Indian Student Checklist for Studying in France | Admissions, Visa, Jobs & Accommodation Tips

What to expect before you even apply?

Studying in France opens up something new for every Indian student who is thinking about life outside India. You start picturing quiet streets in Toulouse or student cafés in Paris or maybe weekend walks in Barcelona. For many, this is the first time leaving home and entering something unfamiliar. It feels exciting but also very real.

The idea of making a move like this does not just begin with booking flights or filling out forms. It starts much earlier. The phrase study in France for Indian students now brings more than just university buildings to mind. It brings thoughts of new food, new friends, and learning in a way that feels different.

Indian students who apply often expect only academics. But reality touches everyday things. You learn how to live with people from ten other countries. You speak English in class and hear French in the supermarket. You calculate your grocery budget in euros and your rent in monthly cycles. You stay connected to home through video calls, but also slowly build a life in a new place.

France is not like India when it comes to how universities work. That becomes clear on the first day. Lectures are focused on discussion. Teachers ask for opinions instead of just right answers. Learning is more hands-on. Timetables are spaced out. Group projects carry weight.

Language feels like a wall at times, but also becomes your teacher. You do not need to speak French fluently to survive. But knowing a little helps a lot.

Here are a few things that feel different from India:

• Professors speak less and listen more during classroom discussions.
• Students call teachers by their first names without feeling awkward.
• You must schedule your own time since class hours are fewer.
• French is everywhere, even if your course is taught in English.
• People speak quietly in public places like trains or libraries.

You may feel the shift before you even step on the plane. That’s where your studying in France checklist really begins.

The step-by-step plan to start your application

When Indian students decide to study in France, most do not know where to begin. That is normal. There is a plan you can follow. It does not have to feel confusing. The steps are clear once you break them down. You do not need shortcuts. You need a starting point that makes sense. This is where the actual journey begins.

You already searched for courses. Now you need a real application plan. Each step below is part of that plan. Each one matters in its own way.

1. Find the right course:

Start by choosing a course that matches your long-term goals and learning preferences. Think about the subject you enjoy, along with the career path you see yourself in. Read the course structure carefully. Some programs have more group work. Others ask for more writing. Go with what suits you.

If your plan is to study in France for Indian students who want real exposure, then pick programs that offer internships or international projects.

2. Understand academic calendars:

France runs on a different academic cycle compared with India. Most courses begin in September or January. Some have rolling admissions, while others close months in advance.

Always check course pages for the exact intake period. Planning early gives you more time to get your documents ready.

3. Check eligibility and prerequisites:

Each school will ask for different things. Some need a certain GPA, while others check your academic background.

A business program might ask for economics or math from school. A data program might want basic coding.

Check what subjects you must have already studied. Go beyond minimum marks. See if your profile fits the course.

4. Prepare required academic documents:

You will need scanned copies of all mark sheets, plus degree certificates and letters of recommendation. Keep your SOP ready.

Make sure your documents are translated into French or English if they are in any regional language. Most schools ask for this.

Double-check the file format and naming rules. Upload the right documents to avoid delays.

5. Choose the right intake:

Some courses are offered only in the fall. Others are available in Spring as well. Read the intake page before making decisions.

If you missed one deadline, do not panic. You can apply for the next session. Plan your visa and funding based on intake timing.

6. Get your language test (IELTS/DALF) done:

Almost all programs taught in English ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores. Prepare well and book the slot early.

If your course is taught in French, you will need DALF or DELF results. French-taught programs expect strong language ability.

Your score must be valid at the time of application. Do not use expired test results.

7. Apply via the school’s online portal or through Études en France:

You can either apply directly to schools or through the Études en France platform. Some schools only accept one method.

For Indian applicants, TBS Education is one of the examples where support is offered through Études en France. That means you can submit everything in one place and get guidance at every stage.

TBS Education understands the study in France for Indian students’ journey. Their system is designed to help students feel confident at each step.

