Masters in France for Indian Students 2026: College, Fees, Admission, Scholarships, APS Visa

Article Summary

• Public universities in France charge Indian students just EUR 3,941 per year (INR ~4.2 lakh) for a Master’s degree, as the French government subsidises nearly two-thirds of education costs, making it significantly more affordable than the UK or USA, with total annual budgets ranging from EUR 10,596 in affordable cities to EUR 19,096 in Paris.
• Indian students receive a unique bilateral advantage — a 24-month APS post-study work visa (double the standard 12 months), no job offer required to apply, freedom to work full-time in any field, and an accelerated citizenship pathway of just 2 years post-graduation instead of the standard 5 years.
• High-demand fields like Investment Banking (EUR 60,000–120,000/year), Data Science and AI (EUR 45,000–75,000), and Luxury Brand Management (EUR 42,000–75,000) offer strong career outcomes, with top recruiters including LVMH, Airbus, BNP Paribas, and Capgemini hiring directly from French universities.

France is one of the few global destinations where the state subsidises nearly two-thirds of your education costs, so you can study at top universities for much lower fees than in the UK or the USA. You can study a master’s in France as a 1 to 2-year course at a public university, and you will usually pay around EUR 3,770 to 4,000 per year (around 4.2 Lakhs). At the same time, you will also get access to government scholarships and a 24-month post-study work visa, so you have enough time to find a job after your degree.

But mostly students find the process of studying in France confusing because deadlines for each college are different, and the APS visa rules are also not easy to understand. So in this blog, we will help you understand colleges, fees and how admission works. You will also learn about scholarships, APS visas, job options, etc., so let’s go!

Master’s in France for Indian Students: Quick Overview

France is becoming a top choice for master’s in France among Indian students because you get quality education at a low cost, and also many courses are in English, so you do not need French at the start. Another big reason is the 2-year post-study work visa, which gives you enough time to find a job after your degree. But before we go into details, here is a quick overview for you. 

English-Taught Master’s Programs	Over 1,300 are fully in English, and over 1,600 include partial English programs
Average Tuition for Public Universities	Around EUR 3,941 per year (INR 4,21,687)
Living Expenses	EUR 700 to EUR 1,200 per month (INR 74,900 to INR 1,28,400) depending on city
Visa Fund Proof	EUR 615 per month (INR 65,805) is required for a student visa
Post-Study Work Visa	September is the main intake, and January or February is a smaller intake
Part-Time Work Rights	964 hours per year, around 20 hours per week
Minimum Wage	EUR 12.02 per hour or EUR 1,823 per month
Application Portal	Études en France (EEF) for Indian students
Intakes	September is the main intake, January or February is a smaller intake
Scholarships	Eiffel (EUR 1,200 per month), Charpak (EUR 860 per month), Erasmus Mundus (EUR 1,400 per month)
Top Courses	Management, Luxury Brand, Aerospace, Data Science, AI
CVEC Fee	EUR 105 per year is mandatory for all students

Disclaimer: The EUR to INR conversion in this blog is based on current market rates as of March 2026. Currency rates are subject to change, so check the latest exchange rates before making any financial decisions.

Why Study a Master’s in France?

France and India have strong government-level agreements, and because of that, there are many benefits for studying a master’s in France for Indian students, mainly around post-study work options. So let’s understand all the benefits of why students are choosing France.

Affordable Yet High-Quality Education

The French government follows a concept called “Education for All” (EFA), which means the government pays most of the cost of your education. The state spends approximately EUR 10,000 per student every year. Because of this, your tuition fee will be much lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia. And right now, 7 French schools rank in the Global Top 100 for MBAs and Management, so you are getting good global recognition along with low cost.

24-Month APS Visa Advantage for Indians

France is giving a special benefit to Indian students through Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour, also known as APS. This is a temporary resident permit. Most international students only get 12 months under this permit, but Indian students get more time because of a bilateral agreement between India and France. 

