France remains one of the most attractive destinations for Pakistani students who want a world-class education with affordable tuition. From prestigious universities to generous scholarships, studying in France opens doors to global careers. Our free initial consultancy services help you navigate admissions, visas, and scholarships without stress.
Why Study in France?
France is home to some of the most respected universities in the world — such as École Polytechnique, Sorbonne University, and University of Paris-Saclay. By studying here, Pakistani students can benefit from:
- Affordable Tuition Fees – Public universities charge as low as €3,000–€4,000 per year for non-EU students.
- High-Quality Education – Consistently top rankings in engineering, business, and arts.
- Rich Culture & Lifestyle – A vibrant student life, diverse cuisine, and European exposure.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid – Multiple grants and Erasmus+ programs available.
In addition, many French universities now offer English-taught programs, making it easier to study without prior French proficiency.
Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students
Admission requirements depend on whether you’re applying at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level. Below is a general roadmap:
- Choose Your Program: Always research and shortlist universities or schools that fit your academic goals.
- Check Entry Criteria: Most of the French institutions require a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0. Top institutions criteria may demand 3.0 or higher CGPA.
- Campus France Application: For most bachelor’s or master’s programs, you must apply through the Campus France platform (Demande d’Admission Préalable – DAP).
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English or French language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF/DALF).
- Supporting Documents: Your Statement of Purpose/Motivation letter should be compelling, highlighting your academic and professional achievements. Include your academic transcripts, passport copy, and recommendation letters.
Pro Tip: Start your application 6–9 months in advance to secure admission and scholarships.
Cost of Studying in France
One of the biggest attractions for Pakistani students is the low cost of studying in France:
- Public Universities: €3,000–€4,000 per year for non-EU students (Bachelor’s/Master’s).
- Private Universities: €10,000–€20,000 per year depending on the field.
- Living Costs: €650–€1,000/month in student cities like Lyon or Toulouse; €1,200–€1,400/month in Paris.
- Living in smaller cities significantly lowers housing and transportation costs.
Refer this infographic (Offical Source: Campusfrance.org)
Scholarships for International Students in France
Pakistani students can apply for several scholarships to reduce costs:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (Master’s and PhD)
- Campus France Scholarships
- French Government & Regional Grants
- Erasmus+ Program (joint master’s degrees)
- University-specific Tuition Waivers
Tip: Most scholarships require a strong academic record and an outstanding motivation letter. Our consultancy team can guide you through competitive applications free of charge.
Student Visa Requirements in France
Once you secure admission, you must apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through Campus France and the French embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
Key requirements include:
- Valid passport and recent passport-sized photos.
- Letter of acceptance from a recognized French institution.
- Proof of financial means around €615/month x for 6 months this amount plus your tution fee in your or sponsor bank account. Roughly Pakistani Rupees 25 to 30 Lakh to show in bank account of student or sponsor. Provide a bank statement covering the last six months to demonstrate consistent financial stability.
- In case of sponsor affidavit of support notarized.
- Proof of accommodation in France.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Paid visa application fee. Euro 90 (Non refundable) at VFS
- Campus France Pakistan registration Fee: PKR 30,000, a mandatory deposit to register your application with Campus France Pakistan
- You may also be charged additional service fees by the visa application center (VFS) for handling your application.
Fast-Track Tip: Apply at least 90 days before departure to avoid delays.
Post-Study Work Opportunities and PR in France
France offers excellent stay-back and work opportunities:
- Work During Studies: Up to 964 hours/year (20 hours/week during term; full-time in holidays).
- Post-Study Permit: Graduates can apply for a one-year Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour to find work related to their field.
- Path to PR: Securing a job paying at least 1.5 times the minimum wage allows you to apply for a residence permit leading to long-term residency.
This pathway makes France a serious option for those considering a permanent European career.
How to Apply from Pakistan (Step-by-Step)
- Research Universities & Programs: Decide your discipline and shortlist institutions.
- Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, language test scores, recommendation letters, motivation letter.
- Apply via Campus France: Submit your application and pay the processing fee.
- Book a Visa Appointment: Through the French consulate or TLS Contact centers.
- Arrange Accommodation & Insurance: Before departure to meet visa conditions.
- Depart & Register in France: Validate your visa within 90 days of arrival.
Free Assistance: Our expert team can guide you at each step — from selecting universities to visa approval.
Complete step-by-step guide to apply for Long Term Visa used as Residence Permit (VLS-TS) (Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour)
Upon receipt of the offer letter, please follow the following process.
- Create and activate your account on Etudes en France Platform Create Your Account
- Log In, https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/login.html
- Start with the application and select “ I am accepted” & fill the application with all required information and documents
- Then submit your file on the Etudes en France (EEF) Platform 60 days prioe the academic intake date mentioned in your finale admission letter.
