3 September 2025
5 minutes read
Study in France for Free: How to Study Abroad for Free in France as an Indian and Foreign Student?

Key Takeaways
- How to study abroad for free in France involves leveraging scholarships, free tuition at public universities, and financial aid for international students.
- How to study abroad for free in France requires preparing transcripts, GPA, personal statement, and exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT.
- How to study abroad for free in France becomes easier with guidance from the French embassy, Campus France office, and support from the French government.
France is a highly preferred destination for international education; therefore, many Indian students are interested to learn how to study in France for free. This handbook discusses tuition fees in France, scholarships to study in France, and the role of the French government to provide free tuition.
As there are many study abroad in France opportunities, students who want to study, regardless of their nationality, have specific options for international students to make studying in France possible and at little to no cost.
A Beginner’s Guide to Study in France
Did you know that French universities are dated back to the 12th century? France is not just about the buildings and history, it is also about the top-notch higher studies that combines traditional methods with modern-day innovations.

Higher-education institutions in France, allow students in France from every corner of the world, with programs in English as well as French language, allowing European students the ease of transition into this stunning nation.
Why Study in France for Free as an Foreign Student?
Fun fact: France is home to more than 3,500 higher studies institutions. This shows how many options for international students exist today.
- Public higher education offers free tuition or exemption from enrolment fees for EU students and sometimes free for international students.
- The French ministry of higher education provides scholarships to study, especially for non-EU students.
- Affordable education in France makes it an attractive alternative to high tuition fees in other countries.
How Many Students Pursue Higher Education in France With Tuition Fee, for Free and With Scholarships and Financial Aid?
Fun Fact: France has about 400,000 students enrolled from all over the globe, showcasing the popularity of studying internationally.
Students who study in France usually fall into one of three categories: students not from France paying tuition fees in France; students not from France that take/were awarded a tuition-free exemption in France; and, students that get a scholarship to study abroad in France.
The table below and qualifying conditions may clarify:
Category | Approx. % of Students | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Paying Tuition Fees | 45% | Covers non-EU students and private universities |
Free Tuition / Exemption | 30% | Mainly EU students, some free universities for international students |
Scholarships & Aid | 25% | France government, host institution in France, Campus France office |
This mix proves it is possible to study in France for free for international students through structured support from the French higher education system.
How to Study Abroad for Free in France as an Indian Student?
Did you know Lyon is often ranked as one of the best student cities? Indian students find France for Indian students particularly supportive.
- Apply for scholarships available for international students through the France embassy in their home country.
- Leverage exemption from enrolment fees offered by public higher education institutions in France.
- Seek help from the campus France office for advice on cost of education, international relations, and financial aid.
10 Best Universities in France for International Students (Including Public Universities in France)
Interesting fact: French higher studies institutions consistently feature in global rankings.

Students who want to study get exposure to world-class education and international relations.
Sl No | University / French Institution | Documents Required | Exams Required |
1 | Sorbonne University | Transcripts, GPA, personal statement | IELTS, TOEFL |
2 | University of Paris | Resume, letter of recommendation | GRE, ACT |
3 | École Normale Supérieure | Statement of purpose, transcripts | GMAT, GRE |
4 | University of Lyon | Resume, transcripts | IELTS , SAT |
5 | Sciences Po | Letter of recommendation, transcripts | TOEFL , GRE |
6 | University of Strasbourg | Resume, transcripts | IELTS , ACT |
7 | Aix-Marseille University | Personal statement, transcripts | GMAT, GRE |
8 | University of Bordeaux | Transcripts, GPA | IELTS , SAT |
9 | University of Montpellier | Resume, transcripts | GRE, TOEFL |
10 | Grenoble Alpes University | Personal statement, transcripts | IELTS , GMAT |
Popular Study Abroad Programs in France at Popular Private and Public Institutions in France
Did you know that programs available in France attract thousands every year? Both private universities and public higher studies offer international education.
Sl No | Program | Documents Required | Exams Required |
1 | Master’s Degree in France | Statement of purpose, transcripts | GRE, IELTS |
2 | PhD Students Program | Resume, personal statement | TOEFL , GMAT |
3 | Undergraduate Programs | GPA, transcripts | SAT, ACT |
What are Some Popular Scholarships to Study in France Without any Hassle?
Did you know the French embassy offers scholarships through bilateral agreements? These programs are available for international students.
Scholarship | Offered By | Benefits |
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship | French government | Covers tuition fees in France and cost of education |
Erasmus+ | International relations | Free for international students exchange programs |
Charpak Scholarship | French embassy | Support for Indian students to study abroad in France |
Universities and Program Options to Study in France vs Other Places to Study Abroad
Fun fact: France is one of the top five destinations for higher education and research. Universities and colleges in France provide programs available across multiple disciplines.
Country | Features | Cost of Education |
France | Free universities, free tuition, affordable education in France | Low / Free for international students |
USA | High tuition fees, world-class education | Very High |
UK | Higher studies institutions, public and private universities | High |
Germany | Free tuition at public higher studies | Low |
How Does the Ministry of Higher Education Help Indian Students at Various Campuses (France)?
Did you know that the French ministry of higher studies directly manages higher studies and research policy?
Indian students benefit through grants, scholarships to study, and exemption from enrolment fees. The ministry also partners with host institution in France to ensure international education standards remain strong.
Conclusion
Studying for free in France remains unrealized for many students in France who want to study abroad in France. With choices for international-students in public higher studies and private universities, the options go from scholarships, free tuition and a quality education.
This all comes down to whether it is, in fact, possible to study abroad in France in the first place. If you are seeking to study abroad in France, we encourage you to get in touch with Ambitio to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
FAQs
How to study abroad for free in France as an Indian student?
The best way on how to study abroad for free in France as an Indian student is by applying for scholarships offered by the French government, the French embassy, and public universities.
How to study abroad for free in France without speaking French?
You can learn how to study abroad for free in France without speaking French by choosing programs taught in English and applying for scholarships available for international students.
How to study abroad for free in France through the French government?
One option on how to study abroad for free in France is applying for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and other financial aid programs funded by the French government.
How to study abroad for free in France at public universities?
If you wonder how to study abroad for free in France, public higher education institutions often offer exemption from enrolment fees, making education accessible for EU and non-EU students.
How to study abroad for free in France for master’s degree programs?
A practical step on how to study abroad for free in France for master’s degree programs is securing Erasmus+ or Charpak scholarships that cover tuition fees and living costs.
How to study abroad for free in France with financial aid?
Understanding how to study abroad for free in France with financial aid means using resources like Campus France office to explore grants, exemptions, and institutional aid.
How to study abroad for free in France compared to Germany or the UK?
A key insight on how to study abroad for free in France is that it offers more scholarships and free universities compared to the UK’s high tuition fees and Germany’s free tuition system.

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