At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Public universities are heavily subsidised; grandes écoles and business schools charge more but rank highly.
The true cost
Public fees are low; private business schools are pricier. Housing aid (CAF) can reduce living costs.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. A 2-year job-search residence permit (APS) is available after a master's.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
If you graduate at master’s level (or equivalent), you may be eligible for a temporary residence document — the APS (“autorisation provisoire de séjour” — recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise, RECE) — to look for work or start a business. You then move to the appropriate work or residence status. This is the standard French post-study route for Indian graduates; there is no separate India-only post-study arrangement.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- 24-month search permit after master's
- Talent Passport for skilled roles
- Low public-university tuition
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
You apply through the Études en France platform (Campus France) before your French consular appointment.
Work while studying
As an international student you can work up to 60% of the legal annual working time (about 964 hours a year), subject to conditions.
Proof of funds
For the French student visa you must show at least €877.50 per month, effective from 1 August 2026 (raised from the previous €615 per month). This is the minimum proof of financial resources for the visa — a subsistence threshold, not an estimate of actual living costs in France.
Tuition
In 2026-27, differentiated public-university fees for non-EU students are approximately €2,902 a year for a bachelor’s, €3,950 for a master’s and €398 for a doctorate. Private institutions typically charge more. Some students qualify for exemptions.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹10L tuition and ₹12L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹32L starting salary), total investment is ₹42L and the indicative payback period is 2.1 years.
France — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Paris before you travel, and register on MADAD. Stay alert in crowded areas; basic French helps daily life.
Emergency contacts
Dial 112. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries available in Paris, Lyon and Toulouse. Vegetarian options exist but learning French menus helps.
The Maharashtra community
Indian student associations and Maharashtra Mandals in Paris; cultural festivals held through the year.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare France with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.