This is how the studying in France checklist starts becoming real. Each step is one small win that moves you closer to your goal.

Getting your visa sorted without last-minute panic

The moment your admission letter comes in, the clock starts. You now have to shift your full focus to the visa. The long-stay student visa is called VLS-TS. This is the visa that allows you to stay in France for more than ninety days. It also gives you the right to work part-time. You can also travel across Schengen countries during your course. But none of that happens unless you get the visa process right.

This part does not allow mistakes. The visa is not flexible. It needs planning. It needs documents. It needs clear thinking. Students who delay end up rushing. Students who rush make errors. That is the part you avoid by starting early.

Timeline and process overview:

Start your visa process at least two months before your intake. Do not wait for final semester results to begin planning. The first step is to register on Campus France. That part includes uploading documents and paying a fee. You will then get a call for a short interview. Once Campus France gives you the green signal, you can move to the consular appointment.

That happens at VFS or your regional French consulate. You will submit your documents there. If they need corrections, you will be asked to bring updated files. If everything is in order, they keep your passport. You get the visa after ten to fifteen working days.

Required documents for the French student visa:

• A passport that is valid for at least twelve more months.
• Campus France NOC letter.
• An admission letter from your school or college in France.
• Proof that shows tuition fee payment or scholarship confirmation.
• A statement of purpose that explains your study plan.
• All mark sheets and certificates from school plus college.
• Valid IELTS or DALF score report.
• Health insurance that works in France for the first three months.
• Accommodation proof for at least the first three months.
• Bank statement that shows 615 euros per month for one year.
• Birth certificate translated into French by an authorised translator.
• Tentative travel plan or one-way flight booking.

What students often miss:

Students often forget to get their birth certificates translated into French. This creates issues during your appointment. Some students carry handwritten bank statements. That does not work. You need printed statements from the bank with a stamp and the manager’s signature. Students also apply late. The visa system does not care if your flight is booked. It works on a queue and not on urgency.

For anyone following the study in France for Indian students’ journey, this is one of the most fixed and non-negotiable steps. When people talk about visa requirements for France, they mean everything listed above. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Picking the city that actually fits you

Every student thinks about universities first. But the city you live in also shapes your life. You feel it when you buy groceries. You feel it when you pay rent. You feel it when you search for a part-time job. France gives Indian students multiple city options. Each one feels different in its own way. You need to pick what fits your pace, your money, and your comfort.

Paris gives you high exposure but also high prices. Lyon blends culture with structure. Marseille offers sun along with the sea. Toulouse feels quiet but busy at the same time. It is not about picking the best city. It is about picking your kind of place.

If you plan to study in France for Indian students, the city is not the background. It becomes part of your learning. It becomes part of your routine. It shapes how you feel each morning. It shapes how you manage your week.

Some cities, like Toulouse, offer depth in academics along with low monthly costs. TBS Education has a strong campus there. That balance helps many Indian students manage both money and focus.

Now look at this simple comparison. It gives you the base idea.

City	Average Rent (Monthly)	Part-time Job Availability	Monthly Living Cost	Language Exposure
Paris	₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000	High	₹1,20,000+	Mostly French
Lyon	₹55,000 to ₹70,000	Medium	₹85,000+	French plus English
Marseille	₹45,000 to ₹60,000	Low	₹75,000+	Mostly French
Toulouse	₹40,000 to ₹55,000	Medium	₹70,000+	French plus English

If you want to keep your budget tight, look at cities where student accommodation in France options are easier to find. Shared apartments and student residences are common in cities like Toulouse and Lyon. Paris offers more choices but at a higher cost.

Choosing your city is not just a line on a form. It decides what your everyday life feels like.

Planning your budget so you’re not stressed mid-semester

Students underestimate cost planning. Tuition is only one part of the full amount. Living costs, admin fees, and irregular charges build up fast. If your budget does not account for them, you will see pressure before the semester ends.

