Study in France from Nepal — Your Complete 2026 Guide
France is home to some of the world's best universities and grandes écoles — and for national public universities, tuition is among the cheapest in the developed world: as low as EUR 170/year for bachelor's programs. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and Campus France system support international students. The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) visa allows graduates 1-2 years to find work. France is the world's #1 tourist destination and a global cultural and economic powerhouse.
- National university tuition as low as EUR 170/year for bachelor's (EUR 243/year for master's) — some of the world's cheapest for quality education
- APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) post-study permit: 1 year for bachelor's/master's, 2 years for PhD graduates — open job search
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — EUR 1,181/month (master's) / EUR 1,400/month (PhD) fully-funded government scholarship
Financial Snapshot
EUR 1 ≈ NPR 148 (April 2026). National public university tuition: EUR 170 (bachelor's) to EUR 243 (master's) — near-free, the most compelling cost argument for France. Private grandes écoles (HEC Paris, ESSEC, Centrale, Sciences Po): EUR 12,000-20,000+/year. Living costs: EUR 800-1,250/month in Paris; EUR 700-1,000/month in Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux. Total: USD 12,000-40,000 depending hugely on whether you attend a public or private institution.
Student Rights
Work Rights
After completing a French degree at master's or higher level, you can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — a po… read more
PR Pathway
France's PR pathway is through the Carte de Résident (10-year residence card) or French citizenship after 5 years of legal residen… read more
Essential Topics
Why Nepali Students Pick France
- National university tuition as low as EUR 170/year for bachelor's (EUR 243/year for master's) — some of the world's cheapest for quality education
- APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) post-study permit: 1 year for bachelor's/master's, 2 years for PhD graduates — open job search
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship — EUR 1,181/month (master's) / EUR 1,400/month (PhD) fully-funded government scholarship
- English-taught programs growing rapidly — hundreds of master's in English at French universities
- Paris is Europe's business capital with strong finance, luxury, technology, and consulting industries
- French language proficiency (DELF B2+) opens access to near-free tuition programs and a major EU job market
High-Demand Fields
Upcoming Intakes
| Intake | Starts | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| September/October 2026 | Sep – Oct 2026 | Jan – Apr 2026 |
| September/October 2027 | Sep – Oct 2027 | Jan – Apr 2027 |
Top Universities for Nepali Students
All 22 universities →
QS #15 (2025)Université Paris-Saclay
QS #15 — world-class STEM powerhouse
QS #59 (2025)Sorbonne University
QS #59 — humanities, sciences & medicine
QS #QS #233Sciences Po Paris
QS #233 — elite social sciences & policy
QS #QS 401–450Grenoble INP - UGA
grande école engineering, Alps campus
QS #251–300 (2025)Université de Strasbourg
research-intensive, affordable Alsace campus
QS #571–580 (2025)Université de Lyon
France's 2nd city, strong STEM & business
QS #201–250 (2025)Université Grenoble Alpes
tech & science hub, highly ranked
Curated shortlist. Use the College Finder → for a personalised list based on your GPA, IELTS and budget.
Most Popular with Nepali Students
See all 6 →Sorbonne University
QS Top-60 globally for science and humanities at essentially public tuition rates (~€2,770/yr for international students). Paris is expensive for living but Sorbonne's academic prestige and scholarship availability make it the top choice for Nepali students targeting European research careers or elite graduate study.
Sciences Po Paris
Sciences Po is Europe's most prestigious social science institution — the training ground for French presidents, EU commissioners, and senior diplomats. For Nepali students targeting international organizations (UN, World Bank, ADB Nepal), government careers, or development work, Sciences Po's brand and global alumni network are unmatched.
Université Paris-Saclay
QS #15 globally in science — ranked above Oxford for mathematics and natural sciences. Public tuition (~€2,770/yr) at one of the world's top science universities. Located 25km from Paris in a research campus shared with major French national labs (CNRS, CEA, INRIA) and Airbus, Thales, Nokia Bell Labs.
Grenoble INP - UGA
Grenoble is France's 'Silicon Alps' — home to Schneider Electric, STMicroelectronics, and Soitec, as well as major French national research labs. Grenoble INP is the leading engineering Grandes École network for energy, embedded systems, and material sciences. The city is significantly cheaper than Paris.
