Updated on Jan, 23 2026 08:39 IST
Have you ever wondered how money and markets influence the world around us? Studying economics in France can help you understand the rules of markets, finance and economic policies. It teaches you about finance, trade, government policies as well as the functioning of local and global economies. During this course, students can explore real economic topics and practical examples. This can help them understand analysis, research and problem solving skills. In France, universities use lectures, seminars and projects to make learning easier for students. Today, it has become one of the most preferred places for students. Here you can find top quality education, affordable courses and safe campuses to live and learn easily. However, studying in France is a good place as it offers wide career opportunities in finance, government roles, research and international organisations. If you wish to pursue Economics in France, Anigdha is here to guide you at every step.
If you want to study Economics in France, it is very important to know the basic admission requirements. Here we explain the eligibility for bachelor’s and master’s programs clearly so you can prepare easily.
Bachelors Eligibility Criteria
Application requirement: Take out the online application form from the official university portal. It includes mandatory documents like your academic certificates, transcripts, and a passport copy.
Educational requirement: Students should have a recognized high school degree. Universities usually prefer students with backgrounds in mathematics, economics, business studies or social sciences.
Global admission test: Most bachelor’s programs in Economics do not ask for GRE or GMAT. While spme universities can conduct a short interview or check your academic performance closely.
Additional requirement: Some universities may ask for a motivation letter where you can explain why you want to study Economics and your future plans.
English proficiency requirement: If you are applying for an English taught program, you must show proof of your English skills through these tests:
IELTS:0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 72 to 88
Duolingo: 95 to 105
Master’s Eligibility Criteria
Educational requirement: Students must hold a bachelor’s degree in subjects like Economics, Finance, Business, Management, Mathematics or a related field.
Application requirement: Students need to fill the online application carefully. This can include degree certificates, transcripts, a motivation letter or a statement of purpose.
Additional requirement: Some universities may demand got academic references like a CV or can even conduct an interview to know your interest in Economics better.
English proficiency requirement: Students who want to study English-taught programs are required to submit valid test scores such as:
IELTS:5 or higher
TOEFL iBT: 80 to 95
Duolingo: 100 and above
The academic year for Economics in France usually begins in September. Most universities start accepting applications from January and continue till April or May. Some universities also offer a January intake with application opening from September to November. Therefore, every university follows its own schedule, so these dates can change depending on the course level. However, it is better to always check the university website and apply early. This can give you enough time to prepare documents and manage the visa process without any stress.
When you plan to take your Bachelor’s in Economics in France, there are a few documents you must prepare. These are very important to make your application smooth and stress free.
A completed application form filled carefully as per your university instructions.
Proof of high school completion like a recognized school leaving certificate.
Your official academic transcripts showing subjects and final grades.
Certified translations if your documents are not in English or French.
A scanned copy of a valid passport with all personal details.
A recent passport-size photograph following university guidelines.
Proof of language proficiency if your program is in English or French. Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or a medium of instruction are usually accepted.
A statement of purpose explaining why you want to study Economics in France.
Health insurance documents valid for international students in France.
A medical fitness certificate, if the university asks for it.
If you are looking for a Master's degree in Economics, you will need slightly different documents. These include:
A properly filled online or offline application form.
A valid passport copy with personal details.
Bachelor’s degree certificate in Economics or a related field.
All semester transcripts from your undergraduate program.
Certified translations of academic documents, if required.
Proof of English or French language proficiency. IELTS, TOEFL or French certificates are usually accepted.
A motivation letter showing your academic goals and future plans.
Letters of recommendation from previous professors or institutions, if asked.
A valid health insurance proof for France.
A medical fitness report for admission or visa purposes.
Today, Universities in France provide English taught programs to support international students. This means all academic activities such as classes, readings and examinations are conducted in English. As a result, there is no need to know French but still learning some basic French can make daily life easier and help you feel more comfortable. However, some universities are strict for French taught programs. Those programs ask for good French language skills. If you are looking for English taught economics programs, universities usually accept these minimum scores:
IELTS:0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 72 to 95
Duolingo: 95 to 100
A bachelor’s degree in Economics in France usually takes three years to finish and runs over six semesters. The courses include regular lectures, small group sessions and semester wise examinations.
A master’s degree in Economics in France generally takes two years to complete and spread across four semesters. Here, students can explore into economics and research methods. In the final semester, they usually complete a research project or thesis under the guidance of professors.
Here are some well-known universities in France that provide the best quality education. These universities are popular among students who wish to understand economics deeply and build a good academic base.
