France vs Australia: A Comparative Analysis of Top Study Destinations

Did You Know?

• Australia is the 3rd most popular destination for international students in the world.
• France ranks 8th globally and 5th in Europe among the world’s best educational destinations.
• In 2024,  7,344 Indian students were enrolled in French institutions, and this is expected to rise by 200% by 2030.

In this academic year, Australia has hosted over 8.5 lakh international students, reflecting its strong position as a leading study destination. On the other hand, France hosted 430,466 international students, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year. Both countries offer distinct academic environments and career advantages. 

This blog compares France vs Australia across education systems, job opportunities, and post-graduation pathways so that you can align your decision with your goals.

France vs Australia for Study Abroad: An Overview

Choosing between France and Australia depends on your academic goals, preferred lifestyle, and long-term career plans. Both countries offer world-class education, but their strengths differ.

France is known for affordable tuition, strong STEM and research-focused programs, and prestigious institutions like École Polytechnique and Sciences Po.

Australia excels in industry connections and post-graduation work opportunities, especially in healthcare, IT, and engineering. Universities such as the University of Melbourne provide strong post-graduation work prospects.

Here’s an overview of studying in France vs Australia:

Parameter	France	Australia
Total Number of Institutes	3500+ higher education institutions (including universities and Grandes Écoles)	43
Number of Universities in the Top 100 in QS Rankings 2025	4	9
Popular Universities	Sorbonne University Université PSL École Polytechnique HEC Paris Sciences Po	University of Melbourne University of Sydney UNSW Sydney Australian National  University (ANU)Monash University
Annual Tuition Fees	€2,850 - €18,000 (INR 2.6L - INR 16.9L)	AUD 17,000 - AUD 1,26,000 (INR 8.8L - INR 65.5L)
Admission Intakes (varies by university)	Main intake: September Some programs may offer a second intake in January	Main intake: February/March Second intake: July
Scholarships	Eiffel Excellence Scholarship  Charpak Scholarship Emile-Boutmy Scholarship	Australia Awards Scholarships The QUAD Fellowship  University-specific scholarships
Post-Study Work Visa period	Up to 2 years (varies by course and degree level)	Up to 5 years (based on course level and study region)
Part-Time Working Hours	Up to 20 hours per week during academic terms. Full-time during official holidays.	Up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term. Full-time during scheduled course breaks.

After a brief overview of studying in France vs Australia, let's explore the top universities in these countries.

France vs Australia: Top 10 Universities to Study

France and Australia host some of the world’s top universities, including Sorbonne University (#63) and the University of Melbourne (#13), according to QS Rankings 2025. Studying at these top universities provides access to the latest research, global networks, and excellent job prospects.

When choosing a university, factors such as program specialization, campus life, location, and available scholarships should also be considered alongside rankings.

Here are some top universities for studying in France and Australia:

Category	Universities	QS Ranking 2025
Universities in France	Université PSL	24
	École Polytechnique	61
	Sorbonne University	65
	Université Paris-Saclay	73
	Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne	283
	Université Grenoble Alpes	334
	Université de Strasbourg	456
	Université de Bordeaux	535
	Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1	562
	Université de Toulouse	951 - 1000
Universities in Australia	University of Melbourne	13
	University of Sydney	18
	University of New South Wales (UNSW)	19
	Australian National University (ANU)	30
	Monash University	37
	University of Queensland	40
	University of Western Australia	77
	University of Adelaide	82
	University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	88
	RMIT University	123

Also Read: Study in Australia – Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Intakes

The top universities based on rankings give you an idea of their academic performance and employer reputation. Now, let's explore what you need to study at universities in France vs. Australia.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study in France and Australia

Understanding the eligibility and admission requirements for studying in France and Australia is crucial for planning your academic journey. Knowing these criteria in advance helps you meet visa requirements, apply for scholarships, and ensure you’re prepared for the application process, minimizing delays and improving your chances of success.

Before going ahead with eligibility criteria and admission requirements, let’s look at some popular courses to study in France and Australia:

• France:
  • Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master’s in Computer Science
  • Master’s in International Relations
  • Master’s in Data Science
  • Bachelor’s in Engineering
  • Bachelor’s in Arts and Humanities
• Australia:
  • Master’s in Information Technology
  • Master’s in Health Sciences
  • Master’s in Environmental Science
  • Bachelor’s in Media and Communications
  • Bachelor’s in Engineering
  • Bachelor’s in Education

Now, let’s look at the eligibility requirements for studying at universities in France and Australia.

Eligibility to Apply for French and Australian Universities

Eligibility requirements are generally similar across most universities in France and Australia. Both require a bachelor’s degree (for PG courses), a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, and standardized test scores. Programs like an MBA may also require 1-5 years of professional work experience.

