Study in France 2026: Campus France, costs and visa

Short answer: Public universities in France charge relatively low tuition even for non-EU students: roughly €2,770 per year for a bachelor’s and €3,770 for a master’s. Applications usually start on Campus France’s “Études en France” platform, followed by a long-stay student visa.

France is one of Europe’s strongest study destinations: public universities, elite “Grandes Écoles”, business schools, and thousands of programs in both French and English. Below are the key steps for a student from Azerbaijan. Figures and dates change every year, so always check campusfrance.org and the embassy website.

How the French system works

• Public universities: low fees, admission based on academic record and documents.
• Grandes Écoles and engineering schools: more selective, sometimes requiring preparatory classes.
• Business schools: fees typically start around €10,000 a year and can go much higher, but they offer many English-taught programs and flexible admission.

Degrees follow the European model: Licence (3 years), Master (2 years), Doctorate (3 years).

Language requirements

French-taught programs usually ask for B2 (TCF, DELF/DALF). English-taught programs accept IELTS or TOEFL. Compare the tests in our IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo comparison (Azerbaijani).

Application steps

1. Choose a program in the Campus France catalogue and on university websites.
2. Open an “Études en France” account. Azerbaijan is among the countries where this procedure applies (confirm on the official site). You fill in your profile, upload documents and select programs.
3. Documents: diploma or school certificate with transcript, language certificate, motivation letter, CV, sometimes reference letters.
4. Campus France interview in some cases, about your goals and chosen program.
5. Get your admission letter, the key document for the visa.
6. Visa. Apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through the embassy or visa center, then validate it online after arrival.

Costs

Cost	Approximate amount
Public university, bachelor’s	~€2,770 / year
Public university, master’s	~€3,770 / year
Business schools	~€10,000+ / year
Living costs	Higher in Paris, lower in regional cities

You must show proof of funds for the visa; check the required monthly amount on the official site. CROUS student housing is the most affordable option but places are limited, so apply early. Students can also receive housing aid from CAF.

Working while studying

A student visa allows limited work during studies (currently up to 964 hours per year; verify the current rule).

FAQ

Can I study without speaking French?

Yes, especially at master’s and business level there are many English-taught programs. Still, learning French helps greatly in daily life.

Does the Azerbaijani State Program cover France?

It depends on whether the university is on the State Program list for the year. Check the official dp.edu.az rules.

Not sure which country to choose?

See our guide on how to choose a country (Azerbaijani).

Plan your French application with us

Since 2018 EDDE Global has supported students with admission, documents and visas for universities in France and across Europe. Book a free consultation and we will choose the right program together.

Note: this article is general information and official rules may change. Please check Campus France and the embassy for exact details.