Master's in France: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply
- akshitasharmaa03
- Jun 26
- 7 min read
When you think of France, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, the scent of fresh croissants on a quiet Parisian street, or the timeless sound of a violin playing in the metro. France is the kind of place that lives in your imagination long before you ever step foot there. But beyond the postcards and poetry, there’s another side of France. One that’s shaping global thinkers, innovators, artists, economists, and researchers: the higher education system.
France has quietly and confidently built a reputation as one of Europe’s top study destinations. And it’s not just about heritage or style (though there’s plenty of both). It’s about access to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and a culture of critical thinking that stretches back centuries.
So, why should you consider doing your Master’s in France? Because it’s where intellectual tradition meets modern innovation. And because your classroom won’t be confined to four walls, it’ll be the streets, museums, cafés, and conversations you have with people from all over the world.
This blog is your guide to everything you need to know about pursuing a Master’s in France. From whether you need to speak French, to the best universities and courses, to what life (and lunch) might look like on a regular Tuesday.
Why Pursue a Master’s in France?
France is not just about beauty and history. It’s about academic excellence and innovation. Here’s why international students choose France every year:
Globally Recognised Business Schools: French business schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC are world-renowned.
English-Taught Programs: Many Master's programs in France are now offered entirely in English.
Affordable Education: Compared to US B-schools, French B-schools offer low tuition fees, even for international students.
Rich Cultural Immersion: Living in France gives you access to a lifestyle that includes art, fashion, philosophy, and diverse culinary experiences.
Strategic Location in Europe: You can easily travel to neighbouring countries for conferences or leisure.
Strong Job Market in Key Sectors: France has a robust economy with opportunities in luxury, business, arts, and more.
Do I Need to Learn French to Study in France?
No, but it helps. Most Master’s in France are available in English, especially in fields like business, international relations, technology, and science. However:
Some programs may require basic French proficiency.
Daily life (groceries, transport, conversations) becomes much easier if you know French.
Internship and job opportunities increase significantly if you speak at least conversational French.
Tip: Consider enrolling in French language courses before or during your stay. Some universities offer free or low-cost language support for international students.
Top Universities in France for Master’s Programs
France is home to a lot of top universities. Here are some of the top universities to pursue your Masters in France:
HEC Paris:
Ranking - 6th (QS World University Global MBA Rankings 2025)
Specialisations - Recognised for research-specific approach to business education and strong programs in business and strategic management.
Popular Courses - MBA, Finance, International Business, Strategic Management
INSEAD:
Ranking - 11th (QS World University Global MBA Rankings 2025)
Specialisations - Focuses on a global perspective in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership and has campuses in different locations globally.
Popular Courses - MBA, Global Executive MBA, Leadership and Strategy
ESCP Business School:
Ranking - 27th (QS World University Global MBA Rankings 2025)
Specialisations - Leader in international business education with a strong focus on cross-cultural management and innovation.
Popular Courses - MBA in International Management, Master in Management, Finance, Marketing
ESSEC Business School:
Ranking - 28th (QS World University Global MBA Rankings 2025)
Specialisations - Excellence in Business Analytics, Finance, and Luxury Brand Management.
Popular Courses - MBA, Master in Finance, Global MBA, Luxury Brand Management
EDHEC Business School:
Ranking - 47th (QS World University Global MBA Rankings 2025)
Specialisations - Strength in Finance, Global Business, and Digital Innovation, with a strong focus on career-ready education.
Popular Courses - Global MBA, MSc in Financial Markets, MSc in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
Top Courses to Study in France
France is a global leader in several academic disciplines. Here are some top choices for a Master's degree in France for international students:
Business and Management
Luxury Brand Management
Fashion and Design
Hospitality and Tourism
Fine Arts and Art History
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria can vary by university and program, but here are the general requirements for a Master's in France:
Basic Admission Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 or 4 years)
Academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) or French (DELF/DALF) if the program is in French
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Motivation
Letters of Recommendation
Updated CV/Resume
Some programs may also require a GMAT/GRE score (especially in business or tech)
Portfolio (for design/fine arts programs)
Note: Some courses have competitive entrance exams or interviews.
Tuition Fees
France is one of the few countries where international students can still access high-quality education at low or moderate tuition fees, especially in public universities.
Tuition at Public Universities:
Master’s Programs: International students can expect to pay around €3,770 to €4,000 per year.
Grandes Écoles and Private Institutions:
Tuition fees for master's programs at private universities in France typically range from €6,000 to €30,000 per year, with some institutions charging even higher fees, particularly business schools.