Wide Range of English-Taught Programs

A lot of students think they need to know French before going to France. But that is not true anymore. France has more than 1,700 programs that are taught completely in English. So you can start your studies without waiting to learn the language first. These programs focus on high-demand fields like Engineering, Data Science, Luxury Management, and International Business. 

Government Support for Indian Students

In early 2026, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France wants to welcome 30,000 Indian students every year by 2030. This clearly shows that France is actively inviting Indian students. To support this goal, the government has already made the process easier. They have simplified visa processing through the EEF procedure. This helps you apply more smoothly.

France’s University System: Grande École vs Public Universities

If you are planning for a master’s in France, then you need to understand that France has a dual system. It means you can either go to a public university or choose a Grande École. Both are good, but they are very different. So before you decide anything, you should understand how both options work and what they offer.

Public Universities

Public universities in France are funded by the government. These universities offer education in almost every field. You can study arts, sciences, medicine, law, and many other subjects. These universities focus a lot on research and theory, so if you like deep academic learning, this will suit you.

For a Master’s degree, public universities are a great option if you want to go into research or specialised scientific fields. They follow national standards, and admission is also more accessible compared to Grandes Écoles. 

Grandes Écoles

Grandes Écoles are elite institutions. They are known for their prestige and strong reputation. These schools are usually smaller and focus on specific fields like Business and Engineering; also, getting into these schools is not easy. The admission process is very competitive, and you may need to clear entrance exams, too, if you are an international student.

These institutions have very strong connections with industries, and they will also provide corporate internships, career support, and access to strong alumni networks. But the tuition fees are higher compared to public universities. But the Grande École name carries a lot of value in both France and the global job market. 

Which Option is Best for Indian Students?

The answer depends on your goals and your budget. If you want to build a career in corporate management, the luxury industry, or high finance, then a Grande École can be a better choice. But if you want an affordable option and you are more interested in research or fields like Pure Sciences, Humanities, or Public Policy, then public universities are a very strong option. 

What is M1 vs M2 for Master’s in France?

A Master’s in France is not one single block like the US or UK. Instead, it is split into two parts called M1 and M2. A full National Master’s degree has 120 ECTS credits, and you complete this over two years. But you can enter at different levels depending on your previous education. So let’s break this down step by step so you do not get confused later.

M1 (First Year of Master’s)

M1 is the first year of the Master’s program; it is like the foundation stage, where you build your base before specialisation. This year is mainly for students who have completed a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, which is equal to 180 ECTS. So if you have done B.Sc, B.Com, or B.A, this is usually your starting point.

The course mainly focuses on advanced subjects and basic preparation for your future specialisation, so you will not go very deep into one niche yet. But you will first build your understanding properly. The duration of M1 is 1 year, and it covers 60 ECTS credits. One important thing you should know is that completing M1 alone does not give you a Master’s degree. It only allows you to move forward to M2.

M2 (Second Year Entry)

M2 is the second year of the Master’s program, and in this stage, you will choose your specialisation. For example, you can go for Corporate Finance or Fintech depending on your interest. So this is the part where you actually shape your career direction.

Most M2 programs include a mandatory internship that lasts around 4 to 6 months. Along with that, you will also complete a research thesis, which is called a mémoire. Now, if you have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree like B.Tech or B.E., or if you already have a Post-Graduate Diploma, then you can often apply directly for M2. This is called direct entry.

This means you can complete your entire Master’s degree in just one year instead of two. After you complete M2 successfully, you will receive the National Master’s Degree.

Mastère Spécialisé (MS Programs)

Now this is a different type of program, so do not confuse it with M1 or M2. The Mastère Spécialisé, also called MS, is an advanced-level program and it is given by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles. It is not the same as a National Master’s degree; instead, it is a post-Master’s specialisation.

This program is designed for students who already have an M2 or a 5-year degree. So you should only consider this if you already have a strong academic background and want very specific expertise. This is for niche areas like Aeronautic Engineering or Big Data. So they are very targeted and industry-focused.

