Studying in France offers international students an incredible opportunity to experience culture, history, and world-class education.
However, financing an education abroad can be challenging.
While the cost of living and tuition can be high, international students in France have access to several loan options to help ease the financial burden.
This guide will cover the 7 best student loans for international students in France, including details about loan amounts, eligibility, interest rates, and terms.
Best Student Loan for International Students in France
| Loan Provider | Loan Amount | Co-signer Requirement | Interest Rates | Loan Terms | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caisse d’Epargne | €1,000 to €30,000 | Yes | 1.5% – 3.5% | 1 – 10 years | Enrolled in a French institution with proof of enrollment |
| Société Générale | €5,000 to €50,000 | Yes | 2.0% – 4.0% | 2 – 10 years | Full-time students enrolled in an accredited French university |
| Crédit Agricole | €3,000 to €30,000 | Yes | 1.9% – 3.0% | 1 – 6 years | Must have a French student visa and be enrolled in a French university |
| BNP Paribas | €1,000 to €40,000 | Yes | 2.5% – 4.5% | 1 – 8 years | Students with a valid student visa and enrollment in a recognized institution |
| La Banque Postale | €1,000 to €20,000 | Yes | 2.3% – 4.0% | 2 – 7 years | Full-time students with a minimum of 6 months enrollment |
| College Ave Student Loans | Up to $100,000 | No | 5.5% – 9.0% | 10 – 15 years | Students enrolled in U.S.-based institutions |
| LCL | €1,000 to €25,000 | Yes | 2.2% – 3.8% | 2 – 8 years | International students with proof of enrollment and valid visa |
1. Caisse d’Epargne
- Loan Amount: €1,000 to €30,000
- Interest Rates: 1.5% – 3.5%
- Loan Terms: 1 – 10 years
Caisse d’Epargne is one of the most popular financial institutions for student loans in France.
International students can borrow amounts ranging from €1,000 to €30,000 with interest rates between 1.5% and 3.5%.
The loan term is flexible, ranging from 1 to 10 years.
A co-signer is required, and applicants must provide proof of enrollment at a recognized French institution.
2. Société Générale
- Loan Amount: €5,000 to €50,000
- Interest Rates: 2.0% – 4.0%
- Loan Terms: 2 – 10 years
Société Générale offers loans up to €50,000 with interest rates ranging from 2.0% to 4.0%.
Loan terms vary from 2 to 10 years, and a co-signer is required.
This loan is available for international students enrolled in full-time programs at accredited universities in France.
3. Crédit Agricole
- Loan Amount: €3,000 to €30,000
- Interest Rates: 1.9% – 3.0%
- Loan Terms: 1 – 6 years
Crédit Agricole offers loans to international students from €3,000 to €30,000, with interest rates between 1.9% and 3.0%.
The repayment period ranges from 1 to 6 years, and applicants must have a French student visa and be enrolled in a French university.
4. BNP Paribas
- Loan Amount: €1,000 to €40,000
- Interest Rates: 2.5% – 4.5%
- Loan Terms: 1 – 8 years
BNP Paribas provides flexible student loans up to €40,000 for international students, with interest rates between 2.5% and 4.5%.
Loan terms range from 1 to 8 years. Applicants must be enrolled at a recognized institution in France and hold a valid student visa.
5. La Banque Postale
- Loan Amount: €1,000 to €20,000
- Interest Rates: 2.3% – 4.0%
- Loan Terms: 2 – 7 years
La Banque Postale offers loans ranging from €1,000 to €20,000 with interest rates between 2.3% and 4.0%.
Loan terms range from 2 to 7 years, and international students must be enrolled in a full-time program for at least six months to be eligible for the loan.
6. College Ave Student Loans
- Loan Amount: Up to $100,000
- Interest Rates: 5.5% – 9.0%
- Loan Terms: 10 – 15 years
College Ave Student Loans provides loans for international students enrolled at U.S.-based institutions.
Loan amounts can go up to $100,000, with interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 9.0%.
The loan term is 10 to 15 years, and there is no co-signer requirement, making it a great option for international students attending U.S. universities.
7. LCL
- Loan Amount: €1,000 to €25,000
- Interest Rates: 2.2% – 3.8%
- Loan Terms: 2 – 8 years
LCL offers student loans for international students ranging from €1,000 to €25,000 with interest rates between 2.2% and 3.8%.
The loan terms are flexible, ranging from 2 to 8 years.
A co-signer is required, and students must provide proof of enrollment at a recognized institution in France and have a valid student visa.
Quick One: We have other useful loan articles here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for loans in France?
Yes, international students can apply for student loans in France through various French banks, such as Caisse d’Epargne, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole. Most banks will require a co-signer and proof of enrollment at a recognized French university.
Do I need a co-signer for student loans in France?
Yes, most French banks require international students to have a co-signer, especially if the student does not have a long-term financial history in France. However, there are exceptions, such as College Ave Student Loans, which do not require a co-signer for U.S.-based students.
What is the interest rate for student loans in France?
Interest rates for student loans in France typically range from 1.5% to 4.5%, depending on the loan provider. For example, Caisse d’Epargne offers some of the lowest rates, while other providers like BNP Paribas and Société Générale may have slightly higher rates.
Conclusion
Finding the right student loan is a crucial step in financing your education in France.
With options like Caisse d’Epargne and Société Générale, international students can find flexible terms and competitive interest rates.
Be sure to check eligibility requirements, loan amounts, and terms to select the loan that best suits your financial situation.
With the right loan, studying in France can become a reality, and you can focus on your education and future success.
