France is one of the most affordable and culturally rich study destinations in the world. Home to some of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities, France offers high-quality education at tuition fees that are a fraction of what you would pay in the UK, USA, or Australia. For Nepali students looking for a European education experience without the heavy financial burden, France stands out as an exceptional choice. At First Step Consultancy in Butwal, we help students navigate the French university application process, campus France registration, and visa requirements from start to finish.
Why Study in France?
Very low tuition fees. Public universities in France are funded by the French government, which means international students pay the same heavily subsidized fees as French students. Annual tuition at a public university ranges from EUR 170 to EUR 3,770 depending on the level of study. This is among the lowest of any major study destination worldwide.
Globally respected degrees. French universities and Grandes Ecoles are recognized worldwide. Degrees from institutions like Sorbonne, Sciences Po, and HEC Paris carry significant weight with international employers and graduate schools.
Scholarships for international students. The French government and institutions like Campus France offer Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, Charpak Scholarships specifically for Indian subcontinent students, and various university grants that can cover tuition and living expenses.
Rich cultural experience. France is the world’s most visited country. Studying here means living in a country with extraordinary art, architecture, cuisine, and history. The experience extends well beyond academics.
Gateway to Europe. As a Schengen country, a French student visa allows you to travel freely across 26 European countries during your study period. This makes France an ideal base for exploring Europe.
Growing English-taught programs. France has significantly expanded its English-medium programs at the master’s level over the past decade. You no longer need to be fluent in French to study at many top French institutions, though learning French greatly enhances your experience and employment prospects.
Post-study work options. After completing a master’s degree or higher in France, you can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS) that allows you to stay and look for work for up to 12 months after graduation.
Top French Universities and Institutions for Nepali Students
| Institution | Location | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | Paris | Humanities, Sciences, Medicine |
| Sciences Po | Paris | Political Science, International Relations |
| HEC Paris | Paris | Business, Management, MBA |
| Ecole Polytechnique | Paris | Engineering, Sciences, Technology |
| University of Paris-Saclay | Paris region | Sciences, Engineering, Research |
| University of Grenoble Alpes | Grenoble | Engineering, Sciences, Business |
| University of Lyon | Lyon | Sciences, Humanities, Law |
| University of Toulouse | Toulouse | Aerospace, Engineering, Sciences |
| ESSEC Business School | Paris / Cergy | Business, Finance, Management |
| Institut National Polytechnique (INP) | Multiple cities | Engineering, Applied Sciences |
France also has a large network of Grandes Ecoles, which are highly selective elite institutions for engineering, business, and public administration. Entry to Grandes Ecoles is extremely competitive but the prestige and career outcomes are exceptional.
Popular Courses for Nepali Students in France
- Business Administration and International Management
- Engineering (Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Computer Science and Data Science
- International Relations and Political Science
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Fashion and Design
- Culinary Arts
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- MBA and Executive Programs
France is particularly well known globally for hospitality management, fashion, culinary arts, and aerospace engineering. Nepali students interested in these fields will find France offers unmatched industry connections and career pathways.
French Student Visa Requirements for Nepali Students
To study in France you need a Long Stay Student Visa (Visa de Long Sejour Etudiant). Here is the full process:
Step 1: Apply Through Campus France Nepal
All Nepali students applying to French universities must first register on the Campus France platform and complete the pre-consular procedure. This involves creating a profile, uploading documents, selecting universities, and attending a Campus France interview in Kathmandu.
Campus France Nepal is located in Kathmandu and manages student registration for France from Nepal.
Step 2: Receive University Acceptance
Apply to your chosen French universities through Campus France or directly through the university portal (Parcoursup for undergraduate, university websites for postgraduate). Once you receive an acceptance letter, proceed to the visa stage.
Step 3: Apply for the Long Stay Student Visa
Submit your visa application at the French Embassy or VFS Global center in Kathmandu.
Documents required:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
- Campus France acceptance certificate
- University admission letter
- Proof of accommodation in France (university residence or private rental)
- Financial proof: minimum EUR 615 per month for the duration of study
- Academic transcripts (SEE, +2, bachelor’s if applicable)
- French or English language proficiency certificate
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed visa application form
- Visa fee payment receipt
Language Requirements
| Program Language | Requirement |
|---|---|
| French-taught programs | DELF B2 or TCF (varies by university) |
| English-taught programs | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL 80 to 100 |
Many master’s programs taught in English do not require French language proof, but some universities recommend at least A2 level French for daily life.
Visa Fee: EUR 99 (as of 2025). Fees may change; confirm at the time of application.
Visa Processing Time: Typically 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your course start date.
Cost of Living and Tuition Fees
Tuition Fees (Annual Estimate)
| Program | Public University (EUR) | Private / Grande Ecole (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence (Undergraduate, per year) | 170 to 2,770 | 3,000 to 15,000 |
| Master’s Degree (per year) | 243 to 3,770 | 5,000 to 20,000 |
| Doctorate / PhD | 380 | Varies |
| MBA (Grande Ecole) | N/A | 20,000 to 60,000 |
| Hospitality / Culinary Programs | 3,000 to 8,000 | 10,000 to 25,000 |
Public university fees in France are among the lowest in the world for international students. This is the single biggest financial advantage France has over all other Western study destinations.
