1. Why Study in France in 2026?
France is a top destination for international students, offering:
- Affordable tuition: Public universities charge €170–€400/year.
- High-quality programs: Bachelor (Licence), Master, PhD, Grandes Écoles.
- English-taught programs: Some Bachelor, Especially at Master’s and PhD levels.
- Scholarships: Eiffel Excellence, Emily Boutmy, regional, Erasmus+, Excellence
- Cultural experience: Safe, vibrant, and globally recognized.
Tip: French degrees are recognized globally, making it easier to pursue higher studies or work in Europe.
If you also want toa pply for Italian Universities under fully funded scholarships, read this.
2. Types of Programs in France
| Program | Duration | Language | Tuition | Scholarship Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (Licence) | 3 years | French / English | €170–€380/year | Regional, Emily or university grants |
| Master | 2 years | French / English | €250–€400/year (public), €5,000–€20,000 (private) | Eiffel, Emily Boutmy, regional, university excellence |
| PhD | 3–5 years | English / French | Varies by university | Eiffel, doctoral contracts, research grants |
Program Types:
- DAP (Demande d’Admission Préalable): For arts, architecture, or highly selective schools; portfolio or exam required; max 3 applications.
- HDAP (Hors Demande d’Admission Préalable): Standard public university programs; max 7 applications; sometimes includes an interview.
Bachelor’s Programs:
- Mostly French-taught; limited English options.
- Scholarships mainly regional, Emily or university-specific.
- Language proficiency required (DELF/DALF for French, IELTS/TOEFL for English).
3. How to Apply via Campus France
Campus France is mandatory for Pakistani students and manages pre-enrollment, admission, and some scholarship recommendations.
Step-by-Step Pre-Enrollment
- Create account on Études en France portal
- Select programs: max 7 (HDAP) or 3 (DAP)
- Upload documents: Transcripts, CV, motivation letter, language certificates, recommendation letters, passport copy
- Pay pre-enrollment fee: ~30,000 PKR
- Submit application online
University Admission & Scholarship Nomination
- Universities review and accept applications.
- Eiffel Excellence requires university nomination; deadline Jan 8, 2026.
- Students cannot apply directly for Eiffel.
- Some programs may require a Campus France interview (DAP or selective Master’s programs).
- Duration: 10–30 minutes
- Focus: Motivation, career goals, academic background, language skills
4. Scholarships Overview
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence | Master & PhD, via university nomination | Living stipend €1,181-1800/month, travel, insurance | Tuition not covered |
| Emily Boutmy | Sciences Po, merit-based | Tuition reduction, stipend vary | Covers many specific programs |
| Regional Scholarships (DSU) | Public universities | Tuition waiver, small stipend | Apply after admission |
| University Excellence Grants | Merit-based | Partial tuition + benefits | Varies by university |
| Erasmus+ | Exchange programs | Travel & living allowance | Partner universities only |
| Charpak Scholarship | Indian students | Tuition + stipend | Indian students only |
5. Timeline for September 2026 Intake (Pakistani Students)
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Campus France Pre-Enrollment Opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
| University Review & Admission | Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Scholarship Nomination (Eiffel, Emily Boutmy) | Jan 8, 2026 |
| Visa Application | July – Aug 2026 |
| Travel & Arrival | Aug – Sept 2026 |
| Semester Start | Sept 2026 |
6. Tuition Fees & Living Costs
- Public Universities: €170–€400/year
- Private Universities / Grandes Écoles: €5,000–€20,000/year
- Living Costs: €500–€600/month (dorms or private apartments)
Tips:
- Use student dormitories to reduce cost, govt also give stipend
- Apply for regional scholarships or Erasmus+ grants
- Combine with university excellence grants for partial tuition coverage
7. How to Apply for Bachelor, Master & PhD Programs
Bachelor’s Programs
- Eligibility: High school or equivalent, transcripts, motivation letter, language proficiency (DELF/DALF for French, IELTS/TOEFL for English)
- Application Steps:
- Pre-enrollment via Campus France (Études en France portal)
- Upload all documents (passport, transcripts, motivation letter, language certificate)
- Wait for university pre-acceptance
- Apply for regional or university scholarships after admission
Master’s Programs
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, CV, motivation letter, language certificate
- Scholarship Opportunities:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (nomination by university, stipend €1,181- 1800 /month, travel & insurance)
- Emily Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po, tuition reduction & stipend)
- University excellence grants or regional scholarships
PhD Programs
- Eligibility: Master’s degree, research proposal, supervisor confirmation
- Funding Options:
- Eiffel Excellence (for PhD)
- Doctoral contracts (Contrat Doctoral)
- University research grants
Tip: Start preparing at least 10 months before semester start to meet deadlines for admission, scholarships, and visa.
