academic year, fee status and programme duration. Check the tenancy period, compulsory charges and pre-arrival payments. Financial evidence and the living expenses it covers are counted once.
FAQ
Business education, fashion, design and gastronomy, mostly at private specialist schools such as SKEMA, Istituto Marangoni and Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
For public universities, usually yes; private business schools and international programs are in English.
For the relevant non-EU fee category, Campus France lists approximately $3,300 a year for Licence and $4,600 for Master in 2026/27. With the general living guide, the illustrations are about $14,400–$20,000 and $15,600–$21,200 respectively. Check private-school fees, exemptions and mandatory charges separately.
France participates in the European higher-education framework. Recognition depends on the qualification, destination and purpose; regulated professions may require separate assessment.
It depends on your certificate and the procedure that applies to you: 11 years of school do not by themselves make you eligible, and the institution decides admission.
Campus France provides information about studying in France. The Études en France procedure applies to specified countries of residence and applicant categories. The application route, including DAP or Parcoursup, depends on nationality, qualification, programme and residence. The institution decides admission; visa requirements are checked separately.
For bachelor's generally yes (DELF B2 or TCF). Graduate programs and business schools offer many English-taught options.
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. A personal strategy, requirement checks, selection of agreed options, document preparation, applications, and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU.
Discuss your study goal and academic profile
Clarify budget, timing and destination constraints
Identify a realistic next step and what to verify before applying
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