Study in France from Sri Lanka · France Destination Guide · Free Counselling
Grandes Écoles, English-taught MBAs, a 2-year graduate work permit
HEC Paris, INSEAD, Sciences Po, emlyon, ESSEC — France runs more of Europe's globally-ranked Grandes Écoles than any other country. The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) gives Master's graduates 2 years to find work, and tuition at public universities runs €2,770–€3,770/year — a quarter of UK fees.
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Why Choose France?
Europe's Densest Cluster of Top Schools
Grandes Écoles: HEC Paris, INSEAD, ESSEC, ESCP, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, emlyon. Most run English-taught Master's. French public universities (Sorbonne, Dauphine) charge €2,770–€3,770/year tuition.
2-Year APS Work Permit
After a French Master's you qualify for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — 2 years of full work rights to launch your career in Paris, Lyon or Toulouse.
1,700+ English-Taught Programs
France has quietly become a major English-medium destination — over 1,700 programs at Master's level run in English, especially in business, engineering and policy.
What it costs to study in France
France's costs split sharply between public universities (€2,770–€3,770/year for non-EU) and the Grandes Écoles business schools (€20,000–€80,000/year). Paris rents are EU-high; Lyon, Toulouse and Bordeaux run 30–40% cheaper.
check_circle Lanka Scholar's counselling, applications and visa prep are free. Universities pay us a commission when you enrol — you pay tuition and visa fees to the institutions themselves.
Note on Exchange Rates
Figures use an indicative rate of EUR 1 ≈ LKR 340. Sri Lankan applicants need to show €7,380/year minimum (Campus France threshold), though most visa officers expect closer to €12,000.
Average Annual Costs
Range reflects public university vs. Grandes École tuition. Most Sri Lankan applicants target the €5M–€12M range.
See the full LKR cost breakdown arrow_forwardThe VLS-TS Long-Stay Visa (via Campus France) — what you'll actually need
The four things every Sri Lankan applicant has to put together. We prepare and review every file before it goes in — refusals are rare when the application is properly prepared.
Campus France Pre-Approval
All Sri Lankan applicants must clear the Études en France procedure before the embassy will accept their visa file. Allow 6–8 weeks.
Letter of Admission
A formal admission letter from a French HEI (université, Grande École, or recognised private school).
Proof of Funds
€615/month × 12 = €7,380/year minimum, ideally €12,000 to clear visa scrutiny. Bank statements + sponsor declaration.
Accommodation Evidence
First 3 months of housing proof — CROUS dorm, private rental contract, or AirBnB booking suffices for the embassy file.
What Sri Lankan students apply for in France
Hand-picked programs that Sri Lankan applicants are getting offers from this year.
Master in International Finance (MIF)
HEC Paris
MSc in Finance
ESSEC Business School
Master in International Affairs
Sciences Po
Scholarships open to Sri Lankan applicants
Open right now. Eligibility varies — message us before assuming you don't qualify.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
Campus France (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
HEC Paris Foundation Scholarship
HEC Paris
Émile-Boutmy Scholarship
Sciences Po (Institut d'études politiques de Paris)
When to apply for 2026/27
Start your application 6–9 months before the intake you're targeting. Below are this academic year's windows for France.
Rentrée (Primary)
The main academic year start across every French HEI — widest course choice, full scholarship rounds, Campus France peak season.
Spring Intake
Limited but real — many Grandes Écoles run January Master's intakes for business programs, including INSEAD's flagship MBA.
Rolling at Private Schools
Le Cordon Bleu, ESMOD and a handful of private specialised schools run quarterly intakes.
Common questions about studying in France
Don't see your question? WhatsApp a France counsellor — we usually reply within the hour, weekdays.
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What is Campus France and is it required? expand_more
Yes — for Sri Lankan applicants. Campus France runs the Études en France procedure, which is a pre-consular review of your academic profile and motivation before the embassy will accept your visa application. Allow 6–8 weeks. We handle the submission and the mandatory Campus France interview prep. -
Do I need French? expand_more
Not for English-taught Master's — 1,700+ programs run entirely in English at the Grandes Écoles and major universities. For Bachelor's at a French public university, B2 French (DELF B2) is usually required. For daily life and APS-period work, A2 French is realistic in your first year. -
What is the APS work permit? expand_more
Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour — a 24-month residence permit granted after a French Master's that lets you work full-time without employer sponsorship. You apply at the local prefecture; we walk you through the submission timeline. -
Is Grande École tuition really €40,000+? expand_more
Yes — HEC Paris MBA runs around €82,000 total, INSEAD MBA €98,000. Master's in Management at HEC, ESSEC and emlyon runs €20,000–€45,000 total. Sri Lankan Eiffel Excellence scholarship applicants can fully fund these. -
Can I work during study? expand_more
Yes — 964 hours/year (~18.5 hours/week), full-time during scheduled holidays. Most Sri Lankan students work hospitality and tutoring at €11–€14/hour gross.
Ready to start your France application?
A 15-minute WhatsApp chat is enough to map out your timeline, shortlist 3–5 universities, and tell you what the realistic LKR budget looks like. Free for students — universities pay us, not you.
Message a France Counsellor- check_circle Free for students — universities pay us, not you
- check_circle Average reply: under 1 hour, weekdays
- check_circle Walk in to any of 4 offices across Sri Lanka
Prefer a callback?
Drop your number — a counsellor calls within one working day.