For Students
France offers Indian students a prestigious European education at affordable public university fees, combined with an extraordinary cultural experience, meaningful post-study work rights, and a clear pathway to long-term EU residence. Understanding the French university system, the mandatory Campus France registration process, and your rights as an international student in France will help you plan your French study journey with confidence.
Campus France Portal — Mandatory Registration for Indian Students
Campus France is the official French government agency responsible for promoting French higher education abroad and managing international student applications. Indian students applying to French universities MUST register on the Campus France portal (campusfrance.org) before submitting any university application. The Campus France process involves: creating an online account on the Campus France India portal; uploading all academic documents (Class X, XII, bachelor's degree transcripts and certificates, English test results); completing the online application form; attending a Campus France interview at the Campus France office in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, or Hyderabad; receiving your Campus France clearance number (numéro de dossier Campus France); and using this number in your French student visa application. Prosper Overseas provides complete Campus France registration and interview preparation support.
French University System — LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat)
France uses the LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) system, aligned with the European Bologna Process. A Licence (bachelor's) is a 3-year degree (180 ECTS credits). A Master's is a 2-year degree (120 ECTS credits) — the most popular level for Indian students. A Doctorat (PhD) is typically 3 years after the master's. The LMD system uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) for academic credits, making French degrees fully transferable across European universities. French public universities operate a September (September–January, Semester 1) and January (January–May, Semester 2) academic calendar. Application deadlines for the September intake are typically February–April for international students through Campus France.
CROUS — Student Services Organisation
CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) is France's publicly funded student services organisation, providing affordable student accommodation (résidences universitaires — university halls), subsidised university restaurant (restaurant universitaire — RU) meals at just EUR 3.30 per meal for enrolled students (one of the best student meal subsidies in the world), financial aid, cultural activities, and social support services. CROUS accommodation (typically single rooms in shared apartments or residences) costs EUR 200–400 per month — significantly below Paris and Lyon market rates. Apply for CROUS housing very early as demand far exceeds supply, particularly in Paris.
ECTS Credit System and Academic Calendar
France uses the ECTS credit system for all LMD degrees. A standard French master's programme requires 120 ECTS over 2 years (60 ECTS per year). Many French master's programmes include a mandatory internship (stage) of 4–6 months in the second year, providing valuable work experience and often leading to a post-graduation job offer. The French academic year runs from September to June, with examination periods in January (Semester 1 exams) and May–June (Semester 2 exams). French universities typically use a grading system of 0–20 (with 10/20 required to pass, 14/20 considered 'good', and 16+/20 excellent).
Student Health Insurance — Sécurité Sociale Étudiante
All students enrolled at French universities are automatically affiliated to the French student health insurance system (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) through their university, at no additional cost for students under 28 years. This provides comprehensive health coverage (70% reimbursement for most medical expenses, with optional supplementary mutuelle insurance covering the remaining 30%). You receive a Carte Vitale (French health insurance card) used at doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals across France. Health insurance in France is one of the most comprehensive and affordable in the world for students.