Study in France for Nepali Students in 2025

The French university system may feel different at first, but it is built with students in mind. France's esteemed higher education sector, with over 3,500 diverse institutions, operates largely on a ‘dual system’ complemented by a nationally recognised framework. This structure primarily features state-funded Universities and the elite Grandes Écoles.

Core to the system is the Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) framework, aligning with the European Bologna Process. This ensures French degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) and associated ECTS credits are widely recognised internationally, facilitating student mobility.

Universities: The 72 public universities are pillars of academic learning, offering a broad spectrum of LMD degrees. They are known for their research focus and diverse programme options across many disciplines.

Grandes Écoles: These highly selective and prestigious institutions provide specialised, rigorous training, often in fields like engineering, business, or public administration. Entry is typically via competitive examination, and they have a strong reputation for producing leaders. Like universities, they award LMD-compliant degrees and can be public or private.

Beyond these, the French system includes a significant number of other specialised establishments. This includes 227 engineering schools, 220 business and management schools, and 45 public art schools, alongside 271 dedicated doctoral schools and numerous research institutes. Together, these contribute to the richness and specialisation available. The French State also guarantees the value of its national diplomas.

Planning ahead is key when you want to study in France. French universities generally have two major admission intakes every year.

Fall Intake (September/October)

• Application period: Generally January to April
• Deadlines: Most universities close applications by May/June
• Course start: September or October
• Benefits: Wider course selection, more scholarship opportunities, ideal timing to integrate with the academic cycle

Spring Intake (January/February)

• Application period: August to October
• Deadlines: Usually November
• Course start: January or February
• Benefits: Less competition, good for students who missed the fall intake, shorter waiting period after application

So, if you are eyeing that seat in a French classroom, it is advised to start your preparation about 8-12 months in advance.

If you are looking to study in France as a Nepali student, it helps to know which universities are truly worth considering. Here are some of the most popular universities in France that welcome students from all over, including Nepal:

Source: QS Top Universities

These universities are well-known for their diverse academic options, affordable tuition (especially compared to other top global destinations), and strong support systems for international students. Students looking to study in France can get in touch with our counsellors for free to get personalised guidance on choosing the right university and programme that matches their career goals.

Here is a mix of the best undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with the popular French universities offering them:

Undergraduate Courses (UG)

• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil)

Postgraduate Courses (PG)

• Data Science & AI
• Public Policy & International Affairs
• Luxury Brand Management
• Renewable Energy Engineering

Admission requirements and eligibility criteria to study in France may vary between universities. Here is a general overview of what most French universities expect:

• Completed 10+2 for UG courses
• Bachelor's degree for PG programmes
• Proof of English or French language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or DELF/DALF, if needed)
• Good academic transcripts
• Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Sometimes, an interview or entrance test, depending on the programme

While the generic criteria to study in any course would be the same for all bachelor’s and master’s courses, it is advisable to check the programme/course page on the official university website to see the exact requirements.

According to Campus France, the application process for Nepali students typically follows these steps:

1. Account Creation and Setup

Create your account on the Études en France platform: pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr.

Choose "Espace Campus France Népal" as your Campus France office.

Activate your account via email and log in with your credentials.

Read platform instructions and switch to English via browser tools if needed.

2. Application Information & Document Uploads

Fill in personal, academic, and contact details on the platform.

Upload required documents: passport, photo, CV, transcripts, and certificates.

Enter your language skills and upload test results (IELTS Academic, DELF/DALF, etc.).

Mention your travel history to France, if any.

3. Programme Details & Submission

If accepted by a university, choose “Je suis accepté” and fill in the course info.

Upload your acceptance letter and motivation letter directly on the platform.

Select your programme level (e.g., BAC+3, BAC+5) and enter institution details.

Finalise your application by clicking “Je confirme mon choix définitif.”

4. Payment & Interview Booking

Wait for the payment message from Campus France Nepal in your inbox.

Declare your payment of NPR 14,500 and upload proof on the platform.

Download the application attestation and payment receipt once validated.

Book your interview date and print the appointment letter (Convocation).

5. Interview & Visa Application

Attend your academic interview at the Campus France Nepal office with all originals.

After approval, begin your visa application at france-visas.gouv.fr.

Submit the required visa documents via VFS and prepare for your journey to France.

Here is a handy checklist of documents you will typically need to submit:

Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, and/or degree mark sheets)

A valid passport

Language test scores (IELTS Academic/TOEFL or DELF/DALF)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Updated CV or resume
• Portfolio (for design, architecture, or art courses)
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsorship letter)

While the common documents required to study in any French institution are the same, it is advisable to check the particular university website for specific documents.

Source: Campus France 2025

Source: Campus France 2025

Planning ahead helps, and if you qualify for housing subsidies like CAF, things become even more manageable.

Need an expert’s help to structure your expenses?

Click below to learn more about the Cost of Living in France

There are quite a few scholarships worth checking out to ease your financial burden:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — Covers a monthly stipend of €1,181 for master's students and €1,400 for PhD students, plus travel expenses, health insurance, and cultural activities.
• Campus France Scholarships — Various options specifically for Nepali students, covering partial or full tuition fees plus €700 - €1,000 monthly allowance.
• Erasmus+ Programme — Joint degrees with funding of €1,000 - €1,500 monthly, plus travel and installation costs.
• University-specific Grants — Many universities offer merit-based scholarships covering 25% to 100% of tuition fees. Check individual university websites.

Besides these, look into reduced tuition and housing support. Every bit helps when planning your studies.

According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Boston University, getting a student visa involves these steps:

Here is what you need to do:

• You must be over 18 years of age
• You must have already chosen your training course or studies
• You must be accepted by a higher education establishment
• Apply and receive an offer letter from a recognised French institution
• Apply for a France Student Visa
  • Short Stay Visa for courses not exceeding 3 months
  • Long Stay Visa for courses between 3 and 6 months
  • Long Stay Visa equivalent to Residence Permit for courses above 6 months
• Pay the France Student Visa fee of EUR 99 or NPR 15,961
• Once you have received confirmation on email
• Schedule your visa appointment through the France Visas website.
• Prepare required documents: Gather your passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, and accommodation details.
• Attend your visa appointment: Submit documents and biometrics and wait for the outcome.

If the visa issued to you is a long-stay visa indicating an obligation to apply for a residence permit, you must complete this process within two months of arrival and contact the prefecture of your place of residence.

France offers excellent opportunities for international graduates, allowing them to transition from studies to meaningful employment.

Here is what you can look forward to:

• Stay-back permit: Up to 12 months for master's graduates to look for jobs
• Job fields in demand: Engineering, IT, Business Analytics, Hospitality, Fashion, and more

Source: Glassdoor 2025

Speaking some French does help, especially in non-English workspaces, but it is not always a deal-breaker. If you are not sure where to begin, we can make things a lot smoother. You can get support with university applications, document prep, interview coaching, and even housing and travel plans. Our experts really understand what it takes for Nepali students to study in France. There is a reason so many Nepali students are choosing to study in France—it is affordable, the degrees are globally recognised, and the lifestyle? Pretty incredible.

If you are planning your next big step, this could be it.Explore your options, ask questions, and make it happen. Studying in France might just be the opportunity you are looking for.