Study in France from Pakistan
Public universities and specialised schools, with a strong choice of English-taught master’s programmes. We guide you through university selection, the Campus France process and your student visa.
- Teaching
- English-taught programmes mostly at master’s level; many bachelor’s are in French
- Main intake
- September, with some programmes starting in January
- Tuition
- State-set fees at public universities; schools set their own
- Application
- Through Campus France, including an interview
- Visa route
- Long-stay student visa after admission
Why Pakistani students choose France
-
Strong master’s offer in English
Many French universities and schools teach master’s programmes fully in English, especially in business, engineering and science.
-
Specialised schools
Alongside public universities, France has a large network of specialised schools in business, engineering and design.
-
State-set public fees
Tuition at public universities is set by the state, which keeps it well below private systems; schools set their own fees.
-
One guided application route
Applications from Pakistan go through Campus France, which follows your file from application to visa.
Universities in France we help students apply to
Your shortlist is built from programmes that fit your degree, grades and budget.
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux
- University of Strasbourg Strasbourg
- University of Montpellier Montpellier
- Sorbonne University Paris
- Université Paris-Saclay Paris
- Université Grenoble Alpes Grenoble
- University of Lorraine Nancy
- Aix-Marseille University Marseille
- University of Lille Lille
- Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Lyon
Requirements and documents
What a typical application and visa file needs. Exact requirements depend on the university and programme, and we prepare a checklist for each one.
Get my personal checklist- Bachelor’s transcripts and degree for a master’s; Intermediate or A-Level results for a bachelor’s
- An English test such as IELTS for English-taught programmes, or a French certificate for French-taught ones
- A Campus France application, including an interview
- A CV and motivation letter for each programme
- Proof of funds or a scholarship letter for the visa
- Accommodation details and travel insurance for the visa appointment
Tuition and scholarships
State-set fees at public universities; schools set their own. Living costs depend mainly on the city. These are the main funding routes:
-
French government scholarships
Including the Eiffel Excellence programme for master’s and doctoral students, nominated by universities.
-
University and school scholarships
Many institutions offer fee reductions or merit awards to international students.
-
Other funding
Regional and foundation scholarships exist for some fields; we check what fits your programme.
When to apply
Counted back from your start date. Each university sets its own deadlines, so we build your exact plan around your shortlist.
September intake
- 10–12 months beforeShortlist programmes and prepare documents and an English test.
- 6–10 months beforeApply through Campus France and directly to schools that require it.
- 3–6 months beforeComplete the Campus France interview and accept an offer.
- 1–3 months beforeSubmit the visa file, then arrange travel and accommodation.
January intake (some programmes)
- 8–10 months beforeCheck which programmes on your list offer a January start.
- 5–8 months beforeApply and complete the Campus France steps.
- 1–3 months beforeSubmit the visa file and prepare to travel.
Official sources for France
Fees, deadlines and visa rules change every year. Before you apply or pay, check them on the official pages; we update this page when they change.
- Campus France Pakistan Études en France application, interview and procedure fees.
- France-Visas Official long-stay student visa application.
- Campus France Programmes, scholarships and student life in France.
Studying in France: common questions
Something not covered here? Ask us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer it.
Can I study in France in English?
Yes, especially at master’s level. Many universities and schools teach master’s programmes fully in English, and Campus France Pakistan says nearly 1,600 programmes in France are fully taught in English, most of them at master’s level. Most bachelor’s programmes are taught in French, so you need a French level set by the programme, often B2 or C1.
What is Campus France?
Campus France is the official agency that handles applications to French higher education from Pakistan, and its Études en France procedure is mandatory for the student visa. You create your file online, pay the fee of PKR 30,000, attend an academic interview at the Alliance Française in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi, and then apply for the visa.
Is studying in France affordable?
It can be, at public universities. In 2026-27 non-EU students pay €2,902 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,950 for a master’s there, though some universities reduce this. Business schools charge far more, about €16,000 to €17,000 a year for a master’s. For the visa you show €877.50 a month for your living costs.
Do I need IELTS to study in France?
It depends on the programme. For English-taught programmes most institutions ask for IELTS or an equivalent test, but France has no national English-test rule, and some schools waive it if your previous degree was taught in English. Campus France Pakistan’s file still asks for an English certificate. For French-taught programmes you need a French language certificate instead.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. A student visa or residence permit allows paid work of up to 964 hours a year without a separate work permit, which is 60% of full-time work or roughly 20 hours a week. Pay is at least the legal minimum wage, €12.31 gross an hour in 2026. After a master’s you can ask for a 12-month permit to look for a job.
When should I apply to study in France?
For a September start, begin in the autumn before. The Campus France Pakistan deadline for September 2027 is 18 November 2026. After it, a pre-consular route stays open until 30 August 2027 for students admitted directly by a French institution. Earlier applications have more choice, and France also has a smaller intake from January to March.
Book your free study abroad consultation
Tell us about yourself and where you want to study. We’ll contact you on WhatsApp or by email to set a time, on a call, by video or in person.
In the consultation we cover
- Which country and universities fit your grades, degree and budget
- Which intakes and deadlines you can still make
- Scholarships you may qualify for and the documents you will need
- What our paid support includes, if you want us to handle your case