Study French in the country where it originated is an unparalleled experience that opens doors to personal growth and academic enrichment.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare for your French language studies in France in 2025.
Budget your stay in France
One of the most important aspects of studying abroad is budgeting. France offers affordable options for international students, but proper financial planning is essential to ensure a smooth experience. To effectively manage your finances, it’s recommended to create a budget plan, factoring in tuition, accommodation, meals, transportation, and leisure activities.
As a minimum, the French government requires students applying for a long-term student visa to show a proof of monthly income of at least 615€. We always recommend students prepare as much more than this as possible.
Use our cost of living calculator to estimate how much money you will need during your stay in France: https://gogofrance.com/en/cost-of-living-in-france-calculator/
Choose your start date and length of study
French classes typically start every Monday of the year, except for complete beginners who may be required to start on specific dates. If you are a complete beginner, we recommend starting to learn some French online now. There are plenty of free resources available, including apps like Duolingo, to help you get started. This will give you more flexibility in deciding when to begin your French classes.
Students can also choose the exact number of weeks they wish to study. Depending on your current French level and language goals—whether it’s further studies, work, travel, or personal enrichment—it may take you more or less time to reach your desired proficiency level.
You can refer to our article on how long it takes to learn French: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-long-to-learn-french/
Choose the right school, program and intensity
When choosing the right school for you, consider these 10 key questions:
- What is my ultimate goal?: Are you learning for personal enrichment, further studies, career advancement, or cultural immersion?
- What kind of lifestyle do you prefer: city life, rural areas, or small towns?
- What’s your budget: Can you afford the cost of living in your chosen city?
- Do you plan to travel: Is proximity to major airports and train networks important to you?
- What climate suits you best: sunny, mild, or cold weather?
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time: Going shopping? Taking a walk in nature? Meeting new people? Exploring the local culture?
- What form of transportation do you prefer: train, tram, metro, bus, bike, or walking?
- What’s your favorite landscape: seaside, mountains, countryside, or city?
- What facilities are important to you: Consider class size, campus amenities, technology access, and support services that contribute to your overall experience.
- What is your ultimate goal?: Are you learning for personal enrichment, further studies, career advancement, or cultural immersion?
Discover our partner schools here: https://gogofrance.com/en/language-schools-in-france/
Schools typically offer a variety of programs, including General French, French for business, online courses, summer programs, and DELF/DALF preparation. General French classes are the most popular, with options ranging from standard to super intensive programs, offering 15 to over 20 lessons per week (each lesson approximately 45 minutes long).
Learn more about the different programs here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/which-french-course-should-you-choose/
Explore accommodation options
Finding the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable and successful stay in France. Here are some common housing options:
- Student residences: Located on campus or in town, student residences are often the most affordable option.
- Private apartments: Private apartments are the best option when it comes to privacy and having your own space.
- Share house: Share houses offer a good balance between quality and price and gives you a chance to make more friends.
- Homestay: Staying with a local family is the most immersive experience and often a good solution for those looking to improve their French skills quickly.
One significant hurdle international students face when searching for accommodation is the requirement for a guarantor, coupled with the extensive paperwork involved. This is why we decided to partner with Uniplaces and HousingAnywhere, two of the best online marketplaces for booking student accommodation, to offer you a wide selection of options in France.
Use our accommodation finder to explore your options: https://gogofrance.com/en/accommodation-in-france/
Get familiar with the student visa procedures
Non-European students studying in France for more than 90 days will need a long-stay student visa. Understanding the visa process is essential to know what awaits you.
The student visa comes with many benefits such as:
- Freely travel to any country within the Schengen Area
- Eligible for part-time work (around 20 hours per week) to supplement your finances
- Free access to national health insurance
- Eligible for VISALE, the free security deposit service for students
- Potential to receive housing subsidies from the CAF
- Option to extend your stay beyond the validity of the initial residence permit
Our team is here to make the process as simple as possible and guide you step by step. Watch this video to learn more about the application process: https://gogo.study/3ArJZ1
Check out our student guide
If you’ve dreamed of living and studying in France but are unsure of what to do or where to begin, worry not! We have put together in our Go! Go! France student guide all the essential information to help you choose France and kick off your study abroad project with confidence!
Get our FREE student guide here: https://gogofrance.com/en/student-guide/
Contact us to initiate the process
Founded by language students for language students, Go! Go! France supports your application to study in France every step of the way. From choosing the right school for you, to helping you settle into your new life in France, you can rely on us for support and guidance.
Whether you already have a clear idea of where, when and how long you want to study French in 2025 or need help exploring your options, we’re here to assist you! Contact us with any questions and to start your application.