Most students rely on monthly estimates that leave out fixed charges. That does not work for longer stays. You need a number that includes setup costs, semester fees, and unplanned spending. It is not about saving more. It is about knowing what leaves your account and when.

Public schools charge less. Private schools charge more. You still need to track everything else. You will pay for food, travel, insurance, and housing no matter what. The only thing that changes is how early you plan for it.

If you plan to study in France for Indian students, you need to see costs clearly. The table gives a realistic view. These are monthly costs based on current student data.

Expense Type	Public School Student	Private School Student
student accommodation France	₹35,000 to ₹55,000	₹40,000 to ₹65,000
Food and groceries	₹15,000 to ₹20,000	₹15,000 to ₹20,000
Transport	₹2,000 to ₹3,000	₹2,000 to ₹3,000
Health insurance	₹3,000 to ₹5,000	₹3,000 to ₹5,000
Personal expenses	₹4,000 to ₹7,000	₹4,000 to ₹7,000
Mobile plus internet	₹1,500 to ₹2,500	₹1,500 to ₹2,500
Tuition (monthly average)	₹3,000 to ₹6,000	₹30,000 to ₹70,000

You also need to factor in one-time payments. These include visa application fees, residence permit charges, and flight bookings. Most students pay these before leaving India. Those costs are not optional.

You need an emergency fund. That means one full month of backup expense ready at any time. Without it, you are exposed to risk. A broken laptop or missed shift can throw off your entire plan.

Use basic tools. Google Sheets works. One sheet for fixed costs. One for variable costs. Track weekly not monthly. That gives you control and reduces surprises.

If you are planning to study in France for Indian students, budgeting is not a checklist. It is a system that you keep running from the first week to the last.

What documents you’ll need and how to keep them ready?

This is not just paperwork. These documents will be needed at multiple stages. That includes visa filing, housing, college registration, job contracts, and travel permissions.

You should store each file in two formats. One physical set in a folder. One digital set on your device and the cloud. This prevents delays when asked to submit or show anything on short notice.

If you are building a studying in France checklist, this section becomes your base layer. Every step connects back to one or more of these files.

Checklist:

• Valid passport. The passport must be valid for twelve months or more from your planned date of entry into France.
• Admission letter. This is your official document from the school that confirms your course name plus start and end dates.
• Proof of funds. You can show personal bank statements or sponsored account access that covers the full stay period.
• Visa receipt. This confirms that your visa request has been submitted and received by the consulate or Campus France.
• Health insurance. Coverage must start from your arrival date and remain active until your French health system registration begins.
• Birth certificate (translated). The translation must be completed by an approved translator and match the original format fully.
• Academic transcripts. This includes semester-wise mark sheets, provisional degree certificates, and final consolidated transcripts if available.

If your plan is to study in France for Indian students, this checklist prevents last-minute issues across most legal and academic checkpoints.

Jobs you can actually get while studying

Working while studying is allowed. But it comes with clear limits. You are allowed to work up to 964 hours in one year. That equals around 20 hours per week. The rule applies to all students holding a long-stay student visa.

If you plan to rely on work income for living costs, this number should guide your budget. Most students use part-time work to manage food, transport plus small personal expenses. It does not cover tuition.

There are four types of part-time jobs that Indian students usually take. These are based on availability plus language comfort.

Common part-time jobs France Indian students usually take:

• Cafes or restaurants. These roles include kitchen help, dishwashing, or service. Most require basic French.
• Delivery services. Jobs with food or parcel delivery are common. You need a bike and basic navigation skills.
• Tutoring. Indian students often tutor younger students in English or math. These roles are flexible and usually hourly.
• On-campus roles. Some schools offer roles in the library, events, or student services. These depend on current openings.

The average wage is around 10 euros per hour. After tax, you receive slightly less. Shifts are usually four to six hours long. Some employers pay weekly. Others pay monthly. Cash payments are not legal. You will need a French bank account.

Your French level controls your job options. Students with A2 or higher find work faster. More options open with B1 or above. Without French, you are limited to delivery work or cleaning support.

