Updated on Feb, 18 2026 08:25 IST
Study Humanities and Social Science in France
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Are you planning to build your career in the field of Humanities and Social Science? If yes, then studying in France can be a good option for you. France is well known for its strong academic foundation in sociology, political science, history, philosophy and international relations. During this course students study different aspects of society, politics, culture, economics and global relations. Most of the Bachelor’s programs in Humanities and Social Science are taught in French while some Master’s programs are also offered in English. This gives students more flexibility based on their language preference. Public universities in France offer affordable tuition fees compared to many other European countries. Along with this, it also offers several scholarship options to support their studies. After completing this course students can explore career opportunities in government organizations, international institutions, NGOs, education fields and corporate organizations depending on their specialization. So if you are planning to study this field in France, our team at Anigdha is here to help you at every step of your journey.
Before applying, always check the official university website for the exact eligibility criteria because requirements may slightly vary depending on the program and specialization.
Bachelors eligibility criteria
Application requirement: You need to apply through the official university website or through the Campus France platform depending on your country. The application form must be filled carefully with correct academic and personal details.
Educational requirement: Complete your 12th standard from a recognised board. Students from Arts, Commerce or even Science background can apply depending on the program.
Global admission test: There is generally no SAT or other global admission test required for Humanities and Social Science programs in France. Admission is mainly based on your academic performance and profile.
Additional requirement: Submit a statement of purpose that explains your interest in the subject. Some universities may also ask for recommendation letters.
English proficiency requirement: If the program is taught in English, you must provide English language test scores. If it is taught in French, you must provide a French language proficiency certificate. Here are some accepted english scores:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: between 80 to 90
Duolingo: Around 100 to 110.
Master’s eligibility criteria
Educational requirement: Complete a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Sociology, Political Science, History, International Relations, Philosophy or related subjects from a recognised university.
Application requirement: You need to complete the online application form and upload all required academic documents before the deadline.
Additional requirement: Submit a detailed statement of purpose. Universities can also ask for one of two recommendation letters from professors.
English proficiency requirement: If the program is taught in English, you must provide English test scores. If it is taught in French, a French proficiency certificate is required. Here are some commonly accepted english scores:
IELTS: 6.5 or above
TOEFL iBT: between 85 to 95
Duolingo: between 110 to 120.
The September intake is the primary and most popular intake in France. Universities open their applications several months before the course begins. Generally, the application process starts around November or December and continues until March or April. Some universities may offer a January or Spring intake only for selected Humanities courses. However, this intake is not available in all universities and the number of courses is usually limited. In France, most universities follow a fixed academic calendar. If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait for the next intake. So it is very important to plan early and prepare your documents on time.
Here is the list of documents required to be attached to your application form. Before applying, always check the official university website because document requirements may slightly vary depending on the course and specialization.
Documents required for Bachelors in Humanities and Social Science:
Submit the completed online application form through the university portal or Campus France platform.
Class 10th and 12th marksheets from a recognised board.
Submit your 12th passing certificate.
A detailed academic transcript showing subjects and marks clearly.
If the program is taught in French, you need to submit a French language proficiency certificate such as DELF or DALF at B2 or C1 level.
If the program is taught in English, you must submit an IELTS or TOEFL scorecard.
Submit a statement of purpose explaining why you want to study Humanities or Social Science and your future plans.
One or two letters of recommendation from your school teachers.
Submit passport size photographs as per university guidelines.
A birth certificate copy translated into English or French.
If applying through Campus France, you must upload all documents on their portal and attend the interview if required.
Documents required for master’s in Humanities and Social Science:
Submit the completed online application form of the university.
A bachelor’s degree certificate in a relevant field from a recognised university.
A valid passport copy.
Submit a detailed Statement of Purpose explaining your academic background and career goals.
One or two letters of recommendation preferably from your professors.
An updated CV including all your academic achievements, internships, research work or any relevant experience.
If the program is in French, you need to submit a French language proficiency certificate.
If the program is in English, you must provide IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Passport size photographs as required.
If applying through Campus France, you must complete their process and submit all required documents there as well.
Most of the bachelor’s programs in Humanities and Social Science are mainly taught in French. Subjects like Sociology, History, Philosophy and Political Science are often connected with French academic structure, so French language proficiency is usually required at undergraduate level.
Along with this, some universities also offer English language for master’s programs. If the program is taught in English, then you must provide English language test scores. Here are some accepted scores:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: Around 80 to 90.
The duration of a Bachelor's degree is usually 3 years. It is divided into six semesters. During this course, students can explore foundational subjects such as sociology, political science, history, philosophy, economics or international relations.
