Studying aviation in France opens doors to a major global aerospace hub with top-tier schools and technical institutes. You can pursue paths ranging from aerospace engineering to professional pilot training at various academic levels. This guide breaks down the options, costs, and steps to help you start your journey.
Understanding aviation study levels
French higher education offers distinct pathways depending on your career goals. You can choose academic degrees or specialized professional training.
- Bachelor level: Focuses on fundamental sciences, basic aeronautical engineering, or aviation management.
- Master level: Offers advanced specializations in aerospace engineering, air traffic management, or flight physics.
- Professional training: Focuses on commercial pilot licenses, often combined with specialized aviation academies.
- Grandes écoles: Elite institutions that offer highly competitive diplomas equivalent to a master degree in engineering.
Admission requirements and language
Entry standards are high, especially for engineering and pilot programmes. You will need strong academic records in mathematics and physics.
- Academic transcripts: Certified records of your secondary school completion or previous university degrees.
- Language tests: Proof of proficiency in French or English, depending on the language of instruction.
- Standardized tests: Some elite schools require specific entrance exam scores or interviews.
- English-taught options: Several master programmes are available fully in English, though basic French helps with daily life.
Tuition fees for EU and non-EU students
Costs vary significantly between public universities, state-run engineering schools, and private flight academies.
- Public universities: Typically charge modest national fees, often around a few hundred euros per year for both EU and non-EU students, depending on government updates.
- State engineering schools: May charge moderate annual fees set by the institution or government.
- Private institutions and flight schools: Often charge much higher tuition, sometimes several thousand euros per year.
- Check the programme page on the university website for exact current fee schedules.
Timeline and application steps
Planning ahead is essential because aviation programmes have strict admission windows and complex visa procedures.
- One year before: Research programmes, check language requirements, and prepare for entrance tests.
- Spring: Receive admission decisions and begin gathering financial and academic documents for your visa.
Common questions
Can I study aviation in France without speaking French?
Yes, several master degrees and specialized postgraduate courses are taught entirely in English. However, learning basic French is useful for living in the country and mandatory for certain local job markets.
Are pilot training costs included in university tuition?
Usually no. Professional flight training involves separate, high costs for flight hours, simulator time, and licensing exams, which are rarely covered by standard university fees.
How do I apply for a student visa?
Once you receive an official acceptance letter from a recognized French institution, you must apply for your visa through the official French visa portal and your local consular services.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.