Here are the specific eligibility requirements to study in France vs. Australia:

Eligibility Criteria	For France	For Australia
Bachelor’s Degree (for PG admission)	A recognized undergraduate degree (3 years minimum) from an accredited institution.	A completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Academic Qualification	French equivalent of a Bachelor's or relevant qualification recognized by the French government.	Must meet university-specific course prerequisites.
Minimum GPA	Typically 3.0/4.0 or equivalent	GPA of 4.0/7.0 or 2.5/4.0, depending on the university.
Standardized Tests	GRE or GMAT for some programs.	GRE or GMAT may be required for some postgraduate programs.
Work Experience	1-5 years of work experience may be required for MBA or business-related programs.	1-5 years of work experience may be required for some MBA programs.

Note: The requirements may vary with courses and programs. Please check the details before applying.

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to prepare documents like a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), transcripts, and language test scores. Let’s take a closer look at the admission requirements..

Admission Requirements to Study in France and Australia

Most admission requirements are similar for universities in France and Australia. Universities use your SOP, LOR, and resume to assess your application, along with your academic performance. 

Competitive programs like the MBA may require an interview as part of the selection process. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Here are the admission requirements for universities in France and Australia:

Admission Requirement	For France	For Australia
English Language Proficiency	IELTS: 6.0-6.5 TOEFL: 80-100	IELTS: 6.0-7.0  TOEFL: 80-100 PTE: 50 - 65
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Required for most postgraduate programs. It must outline your academic background and career goals.	Must explain your motivations and goals for pursuing the program.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	1-2 LORs from professors or employers.	Usually 2-3 LORs from academic or professional sources.
Resume/CV	Necessary for most programs, particularly for business or technical courses. Must highlight your professional and academic achievements.	Essential for most programs, particularly for MBA and postgraduate courses. Must explain your professional and academic achievements.
Portfolio	Required for programs in arts, design, architecture, and similar fields.	Required for creative fields like arts, design, and architecture.
Interview	May be required for selective programs like MBA.	Certain competitive programs like MBA may require.

After receiving your acceptance letter from the university, you will need to apply for a student visa. Let’s explore how to do that.

Student Visa Requirements

Students can apply for a student visa through the official university website after receiving their acceptance letter. You’ll need to pay the mandatory visa fee and provide proof of funds to cover living expenses. 

If you're from certain countries, such as India, you may be required to submit a medical certificate. In some cases, officials may request an interview.

Here are the student visa requirements to study in France and Australia:

Visa Criteria	For France	For Australia
University Acceptance Letter	Required to confirm that you have been officially admitted to a recognized university.	Required to confirm that you have been officially admitted to a recognized university.
Visa Fee	Around €50–€100 (INR 4.7K - INR 9.4K)	AUD 620 (INR 32.2K)
Proof of Funds	One year of tuition fee and €615 (INR 57.9K) per month for one year as living costs.	AUD 29,710 (INR 15.4L) per year
Medical Tests	Health insurance required. Medical tests may be required in some cases, such as vaccination requirements.	Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required.
Visa Interview	May be asked if the applicant’s country of origin poses security concerns.	May be required if the country of origin of the applicant poses security threats.

Also Read: Requirements for Studying in Australia – Visa, Exams & Cost

Having a clear understanding of admission requirements and the visa application process helps you avoid issues like incomplete documents and visa rejection. Now, let’s explore the costs of studying in France and Australia.

Cost of Studying in France and Australia

Knowing the cost of studying in France or Australia helps you decide if you’ll need a student loan, a scholarship, or a part-time job to manage your expenses. Planning ahead also reduces last-minute financial stress and prepares you for long-term decisions like staying back after graduation.

In 2025, the total approximated estimated cost (including both pre-arrival and one year of post-arrival expenses) is:

• France: INR 3.5 lakhs to INR 6.8 lakhs (approx. €3700–€7,200)
• Australia: INR 5.5 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs (approx. AUD 10,500–AUD 19,200)

This includes one-time costs like visa, airfare, and insurance, as well as recurring expenses like tuition, housing, food, and transport.

Below is a detailed breakdown of pre-arrival and post-arrival costs for both countries to help you plan better.

