Access world-class education

France is home to prestigious institutions renowned for excellence in Master's, MBA, and PhD programmes. With several universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2024, France is globally recognised for its exceptional quality of education, vibrant research community, and cutting-edge facilities.

Breakdown financial barriers with Prodigy Finance

For many aspiring graduate students, ambition is rarely the issue—it's securing the necessary funding. Prodigy Finance offers flexible loan options: no co-signer or collateral is required for most students, and a co-signer option is available exclusively for applicants from India. We aim to eliminate the financial barriers that stand between you and your dream education. Our borderless model makes it easier to finance your education at top French institutions, so you can focus on chasing your academic and career goals—not your finances.

So what are some of the benefits?

From Master's and MBAs to Ph.D.-level programs, French universities offer exceptional academic opportunities across a broad range of disciplines. Each institution provides a unique academic, professional, and cultural experience.

France offers a structured and welcoming visa system for international students. If you’re not a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you’ll normally need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) to study in France. This visa acts as both a visa and a residence permit once validated online after arrival.

Most applicants apply through Campus France, which guides you through the academic and visa steps before your appointment at the French consulate. You’ll need proof of acceptance, financial resources, health insurance, accommodation details, and a clear academic plan.

• Working during your degree (part-time options)

  With a valid VLS-TS student visa, you can work up to a set number of hours per year alongside your studies. Your coursework must remain your priority, but many students take up part-time roles, internships, or assistantships to gain practical experience and support living costs.

  If your programme includes an internship, it must follow French internship regulations and be authorised by your institution.

• Travelling within the Schengen Area

  Your French long-stay visa or residence permit usually allows you to travel freely across the Schengen Area for short stays. This makes it easy to explore Europe during holidays or breaks. Always travel with your passport, proof of enrolment, and valid residence permit or visa.

• Post-study opportunities (APS residence permit)

  After completing a Master’s degree or higher, you may apply for the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) — a temporary residence permit that allows you to stay in France to look for work or start a business. Once you secure a qualifying role, you may transition to a work permit or longer-term residence option.

  France’s strong industries — including luxury, engineering, tech, hospitality, and research — make these post-study pathways especially valuable.

• Maintaining your visa during your studies

  To stay compliant, you must:

  • Validate your VLS-TS online after arrival

  • Maintain full-time enrolment

  • Keep valid health insurance

  • Update your address with authorities if you move

  • Renew your residence permit before it expires

  • Staying organised with appointments, renewals, and documents helps ensure a smooth experience throughout your studies.

Securing your admission at a French university

From Master's to MBA, and Ph.D. programmes, French universities offer outstanding academic opportunities across various disciplines. Each university offers a unique academic, professional, and cultural experience

General requirements

• A relevant bachelor's degree for Master's or MBA programmes

• GRE/GMAT scores (for certain graduate courses, typically business schools)

• Proof of language proficiency in French or English (DELF/DALF, IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

• Letters of recommendation

• Statement of purpose or letter of motivation

• Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions

• Completed application form

• Valid passport and student visa

Academic records

• All international students applying for graduate programmes must have a tertiary degree equivalent to the French Licence (bachelor’s degree). Degrees must be from officially recognised institutions.

• Applicants must submit official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, with certified translations if the documents are not in French or English.

• Requirements may vary slightly between institutions, so check specific university guidelines carefully. Once admitted, additional official documentation may be requested by your institution.

Language fluency tests

As an international student, you’ll need to prove your proficiency in French or English through standardised tests such as:

Always verify the language requirements of your specific programme before applying.

*Loan and promotion offers are subject to our eligibility, funding, and credit assessment criteria.

*Loan amounts are subject to the cost of attendance limits set by schools.

*The purpose of this guide is to provide prospective students with a general overview of the international student visa process and should not be regarded as legal or immigration advice, or as a substitute for official guidance from government authorities, embassies, or consular offices. While we’ve taken care to compile accurate and up-to-date information, Prodigy Finance Limited does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or outdated details. We strongly encourage all prospective students and readers to consult the official government websites and immigration authorities relevant to their study destination for the most accurate and current information. Prodigy Finance Limited is not authorised to provide immigration services and cannot offer personalised visa advice or assistance.