Last reviewed: September 2026. Guidance for Sri Lankan applicants from our offices in Colombo, Graz and Hunzenschwil.
The short answer
France combines very low public-university fees (roughly €170–650 a year) with access to prestigious Grandes Écoles. Graduates get a 12–24 month job-search permit, and the realistic route to long-term residence is five years of continuous residence.
France at a glance
| Tuition (public universities) | Low government-set fees of roughly €170–650 a year depending on level. Private institutions and Grandes Écoles are priced separately and can run €5,000–35,000+ a year. |
| Language | Public universities teach mainly in French, and France has expanded its English-taught Master’s programs. The Campus France procedure is a required step for most applicants. |
| Work while studying | Part-time work is allowed, capped at roughly 60% of full-time hours per year. |
| After graduation | A post-study job-search residence permit, typically 12–24 months depending on degree level. |
| Family | Handled under France’s general family-reunification rules: feasible, but not a particularly fast or lenient route. |
| Path to permanent residence | About five years of continuous legal residence as a student or worker leads toward a resident card. There is no fast track for most graduates. |
Is France right for you?
Best fit for: Students who want very low public-university tuition plus access to globally ranked Grandes Écoles, with a clear five-year route to long-term settlement.
- Free eligibility check: we tell you honestly whether France is realistic for your profile.
- University applications and document review, so nothing is rejected for a preventable error.
- Visa preparation and pre-departure guidance from our offices in Colombo, Graz and Hunzenschwil. See all services.
Talk to us about studying in France
Tell us about your background and goals and we will tell you honestly what is realistic.
Check your eligibility for France
Answer a few quick questions and we will contact you on WhatsApp or by phone within 1–2 business days.
Common questions about studying in France
How much does it cost to study in France?
Public universities charge roughly €170–650 a year depending on level. Private institutions and Grandes Écoles can run €5,000–35,000+ a year.
Can I study in France in English?
Yes, at Master’s level there is a growing number of English-taught programs. Public universities teach mainly in French.
What is Campus France?
Campus France is the procedure most applicants must complete as part of applying to study in France.
Can I stay in France after graduating?
Graduates can get a post-study job-search residence permit, typically 12–24 months. The standard route to long-term residence is five years of continuous legal residence.
Official sources to check: Campus France
This page is a summary to help you shortlist. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so please confirm current details with the official sources above or with us. It is general information, not legal advice.
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