8. English-Taught Programs in France
- Master’s and PhD programs are increasingly offered in English
- Common fields: Science, Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, Business, Arts
- Use Campus France (your country) filter to search English-taught programs
- Examples of universities offering English programs:
- University of Paris (Sorbonne)
- École Polytechnique
- Grenoble INP
- Sciences Po (for social sciences)
- Scholarships eligibility: Most English-taught Master’s programs can apply for Eiffel, Emily Boutmy, Erasmus+, or university excellence grants
Low-Cost Universities in France
- Public Universities: €170–€400/year tuition
- University of Lyon, University of Toulouse, University of Marseille, University of Strasbourg
- Private Universities / Grandes Écoles: €5,000–€20,000/year
- Living Costs: ~€800–€1,000/month
- Tips to reduce costs:
- University dormitories (~€200–€400/month)
- Apply for regional scholarships or Erasmus+ grants
- Use student transportation discounts, food subsidies
9. Visa Process for Pakistani Students
Step-by-Step:
- Obtain pre-enrollment/acceptance from university via Campus France
- Gather documents:
- Passport (valid ≥ 1 year)
- Pre-enrollment certificate
- Scholarship confirmation (if applicable)
- Proof of financial resources (~€615/month minimum)
- Health insurance
- Accommodation proof
- Completed long-stay student visa form
- Apply via France Visas portal (VFS)
- Schedule appointment at French consulate or VFS Pakistan
- Pay visa fee (~€99)
- Attend interview (if required)
- Receive visa and travel to France
- Register with OFII (French Immigration) within 3 months of arrival
10. Step-by-Step Scholarship Application
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
- Apply through university nomination (deadline Jan 8, 2026)
- Required documents: Motivation letter, transcripts, CV, recommendation letters
- Benefits: €1,181-1800/month, travel costs, insurance
- Tuition not included
Emily Boutmy Scholarship
- Available only at Sciences Po, merit-based
- Covers tuition reduction and living allowance
- Apply after university admission
Regional Scholarships (DSU)
- For public universities in specific regions
- Covers partial tuition and sometimes housing stipend
- Application after admission
- Can combine with Erasmus+ or university excellence grants
University Excellence Grants
- Merit-based scholarships offered by individual universities
- Partial tuition coverage and additional benefits
- Apply after admission
11. Complete Timeline for September 2026 Intake (Pakistani Students)
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Campus France Pre-Enrollment | Oct 1, 2025 |
| University Admission | Nov 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Scholarship Nomination (Eiffel, Emily Boutmy) | Jan 8, 2026 |
| Visa Application | July – Aug 2026 |
| Travel & Arrival | Aug – Sept 2026 |
| Semester Start | Sept 2026 |
12. FAQs – High Volume Queries
Q1: Can Pakistani students apply directly for Eiffel Scholarship?
- No. Only university nomination is accepted. Students must first secure admission.
Q2: Are Bachelor’s programs in English available in France?
- Limited options; mostly French-taught. Master’s and PhD have more English-taught programs.
Q3: How much does it cost to study in France?
- Public universities: €170–€400/year tuition
- Living costs: €800–€1,000/month
- Private/Grande École: €5,000–€20,000/year
Q4: Do students need a Campus France interview?
- Mostly DAP applicants or selective Master’s programs; duration 10–30 minutes online or in-person.
Q5: Can regional scholarships be combined with Eiffel or Erasmus+?
- Yes, depending on the university and region rules.
Q6: What is the minimum financial proof required for French visa?
- Approximately €615/month to cover living expenses