Monthly Living Costs (Estimate)
| Expense | Paris (EUR) | Other Cities (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (CROUS or private) | 600 to 1,200 | 300 to 700 |
| Food and groceries | 250 to 400 | 200 to 350 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | 86 | 30 to 60 |
| Phone and internet | 20 to 40 | 20 to 40 |
| Misc. and leisure | 100 to 200 | 80 to 150 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | 1,056 to 1,926 | 630 to 1,300 |
CROUS Student Housing
CROUS (Centre Regional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) is France’s national student housing and welfare system. International students can apply for subsidized CROUS accommodation which is significantly cheaper than private rentals. Many universities also help students with accommodation placement upon admission.
CAF Housing Allowance
International students in France may be eligible for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), a French government housing allowance that reduces your monthly rent by EUR 50 to EUR 200 depending on your accommodation and city. This further reduces your living costs.
Scholarships for Nepali Students in France
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Offered by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship covers monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and travel costs for master’s and PhD students. It is highly competitive but open to Nepali students. Applications are submitted through French universities.
Charpak Scholarship
The Charpak Scholarship is specifically designed for students from India and the Indian subcontinent including Nepal. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and health insurance for master’s programs and internships in France. This is one of the most accessible scholarships for Nepali students.
University Grants and Waivers
Many French universities offer partial fee waivers and grants to high-achieving international students at the master’s level. These are awarded at the time of admission based on your academic profile.
Post-Study Work: APS Residence Permit
After completing a degree of at least master’s level in France, you can apply for an Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour (APS), a temporary residence permit that allows you to stay in France for up to 12 months to seek employment or start a business.
During the APS period you can work full-time. If you receive a job offer in a skilled field, you can convert your APS to a work permit and remain in France long-term.
France is also part of the EU Blue Card system, which allows highly skilled graduates to work across European Union member states with a single permit, opening doors well beyond France itself.
How First Step Consultancy Helps You Study in France
France has a unique pre-consular Campus France process that is different from any other country. Our team in Butwal is familiar with every step and will guide you through it.
What we offer:
- Free counseling to identify the right French university and program based on your academic background and budget
- Campus France profile creation and document preparation assistance
- Campus France interview preparation
- University application support for both Parcoursup and direct postgraduate applications
- Language test guidance for both DELF/TCF (French) and IELTS/TOEFL (English-taught programs)
- Visa application document preparation including financial proof and accommodation confirmation
- CROUS accommodation application guidance
- Pre-departure briefing on life in France, French banking, transport, and student culture
- CAF housing allowance application guidance after arrival
Visit us at 1st Floor, Krish Building, Milanchowk-11, Butwal or call 985-1019137 for a free counseling session.
Frequently Asked Questions: Studying in France from Nepal
Do I need to know French to study in France?
Not necessarily. France has a large and growing number of master’s programs taught entirely in English. However, learning basic French greatly improves your daily life, job prospects in France, and overall experience. For undergraduate programs, most courses are in French, so B2 level French is generally required.
What is Campus France and why is it mandatory?
Campus France is the French government agency that manages international student applications to French universities. All Nepali students must register on the Campus France platform and attend an interview at the Campus France Nepal office in Kathmandu before applying for a student visa. This is a mandatory step unique to France.
What is the Charpak Scholarship and can Nepali students apply?
Yes. The Charpak Scholarship is offered by the French Embassy and is open to students from Nepal and other South Asian countries. It covers tuition, monthly stipend, and health insurance for master’s level programs in France. First Step Consultancy can guide you on the application process and deadlines.
How affordable is studying in France compared to the UK or Australia?
France is significantly more affordable. Public university tuition in France starts at EUR 170 per year for undergraduate programs, compared to GBP 11,000 to 20,000 in the UK or AUD 20,000 to 45,000 in Australia. Living costs outside Paris are also considerably lower than London, Sydney, or Melbourne.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. Student visa holders in France can work up to 964 hours per year, which is roughly 20 hours per week. This is known as the student work authorization included in your long-stay visa. No separate work permit is required.
What is the APS permit after graduation?
The Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour (APS) is a 12-month residence permit issued to graduates of master’s level or higher programs in France. It allows you to stay and work in France while looking for permanent employment. It can be converted to a work permit if you receive a qualifying job offer.
What are the main intakes for French universities?
The main intake is September to October. Some universities and programs also offer a February intake. Campus France registration and university applications typically open between November and March for the September intake. Starting early is important.
Is France safe for Nepali students?
France is generally safe and has a large international student community. Major university cities like Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, and Toulouse have active international student networks. Many Nepali and South Asian students are already studying across France, which makes settling in easier.
France offers world-class education at some of the lowest tuition fees among all major study destinations. With scholarships specifically available for Nepali students, a post-study work permit, and the freedom to travel across Europe, France is a destination worth serious consideration. First Step Consultancy in Butwal is here to guide you through every step.
Contact us today.
📍 Address: 1st Floor, Krish Building, Milanchowk–11, Butwal
📞 Call: 985-1019137
📧 Email: director@firststep.com.np