- Pay the registration fee of 30.000 PKR (You’ll get 50% reduction on your visa fee)
- Go to the France visas website to fill the visa application https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/pk
- Print the visa application, the validation of your EEF file and EEF payment proof, visit AEG for your visa appointment https://frenchvisa.aeg.com.pk/
List of required documents to apply for the student visa refer the following
| International Passport/ Original | The International passport must be valid for all the period of trip to France with a minimum of 15 months from start of program in France. |
| Recent ID passport-size photographs (colour, clear background) / 3 copies | The photographs will be attached with the visa application form. |
| Visa application form / 2 copies | You will get the form from the website of the French Embassy |
| Admission letter from the French Institution / 1 copy | Without admission letter in a French higher education institution, you cannot apply for a student visa |
| Personal Bank Statement of the LAST 6 MONTHS OR Affidavit of guarantor / original + Bank Statement of the guarantor of the last 6 months / 1 copy | A minimum of 615 euros/month is required to cover your expenses in France
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| Certificate of accommodation (if available) / 1 copy
| The accommodation certificate must mention : • Your name • The address of the accommodation • The dates (that should cover the duration of your course) If an individual is offering you accommodation, submit:
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| Curriculum Vitae / 1 copy |
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| Cover letter / 1 copy | The cover letter has to offer evidence of your motivation to join France for your studies. |
| University Certificates & Transcripts | The transcripts are very important. |
| Copy of all pages of passport /1 copy | Every single page has to be copied |
| OFII form with the upper half duly completed by the visa applicant: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/IMG/pdf/LS-01d_formulaire_ofii.pdf
| |
| Family Registration Certificate | This document has to be requested from NADRA |
| Money for the visa fees | The money will be paid at the visa section. |
Book a Free Consultation with Our Experts
Want to make your dream of studying in France a reality? Book a free consultation with our education specialists. We’ll:
- Review your academic profile.
- Suggest universities with high acceptance rates.
- Help you secure scholarships and financial aid.
- Provide end-to-end visa and pre-departure support.
Fill out our quick form and get a call back within 24 hours.
Top Study Destinations in France
- Paris for Business & Arts
- Lyon for Engineering & Research
- Toulouse for Aerospace
- Grenoble for Technology & Innovation
- Lille for Management & Finance
FAQs about Studying in France from Pakistan
1. Is studying in France free?
French public universities charge low fees compared to other countries, and scholarships can cover a significant part of costs. Tuition fee for Non-EU students are as following. For non EU-students You will be required to pay differentiated registration fees if:
- If you are enrolling for the first time for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or an engineering programme for the 2025/2026 academic year,
- If it’s part of a higher education institution that the Ministry of Higher Education and Research oversees;
- The tuition fee for non-EU students is payable if you are not permanently settled in France as a permanent resident. The state will cover two-thirds of the training cost. The total registration fee is:
- €2,895 per year at the licence (bachelor) level
- €3,941 per year at the master level
If you enrol in a doctoral degree at the beginning of the 2025 academic year, the French government continues to cover most of your tuition until you complete your programme. Your tuition for the 2025/2026 academic year will be €397. Non-EU doctoral students are not subject to new differentiated tuition fees.
This is important to know that tuition fees at private institutions in France, particularly business schools, are substantially higher than at public institutions, ranging from €6,000 to €18,000 per year. It is advisable to check the official website of the institution to determine the tuition charged for programmes of interest.
18% of all students in France attend private institutions. Private status indicates that the institution was not founded by the state and the level of public funding it receives is variable. In some cases, the state may officially recognise an institution and authorise it to grant national diplomas. In such instances, the government has a say in the instruction offered, ensuring a certain level of service and quality. Among the private institutions recognised by the French government are the five Catholic institutes (in Paris, Lille, Angers, Lyon and Toulouse) and some schools of business or engineering.
2. Do I need IELTS or French proficiency?
Not always. Many master’s programs are taught in English. However, learning French is strongly advised for integration and job opportunities. Without IELTS is possible to get admission in France.
3. Can Pakistani students work during studies?
Yes. You may work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during vacations.
4. How to get PR after study in France?
Secure employment paying at least 1.5× minimum wage, then apply for a residence permit. After several years of residency, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
5. What’s the minimum CGPA for admission?
Most universities accept 2.5/4.0; elite programs may ask for 3.0+. Strong recommendations and motivation letters can boost your profile.
6. Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, Students can either bring international coverage or enroll in French social security. Health, Social Security and Insurance “Social Security provides foreign students with social coverage while studying in France. To increase the amount of their healthcare expenses that is reimbursed, they may take out complementary health insurance, or mutuelle.”
Get Free Consultation Today
We’ve successfully guided hundreds of Pakistani students to study in France. Whether you’re interested in engineering, arts, business, or medicine, our free consultancy services streamline your journey from admission to visa.
Key Takeaways
- France offers affordable, high-quality education for Pakistani students.
- Scholarships and work opportunities make studying in France financially viable.
- Free consultancy services help you avoid mistakes in applications and visas.
Act now: The earlier you start, the higher your chances of securing scholarships and top university placements.
Seven Reasons to Study in France
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