The duration of a master's degree is generally 2 years. It is divided into four semesters. This course focuses on advanced theoretical and analytical subjects related to their specialization. It includes more on dissertation, thesis or internship depending on the program structure.
France has many well-known public institutions that offer high quality education in sociology, political science, history, philosophy, international relations and related fields. Here is the list of top universities along with their category and the city where they are located.
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences Po | Public | Paris |
| Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne | Public | Paris |
| Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences | Public | Paris |
| Universite Paris Cite | Public | Paris |
| Universite de Strasbourg | Public | Strasbourg |
These are approximate tuition fees based on the general public university fee structure in France. Before applying, always check the official university website as fees may vary slightly depending on the program and specialization.
| Name of the University | Bachelor's fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences Po | Approximately €0 to €14,000 per year fee depends on family income structure. | Approximately €0 to €18,000 per year income based fee structure. |
| Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne | Around €2,770 per year for public university structure. | Around €3,770 per year for master’s programs. |
| Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences | Around €2,770 per year for undergraduate level if applicable. | Around €3,770 per year for postgraduate programs. |
| Universite Paris Cite | Approximately €2,770 per year for bachelor’s programs. | Approximately €3,770 per year for master’s programs. |
| Universite de Strasbourg | Around €2,770 per year for undergraduate programs. | Around €3,770 per year for postgraduate programs. |
There are different scholarship options for international students in France. One of the most well-known scholarships is the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship is mainly available for master’s level students and is highly competitive. It provides a monthly allowance to cover living expenses and may also include travel support and health insurance. Another important option is the Charpak Scholarship offered by the French Embassy, especially for Indian students. It is helpful for both bachelor’s and master’s students depending on the category. Apart from government scholarships, many universities in France offer their own funding opportunities for international students. These may be based on academic merit or financial need. Some universities provide tuition fee waivers, while others may offer a small monthly grant. Therefore, It is always recommended to check the scholarship section of the university website because every institution has different funding policies.
If you are planning to study Humanities and Social Science in France, then you must follow the admission process properly. We have separated the process for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs to make it easy to understand.
Bachelor's admission procedure
First you need to choose the course and university you want to apply for such as Sociology, Political Science, History, Philosophy or International Relations.
Then check the eligibility criteria, language of instruction and required documents on the official university website.
After that, create your account on the university portal or apply through the Campus France platform if it is required for your country.
Fill the online application form carefully and enter all your personal and academic details correctly.
Upload your 10th and 12th mark sheets, transcripts, passport copy, language test scores and other required documents.
Submit your statement of purpose explaining why you want to study Humanities or Social Science and your future goals.
Pay the application fee if required and keep the payment confirmation.
Some universities may conduct an online interview or ask for additional documents. So check your email regularly.
If you receive the admission letter, accept the offer within the given deadline.
After that, complete the Campus France process if applicable and then apply for your student visa.
Submit financial proof, admission letter and accommodation details for visa processing.
Once your visa is approved, you can plan your travel and prepare to start your studies in France.
Master’s admission procedure
First you need to select the specialization you want to apply for such as Public Policy, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science or any other related field.
Check the eligibility criteria and language requirement carefully before applying.
Create your account on the university admission portal and start filling the application form.
Enter all details of your bachelor’s degree and upload your degree certificate, transcripts, passport copy, CV, statement of purpose and recommendation letters.
Submit your English or French language test scores depending on the program language.
If you have any internship, research work or relevant experience, upload those certificates as well.
Pay the application fee if required and keep the confirmation copy.
Some universities may shortlist candidates for an interview, so be prepared to explain your academic background and career plans clearly.
If you receive the offer letter, accept it within the deadline mentioned.
After accepting the offer, complete the Campus France procedure and apply for your student visa.
Submit all financial documents and required papers for visa approval.
Once your visa is approved, you can arrange your travel and begin your Master’s program in France.
Is France a good country to study Humanities and Social Science in France?
Yes, France is a very good option for studying humanities because it has strong research facilities, advanced laboratories and globally recognised universities. It attracts thousands of international students every year.
What is the average tuition fee for Humanities and Social Science in France?
In most public universities, Bachelor’s fees are around €2,770 per year and Master’s fees are around €3,770 per year for international students. Private institutions may charge higher fees.
Is IELTS required to study Humanities in France?
If your program is taught in English, then IELTS or TOEFL is usually required. The minimum IELTS score is generally 6.0 to 6.5 for Bachelor’s and around 6.5 for Master’s programs.
Are scholarships available for Humanities and Social Science students?
Yes, there are several scholarship options such as government scholarships, embassy scholarships and university specific scholarships. Students should check eligibility criteria and apply before the deadline.
Can international students work while studying in France?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part time while studying. Students can work up to a limited number of hours per year as per French regulations. This can help manage living expenses.
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