Top 10 Undergraduate Courses in France for Indian Students 2026
- Haziq Shaikh
- Dec 24
- 5 min read
Introduction
Are you planning to study abroad after the 12th? While students often look for the Best Undergraduate Courses in the UK, France offers world-class education at a fraction of the cost, English-taught programs, and a gateway to a global career. Plus, starting your journey with a Bachelor’s degree sets the perfect foundation to eventually unlock the prestigious 5-year alumni circulation visa available to post-graduates.
Let's explore the top courses beyond just "Luxury" that can shape your future.
Highlights: Study in France 2026
Point | Details |
Popular Courses | BBA, Luxury Management, Engineering, Culinary Arts |
Duration | 3 Years (License) / 4 Years (BBA/Engg) |
Average Fees (Public) | €2,770 per year (approx. ₹2.5 Lakhs) |
Average Fees (Private) | €8,000 – €15,000 per year (approx. ₹7–13 Lakhs) |
Intakes | September (Major), January/February |
Post-Study Visa | Pathway to 2-Year APS & 5-Year Alumni Visa (post-Masters) |
Why Choose Undergraduate Courses in France?
Before we list the top courses, here is why France is the smart choice for 2026:
English-Taught Programs: You don't need to be fluent in French to start. Most top business and engineering schools teach in English.
Affordability: The French government subsidizes education, making public universities extremely cheap compared to the US or UK.
Global Exposure: You study in the heart of Europe with easy access to Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.
Corporate Hub: Home to companies like LVMH, Airbus, L'Oréal, and AXA.
Top 10 Undergraduate Courses in France for Indian Students 2026
1. Management & International Business (BBA)
Moving beyond the MBA, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Global BBA is the most sought-after course. It is a 4-year degree often including mandatory internships and exchange semesters.
Top Colleges: ESSEC Business School, EDHEC, SKEMA, ESCP Europe.
Average Fees: €10,000 – €15,000 per year.
2. Luxury Brand Management
France is the undisputed world capital of luxury. Undergraduate courses here focus on fashion marketing, retail management, and brand strategy.
Top Colleges: Sup de Luxe, NEOMA Business School, Rennes School of Business.
Career: Brand Manager, Retail Merchandiser, PR Specialist.
3. Engineering & Computer Science
For students interested in tech, France offers excellent 3-year "Bachelor in Science" or 5-year integrated Engineering degrees.
Top Colleges: École Polytechnique (Bachelor of Science), EPITA (CS & AI), IPSA (Aerospace).
Focus Areas: AI, Data Science, Aeronautics, and Cyber Security.
4. Culinary Arts & Pastry
If you have a passion for food, there is no better place than France. These are vocational, hands-on courses highly respected globally.
Top Colleges: Le Cordon Bleu, Ferrandi Paris, École Ducasse.
Average Fees: €15,000 – €25,000 (varies by duration).
5. Fashion Design & Technology
Paris is the fashion capital of the world. Courses here combine creativity with the technical business of fashion.
Top Colleges: Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), Parsons Paris, ESMOD.
Career: Fashion Designer, Textile Specialist, Stylist.
6. Hospitality & Tourism Management
With millions of tourists visiting annually, France is the best classroom for hospitality.
Top Colleges: Vatel, Ferrières School, Institut Paul Bocuse.
Unique Feature: Paid internships are a standard part of the curriculum.
7. Political Science & International Relations
France plays a key role in EU politics. Studying political science here offers a unique European perspective.
Top Colleges: Sciences Po (Campuses across France).
Note: Sciences Po is highly competitive and prestigious.
8. Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
With the EU's focus on tech sovereignty, AI courses are booming.
Top Colleges: Aivancity, Simplon, Public Universities.
Average Fees: €6,000 – €12,000 per year.
9. Film Studies & Animation
France has a rich cinema history and a thriving animation industry (think Arcane or Minions, produced by French studios).
Top Colleges: Gobelins (World #1 for Animation), EICAR.
10. Fine Arts & Design
For pure creatives, a Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) offers training in painting, sculpting, and digital arts.
Top Colleges: Paris College of Art, Beaux-Arts de Paris.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
To apply for Undergraduate Courses in France, you generally need:
Academic: 12th Std Passing Certificate (50% minimum, 70-80% for top colleges).
Age: Minimum 18 years.
Language:
For English Track: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL.
For French Track: DELF B2.
Standardized Tests: SAT is not mandatory for most colleges but can help for scholarships.
Admission Process: How to Apply
For the 2026 intake, Indian students primarily use the "Etudes en France" procedure via Campus France.
Register: Create an account on the Campus France India website.
Choose Programs: Select up to 3 universities or colleges.
Submit Documents: Upload mark sheets, SOP (Statement of Purpose), and CV.
Interview: Attend an academic interview with a Campus France advisor.
Visa: Once admitted, apply for the Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS).
Now that you know the process, you need to shortlist the best colleges. Check out our detailed guide on the Top 10 Universities in France for 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Indian Students to find the perfect fit for your profile.
Cost of Studying in France (2026)
Expense Type | Cost (Approx) |
Tuition (Public) | €2,770 / year |
Tuition (Private/B-School) | €8,000 – €16,000 / year |
Accommodation | €400 – €800 / month |
Food & Living | €300 – €500 / month |
Total Annual Cost | ₹12 Lakhs – ₹25 Lakhs |
FAQs: Undergraduate Courses in France
1. Can I study in France in English after the 12th?
Yes, absolutely. Many top Undergraduate Courses in France especially in Business, Engineering, and Fashion are taught entirely in English.
2. Is the 5-year visa applicable to Bachelor's students?
The 5-year alumni circulation visa is currently for Indian students who complete a Master's degree or higher in France. However, completing your Bachelor's in France is the best pathway to get into a French Master's program and eventually unlock this benefit.
3. What is the cost of BBA in France for Indian students?
A BBA in France typically costs between €8,000 to €14,000 per year (approx. ₹7 to ₹12 Lakhs), depending on the business school.
4. Are SATs required for French universities?
No, SATs are usually not required. Admission is based on your 12th-grade marks, English proficiency (IELTS), and your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
5. Can I work while studying in France?
Yes. International students in France can work part-time for up to 964 hours per year (approx. 20 hours per week) on a valid student visa.
6. What are the "Classes Internationales"?
This is a new program introduced recently where Indian students can spend a year in France learning the language before joining a French-taught Bachelor's degree.
Conclusion
France offers a unique blend of high-quality education, culture, and career opportunities. By choosing one of these Undergraduate Courses in France, you are not just getting a degree; you are stepping into a European career path.
Whether you choose Engineering at Polytechnique or Luxury Management at NEOMA, the ROI is high.
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