Study in France from Pakistan

Immerse in European Culture & Advance Your Future with a French Education

Why Study in France?

• France is home to globally recognised universities, strong research traditions and many English-taught as well as French-taught programmes — making it an appealing destination for Pakistani students
• Tuition fees at many public institutions are relatively low compared with other Western destinations
• The cultural richness, multilingual environment and access to European travel add significant value
• International students in France can also work part-time (up to about 20 hours per week) while studying, which helps with costs

Popular Courses Among Pakistani Students

Fields that attract Pakistani students include:

• Business & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Computer Science & IT
• Social Sciences & Humanities
• Design & Architecture

Many French institutions offer these in English or have bilingual options, giving greater flexibility for non-French speakers.

Cost of Studying in France for Pakistani Students

Tuition Fees (Approximate Annual)

• For many public universities: Bachelor’s programmes ~ €2,000–€5,000 per year for non-EU students
• Master’s programmes: ~ €3,000–€10,000+ per year depending on institution & field
• Private institutions and business schools may charge much more: from €6,000 up to €18,000+ per year

Living Expenses

• Monthly living cost for international students ranges roughly between €800 and €1,200 (in cheaper cities) and up to €1,400+ in Paris
• Example breakdown: Accommodation ~ €150–400/month (student housing) or €500–1,200/month (private)
• Food, transport, utilities, etc add up: Monthly average budget ~ €1,225–2,205 depending on location

Note: Costs vary significantly by city—Paris is much more expensive than many other French cities. Choosing smaller cities can reduce expenses.

Scholarships & Financial Support for Pakistani Students

• There are scholarships offered to international students by French government, universities and via the Campus France initiative
• Pakistani students should research and apply early to university-specific scholarships, the Eiffel Excellence scholarship and other merit/need-based awards

Eligibility & Documents Required for Pakistani Students

Academic Requirements

• For undergraduate programmes: A recognised Higher Secondary (HSSC/Intermediate/A-Levels) or equivalent qualification
• For postgraduate programmes: A recognised Bachelor’s degree with transcripts. Additional requirements (e.g., portfolio for creative disciplines) may apply

Language requirement

If the programme is in French, you may need a French language test (DELF/DALF); for English-taught programmes typically IELTS/TOEFL required or proof of English-medium prior education.

Key Documents to Prepare

• Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
• Official academic transcripts/certificates (Matric, Intermediate, Bachelor’s)
• Admission/offer letter from a recognised French higher education institution
• Proof of financial means to cover tuition + living expenses (minimum ~€615/month in many cases) for the duration of studies
• Health/medical insurance covering you while in France
• Language test result (French or English) depending on programme
• Accommodation evidence (where required), birth certificate, police clearance (if requested)
• Documents translated into French or English if originals are in another language (Urdu, Punjabi etc.)

Application & Student Visa Process for Pakistani Students

Steps to Apply:

1. Select & Apply to Universities: Choose universities in France, check programme, fee, language, deadlines
2. Receive Offer Letter: Once you are accepted, you’ll obtain an official admission letter which is needed for visa
3. Arrange Funds & Insurance: Prepare proof of funds, insurance and accommodation
4. Apply for Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) if you plan to study more than 3 months in France (non-EU/EEA students)
5. Submit Visa Application via the French Consulate or via Campus France process in Pakistan — you’ll need to complete forms, attach all documents, attend biometric appointment if required
6. Travel and Enrol in France: Upon arrival you may need to validate your visa and register with the university; maintain full-time enrolment during your stay

Important Considerations

• France uses the “Études en France” / Campus France platform for many international admissions
• Financial proof amounts may differ from other countries (e.g., ~€615/month) and should be validated with the consulate
• Housing costs in major cities like Paris are substantially higher—students who choose other cities often save significantly
• Part-time work rights: Students may work up to about 20 hours per week
• Students must pay the “Contribution Vie Étudiante, de Campus et de Services” (CVEC) fee (~€103/year) in many cases

Career & Post-Study Opportunities

After graduation, international students may apply for a residence permit extension to seek employment (commonly up to 12 months in many cases) depending on the institution and region in France.
Studying in France provides a global qualification and opens doors to career opportunities in EU/Europe and globally.
Learning French or being bilingual adds significant value in the job market for French-speaking roles.