France is a sought-after European study destination, welcoming around 430,466 international students to Universities, private schools, or Grandes Écoles. French educational institutions offer thousands of English-taught programs, which give students access to globally recognized qualifications, relatively affordable living standards, and exciting career prospects after graduation. For young aspirants looking to study in France, a dilemma they may face is choosing among the best courses available for international students.
Choosing popular courses with industry-informed curricula and experienced faculty with deep knowledge of the subject is a good way to make the most out of studying in France. A sought-after qualification also puts students at an advantage in the global job market. In this article, let us discuss popular courses to study in France in the upcoming intakes.
Merits of Studying in France in 2026
The French education system borrows strongly from the culture, which highly values individual freedom, societal progress, and practical knowledge of one’s subject matter when it comes to academics. The unique merits of studying in France are mentioned below.
- More than 3,500 educational institutions offering over 300 specialized English-taught programs across a wide variety of fields.
- Relatively affordable cost of tuition and living as compared to other study destinations, with subsidies for accommodation and lots of scholarship options from the government and French educational institutions.
- Strong industry connections with major companies in Business, Tech, Fashion, Media, etc., leading to paid and unpaid internship opportunities where students engage in hands-on learning and make excellent networking connections in their preferred industry.
- France has a quick and straightforward visa process, typically issuing a student visa within 15 days. Additionally, there is a provision in the Schengen Visa for students, which allows them to travel and stay briefly in 26 European countries.
- After graduation, students can stay back in France for up to 2 years through the post-study work visa, during which they can build the baseline of their career.
In addition, French culture, food, and the unique social life in its student cities are attractive factors for international students. Having understood why so many international students want to study in France, it is time to move on to the top courses in France.
Popular Courses to Study in France for International Students
France has a developed economy with several booming industries across fields like Business, Technology, Tourism, Fashion, and Manufacturing. It is one of Europe’s strongest centers for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. France has also built its research expertise around these fields, with several institutions pitching in to their development. Read on to learn about the best courses to study in France.
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Business and Management
France is a global contributor to the field of Business and Management, particularly Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Finance. Some top institutions for courses like a BBA or MBA in France are mentioned below.
- HEC Paris
- INSEAD
- Neoma Business School
- INSEEC Business School
- ESSEC Business School
Business graduates are highly sought-after by companies in France and abroad. Let us compare the cost of education with the return on investment below.
| Average Tuition Fees for Business and Management Courses in France | Average Salary for Business and Management Graduates in France |
| €9,440 – €34,000 per year | €30,000 – €100,000 per year |
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Engineering
From the infamous Eiffel Tower to the humble pencil sharpener, France has seen some incredible inventions and feats of Engineering. Engineering specializations like Civil Engineering, IT, Aeronautical Engineering, etc. are all the rage to study in France. Some well-known institutions for an MSc, MEng, BSc, or BEng are given below.
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- Université de Montpellier
- ECE Engineering School
- De Vinci Higher Education
- Esigelec Graduate School of Engineering
The cost of an Engineering degree in France is substantial, but so is the median salary for graduates in the field. Let us compare both below.
| Average Tuition Fees for Engineering Courses in France | Average Salary for Engineering Graduates in France |
| €8,250 – €14,350 per year | €40,000 – €80,500 per year |
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Fashion and Luxury Brand Management
France is home to iconic luxury brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Cartier. An MSc, MA, or Bachelors in fields like Fashion Design, Public Relations Management, or Product Design. A few institutions to consider for such courses are listed below.
- ESSEC Business School
- Toulouse Business School
- Skema Business School
- Clermont School of Business
- Burgundy School of Business
The world of fashion is competitive yet rewarding, especially for those with the talent and skills to shine. Read on for a comparison of the investment required and its returns.
| Average Tuition Fee Range for Fashion and Luxury Brand Management Courses in France | Average Salary for Fashion and Luxury Brand Management Graduates in France |
| €12,540 – €26,400 per year | €30,000 – €90,000 per year |
In essence, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to excellent courses to study in France. Students can explore fields such as Banking & Finance, Computer Science, Hospitality & Tourism, and Culinary Arts in the country as well. With the help of experienced study in France consultants, the exploration and admission process can be made seamless.