Some schools support students directly. TBS Education is one example. They post job listings through student portals. They also help with local CV formats. Some campus offices also connect students to nearby employers.

If your goal is to study in France for Indian students, working part-time is possible but not guaranteed. The faster you settle documents and build language comfort, the faster you start earning.

What your housing options really look like?

Housing in France works on fixed terms. Leases are formal. Deposits are required. Landlords follow structure. You must apply early to avoid gaps. Rent is not your only cost. Most setups include shared utilities, local tax, and insurance. If your plan is to study in France for Indian students, housing is one of the first systems you will deal with.

There are four standard housing options. Each one comes with trade-offs. Pick based on budget, control, and how much personal space you want.

CROUS housing:

• Pros: Lowest rent for students. Rooms are furnished. Locations are usually close to campus.
• Cons: Long waiting period. Room size is small. Applications are competitive.

Private hostels:

• Pros: Setup is fast. Rent includes electricity plus water plus internet. No need to buy furniture.
• Cons: Cost is higher. Space is limited. Rules are fixed and not flexible.

Shared flats:

• Pros: You split rent plus bills. Kitchen and laundry are shared. Some leases are already student-ready.
• Cons: You manage all expenses. Flatmates can change mid-year. Deposits are non-negotiable.

Host family stays:

• Pros: Meals are included. You get a local network. Homes are fully equipped.
• Cons: Rules are strict. Visitors are not allowed. Locations are usually far from city centre.

Most landlords ask for one month deposit. Some ask for two. CROUS takes one. Hostels take one plus admin fees. If you are looking for student accommodation France, confirm deposit terms before signing anything.

Every city offers a mix. Paris has more hostels. Toulouse has more shared flats. Marseille has more CROUS seats. Pick based on commute not popularity.

Setting up after arrival without getting overwhelmed

The first week is not for exploration. It is for setup. Every task connects to the next. If one is delayed, the rest slow down.

If you plan to study in France for Indian students, this part must be treated like onboarding. You need systems running before classes start. Delays reduce focus. Delays reduce control.

Do not wait for reminders. You will not get any. The French system expects you to manage these steps on your own.

Setup steps after arrival:

• Open a French bank account. Required for receiving salary, paying rent, and applying for housing benefits. Most students choose mobile-first banks.
• Register with OFII. Mandatory step that completes your visa validation. Requires a scanned passport, visa stamp, and local address.
• Buy a SIM card. Needed for banking logins, government forms, delivery access, and two-factor authentication. Choose a monthly or prepaid plan.
• Create your CAF account. This covers partial rent support. You will need a lease document, student proof, and French bank details.
• Apply for local transport access. Students receive monthly discounts on metro and bus passes. The pass is linked to your age and study status.

Each task must be completed in order. Some forms require address proof. Some forms require bank details. No shortcuts are available.

If your decision is to study in France for Indian students, the setup phase is not about choice. It is about function.

How to make it work socially and academically?

You manage your own schedule. You manage your own support. Most schools give you access. They do not follow up. You must ask.

Academic systems run on structure. Classes are short. Assignments are long. You work in teams. You work alone. You must do both without delays.

Social systems run slower. People make plans in advance. Social invites are rare. You must reach out. You must show up.

International schools like TBS Education give structure for the first few weeks. They help with onboarding, formatting, and communication. They do not replace effort.

If you plan to study in France for Indian students, you must run both tracks in parallel. Academic and social.

What helps early:

• Understand formats. Ask for rubrics. Read the course site. Learn how grading works.
• Ask for help. Contact your professors. Ask your seniors. Use office hours.
• Build structure. Join student groups. Add yourself to clubs. Use local chats.
• Find local Indians. Use Telegram groups. Join food meetups. Ask your school contacts.

No one tells you when you fall behind. That part is your job.

Quick-fire FAQs that clear your last doubts

If you plan to study in France for Indian students, these steps do not change. You must finish them before you arrive.