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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?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

3 September 2025

5 minutes read

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.

how to study abroad for free in france 1

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:

CategoryApprox. % of StudentsBenefits
Paying Tuition Fees45%Covers non-EU students and private universities
Free Tuition / Exemption30%Mainly EU students, some free universities for international students
Scholarships & Aid25%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.

how to study abroad for free in france 2

Students who want to study get exposure to world-class education and international relations.

Sl NoUniversity / French InstitutionDocuments RequiredExams Required
1Sorbonne UniversityTranscripts, GPA, personal statementIELTS, TOEFL
2University of ParisResume, letter of recommendationGRE, ACT
3École Normale SupérieureStatement of purpose, transcriptsGMAT, GRE
4University of LyonResume, transcriptsIELTS , SAT
5Sciences PoLetter of recommendation, transcriptsTOEFL , GRE
6University of StrasbourgResume, transcriptsIELTS , ACT
7Aix-Marseille UniversityPersonal statement, transcriptsGMAT, GRE
8University of BordeauxTranscripts, GPAIELTS , SAT
9University of MontpellierResume, transcriptsGRE, TOEFL
10Grenoble Alpes UniversityPersonal statement, transcriptsIELTS , 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 NoProgramDocuments RequiredExams Required
1Master’s Degree in FranceStatement of purpose, transcriptsGRE, IELTS
2PhD Students ProgramResume, personal statementTOEFL , GMAT
3Undergraduate ProgramsGPA, transcriptsSAT, 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.

ScholarshipOffered ByBenefits
Eiffel Excellence ScholarshipFrench governmentCovers tuition fees in France and cost of education
Erasmus+International relationsFree for international students exchange programs
Charpak ScholarshipFrench embassySupport 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.

CountryFeaturesCost of Education
FranceFree universities, free tuition, affordable education in FranceLow / Free for international students
USAHigh tuition fees, world-class educationVery High
UKHigher studies institutions, public and private universitiesHigh
GermanyFree tuition at public higher studiesLow

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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