The duration is 12 months, and it includes 75 ECTS credits. These programs are highly professional, and many students get high starting salaries because of the strong branding of Grandes Écoles. Since this is a Level 7 qualification but technically a post-Master’s program, you need to confirm if it fits your long-term goals, especially if you are planning for a visa extension or a PhD later.

Top Universities in France for Master’s Programs 

If you are planning your master’s in France, then choosing the right university is important. France has created what people call “super-universities”, so basically these are merged institutions where multiple top schools come together to compete globally. Because of this, many French universities are now ranking very strongly at the global level. Now, let us show you the top universities based on the QS World University Rankings 2026.

University Name	QS World University Rank 2026
Paris Sciences & Lettres University	#28
Polytechnic Institute of Paris	#41
Paris-Saclay University	#70
Sorbonne University	#72
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon	#205
Paris Cité University	#300
Paris Institute of Political Studies	#367

Also Read: France University Fees 2026: Complete Table by Courses, Universities & Cities

Popular Courses for Master’s in France

If you are planning your master’s in France, then choosing the right course is very important. France has many programs, but some courses are more popular because they give better career options and higher salaries. Here is a list of the most popular courses. 

Master’s in Management (MiM)

This is one of the most popular courses in France. It is mainly offered by top business schools, and it is designed for students who do not have much work experience. So if you are a fresher or have just completed your graduation, this course is perfect for you.

In the beginning, you will learn basic business topics like marketing, finance, and management. After that, you will choose your specialisation, such as International Business, Finance, or Digital Business. 

After completing this course, many students get jobs in big companies or consulting firms. The average starting salary is quite good, and career growth is fast. Here is a list of universities that provide this course.

• HEC Paris
• ESCP Business School
• ESSEC Business School
• EDHEC Business School
• Emlyon Business School

Master’s in Luxury Brand Management

France, especially Paris, is known for luxury brands, so this course is very famous here. In this program, you will learn how luxury brands work, and you will study branding, marketing, customer experience, and how to maintain exclusivity while making a profit.

This course is very unique because it focuses only on the luxury industry. After completing it, you can work with top brands in roles like Brand Manager or Marketing Manager. Here is a list of universities that provide this course.

• ESSEC Business School
• HEC Paris
• emlyon business school
• Rennes School of Business
• SKEMA Business School

Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

This is a very high-demand course right now because of strong job opportunities. In this program, you will learn coding and technical skills like Python, R, and data analysis. At the same time, you will also learn how to use this data in business. 

You can specialise in areas like Machine Learning, AI, or Big Data. After graduation, students usually get jobs as Data Scientists, AI Engineers, or Analysts with very good salaries. Here is a list of universities that provide this course.

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• Université Paris-Saclay
• Centrale Nantes
• ENSAI (National School for Statistics and Information Analysis)
• Grenoble Ecole de Management

Master’s in Aerospace Engineering

France is one of the top countries for aerospace and aviation, and in this program, you will learn about aircraft design, aerodynamics, and space systems. The course is very practical and includes projects and industry training.

Many students get jobs in big companies in the aerospace sector after graduation. This field is very technical, but it offers strong career growth. Here is a list of universities that provide this course.

• ISAE-SUPAERO (Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace)
• Toulouse INP (Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse)
• École Polytechnique
• CentraleSupélec (Université Paris-Saclay)

Eligibility Requirements for Master’s in France

If you want to study a master’s in France, then you need to understand the requirements. France mainly checks your academics, your language ability, and whether your profile fits the course. Some courses also ask for extra exams. Here is everything in detail. 

Academic Requirement

Your academic background is the first thing universities check. They want to see if your previous studies match the course you are applying for. France uses a credit system called ECTS. This helps them understand if your degree is equal to their system.

• If you have a 3-year Bachelor’s degree like B.Sc, B.Com, or B.A, you will usually apply for M1, which is the first year of Master’s
• If you have a 4-year degree like B.Tech or B.E, or a 3-year degree plus a postgraduate diploma, you can often apply directly for M2, which is the final year
• Most universities expect at least 60% marks or around 7 CGPA
• If you have backlogs, some universities may still accept you, but top schools usually prefer students with fewer backlogs 
• Your previous subject should match your Master’s course. For example, if you studied commerce, it is easier to get into finance or management courses.

