English Taught Masters in France for Indian Students
Five years ago, most Indian students assumed France meant learning French first. That is no longer true. English taught masters in France now run across public universities, engineering schools and business schools, in fields from artificial intelligence to luxury management, and many of them never require a word of French in the classroom. France also offers Indian graduates one of the more generous post-study arrangements in Europe. The picture did change in 2026, though, because public university fees for non-EU students went up. Here is what you need to know before you apply for 2027.
What this guide covers
Why France works for Indian students
France’s appeal rests on a combination that few countries match: internationally ranked institutions, public university fees that are still modest by global standards, a strong industrial base in aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals and luxury goods, and a government that has actively courted Indian students. Indian alumni who complete a master’s degree in France have been offered five-year short-stay Schengen visas, which is a real advantage for anyone whose career involves European travel.
Living in France while studying in English is also more comfortable than many expect. Big university cities have large international communities, and students who pick up basic French alongside their degree find part-time work and job hunting noticeably easier. For a broader overview, read our guide to study in France.
Where English taught masters in France are offered
Public universities
Universities such as Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Côte d’Azur, Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Montpellier and the University of Strasbourg run English-taught master’s tracks, especially in sciences, engineering, economics and international relations. These are the most affordable option, even after the 2026 fee changes.
Engineering schools
The grandes écoles d’ingénieurs, including École Polytechnique, Télécom Paris, CentraleSupélec, IMT Atlantique and the INSA network, offer English-taught master’s and MSc programmes in computing, data, energy and advanced manufacturing. Fees vary widely between public and private schools.
Business schools
HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, emlyon, Grenoble École de Management, NEOMA, SKEMA and others run large English-taught Master in Management and specialised MSc portfolios. They are expensive but come with strong recruiting networks and, often, internship periods built into the degree.
Fields worth looking at in 2027
| Field | Typical degree | Why it suits Indian students |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Master’s or MSc | France has made AI a national priority, and AI is one of the priority disciplines for government scholarships |
| Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering | Master’s or MSc | Toulouse and the Paris region host a deep aerospace industry |
| Energy and Environmental Engineering | Master’s | Energy transition projects and nuclear, hydrogen and renewables research |
| Biotechnology and Public Health | Master’s | Strong pharma and life sciences clusters around Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg |
| Finance and Management | MiM or MSc Finance | Business school pipelines into Paris finance and consulting |
| Luxury, Fashion and Hospitality Management | MSc | France is the global centre of the luxury industry |
The Campus France catalogue lets you filter programmes taught in English by subject, level and city. Use it as your starting point rather than relying on agent lists, because programme availability changes every year.
What English taught masters in France cost in 2026 and 2027
The biggest change for 2027 applicants is at public universities. For years most universities charged non-EU students the same small fee as French students, even though higher differentiated fees existed on paper. From September 2026 the higher rates became mandatory. According to Campus France, non-EU students now pay about 2,902 euros a year for a bachelor’s and 3,950 euros a year for a master’s at public institutions, while doctoral students pay 398 euros. Fee exemptions are capped at around one in ten students and are focused on scholarship holders and priority fields such as health, digital and AI, quantum science, biotechnology, energy and the environment.
Even at 3,950 euros, a public French master’s remains far cheaper than equivalent programmes in the UK, USA or Canada. Engineering school fees range from public-school levels to well over 10,000 euros a year, and business school master’s programmes typically cost 15,000 to 45,000 euros a year.
Add the annual student life contribution (CVEC, roughly 105 euros), health coverage, and living costs of about 800 to 1,200 euros a month outside Paris and 1,200 to 1,800 euros in Paris. For the visa you must show resources of at least 615 euros a month. Students can apply for CAF housing assistance once they have a rental contract, which takes a real bite out of rent.
How to apply through Campus France India
- Shortlist programmes on the Campus France catalogue, filtering for English-taught courses.
- Create your Études en France account with Campus France India. Most Indian applicants apply to participating institutions through this platform.
- Upload documents: transcripts, degree certificate, CV, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, passport and IELTS or TOEFL scores. Business schools may also ask for GMAT or GRE.
- Attend the Campus France interview, where an adviser checks your academic project and motivation.
- Receive admission and accept your offer through the platform or directly with the school.
- Apply for the long-stay student visa through VFS Global with proof of funds, accommodation and admission.
- Validate your visa online after arrival in France, which turns it into your residence permit for the first year.
Deadlines differ by institution, but for a September 2027 start most public university and engineering programmes close between January and April 2027, while business schools run rolling rounds from October 2026. Early rounds usually have better scholarship availability. Our step-by-step guide to study in France covers the paperwork in more detail.
Work rights and staying on after your degree
Students may work part-time alongside their studies, up to about 60 per cent of the legal annual working time, and internships that form part of the degree are common, particularly at engineering and business schools. These are often paid when they exceed two months.
After graduating, Indian master’s graduates can stay on to look for work or launch a business, and the India-France migration and mobility partnership has made this period more generous for Indian nationals than for many others. Graduates who find a job matching their qualification can switch to a work-based residence permit. Read more in our guide to post-study work opportunities in France, and see our masters in France guide for career outcomes by field.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study a master’s in France without knowing French?
Yes. A large and growing number of English taught masters in France require only IELTS or TOEFL. Learning basic French is still strongly recommended for internships, part-time work and daily life.
How much is tuition at French public universities for Indian students now?
From September 2026, non-EU students pay about 3,950 euros a year for a master’s at public institutions. A limited number of exemptions and scholarships are available, mainly in priority fields.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL score. Some accept a medium of instruction letter, but do not rely on it without written confirmation.
Which scholarships can Indian students apply for?
The Charpak scholarships for Indian students, the Eiffel Excellence scholarship, institutional scholarships and regional awards are the main options. Many deadlines fall between December and March.
Is France better than Germany for an English-taught master’s?
Germany remains cheaper at most public universities, while France offers more English-taught business programmes and strong opportunities in luxury, aerospace and finance. Our France vs Germany comparison sets out the trade-offs.
Planning your application
English taught masters in France are a strong option for Indian students who want a European degree, practical internships and a realistic route to work afterwards. The 2026 fee change makes public universities a little more expensive, but they remain excellent value, and scholarships in priority subjects are worth chasing early.
EDBGO guides Indian students through programme selection, Études en France applications, Campus France interviews and visa files every intake. Tell us your subject and budget, and we will put together a shortlist that balances cost, career prospects and admission chances.
