France is a country that is located in the Western part of Europe and is a major founding member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Known for its cultural heritage, scientific advancements and culinary arts. France is also an international hub which boasts globally for its top-ranked business schools, public universities and engineering institutions. Under the national higher education framework, France offers thousands of programs that are taught entirely in English alongside French courses which is backed by government tuition subsidies for the international students.

Study in France

Why France is one of the best destinations for Nepalese students

• English Taught Programs: There are over 1,500-degree programs in France that are taught entirely in English across the business, tech, engineering and art sectors.
• Mobility: A French student visa allows non-restricted short travels across the 29 Schengen member states.
• Study Rights: International students are allowed to work up to 60% of the annual statutory working hours (964 hours per year or 20 hours per week).
• Post Study Work Visa: Master’s graduates can apply for a 2-year post study work permit and seek full-time employment.
• Subsidized Education: International students can apply for government housing subsidies and reduce their monthly accommodation rent by up to 30%-40%.

Popular Courses for Nepalese Students

• Business and Management: International Business Administration, Brand Management and Fashion Marketing, Global Supply Chain and Project Management.
• Computer Science and Engineering: Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Sustainable Energy and Industrial Engineering.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Hotel and Tourism Management, Culinary Arts and Event Management.
• Applied Sciences: Environmental Science, Biotechnology, International Relations and Public Policy.

Popular and Affordable Universities for Nepalese Students

• University of Montpellier: Highly subsidized state university that offers globally respected academic and research degrees.
• École Pour l’Informatique et les Techniques Avancées (EPITA): Top ranked private computer science and engineering school that provides direct industry focused IT Degrees in English.
• Rennes School of Business / Audencia Business School — Rennes / Nantes: A triple accredited great school that focuses on providing career focused management, marketing and finance programs.
• Vatel International Business School: World renowned hospitality and hotel Management College that offers structured paid internship placement.

Top 5 Popular Cities in France for Nepalese Students

1. Paris: The capital city of France that houses global corporate headquarters, top business schools and many cultural landmarks.
2. Lyon: One of the primary industrial and tech hubs in south-eastern France, offering vibrant student life and lower living costs compared to Paris.
3. Toulouse: The aerospace capital of Europe which is packed with engineering institutions, scientific research centers and large student population.
4. Lille: A student city in northern France which is near the borders of Belgium and the UK and is also known for affordable living and business schools.
5. Grenoble: In the French Alps and is world renowned as a major European scientific, micro technology and innovation hub.

Types of Courses

• Bachelor’s(License):It is a 3-year undergraduate degree (180 ECTS credits).
• Master’s: A 1-to-2-year postgraduate degree (90 to 120 ECTS credits).
• Doctoral Degree or PhD: 3-to-4-year research-based degree.

Note: France follows LMD (License (Bachelor’s), Master, and Doctorate (Doctorate)) system to organize its higher education into three distinct cycles using the ECTS credits.

Academic Requirements

Level of Course	Academic Requirement (NEB)	English Language Requirement
Bachelor’s (License)	Class 12/+2 minimum GPA 2.8+	IELTS: 6.0 overall, PTE: 54+
Master’s	3- or 4-year bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8+	IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 bands), PTE: 58-63
Doctorate or PhD	Master’s degree with GPA 3.2+	IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall, PTE: 65+

Note: French taught courses require DELF B2.

France University Application Process

1. Course and University Selection: You can apply directly to French institutions or through the Campus France platform.
2. Upload the Documents: Upload your mark sheets, copy of passports, English Proficiency scores, SOP, CV and PhD proposal (if applying for PhD).
3. Interview and Offer: Clear the school entrance interview and receive your formal Letter of Acceptance.
4. Campus France Approval: Obtain the final EEF validation notification for visa lodging.

Types of Scholarships

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: A highly prestigious grant offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign affairs to master’s and PhD students of excellence.
• Institutional Academic Discounts: Merit Based tuition discounts from 10% to 30% offered by private business and engineering schools.

Cost Breakdown from Nepal to Study in France

1. Pre-Departure and Administrative Expenses

2.  Living Costs and Maintenance Funds

• MonthlyLivingExpenses:€700-€1,000 per month (NPR 1,23,000-1,75,000)
• Proof of Funds: French immigration mandates proof of at least €877.50 per month (effective August 2026), totaling approximately €10,530 per year (NPR 18.5 Lakhs approximately).

France Visa Application Process and Documents Checklist

Visa Application Process

1. Complete France-Visas Portal Application: Register and fill out the online Application on the France-Visas portal (france-visas.gouv.fr) to get the official CERFA form and receipt.
2. Book VFS Global France Visa Application Centre Appointment: Book Appointment to submit your document at VFS Global France Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu.
3. Physical File s Biometrics: Go to the appointment at the VFS with the EEF approval letter, physical document file and full collection of biometrics.
4. Visa Decision (VLS-TS Student Visa): Embassy processes the application (3-6 weeks) and grants the VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) long-stay visa.
5. Travel s Online Validation: Arrive in France and get your VLS-TS online on the ANEF website within 3 months

Documents Checklist

1. Valid original Passport (at least 12 months validity left).
2. Signed France-Visas Application Summary (CERFA) receipt.
3. Campus France EEF Authorization / Approval Confirmation letter.
4. Official Unconditional Acceptance Letter from French academic institution.
5. Proof of Tuition Payment Deposit / Swift Receipt.
6. Bank statements (at least €10,530 / year), Tax clearance, Income certificates, Sponsor affidavit).
7. Proof of First 3 Months stay in France (with hotel/attestation or lease).
8. At least €30,000 medical cover under Schengen Travel insurance policy.
9. Attested Academic Transcripts (+2, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees) and Language Certificate.
10. No Objection Certificate (NOC).