Masters in France is regarded as a highly valuable study program and is the fourth most opted study destination in the world. The Masters (MS) in France, is usually a 1-2 years duration study program which can be a degree or a diploma program. The master's degree in France is highly valuable and is accepted across the globe. It has also been observed that international students willing to study in France usually go more for a PG degree. France has a unique education system, with numerous small universities and institutes.

For international students, the masters in France cost around 15,000 EUR (13 lakhs INR) and ranges upto 40,000 EUR (34 lakhs INR), with the majority of the top universities in France for masters offering international students scholarships upto 10,000 EUR (8 lakhs INR). International students pursuing masters in France can also easily get hold of excellent placement opportunities with an average salary of 50,000 EUR (43 lakhs INR). Some of the top-paying disciplines in France include Software Engineering, Data Sciences, MBA, Management studies.

Masters in France Highlights

Type of Degree Taught and Research
Duration 1-2 years
Oldest University University of Paris
Average Tuition Fees EUR 243- EUR 40,000 per year (21,310-35 lakhs INR)
Academic Year September to June
Average Salary 40,000 EUR-50,000 EUR (35 lakhs to 43 lakhs INR)
Financial Aid Scholarships, Bursaries, Loans
Top Recruiters Accenture, BCG, Volkswagen, Mckinsey & Company, Loreal, Hermes Paris

Universities in France for Masters

10 of France’s universities are ranked in the best 100 universities in the world by the QS World Rankings, 2023. Some top universities in France for masters with their annual fees, application deadlines, and popular programs are given below:

University Top Programs Offered Application Deadlines Tuition Fee (EUR)
Universite PSL Masters in Computer Science | Masters in Management Rolling 243
Ecole Polytechnique Masters of Science | Masters in Design and Management Round 1: November 13, 2022 Round 2: February 12, 2023 Round 3: April 30, 2023 Round 4: May 28, 2023 22,000
HEC Paris Master in International Finance | MBA | Masters in Management Round 1: October 18, 2022 Round 2: January 4, 2023 Round 3: March 1, 2023 Round 4: April 19, 2023 40,000
Sorbonne University Masters in Computational Mechanics | Masters in Mathematics Rolling 243
CentraleSupelec Master in Data Science and Business Analytics | MSc in Artificial Intelligence October 19, 2023 23,000
Université De Paris MSc Chemistry | MSc Artificial Intelligence | MSc Biomedical Sciences July 3, 2022 (applications closed) 335
Skema Business School MSc Business Consulting and Digital Transformation | Masters in Finance Rolling 18,000
University of Nantes MSc in Computer Science May 15, 2023 601

Why study Masters in France?

France is not just famous for being home to the city of love, and lights, France is also known for providing an education which is exemplary, and offers in-depth knowledge of disciplines.

Given below are some reasons you should consider for pursuing Masters in France:

  • Numerous Programs: French universities offer a wide range of Masters programs in various fields such as engineering, management, humanities, social sciences, and more.
  • Top Universities: 30 French universities are ranked in the top 100 universities across the globe by the QS World University Rankings 2022.
  • Financial Aid: Over 500 French scholarships are available to Indian students.The French Foreign Ministry awards many different scholarships to foreign students. 25% of these scholarships are directly financed by the Ministry in the framework of Eiffel for Master's or Doctoral level studies.
  • Affordable education: In comparison to other study destinations, studying in France is relatively affordable, with low tuition fees and a high standard of living. Many french universities do not even charge a tuition fee, but a minimal registration fee ranging from 200 EUR to 500 EUR (17,000 to 43,000 INR) per year.
  • Cultural and linguistic experience: Studying in France provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the French language and culture, which can be a valuable experience in terms of personal and professional growth.
  • International student-friendly: French universities have a strong tradition of welcoming international students, with a range of support services in place to help them adapt to their new environment and succeed academically.
  • Job Opportunities: France has some of the world's largest companies in key industries, such as: Finance- BNP Paribas and AXA, Aerospace- European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), Luxury- LVMH and Kering, Tourism- Accor, Automotive Renault-Nissan, PSA, and Michelin, and Retail- Carrefour.

Admission Process for Masters in France

The application process for universities in France for masters is quite simple. Majority of French universities for international students select applicants on the basis of basic admission requirements, along with a test or an interview.