Language Requirement

You have to prove that you can study in the language of your course. This is very important because all your classes, assignments, and exams will be in that language. For English-taught programs, you need to show English test scores.

• IELTS is the most common test. Most universities ask for at least 6.5 overall. Some top schools may ask for higher
• TOEFL is another option. Usually, a score between 85 and 95 is accepted
• PTE is also accepted by many universities. The required score is usually around 60 to 65
• Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter from your college if your degree was fully in English, but this is not always safe for visa approval

For French-taught or hybrid programs, you need French language proof.

• DELF or DALF exams are commonly accepted. Most courses require at least B2 level
• For more theory-heavy courses like law or humanities, C1 level may be needed
• TCF is another French test that gives a score equivalent to these levels

Additional Exam Requirement

Now, not every student needs these exams. These are only required for specific types of courses. For business and management programs, especially in top business schools, exams like the GMAT are often required. The GMAT is mainly needed if you are applying to top business schools like those offering Master’s in Management or finance programs. A score of around 650 or higher is considered good for competitive schools. These schools use the GMAT to check your logical thinking, maths skills, and problem-solving ability. There is also a French exam called TAGE MAGE. This is mainly required for French-taught management programs. It is similar to the GMAT but used within France

For technical and engineering courses, some universities accept GRE, and it is useful if you are applying for data science, engineering, or technical programs. It tests your math, reasoning, and basic verbal skills.

Some universities may also conduct their own tests or interviews. For example, certain institutes may ask technical questions or take a short test to check your subject knowledge. This depends on the course and university

Work Experience Requirement

For most Master’s programs in France, you do not need work experience. This is a big advantage for fresh graduates. Courses like Masters in Management are designed for students with little or no experience. So even if you just finished your degree, you can apply.

However, for some specialised or executive programs, universities may ask for 2 to 5 years of work experience. Even if it is not required, having internships is always helpful. It shows that you have practical knowledge and makes your profile stronger during selection.

Documents Required

You need to prepare documents for both your university application and your visa. It is very important to keep everything ready in advance so you do not face delays. Here is the list of documents. 

• Passport
• Passport-sized photograph
• CV or resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate
• Letters of recommendation
• Language test scorecard
• Acceptance letter from the application portal
• Proof of funds
• Accommodation proof
• Medical insurance
• Cover letter for visa

How to Apply for a Master’s in France

If you are planning your master’s in France, you need to follow a proper process. The whole process usually starts 8 to 10 months before your course begins. So let’s understand this process. 

Create Your Etudes en France Account

First, you need to create your account on the Etudes en France portal. This is the official platform for your application. Once you register, you will get a unique ID number. This number is very important because it will be used in your full process, including your visa. So keep it safe.

Complete Your Academic File

After creating your account, the next step is to upload your documents. You need to upload your marksheets, degree certificates, CV, and your Statement of Purpose. If your course is in English, you also need to upload your IELTS or TOEFL score. Make sure all your documents are clear and properly scanned. This is very important for your application.

Select Your Programs

Now you can choose the courses and universities you want to apply to. You can select up to 7 programs. For each program, you need to write a short motivation explaining why you chose that course and how it matches your career goals. So take your time here and write properly. 

Pay the Application Fee

After submitting your application, you need to pay the Campus France fee. For Indian students, this is around INR 18,000. This fee is mandatory, and it is non-refundable. So make sure your application is complete before you pay.

Attend the Interview

Once your profile is checked, you will be called for an interview. This interview can be online or offline. Here, they will ask about your study plan and your future goals. They want to see if you are serious about studying in France. So be honest and clear when you answer.

Accept the offer and Apply for a visa

After some time, universities will start sending their decisions on the portal. You need to accept one offer. After that, you will get an official acceptance letter through the system. This letter is very important. You will use it to apply for your student visa through VFS. Once your visa is approved, you are ready to go to France.

