A complete guide to January 2026 Intake France

Dreaming of an international degree? The January 2026 Intake France offers your golden opportunity to pursue world-class education, access global career opportunities, and experience life in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries. With flexible admission, high-quality programs, and increasing post-study work rights, January intake lets you start strong and smart.

Why January 2026 is the Season to Begin in France

More of France’s top-ranked business and engineering schools are opening doors for the January intake. This means you don’t need to wait a full year if you missed September deadlines. France is investing over €1.5 billion in Artificial Intelligence, rapidly becoming Europe’s next tech talent hub — and you could be part of it! Compared to the September rush, January applications face less competition, making admissions easier and faster. With affordable tuition fees, a strategic location in Europe, and a high return on investment, January 2026 is a student-friendly intake you shouldn’t miss.

Life in France as an International Student

• France offers the best of both worlds — world-class education and unforgettable cultural experiences.
• You can choose from exciting cities like Paris, Rennes, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Montpellier, which combine academic excellence with cultural charm.
• Indian students thrive in France with large Indian communities, Indian restaurants, groceries, and cultural festivals.
• Affordable healthcare, supportive campuses, and the chance to learn French alongside your degree make France a comfortable and enriching place to study.

Cost of Studying & Living in France

French education is budget-friendly compared to other Western countries.

Annual tuition fees:

• Business schools: €8,000–€16,000
• Engineering and tech programs: €10,000–€17,000

Living expenses:

• Paris: €11,000–€18,000 per year (most expensive)
• Smaller cities (e.g., Rennes, Montpellier): €7,000–€11,000 per year (more affordable)

Additional costs:

• CVEC student life fee: ~€100/year (mandatory)
• Student housing (outside Paris): starts at €250/month

Scholarships Available for January 2026 Intake

• France doesn’t just offer great education—it also helps you fund it.
• Many business schools and Grandes Écoles offer early-bird discounts of 5% to 20% for January applicants.
• You can also apply for merit-based scholarships ranging from €1,000 to €5,000.
• Need-based grants through CROUS are accessible after arrival, and select schools even consider applicants for the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship.

Courses That Open Global Doors

France is a leading hub in Europe for innovation, luxury, technology, and business.  Top January 2026 programs include:

• International Business & Global Management.
• Luxury Brand & Fashion Management.
• Data Science, AI & Cloud Engineering.
• Digital Marketing & Communication.
• Supply Chain, Finance, FinTech & Sustainability.
• Engineering & Applied Computing (AI, Cybersecurity, Big Data).

Many programs are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students without requiring French for admission. However, learning French can provide significant post-study benefits and open additional opportunities.

Eligibility & Entry Requirements

1. Master’s programs typically require a Bachelor’s degree with at least 55–60%.

2. Undergraduate programs in private schools accept students with 60%+ in Class 12.

3. English proficiency is commonly required through:

• IELTS: 6.0
• TOEFL: 79
• PTE: 58

4. Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters are accepted by many private institutions in place of English tests, offering greater flexibility.

Which University Fits Which Course?

France offers specialized schools tailored to your career goals.

1. ESAM (School of Advanced Management and Finance)

• Courses: Finance, Risk Management, Entrepreneurship
• Why: Specializes in strategic finance and entrepreneurial leadership with international exposure.

2. ISTEC Paris

• Courses: Luxury Marketing, Digital Marketing, Retail Strategy
• Why: Known for programs in luxury, e-commerce, and retail with strong Paris industry ties.

3. Rennes School of Business

• Courses: International Business, Data & AI for Marketing, Supply Chain
• Why: Offers globally-ranked programs taught 100% in English with a focus on data, AI, and sustainability.

4. ISC Paris

• Courses: Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management
• Why: Offers hands-on training in entrepreneurship and strategy with corporate partnerships.

5. ICD Business School

• Courses: International Trade, Digital Business, Event Management
• Why: Focuses on global trade, digital transformation, and experiential learning in events and B2B marketing.

6. SKEMA Business School

• Courses: Finance & Big Data, Project & Programme Management, Luxury Brand Management
• Why: Globally ranked for business-tech integration and strong ties to the luxury and finance sectors.

7. Collège de Paris

• Courses: International Marketing, Hospitality, Tourism, Fashion Business
• Why: A group of niche schools with strengths in hospitality, luxury, fashion, and tourism sectors.

8. Paris School of Business (PSB)

• Courses: Digital Marketing, FinTech, International Management
• Why: Offers modern business programs with specialization in FinTech and global strategy.

9. KEDGE Business School

• Courses: Supply Chain, Wine & Spirits Management, Innovation
• Why: Top-ranked in supply chain and the only school in France with a Wine & Spirits MBA.

