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Study in France from Lebanon: the complete guide.

Everything a student in Lebanon needs to know to go from the first idea to the first day of class in France, in the right order.

Updated October 2026

Why France?

France is one of the most popular destinations for Lebanese students, and for good reasons: internationally recognised degrees, many programs taught in French and in English, tuition that is often lower than in the UK or the US, and a large Lebanese community in Paris. With a student residence permit you can also work part-time, up to 964 hours a year (about 20 hours a week).

The 6 steps, in order

  1. Choose your program (9 to 12 months before). Public university, business school, engineering school, design or media school, BTS… The right choice depends on your grades, your languages, your budget and the career you want.
  2. Prepare your documents. Valid passport, transcripts and diplomas (translated into French if needed), CV, motivation letter, and a language test when required: DELF/DALF or TCF for programs in French, IELTS or TOEFL for programs in English.
  3. Do the Campus France procedure. If you live in Lebanon, the “Études en France” procedure is mandatory before the visa: an online file, a fee and an interview with Campus France Lebanon. See our Campus France guide.
  4. Get your admission. Schools answer through the platform or directly. Private schools usually ask for a deposit to confirm your place.
  5. Apply for the student visa. A long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), applied for online on France-Visas, with an appointment in Beirut. See our student visa guide.
  6. Find housing and arrive. Book your accommodation, then validate your visa online within 3 months of arriving. See our Paris housing guide.

Budget: what to plan

  • Tuition: at public universities, non-EU students often pay around €2,900 a year for a bachelor and €3,900 for a master, but many universities reduce these fees. Private schools usually cost between €8,000 and €20,000 a year.
  • Living costs: for the visa, the French authorities ask for proof of at least about €615 per month. In Paris, plan more: often €1,100 to €1,500 a month including rent.
  • One-time costs: Campus France fee, visa fee, the student life contribution (CVEC, around €100), housing deposit and flight.

When to start

For a September start, begin in October or November of the year before. The Campus France platform opens in the autumn, many deadlines fall between December and March, and visas are usually requested between June and August.

How Study Bridge Europe helps

One team follows you at every step: choosing the right school, building a strong Campus France file, preparing the interview, the visa file, finding housing with our partner agency, and settling in. Start your application or book a free call.

Amounts and rules change every year. We give approximate figures to help you plan; always check the official amount when you apply.

Quick answers

Do students in Lebanon need to go through Campus France?

Yes. If you live in Lebanon and want to study in higher education in France, the Campus France “Études en France” procedure is mandatory before applying for the student visa.

Can I study in English in France?

Yes. Many programs are taught in English, especially in business schools and at master level. You will usually need IELTS or TOEFL.

Can I work while studying in France?

Yes. The student residence permit allows you to work up to 964 hours a year, which is about 20 hours a week.