Pre-Arrival Cost of Studying in France and Australia

Pre-arrival costs include expenses you incur before moving abroad, such as college application fees, visa charges, and flight tickets. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase medical insurance and possibly buy items like winter clothing if you're moving to France.
Here are some pre-arrival costs involved:

Purpose	France	Australia
College Application Fee	€50–€100 (INR 4.7K - INR 9.4K)	AUD 50– AUD 100 (INR 2.5K - INR 5.1K)
Visa Fee	€50–€100 (INR 4.7K - INR 9.4K)	AUD 620 (INR 32.1K)
Flight Ticket	€600–€1,200 (INR 56.4K - INR 1.1L)	AUD 1,000–AUD 1,500 (INR 51.8K - INR 77.7K)
Medical Insurance	€200–€400 (INR 18.8K - INR 37.6K) per year	AUD 500–1,000 (INR 25.9K - INR 51.8K) per year
Miscellaneous	€1,200–€2,400 (INR 1.1L - INR 2.2L) per year	AUD 2,000–4,000 (INR 1L - INR 2L) per year

Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.

After moving to France or Australia, you’ll need to budget for necessities like food and accommodation. Let’s explore the costs involved.

Post-Arrival Cost of Studying in France and Australia

The majority of costs moving to France or Australia will be tuition fees, which vary based on the course, university, and study level. Living expenses, such as food and accommodation, make up the next highest cost. Additionally, you need to factor in miscellaneous costs, such as medical emergencies and entertainment.

Here are some post-arrival costs of studying in France and Australia:

Purpose	Annual Expenses in France	Annual Expenses in Australia
Tuition Fees	UG: €2,850 - €6,000 (INR 2.6L - INR 5.6L) PG: €3,879 - €18,000 (INR 3.6L - INR 16.9L)	UG: AUD 17,000 - AUD 50,000 (INR 8.9L - INR 26.1L) PG: AUD 17,000 - AUD 1,26,000 (INR 8.9L - INR 65.9L)
Accommodation	€4200 - €5400 (INR 3.9L - INR 5L)	AUD 19,188 (INR 10L)
Food	€3600 (INR 3.3L)	AUD 5,460 (INR 2.8L)
Transport	€250 - €374 (INR 23.5K - INR 35.2K)	AUD 1144 (INR 59.6K)
Amenities	€1200 - €1800 (INR 1.1L - INR 1.6L)	AUD 1800 – AUD 2400 (INR 93.8K - INR 1.2L)
Miscellaneous	€1,200–€2,400 (INR 1.1L - INR 2.2L	AUD 1664 (INR 86.8K)

Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.

Also Read: Cost of Study in Australia: Tuition Fees, Living & Other Costs

The cost of studying in France or Australia can be offset through financial aid, such as scholarships. Let’s explore some popular scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Opportunities in France and Australia

Planning to study in France or Australia? Scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Eligibility varies, with some open to all students, while others are university-specific.

External scholarships are funded by governments or international organizations. Internal scholarships are offered directly by universities.

Whether you’re applying for a government-funded award or a university-specific grant, here are the top scholarships you should know about.

Scholarships in France

In France, international students can apply for the Eiffel Excellence or Émile-Boutmy Scholarships. This financial aid helps in covering tuition fees and living expenses, involved in studying in France.

Some popular scholarships include:

Scholarship	Type of Scholarship	Details
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program	External merit-based	Eligibility: Non-French nationals pursuing masters or doctoral studies in France. Benefits: Financial award of €1,181 - €1,800 (INR 1.1L - INR 1.6L) per month.
Emile-Boutmy Scholarship (managed by Sciences Po)	Internal merit-based	Eligibility: First-time UG/PG students from outside the EU. Benefits: Financial award between €6500 - €13,100 (INR 6.1L - INR 12.3L)
Charpak Scholarship	External merit-based	Eligibility: Indian/OCI student 30 years or younger, having completed a bachelor’s from an Indian higher education institute. Benefits: Monthly living allowances of €860 (INR 81.1K), visa fee waiver, and discounted meals at €1 (INR 94.1).
HEC Paris MBA Scholarships for Excellence	Internal merit-based	Eligibility: Every MBA admitted candidate. Benefits: Financial award of up to 50 percent of the tuition fees.

Note: For the Charpak scholarship, students still need to apply for a visa, but the cost is covered or waived.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in France for International Students

Scholarships in Australia

In Australia, students can apply for government scholarships like the Australia Awards or university-specific ones like the University of Melbourne’s International Graduate Scholarship. There are also region-specific scholarships like ASEAN and QUAD scholarships.

Here are some scholarships in Australia:

Scholarship	Type of Scholarship	Details
Australia Awards Scholarships	External merit-based	Eligibility: Students from developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Benefits: Financial grant to cover full tuition fee, living expenses, flight ticket for travel, and health insurance.
Australia for ASEAN	External merit-based	Eligibility: ASEAN students enrolling in a masters degree. Benefits: Financial grant to cover full tuition fee, living expenses, flight ticket for travel, and health insurance.
The QUAD Fellowship	External merit-based	Eligibility: Residents of QUAD countries or ASEAN countries. Must have completed graduation in a STEM field. Benefits: Financial award of $20,000 (INR 17.2L) for academic purposes.
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship	Internal merit-based	Eligibility: International undergraduate students. Benefits: 25% fee remission

Also Read: Scholarship for Indian Students in Australia: Requirements, Benefits & Eligibility

After exploring some popular scholarships for students in France and Australia, let’s take a look at the work opportunities available after completing your studies.