Application Deadlines for Master’s in France

If you are planning your master’s in France, then you need to be very careful with deadlines. In France, deadlines are not the same for every university. Public universities mostly follow the Etudes en France process, while top business schools follow their own rounds. Here is a list of deadlines that was available. 

Institution	Round	Exact Deadline Date
HEC Paris	MiM Round 1	October 8, 2025
HEC Paris	MiM Round 2	January 6, 2026
HEC Paris	MiM Round 3	February 26, 2026
HEC Paris	MiM Round 4 (Final)	April 16, 2026
CampusArt Platform	Art, Design, Fashion Programs	February 28, 2026
Université Paris-Saclay	International Master’s Scholarship	March 31, 2026

Please note that many universities in France do not give exact fixed deadlines on their website. They follow rolling admissions, which means they accept applications in multiple rounds, and seats can fill early. Because of this, those universities are not included here. We have only added the ones where exact dates are officially published and verified.

Cost of a Master’s in France for Indian Students

If you are planning your master’s in France, then the first thing you will think about is cost. The good part is that France is much more affordable compared to countries like the UK or the USA. This is because the French government pays a big part of your education costs. So students only pay a smaller portion. Now your total cost has two main parts. First is tuition fees. Second is your living expenses. Let’s understand both so you can plan your budget properly.

Tuition Fees

In France, public universities are quite affordable because the government supports them. Even though the real cost of education is high, students do not pay the full amount. For Indian students, the standard tuition fee for a Master’s at a public university is around EUR 3,941 per year. Apart from this, you also have to pay a small student fee called CVEC, which is mandatory. Private colleges and business schools are more expensive. Their fees depend on the course and college. Here are the overall numbers. 

Institution Type	Annual Fee in EUR	Approx. INR Conversion
Public University (Master’s)	EUR 3,941	INR 4,21,687
Public Engineering School	EUR 628 to 2,613	INR 67,196 to 2,79,591
Private Business Schools (MSc)	EUR 6,000 to 18,000	INR 6,42,000 to 19,26,000
Top MBA Programs	EUR 20,000 to 50,000+	INR 21,40,000 to 53,50,000+
CVEC (Student Fee)	EUR 105	INR 11,235

Cost of Living by City

Now let’s talk about your living costs. This part depends on the city you choose. Big cities cost more. Smaller cities are cheaper. The French government says you need to show at least EUR 615 per month for a student visa. But in real life, you will spend more than this. Your monthly cost includes rent, food, travel, and basic daily expenses. If you stay in shared housing or university accommodation, you can save a lot of money. Here is an overall idea of how much you may spend in different cities.

City	Monthly Cost in EUR	Approx. INR Conversion
Paris	EUR 1,200 to 1,800	INR 1,28,400 to 1,92,600
Lyon	EUR 800 to 1,100	INR 85,600 to 1,17,700
Toulouse & Nantes	EUR 700 to 1,000	INR 74,900 to 1,07,000
Lille & Grenoble	EUR 650 to 950	INR 69,550 to 1,01,650

Total Budget Examples

Now let’s combine everything so you can understand the full cost for one year. This will include tuition, CVEC fee, visa cost, and living expenses for around 10 months. These are just examples to give you an overall picture.

Scenario	Total Annual Cost in EUR	Approx. INR Conversion
Budget (Lille, shared stay)	EUR 10,596	INR 11,33,772
Moderate (Lyon)	EUR 13,046	INR 13,95,922
Premium (Paris)	EUR 19,096	INR 20,43,272

So now you can see clearly. If you plan smartly and choose an affordable city, you can complete your master’s in France within a reasonable budget. One last tip. Exchange rates keep changing. So always keep a small extra budget of around 5 to 10%. This will help you stay safe and stress-free.

Also Read: Cost of living in France: A Guide

Scholarships for Master’s in France

If you are planning your master’s in France, then scholarships can reduce your costs a lot. In France, scholarship students are called “boursiers”. This status gives you many hidden benefits. For example, you can get government housing faster and eat meals for just EUR 1 instead of the normal price. So if you plan smartly and apply early, you can study at a very low cost or even almost for free. Now let’s look at the available scholarships. 