Some universities have specific tests of their own which need to be completed in order to be eligible for admissions. Also, international students are required to have English proficiency as well as French proficiency depending on what their chosen university or institution has asked for. The universities usually take around 4-6 weeks to revert with an admissions decision.

Masters in France Eligibility Criteria

  • GMAT / GRE Requirement: Most universities in France for international students offering masters programs in France do not require a GMAT/ GRE score. But these scores can definitely strengthen an applicant’s admission application.
  • English Language Requirement: Though French language proficiency is optional in a majority of universities, English language proficiency is definitely mandatory. The accepted scores for english language proficiency are as follows:
    • TOEFL iBT: 71
    • TOEFL pBT: 530
    • IELTS: 6.0-7.0
    • TOEIC: 810
  • Bachelor’s Degree from a reputed and recognised university.
  • Work Experience (may be required for some universities)

Also Check: Exams to Study in France.

Documents Required for Masters in France

Given below are the most basic documents required to apply to Masters programs in France:

  • Degree certificate
  • Transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • Copy of passport
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Passport photos
  • English proficiency test scores
  • French proficiency test scores (optional)
  • GRE/GMAT scores (if required)

Documents Required for Visa in France

  • Visa application for French student visa
  • 2 passport size photos
  • Valid passport and copies of previous visas, if any.
  • Letter of acceptance or enrollment form from a French university
  • Evidence of monetary means to cover expenses during the complete course of study (€615 per month)
  • Ticket or reservation with the date of departure
  • Medical insurance (costs €311-€714 and is optional for Indian students)
  • Accommodation arrangement documents during studies
  • French language proficiency certificate, if enrolled in course taught in French
  • Evidence of payment of visa fees
  • Proof of civil status, if applicable

Also Check: Visa to study in France

Cost to Study Masters in France

The cost of attendance to study Masters in France comprises tuition fees along with the cost of living. The international tuition for various masters programs in France ranges up to EUR 50,000 depending on the universities. Given below are the tuition fees and the cost of living in France:

Tuition Fee for Masters in France

The annual tuition fee in the universities in France for masters is tabulated below:

Universities Tuition Fee (EUR) Tuition Fee (INR)
Universite PSL 243 21,310
Ecole Polytechnique 22,000 19 lakhs
HEC Paris 40,000 35 lakhs
Sorbonne University 243 21,310
CentraleSupelec 23,000 20 lakhs
Université De Paris 335 29,380
Skema Business School 18,000 15 lakhs
University of Nantes 601 52,700

Cost of Living in France

The cost of living comprises accommodation, meals, books and supplies, along with other related costs.

Expense Type Cost (EUR) Cost (INR)/ Month
Accommodation 700 61,300
Food & Drink 300 26,300
Utilities 160 14,000
Transportation 65 5,700
Internet 29 2,500
Miscellaneous 80 7,000

Also Check: Cost of living in France

Cost of Living in France

Scholarships to Study Masters in France

Most of the French universities offering masters programs offer international students with numerous financial aid options in the form of scholarships, bursaries and student loans. The most prominent financial aid among these are the scholarships, which are highly preferred by students and are easily accessible by each university.

Given below are some university scholarships offered for pursuing masters in France:

University Scholarship Eligibility Amount (in EUR)
HEC Paris Eiffel Excellence Scholarship International students (not more than 25 years) pursuing masters or PhD in France Monthly allowance of 1,181 One international return ticket Social security + cultural activities
Skema Business School Masters of Science Excellence Scholarships International students pursuing MSc Up to 4,100
Ecole Polytechnique International Excellence Scholarships International students studying at Ecole Polytechnique Variable

External Scholarships to study in France

Apart from the scholarships offered by specific universities, international students can also look for scholarships and grants offered by the French Embassy, the French government and other organizations. Some of these scholarships have been listed below:

Scholarship Name Description Eligibility Award
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship For students pursuing a master's or PhD degree in France in a variety of fields, including engineering, economics, and law. Open to students from non-European Union countries. 1,181 EUR
Charpak Scholarship For students pursuing a master's degree in France in a variety of fields, including engineering, science, and economics. Open to Indian nationals. Monthly stipend of 860 EUR for living | Student Visa and Etudes en France fee waiver
Erasmus+ Programme For undergraduate and graduate students studying in Europe, including France, in a variety of fields. Offers funding for tuition fees, travel, and living expenses. Open to students from participating countries. Variable

Also Check: Scholarships to Study in France

Masters in France: Career Prospects

After pursuing Masters in France, students usually go for a PhD, as there is a lot of student aid available, and France also offers international students with fully-funded PhD degrees, with some universities offering stipends as well.