Post-Study Work Permit in France and Australia

Post-study work permits allow students to gain professional experience after completing their studies. In France, students who have completed a degree can apply for a 1-year permit (2 years for PhDs). In Australia, the duration varies between 18 months to 4 years depending on the qualification. 

Documents like a passport, a course completion certificate, and application fee are required. These permits can pave the way for long-term visas and skill-based residency programs in the future.

Here are the post-study work permits in France vs Australia:

Criteria	France	Australia
Work Permit Availability	International students can apply for a post-study work permit called Temporary Resident Permit (APS).	International students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
Duration	Master's degree: 1 year PhD:  2 years under Talent Passport – Researcher Visa	Graduate Work Stream: 18 months (for eligible degrees) Post-Study Work Stream: 2–4 years. Extended up to 6 years for selected degrees.
Eligibility	Completed a degree from a recognized French institution. Hold a valid student visa at the time of application.	Must have completed at least 2 years of full-time study at an Australian institution. Must apply within 6 months of course completion.
Required Documents	Degree certificate from French University Proof of financial resources Health insurance Application fee	Completion of eligible qualification English proficiency proof (if required) Passport and visa application fee
Application Process	Apply online or at the local prefecture.  The application must be submitted within 4 months of graduation.	Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.  Applications must be made within 6 months after course completion.
Post-Work Opportunities	Possible to transition to a long-term work visa (e.g., skills-based visa) after the work permit period.	Can apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Migration Program.

Note: Visa rules and work permit conditions may change. Always refer to official government websites for the latest updates.

Also Read: Australia Post-Study Work Visa – Requirements, Types & More

Quick Tip: While Australia has clearer pathways to PR, France often expects you to secure a job offer before your APS ends. Also, French language skills can be crucial for full-time roles, especially outside multinational companies.

Post-study work opportunities can lead to job roles in industries such as technology, healthcare, and more. Let’s explore some career opportunities.

Top Career Opportunities & Recruiters in France and Australia

A degree from France or Australia holds strong international value, thanks to world-class universities and industry-aligned education. As a graduate, you can explore career opportunities in global firms across finance, technology, consulting, healthcare, and hospitality.

Top companies like Google, PwC, Capgemini, and Siemens actively hire graduates from both countries for roles such as software developers, financial analysts, consultants, and project managers.

Here’s a comparison of estimated average annual salaries for popular roles in France and Australia:

Company	Job Role	Average Annual Salary in France	Average Annual Salary in Australia
Google	Software Developer	€79K (INR 74.4L)	AUD 1.5L (INR 78.1L)
PwC	Consultant	€43K (INR 40.5L)	$70K (INR 60.3L)
Morgan Stanley	Analyst	€95K (INR 89.5L)	AUD 104K (INR 54.1L)
Capgemini	Data Scientist	€45K (INR 42.4L)	$120K (INR 1CR)
Siemens	Project Manager	€55K (INR 51.8L)	AUD 109K (INR 56.7L)

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The salary conversion may vary based on currency exchange rates.

After exploring job opportunities for graduates from France and Australia, let’s look at how upGrad can help you transition to studying abroad.

How Can upGrad Help You Study in France and Australia?

Each country has its own unique application process and visa requirements. To simplify this, upGrad offers personalized guidance, visa support, and assistance with standardized exams. This ensures a smooth path to studying in France or Australia.

Here’s how upGrad can help you:

• University Shortlisting: upGrad helps you identify the best universities in France and Australia based on your academic background, career goals, and personal preferences.
• Application & SOP Guidance: Receive expert advice on preparing strong applications and writing a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) that aligns with university expectations.
• Test Prep Support: Access preparation resources and mentorship for standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
• upGrad Abroad Programs: Option to begin learning from India and transition to an abroad campus later, reducing initial costs.
• 1:1 Mentorship & Career Guidance: Work with experienced mentors and alumni for help with career planning, networking, and choosing the right course structure.
• Scholarship & Financial Aid Help: Get support in applying for need-based or merit scholarships, fee waivers, and assistantships.
• Visa Assistance: You’ll get step-by-step guidance on visa application processes, helping you understand requirements, gather documents, and ensure a smooth visa approval process.

Want to know how to start your study abroad journey? Book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad and get expert guidance on top universities, visa processes, and career strategies!