Scholarship Name	Amount & Benefits	Eligibility
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship	EUR 1,200 per month (INR 1,28,400) + flight tickets + health insurance + fee exemption	All nationalities, max age 29, must be nominated by a French university
France Excellence Charpak Master Scholarship	EUR 860 per month (INR 92,020) + visa fee waiver + Campus France fee waiver + housing support	Only Indian students, max age 30, must have admission in France
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship	EUR 10,000 per year (INR 10,70,000) + up to EUR 900 travel support	Non-French students, max age 30, must first get admission
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	EUR 1,400 per month (INR 1,49,800) + full tuition + travel cost	Open to all, must apply to a specific Erasmus program
Raman-Charpak Fellowship	EUR 1,500 per month (INR 1,60,500) + flight + insurance	Only for Indian PhD students, not for Master’s

Most top scholarships like Eiffel and Paris-Saclay do not allow direct application. First, you need to get admission. Then the university selects and nominates you. So if you apply late, you may lose your chance even if you have good marks.

Also Read: Charpak Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students to Study in France

APS Visa for Post-Study Work in France

If you complete your master’s in France, then one of the biggest advantages you get is the APS visa. This visa is officially called the RECE permit, but many students still call it APS, so do not get confused.

This visa basically gives you time to stay in France after your degree and search for a job. The best part is that you do not need a job offer to apply for it. You can stay, explore jobs, and even try business ideas.

India has a special agreement with France, which was signed in 2015. Because of this, Indian students get extra benefits compared to many other countries. You can stay longer and even renew this visa once, which is a very big advantage.

What is APS or RECE, and How Does it work

The APS or RECE is a job search permit. This means France is giving you time and freedom to find the right job instead of forcing you to get one immediately. It is first given for 12 months. After that, Indian students can extend it for another 12 months. So in total, you get 24 months to stay in France after your studies.

You can apply for this visa in two ways. You can apply while you are still in France before your student visa expires. Or you can even apply from India within 4 years after your graduation, which is very flexible. During this time, you are free to explore any type of work. You can also start your own business. There are no strict limits on what you can do.

You can work full-time in any job while searching for your main career role. This is very different from your student visa, where you had limits. You can also do part-time work if you want. Usually, part-time means up to 964 hours in a year, which is around 20 hours per week.

You are also allowed to start a business. Many students use this time to try startups or freelance work. Another important benefit is that companies do not need to prove that they could not find a French or EU candidate. This makes it easier for you to get hired.

The biggest thing is that during APS, your job does not need to match your degree. But when you convert to a proper work permit later, then your job should be related to your studies.

Salary and Work Rules in France

To understand jobs better, you should know about salary rules. France has a minimum wage system called SMIC. As of 2026, the minimum wage is EUR 12.02 per hour. This means a full-time monthly salary comes to around EUR 1,823. Now, let’s break down different visa stages and salary requirements.

Permit Type	Salary Requirement	What it Means
APS or RECE	No minimum salary	You can take any job while searching
Salarié Work Permit	Around EUR 2,734 per month	The job should match your degree
Passport Talent	Around EUR 41,570 per year	High-salary jobs with better benefits

Note that Passport Talent is a very good option if you get a high-paying job. It gives you a 4-year permit, easier renewal, and also allows your family to join you.

How to Apply for APS or RECE

Now, let’s understand the process. First, you need to apply before your student visa expires, and you will apply through an online system, ANEF, which is the official French government portal for foreign students. You need to upload your documents online. These include your passport, your student residence permit, your degree or a temporary certificate from your university, your address proof, and your bank balance proof.

You also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself. Usually, you should show around EUR 7,380 for one year. Once you apply, you will get a Récépissé, which is a temporary document that allows you to stay and work in France while your application is being processed. This usually takes around 6 to 10 weeks. After 12 months, Indian students can renew the APS once more. This gives you a total stay of 24 months.