For students willing to create a career in France out of their degrees, the top French universities for masters programs offer students with placement opportunities in France in numerous fields, with an average salary of 50,000 EUR per annum.

Some of the top recruiters post-graduation from the best universities in France are:

  • Accenture
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • Loreal
  • Oddo BHF
  • Danon
  • Puma Energy
  • Hermes Paris
  • Bain & Company

Some of the top paying sectors after pursuing masters in France are given below:

Masters in France Jobs and Salaries

Job profile Average Annual Salary (in EUR) Salary Equivalent (INR)
Data Analyst 40,000 35 lakhs
Marketing Manager 46,000 40 lakhs
Project Manager 47,000 41 lakhs
Senior Software Engineer 57,000 49 lakhs
Data Scientist 45,000 39 lakhs
Sales Director 90,000 78 lakhs
Business Developer 50,000 43 lakhs

Some popular employers in France by salary are given below:

Top Employers Average Salaries Offered (in EUR) Salary Equivalent (INR)
BNB PariBus Inc 47,000 41 lakhs
Accor 46,000 40 lakhs
Societe Generale 50,000 43 lakhs
Ubisoft Entertainment Inc 40,000 35 lakhs
Amazon 60,000 52 lakhs
Accenture 49,000 42 lakhs
Loreal 48,000 42 lakhs

Masters in France v/s Masters in Germany

Choosing where to pursue a master's degree is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your career and personal growth. Europe is home to some of the world's top universities, offering high-quality education and a diverse cultural experience. France and Germany are two of the most popular destinations for international students seeking a master's degree.  In this section, we will compare and contrast Masters in France versus Masters in Germany to help you make an informed decision about where to pursue your higher education goals.

Parameter Masters in France Masters in Germany
Top Programs MS in Chemistry | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Masters in Data Science MS in Computer Science | MS in Chemical Engineering | MS in Automotive Engineering | MS in Electrical Engineering
Program Duration 1-2 years 2 years
Intakes Fall Summer and Winter
Language Proficiency Test Scores TOEFL iBT: 71 | TOEFL pBT: 530 | IELTS: 6.0-7.0 | TOEIC: 810 DSH Level II or I, Goethe: C1 or C2 level | TestDaf: Level 2-4. | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 90
Average Fees EUR 243- EUR 40,000 per year (21,310-35 lakhs INR) No tuition fees; Semester Ticket Fees ranging from 138-1500 EUR ( 12,140-1.31 lakhs INR)
Monthly Cost of Living 1,334 EUR (1.16 lakhs INR) 783 EUR (66,463 INR)
Average Salary 40,000 EUR-50,000 EUR (35 lakhs to 43 lakhs INR) 52,000 EUR (45.73 lakhs INR) per annum

With extremely high standards for PG education, admission for masters in France can be a tad bit difficult, but definitely approachable. France welcomes around 200,000 international students every year, and is known for its high ROIs along with an exemplary education system that provides industry knowledge along with an environment suitable for international students.

International students also benefit in the form of scholarships and outstanding job opportunities in France after pursuing their masters degree programs.

FAQs

Ques. What are some top universities to study masters in France?

Some top universities are:

  • Ecole Polytechnique
  • Skema Business School
  • HEC Paris

Ques. Are GMAT/ GRE scores required to apply for masters in France?

While most universities in France do not specifically ask for GMAT/GRE scores, these scores can definitely strengthen your applications.

Ques. What is the course duration of a masters degree in France?

The masters programs in France are of usually a 1-2 years duration.

Ques. Is Masters in France free?

No, Masters programs in France are not free for international students. However, they are relatively affordable in comparison to other popular study destinations. The tuition fees for Masters programs in France depend on the university and the program, but they generally range from around 243 EUR to 10,000 EUR (21,000 to 8 lakhs INR) per year for non-EU students. However, some universities offer scholarships and financial aid programs for international students to help them cover their tuition fees and living expenses.

Ques. Is France good for Masters?

Yes, France is a great destination for pursuing a Masters degree. French universities are renowned for their academic excellence and offer a wide range of Masters programs in various fields. The country has a long history of education and research, with many universities and research institutes being among the best in the world. Additionally, the French education system places a strong emphasis on research, which means that students have access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities to engage in original research.