Many international students choose to study abroad in France. With some of Europe’s top universities, it’s a popular choice for many students looking to experience a new culture during their studies.
Depending on the nationality of the student, there are certain policies that must be followed to have permission to study in France.
Find out how to study in France with the ETIAS, and what courses are available for international students.
Study in France requirements
All overseas students should secure a place at their chosen institution before making plans to study in France.
For immigration, requirements to study in France for international students depend on the nationality of the individual.
Do I need a visa to study in France?
Students who are citizens of a Schengen zone country do not need a visa or other travel permit to study in France. For those who are from countries outside the Schengen zone, a travel authorisation may be required.
The necessary travel permit depends on whether the student intends to enrol in a short or long term course.
For short-term courses of 90 days or less, all non-Schengen students will be able to register with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) from 2026.
International students who intend to stay in France or another Schengen country for more than 90 days will be required to get a student visa.
Is ETIAS valid for study in France?
International students with a valid ETIAS can study in France, as long as they stay in the country for no more than 90 days.
The ETIAS visa waiver is valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries into the country. The holder can visit anywhere in the Schengen zone using the same document, providing they stay for no longer than 90 days in a 180-day period.
International students in France can take a short-term course while visiting other Schengen countries during their free time, using the ETIAS.
Can I enrol in a French university with the ETIAS?
The ETIAS visa waiver allows students to attend certain courses and programs, excluding university enrolment and longer-term studies.
Students who wish to enrol in a French university need to obtain a student visa instead of the ETIAS.
What courses can I study with the France ETIAS?
There are many short-term courses available for international students in France.
Eligible ETIAS holders just need to follow the requirements mentioned above to be eligible to study in France with this travel permit.
Study a language course in France
One of the most popular reasons to study in France is the wide variety of language courses available.
Many European languages can be studied in France, including French, English, German, and Spanish.
Summer language programs are especially in demand, with many international tourists choosing to spend a summer in France learning a new language.
Take a French cooking course
With its world-class cuisine, France is a top destination for cooking classes.
For aspiring chefs, Le Cordon Bleu in Paris is globally recognised as one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world.
For anyone wishing to learn French cooking, there are also many culinary courses for amateur chefs.
Study a course in the arts in France
There are many short-term courses in the arts that international students decide to study in France.
Courses in photography, dance, and music are particularly popular.
Business courses in France
France has some top business schools that cover specializations such as business management, logistics, and entrepreneurship.
TBS Business School in Toulouse is a popular choice for many business students who choose to study abroad in France.
Visit France with Erasmus+
The European Erasmus training programme is mainly for EU countries, however, there are some third nations that also participate.
Students from these countries can travel to France to study with Erasmus+ programme:
- North Macedonia (eligible for ETIAS)
- Serbia (eligible for ETIAS)
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Turkey
Non-EU students should note that the Erasmus+ programme can be from 3 months to a year. As ETIAS allows up to 90 days in France, it will only be valid for 3-month programmes.
Blended mobility study with Erasmus+
It is possible to take part in a French Erasmus+ programme with an ETIAS, through blended mobility learning.
This type of study combines virtual learning with in-person training. Physical presence in France with blended mobility courses is from a minimum of 5 days, up to a maximum of 30 days.
Study in France after 2026 with ETIAS
The ETIAS travel authorisation for Europe will be introduced in 2026.
Students from eligible countries will be able to obtain the travel authorisation easily online before travelling to France.
Currently, travellers from visa-free nations can enter France for up to 90 days without a visa. However, once the ETIAS has been introduced, these citizens will need to obtain the travel authorisation to enter France or any Schengen country.