Student Visa vs APS Visa

Let’s compare your student visa and APS side by side for a better understanding. 

Feature	Student Visa	APS or RECE
Main Purpose	Study	Job search or business
Duration	Course duration	24 months for Indians
Work Limit	964 hours per year	No restriction
Job Type	Any part-time job	Any job
Employer Rules	Normal	No restriction during APS
Renewal	Based on the study	One-time renewal

Pathway to PR

Now let’s talk about long-term plans. Many students want to settle in France after their master’s in France, so this part is very important. To get this, you need to stay in France legally for 5 years. The good part is that all your time counts. Your student visa, APS, and work visa all count together.

You also need to show stable income, basic French language skills at B1 level, and proof that you are settled in French society. From 2026, you will also need to pass a civic test.

If you complete a 2-year master’s degree in France, you can apply for citizenship faster. Instead of waiting 5 years, you can apply after just 2 years of working and staying legally after graduation. Here is a table to summarise this. 

Milestone	Normal Route	After a Master’s in France
PR (10 Year Card)	5 years	5 years
Citizenship	5 years	2 years after the study
Language for PR	B1 level	B1 level
Language for Citizenship	B2 level	B2 level

So, in simple words, if you study for 2 years and then work for 2 years, you can apply for citizenship in around 4 years from when you first arrive.

In real life, it may take a little longer because of paperwork and interviews, but still, France is one of the fastest countries in Europe for settlement.

So overall, the APS visa is a very powerful benefit because it gives you time, freedom, and a clear path to build your career and even settle in France if you plan things properly.

Also Read: What is the Average Salary In France in 2026: Salaries by Cities, Location 

Career Scope After Master’s in France

After completing your master’s in France, you can get access to strong career opportunities. France has a stable job market and many global companies. France is known for industries like luxury, aerospace, finance, and technology. So if your course matches these fields, your chances of getting a good job increase a lot. Now, let’s look at the salary part so you understand what you can expect.

High-Paying Job Roles in France	Average Annual Salary in EUR	Approx. INR Conversion
Data Scientist & AI Engineer	EUR 45,000 to 75,000	INR 48,15,000 to 80,25,000
Aerospace Engineer	EUR 38,000 to 70,000	INR 40,66,000 to 74,90,000
Luxury Brand Manager	EUR 42,000 to 75,000	INR 44,94,000 to 80,25,000
Investment Banking Analyst & Associate	EUR 60,000 to 120,000	INR 64,20,000 to 1,28,40,000
Renewable Energy Engineer or Consultant	EUR 42,000 to 73,000	INR 44,94,000 to 78,11,000
Supply Chain Manager	EUR 45,000 to 90,000	INR 48,15,000 to 96,30,000

Disclaimer: These are average salary ranges. Your exact salary depends on your skills, university, internships, and location. Also, remember, this is your gross salary. After tax, you usually take home around 70 to 75%. Also, the EUR to INR conversion in this blog is based on current market rates as of March 2026. Currency rates are subject to change, so check the latest exchange rates before making any financial decisions. 

Top Recruiters in France

Now let’s talk about companies. France has many big companies that hire international students. Many of these companies are leaders in their industries. They also hire students directly from universities, especially from top schools and technical programs. Here are some of the top recruiters in France:

• LVMH
• Airbus
• L’Oréal
• TotalEnergies
• Capgemini
• BNP Paribas
• Société Générale
• Renault
• Stellantis
• Dassault Systèmes
• Schneider Electric
• Danone

Also Read: Top Highest Paying Jobs in France For 2026

FAQs

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So now you understand how master’s in France really works, but here is some additional piece of advice for you: pick a course that matches hiring demand in France if you want to stay relevant in the job market. And try to learn basic French as soon as you arrive because even if your course is in English, French will help you get more job options and a better salary.

Keep learning and stay connected with the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu for more helpful and student-friendly blogs. And if this helped you, don’t forget to share, rate, and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff. For personalised guidance, you can also call 080 6901 2014.