PSL University (Paris Sciences et Lettres)
Affordable Universities
See all 14 →Université de Lyon
Lyon is France's second city and considerably cheaper than Paris for accommodation; strong biotech and pharmaceutical sector (Sanofi, bioMérieux nearby) for life science graduates; 2 hours from Paris by TGV; active Nepali/South Asian student networks in Lyon
Sorbonne University
QS #59 globally at €2,770/yr — unmatched value anywhere in the world; Paris living costs are offset by scholarship availability; mandatory Campus France registration process ensures counselor guidance for Nepali applicants
Université Paris-Saclay
QS #15 globally in science at public tuition rates; cheaper suburban location than Paris proper; France's post-graduation APS (temporary residence permit) allows 1-year job search after degree completion
Université Grenoble Alpes
Grenoble is one of France's most affordable student cities; Schneider Electric, STMicroelectronics, Soitec HQ nearby for internships; Alpine location with skiing and outdoor activities; 2-hour TGV to Paris
Université de Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament and Council of Europe — unique access to EU institutions for international relations or policy students; accessible public tuition; very affordable city for students; proximity to Germany (15 minutes across the Rhine) opens dual-country career options
The Documentation Journey
Phase-by-phase document checklist — from offer letter to visa collection.
France has a distinctive pre-application step: mandatory Campus France registration for Nepali students. After Campus France clearance, you apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS — Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour), which acts as both your entry visa and residence permit for the first year.
Phase1Campus France Pre-Registration
ALL Nepali students must register on the Campus France Nepal portal FIRST — before any French university application
6 items
Campus France Pre-Registration
ALL Nepali students must register on the Campus France Nepal portal FIRST — before any French university application
Create a profile at campusfrance.org. Upload all academic documents, complete the study project questionnaire, and book a Campus France interview at their Kathmandu office. Campus France issues a clearance letter required for the visa.
France requires apostilled documents (certified by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs). French-translated copies by a certified translator (traducteur assermenté) are required for French-medium programs.
Must be valid for the full course duration plus 3 months.
Most of France's top grandes écoles and engineering schools now offer English-taught master's programs (Sciences Po, EDHEC, HEC, etc.). French is required for most bachelor's-level programs at public universities.
Parcoursup is the national platform for first-year bachelor's applications. Master's applicants often apply directly through the university portal or MonMaster. Grandes Écoles have their own competitive entrance processes.
State your academic background, why France and this specific institution, and career goals. The Campus France interview will probe your study plan in depth.
Phase2Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) Application
Apply at the French Embassy/consulate in Kathmandu after receiving Campus France clearance and university acceptance
5 items
Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) Application
Apply at the French Embassy/consulate in Kathmandu after receiving Campus France clearance and university acceptance
The clearance letter confirms your Campus France interview was completed. Without this, the French Embassy will not accept your visa application.
Conditional or unconditional enrollment letter stating program, dates, and annual tuition fees.
The French Embassy typically requires proof of EUR 615/month (the French social minimum — index revaluated annually). Bank statements, scholarship letter, or a certified funding commitment from a sponsor.
Students under 30 can join the French public student health insurance (Sécurité sociale étudiante) upon arrival. For the visa application, a travel insurance policy valid in France is required.
CROUS (university residence) allocation letter is ideal — apply immediately after admission. Alternatively: rental contract, or an attestation d'hébergement from a host, notarised.
Phase3Embassy Appointment & Additional Documents
Submit at the French Embassy/VFS in Kathmandu — bring 2 complete sets of all documents
5 items
Embassy Appointment & Additional Documents
Submit at the French Embassy/VFS in Kathmandu — bring 2 complete sets of all documents
Showing consistent balance. If using a France-based guarantor, their income + guarantee documents.
Salary slips, employment letter, ITR, or business registration. French translations by a certified translator strengthen the application.
Must be done by a certified French sworn translator (traducteur assermenté). Cost: approx. EUR 50–100 per document. Required for academic certificates issued in Nepali.
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Needed for French Embassy and NRB forex.
Validate your VLS-TS visa with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) within 3 months of arrival. An OFII stamp on your visa converts it to a full residence permit for the first year. Without validation, the visa expires.
Campus France is non-negotiable
Nepali students cannot skip the Campus France pre-registration process — the French Embassy will reject applications without the Campus France clearance letter. The Campus France office in Kathmandu (Alliance Française de Katmandou) conducts interviews on scheduled dates. Book your appointment early — slots fill 4–6 weeks in advance.
Need help with your NOC or NRB forex paperwork?
Use our free tools — built specifically for the Nepali system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure where to start?
Our counselors specialise in France pathways — right university, right program, and full visa support for Nepali students.