Study in France from Pakistan: The Complete 2026 Guide
France remains one of the world's top study destinations, home to prestigious grandes écoles and research universities — and thanks to fixed, government-set tuition rates for non-EU students, the cost is far more predictable than most people expect.
Why France Matters
- Tuition is set nationally for non-EU students: EUR 2,902/year for a licence and EUR 3,950/year for a master's at public universities in 2026–2027. From September 2026 a university may exempt at most 30% of its non-EU students from these differentiated fees (25% from 2027–2028).
- World-renowned universities and grandes écoles across every major field.
- A genuine legal right to work: up to 964 hours/year (roughly 20 hrs/week in term, full-time in breaks).
- Housing assistance (CAF) can cut rent by EUR 100 – 250/month.
- Post-study residence of 12 months (extendable another 12) for Master's+ graduates to find a job in their field.
Tuition & Cost of Living
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Licence tuition (public, non-EU), 2026–27 | EUR 2,902/year |
| Master's tuition (public, non-EU), 2026–27 | EUR 3,950/year |
| PhD tuition | EUR 380/year |
| Living costs (Lyon, Toulouse) | EUR 800 – 1,000/month |
| Living costs (Paris) | EUR 1,200 – 1,500/month |
Campus France & Visa Requirements
Every Pakistani student applying to study in France must register on the Études en France (EEF) platform and attend a Campus France interview at the French Embassy in Islamabad before applying for the visa. Submit your file at least 60 days before the academic intake date on your admission letter.
- University admission letter
- Campus France / Études en France registration and interview
- Proof of financial means — ≈ EUR 615/month (≈ EUR 7,380/year)
- IELTS 6.0 or French language proficiency (B2), depending on the program
- Health insurance
- Long-stay student visa application
Working While You Study
Every student in France has the legal right to work up to 964 hours/year — roughly 20 hours/week during term, full-time during university breaks. At the 2026 minimum wage (SMIC) of EUR 11.65/hour gross, even part-time work meaningfully offsets living costs.
After Graduation
Non-EU/EEA students who complete a Master's degree or higher can stay for 12 months, extendable by another 12 months in certain cases, provided the job you secure bears a reasonable relation to your field of study. Apply for the autorisation provisoire de séjour before your student title expires.
How FutureConsultants Helps
France's process is more procedural than most — Campus France registration, the EEF platform, and embassy interviews all need careful sequencing. Explore our France country page for entry requirements, or fill in the form below and a consultant will get back to you within 24 hours.