10. NEOMA Business School

• Courses: Business Analytics, Marketing, Finance & Sustainability
• Why: Triple-accredited with a focus on data, innovation, and responsible business practices.

11. INSEEC Business School

• Courses: International Business, Luxury Brand Management, Data & Digital Transformation
• Why: Offers career-focused programs in luxury, digital strategy, and international trade.

12. Montpellier Business School

• Courses: Responsible Management, Global Finance, Digital Strategy
• Why: Known for inclusive business education and commitment to CSR and global impact.

13. DSTI – Data Science Tech Institute

• Courses: Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Data Engineering
• Why: A STEM-only institute offering advanced applied data science and AI programs in English.

Accommodation: From Parisian Chic to Budget-Friendly Rooms

• Accommodation in France is diverse and budget-friendly—especially if booked early.
• CROUS public student housing costs approximately €250–€400/month, but availability is limited, making early applications crucial.
• Private student residences and co-living options range from €500–€900/month in Paris and €350–€600/month in other cities.
• Most universities offer housing support services, making it easier for international students to settle in.

Job Market & Internships in France

• France mandates internships (stages) in most Master’s programs, giving you direct exposure to top companies.
• You can legally work up to 964 hours/year (20 hours/week), helping fund your expenses and gain work experience.
• Big recruiters include LVMH, Chanel, Capgemini, Dassault Systèmes, BNP Paribas, and Accenture.
• Graduates land roles in tech, luxury, consulting, finance, and data—across France and Europe.

Post Study Work Visa (APS) & PR Pathway

• France offers a two-year post-study stay-back period (APS) for students who complete a Master’s degree.
• Bachelor’s graduates are eligible for a one-year stay-back to look for employment opportunities.
• Securing a job during the APS period allows conversion to a work permit, paving the way to long-term residence.
• You can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after five years of continuous residence, including study and work.
• Learning basic French (B1 level or higher) significantly enhances both job prospects and PR eligibility.

Student Visa Process (VLS-TS – Long Stay Student Visa)

• Applying to France is a simple, structured process via Campus France.
• After securing your admission and paying tuition fees, you must attend a mandatory academic interview through Campus France.
• Next, gather all required visa documents and apply through VFS Global.
• You’ll be issued a VLS-TS visa, valid for one year and renewable while in France.
• Eleevate Overseas provides end-to-end support—from Campus France preparation and visa documentation to mock interviews for a confident application.

How to Build a Strong Application

• Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) clearly explaining why France, your chosen course, and your future career goals.
• Prepare a professional EU-format CV that highlights your academic achievements, projects, and relevant work experience.
• Submit focused Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from recent academic or professional referees who can speak to your strengths.
• Apply by September–October to boost your chances for scholarships and to secure preferred accommodation options.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Late applications may result in missing both admission offers and scholarship opportunities.
• Submitting a weak, copy-pasted SOP or choosing an irrelevant program can cost you valuable chances.
• Ignoring basic French learning limits your part-time job options and long-term residency prospects.
• Not researching post-study work rights early can lead to confusion—plan ahead to avoid surprises later.

Final Checklist – France Jan 2026 Intake

• Choose university and program by July-August
• Prepare IELTS/PTE or MOI
• Complete SOP, Resume, and LORs
• Apply to schools by October
• Complete Campus France process and pay deposit
• Apply for visa in October–November
• Book flights, housing, and pack for your French adventure!

How Eleevate Overseas Supports Your France Journey

1. Career & PR-Focused University Shortlisting: We match you with universities that align with both your career goals and permanent residency pathways.
2. Winning SOP, CV & LOR Drafting: Our experts help you craft compelling personal statements and recommendation letters that impress admissions and visa officers.
3. IELTS/PTE Coaching Support: Score higher with our targeted training and registration assistance.
4. Scholarship & Fee Waiver Guidance: Maximize your savings with expert help on scholarships and application fee waivers.
5. End-to-End Visa Assistance: From document checks to mock interviews, we simplify the visa process.
6. Secure Forex & Remittance Services: Hassle-free tuition fee payments and living expense transfers at competitive rates.
7. Accommodation & Travel Planning: Get help finding safe, affordable housing and booking flights.
8. Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Support: We guide you through settling in, networking, and long-term career planning.
9. One-Stop Student Support: From your first counselling session to post-study PR, Eleevate is with you every step of the way.

Conclusion: France Jan 2026 – The Bold, Affordable, Global Move

France is more than a study destination — it’s your gateway to European careers, global industries, and personal growth. The January 2026 intake offers the perfect balance of high-quality education, affordable tuition, and accessible post-study work rights. With less competition, attractive scholarships, and faster pathways to success, January 2026 is your chance to elevate your future. Ready to study in France? Eleevate Overseas is ready to make it happen — from application to arrival.