Cost of Living in France
The average cost of living during a Master's degree in France for international students generally ranges from €800 to €1,400 per month, but can vary significantly based on location, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. Paris tends to be the most expensive, while other cities like Toulouse, Lille, and Nantes offer more budget-friendly options.
Typical monthly costs include:
Accommodation: Shared housing or student residence
Food & groceries
Transportation: Student Leap Card offers discounts
Utilities & internet
Health insurance (mandatory for non-EU students)
Personal expenses & leisure
You can apply for CAF (Housing Subsidy) from the French government, which can reduce your rent by up to €200/month.
Scholarships for Master’s in France
France offers several scholarships to make education more accessible:
Government Scholarships:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Covers tuition and monthly stipend
Charpak Scholarship (for Indian students): Offered by the French Embassy
Erasmus+: For EU joint programs or exchange
University Scholarships:
Many universities offer merit-based or need-based waivers.
Examples: Sciences Po Emile Boutmy Scholarship, HEC Paris Excellence Scholarships
Academic Calendar for Master's in France
French higher education follows a semester-based system.
Fall Semester: September to December
Winter Semester: January to April
Summer Term: May to August
It’s ideal to start applications at least 8–12 months in advance of your intended intake.
Cultural Experience and Student Life
Studying in France is not just about academics. It’s about living life deeply.
Cultural Immersion: From café culture to street music, museums, and literature, you’ll be surrounded by history and modernity.
Student Unions and Clubs: Most universities have active international student associations, cultural societies, and clubs.
Affordable Travel: With a student visa, you can travel to all 27 Schengen countries.
Language Exchange Meetups: A great way to improve your French and meet locals.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself discussing philosophy over wine on a Tuesday night. It’s all part of the experience.
Career Opportunities After Your Master’s in France
Post-Study Work Rights:
After completing your Master’s in France, you can apply for a temporary residence permit for up to 12 months to seek employment.
Students who have stayed in France for 5 consecutive years under a student visa or work permit may apply for permanent residency. Suitable for those who have integrated into the French labour market and plan to settle permanently in France.
Growing Industries in France:
Artificial Intelligence & Tech
Renewable Energy
Finance and Consulting
Fashion & Luxury Management
International Business
Hospitality & Tourism
Career Support:
Most universities offer career centres, networking events, and alumni connections to help students transition into the job market after a Master’s in France.
Is a Master’s in France Right for You?
A Master’s in France is ideal for students who are:
Seeking high-quality education at affordable rates
Interested in living in Europe and embracing diverse cultures
Comfortable with (or open to learning) a new language
Looking to build a global career, especially in Europe
But it may not be right if:
You’re unwilling to adapt to a different academic or cultural environment
You expect everything to be in English, including daily life.
You’re looking for very high post-study salaries right away.
In conclusion, choosing to pursue your Master’s in France is not just an academic decision; it’s a personal journey. It’s a choice to step into a country where education is deeply rooted in intellectual tradition, yet constantly evolving to meet the demands of the future. It's about more than just lectures and grades; it’s about how you grow: culturally, emotionally, and professionally.
In France, your classroom could be a centuries-old library or a sleek innovation lab. Your weekends might be spent visiting art exhibitions, biking through the countryside, or engaging in thought-provoking debates over coffee. You’ll meet people from all over the world, broaden your perspectives, and perhaps even surprise yourself with how much you evolve over two short years.
Whether you're in the early stages of planning or ready to submit applications at TFM Overseas Education Consultants, our team of overseas education consultants is here to guide you. From helping you shortlist the right universities and preparing a strong application, to navigating visas and settling in. We simplify the journey so you can focus on the dream. Book your free session today and take your first step toward studying your Master’s in France.
Frequently Asked Questions about Master's in France
1. Can I apply for a Master’s in France with a three-year undergraduate degree?
Ans: Yes, many French universities accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree, especially if it’s from a recognised university. However, for highly competitive programs or certain Grandes Écoles, you may need to check specific eligibility requirements.
2. Do French universities require a specific GPA for admission to master’s programs?
Ans: Most institutions don’t specify a cut-off GPA, but a strong academic record (60–70% or equivalent) is generally expected. Competitive programs may require higher grades, especially in relevant subjects.
3. Are internships a mandatory part of a Master’s in France?
Ans: In many programs, especially in business, public policy, and STEM, internships are either compulsory or strongly encouraged. They’re a great way to gain industry experience and often lead to full-time roles post-graduation.
4. Can I stay in the country after completing my Master's in France to look for work?
Ans: Yes. After graduation, international students can apply for an Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS), a temporary residence permit that allows them to stay for 12 to 24 months to seek employment.
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