Dreaming of study abroad in Europe with globally ranked universities and post-study work opportunities? France—ranked the 4th most popular destination for Pakistani students—offers more than croissants and cafés!
With public university fees as low as €170/year, France-Pakistan academic partnerships, and a thriving Pakistani student community in Paris, your journey from Pakistan to Lyon just got simpler. Discover how 2,300+ Pakistani students unlocked EU careers.
Why Study in France? Key Benefits for Pakistani Students
France’s global education rankings (4th for international students) and these advantages stand out:
- Tuition as low as €170/year for public university Bachelor’s programs (post-subsidy).
- 650+ English-taught degrees in AI, renewable energy, and luxury management.
- Post-study work visa (PSW) allows 2 years of employment in the EU.
- Pakistani alumni success: 78% secure jobs in France/EU within 6 months of graduation (Campus France 2023 survey).
Top French Universities for Pakistani Students
2025 Rankings & Specializations:
- PSL Research University (QS #24): Offers scholarships for STEM PhDs.
- INSEAD (Global MBA #1): 40% of international students, including Pakistanis.
- Université Paris-Saclay (Top 15 for Mathematics): Partners with HEC for joint research grants.
Insider Tip: Apply to “Grandes Écoles” like ESSEC for industry-linked internships.
Admission Process: Step-by-Step for 2025
1. Choose Your Program and University
- Use Campus France’s “Find Your Program” tool (filter by English-taught, HEC-recognized degrees).
- Confirm degree equivalence via HEC’s online portal (process takes 4–6 weeks).
2. Meet Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate: FSc/FA with 65% + IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5).
- Graduate: 16 years of education (BS/BSc) + 2 recommendation letters.
- SOP Focus: Highlight French language basics (A1 level) and career alignment with France’s job market.
3. Apply via Études en France Portal
- Deadlines: March 15, 2025 (September intake) / October 1, 2025 (January intake).
- Application Fee: €170 (non-refundable).
France Student Visa Process from Pakistan
1. Required Documents (2025 Updates)
- Financial Proof: Blocked account with €8,640 (1 year) or sponsor’s 6-month bank statements (minimum balance: PKR 2.5 million).
- Academic Documents: Attested by HEC and French Embassy Islamabad.
- Accommodation: Book through CROUS (state-run dormitories cost €200/month).
2. Visa Application Steps
- Campus France Interview: Mandatory for all applicants (prepare answers in French/English).
- VFS Appointment: Submit biometrics at Karachi/Islamabad centers (fee: €99 + PKR 5,200).
- VFAST Tracking: Monitor status via SMS/email.
Processing Time: 10–15 working days (post-interview).
Cost of Studying and Living in France
- Tuition: Public universities: €170–€3,770/year | Grandes Écoles: €10,000–€20,000/year.
- Monthly Expenses:
- Paris: €1,200–€1,500 (shared apartments: €600–€800).
- Lyon/Toulouse: €800–€1,000 (includes utilities).
- Part-Time Jobs: Earn €10–€15/hour (max 964 hours/year) in retail, tutoring, or campus roles.
Scholarships for Pakistani Students in France
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Covers monthly stipend (€1,700), flights, and health insurance. Deadline: January 10, 2024.
- Charpak Lab Program: €1,100/month for 2–3 month research internships.
- Université Grenoble Alpes Merit Grants: 50% fee waiver for Master’s students with IELTS 7.0+.
Cultural Adaptation Tips for Pakistani Students
- Language: Enroll in Alliance Française Islamabad/Lahore for A1 courses (required for visa interviews).
- Halal Food: Paris’s 19th arrondissement and Lille’s “Little Morocco” have affordable halal butchers.
- Networking: Join Pakistani Scholars in France (Facebook group: 4,500+ members) for mentorship.
FAQs:
Q1. Can I bring my spouse on a student visa?
Yes! Apply for a “Vie Privée et Familiale” visa with marriage certificate (attested by MOFA).
Q2. What’s the cheapest city for students?
Toulouse: Rent starts at €250/month, with 3 universities offering subsidized meals.
Q3. How to convert a Pakistani driver’s license in France?
Submit a translation (done by sworn translator) to the local prefecture within 1 year.
Q4. Are there Islamic banks in France?
Yes. ICI Bank France offers Sharia-compliant student accounts with no monthly fees.
If you need any consultation Please feel free to contact us. or read this page.