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| Paris School of Economics (PSE) | Public | Paris |
| Sciences Po (Paris School of International Affairs) | Private | Paris |
| Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne | Public | Paris |
| Toulouse School of Economics (TSE) | Public | Toulouse |
| HEC Paris | Private | Jouy-en-Josas |
Before you plan your studies, it is always good to have a clear idea about the tuition fees. In France, the fee structure depends upon the type of university, whether public or private. Public universities are mostly affordable, while private institutions charge higher fees. Here is a simple overview of the yearly tuition fees for international students studying Economics at some popular universities in France.
| Name of the University | Bachelor’s Fees per Year | Master’s Fees per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies) | Bachelor’s fees usually range between €14,000 to €15,500 per year. The amount depends on your family income and program structure. | Master’s fees are generally higher and can range from €16,000 to €20,000 per year, based on the chosen Economics specialization. |
| Sorbonne University | As a public university, the annual bachelor’s fee is around €170 to €300 for international students. Economics programs follow standard public fee rules. | Master’s programs usually cost between €243 to €380 per year, depending on the academic year and course type. |
| Paris Dauphine University | Bachelor’s tuition is generally around €170 to €300 per year since it follows the public university fee structure. | Master’s fees usually fall between €243 to €380 per year, with slight variations for specific Economics programs. |
| Toulouse School of Economics | Being part of a public institution, bachelor’s fees are approximately €170 to €300 per year for international students. | Master’s tuition typically ranges from €243 to €380 per year, depending on the program and enrollment rules. |
| Aix Marseille University | Bachelor’s level tuition is usually around €170 to €300 per year under public university guidelines. | Master’s programs cost roughly €243 to €380 per year, depending on the Economics course selected. |
Note: These amounts only cover tuition fees and do not include living expenses such as accommodation, food, travel, books or health insurance.
France provides several scholarship options for international students who wish to study Economics at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Many of these scholarships are supported by the French government, universities and European exchange programmes. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is one of the well-known options. It is mainly offered to the students with strong academic background in subjects like economics, finance and public policy. Erasmus+ programmes also allow Economics students to study in France for a semester or a full academic year while receiving financial support for living costs. Apart from this, many French universities offer internal scholarships or fee reductions based on merit or financial need. Some regional councils in France also support international students studying economics and social sciences. These scholarships help reduce the cost of living and make studying in France more manageable. However, it is advised to keep your documents ready and apply within deadlines to avoid unnecessary stress.
Let’s go through the admission process for studying Economics in France in a simple and clear way. The steps are slightly different for bachelor’s and master’s programs, so it helps to understand both separately.
Bachelor’s Admission Procedure
Visit the official website of the university and check the carefully course details along with entry rules and deadlines.
Create an account on the university portal or through the Campus France platform.
Fill in the online application form carefully with your personal and academic details.
Upload your high school certificate, full mark sheets and certified translations if the documents are not in French or English.
Upload a copy of your passport and a recent passport size photograph.
Submit proof of language ability, either English or French, depending on the course language.
Some universities can ask for a short motivation letter explaining why you want to study Economics.
After submission, wait for the admission decision and follow the enrollment instructions once selected.
At last, students are required to apply for a French student visa and start planning accommodation and travel.
Master’s Admission Procedure
Search for Economics master’s programs in France that match your academic background and interests.
Check if the university requires a bachelor’s degree in Economics or a related subject like finance or management.
Complete the online application and upload your bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts.
Submit a motivation letter explaining your study goals and future plans in Economics.
Some universities can ask for academic references, a CV or relevant work experience documents.
Provide valid proof of English or French language proficiency as required by the program.
Once accepted, you will receive an official admission letter from the university.
Use this admission letter to apply for your French student visa and prepare for your move to France.
Can I study Economics in France without knowing French?
Yes, Many universities offer Economics programs fully in English so you can study comfortably without knowing French.
What English test scores are required to study Economics in France?
Most universities accept IELTS or TOEFL iBT. The required score depends on the program and university.
How long does it take to complete an Economics degree in France?
A bachelor’s degree usually takes three years. A master’s degree generally takes two years.
Are scholarships available for international students studying Economics in France?
Yes, France offers government, university, and EU-funded scholarships. These can help with tuition and living costs.
Can I work while studying Economics in France?
Yes, International students can work part time. There is a limit on the number of hours per year.
Is an Economics degree from France recognised internationally?
Yes, Degrees from French universities are recognised across Europe. They are also valued in many other countries.
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