Complete Guide to Studying in France from Nepal (English Programs, Cost & Visa Process)

Looking for a world-class European degree taught entirely in English without paying steep tuition fees? France is rapidly becoming a premier study destination for Nepalese students.

Offering public university tuition subsidized by the French government, a post-study work permit, and direct access to the 29 Schengen zone countries, France combines academic excellence with genuine affordability.

This step-by-step guide walks you through English-taught degree options, realistic tuition and living costs, and the mandatory Campus France Nepal (Etudes en France) visa application process.

Key Overview: Studying in France at a Glance

Parameter	Specification for Nepali Applicants
Main Intakes	September / October (Primary) & January / February (Secondary)
Medium of Instruction	100% English (No French required for admissions in selected tracks)
Public University Tuition	~€2,895/year (Bachelor’s) \| ~€3,941/year (Master’s)
Private Business / Grande École Tuition	€8,000 – €18,000 / year
Minimum Financial Proof (Visa)	€615 / month (~€7,380 / year) + tuition balance
Language Tests Accepted	IELTS Academic (6.0–6.5), PTE Academic (58–65), TOEFL iBT (80+)
Part-Time Work Allowance	Up to 20 hours/week (964 hours annually)
Post-Study Work Permit (APS/RÉCE)	Up to 1 to 2 years (for Master's degree graduates)

Why Study in France? Top Benefits for Nepali Students

1. Heavily Subsidized Public Education

Unlike destination countries like the UK, Australia, or USA—where annual international tuition frequently exceeds €15,000 to €30,000—French public universities heavily subsidize higher education. Non-EU international students pay approximately €2,895/year for Bachelor’s (Licence) and €3,941/year for Master’s programs.

2. Over 1,500 English-Taught Programs

You do not need to speak fluent French to get a top degree. Leading public universities, Business Schools, and Grandes Écoles offer complete undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught entirely in English across IT, Data Science, Business, Engineering, Tourism, and International Relations.

3. Student Housing Subsidies (CAF / APL)

France is one of the few countries where international students can apply for government housing assistance called CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales). CAF refunds between €100 to €200 per month directly toward your rent, cutting your living costs.

4. Travel Freedom Across 29 Schengen Countries

Your French Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) serves as a Schengen residence permit, giving you visa-free access to visit Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and more throughout your studies.

Academic Requirements & Popular Courses

Entry Requirements for Nepali Applicants

For Bachelor's Degree (Licence):
- Successful completion of +2 / Higher Secondary (NEB) with a minimum GPA of 2.8 to 3.0 (~70%).
- Accepted gap year: Typically up to 2 years with documented work experience or skills training.
For Master's Degree (Master):
- 3 or 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8+ or equivalent.
- Accepted gap year: Up to 3–5 years if backed by professional work experience.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: 6.0 (min 5.5 per band) for Bachelor's; 6.5 for Master's.
- PTE: 58+ overall.
- Note: Select institutions offer conditional admission or accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters under specific criteria.

Top Fields of Study in Demand

               ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
               │         POPULAR STUDY TRACKS IN FRANCE        │
               └──────────────────────┬───────────────────────┘
                                      │
         ┌────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┐
         ▼                            ▼                            ▼
  Business & Management      Tech & Computer Science       Hospitality & Luxury
  • International MBA        • Data Analytics & AI         • Luxury Brand Mgmt
  • Finance & Accounting     • Software Engineering        • Tourism & Events
  • Supply Chain & Logistics • Cybersecurity               • Culinary Arts Management

Complete Breakdown of Costs (Tuition & Living)

1. Annual Tuition Fees

Institution Type	Annual Fee (EUR)	Equivalent in NPR (Approx.)
Public University (Bachelor's)	€2,895 / year	~NPR 4.3 Lakhs
Public University (Master's)	€3,941 / year	~NPR 5.9 Lakhs
Private Business / Grande École	€8,000 – €18,000 / year	~NPR 12 – 27 Lakhs

2. Monthly Living Expenses

Your monthly budget will vary depending on your city:

Outside Paris (e.g., Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, Lille, Marseille): €700 – €950 / month (~NPR 1.05 – 1.4 Lakhs).
Inside Paris: €1,100 – €1,500 / month (~NPR 1.65 – 2.25 Lakhs).

Step-by-Step France Student Visa Process (Campus France EEF)

Because Nepal is an Etudes en France (EEF) country, all Nepali applicants must follow a specific pre-consular process before booking a visa appointment at VFS Global.

Study in France