France
About France
France presents global students a rare opportunity to experience a vast cultural environment in one of the world’s most developed nations. It offers a wide range of academic programmes in varied fields including arts, science, and commerce. France is also renowned for offering quality education, which is regulated by the government to uphold its globally renowned quality and relevance.
Why Study in France?
France offers a world-class education system along with a fabulous student life. Some of the top reasons to study in France include:
Internationally recognized education
France’s higher education system is highly respected around the world. French universities and Grandes Écoles are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Multicultural and open society
France is a diverse and friendly country with a great history and culture. You will learn about French culture and traditions while sharing your tradition with other students.
Affordable tuition
Tuition fees in France are reasonably low compared to other developed countries. A number of scholarships are also available for international students in France.
Great job prospects
France has a great economy and a high demand for skilled workers. A degree from a French university will pave the way for various career opportunities.
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Available courses to study
France offers a broad range of university courses, including:
Nursing & Medicine
France has a long tradition of medical education. There are a number of top ranked universities in France for nursing and medicine, including Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University and IFSI Diaconesses de Reuilly.
Art, Drama, Dance and Music
France has some of the world’s highly prestigious art schools, including Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris and École Normale Supérieure.
Language, Literature and Education
France is a world leader in language education. There are a number of universities in France that offer Master’s programs in Language, Literature and Education.
Political & Social Sciences
France is a center for political and social science research. There are several universities in France that offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Political and Social Sciences.
Computer Science & Technology
France is a leader in computer science and technology programmes. There are many renowned universities in France for computer science and technology, including Université Paris Saclay, Sorbonne Université, and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA).
Besides, there are a number of other benefits to studying in France, including:
Opportunities to travel
France is centrally located in Europe that makes it easy to travel to other European countries.
Learn French
French is a beautiful and widely spoken language. Studying in France will give you the opportunity to learn French.
Make lifelong friends
You will meet people from all over the world while studying in France. If you are considering studying abroad, France is an excellent option.
Finances
Cost Of Education
Public Universities
- Undergraduate: €2,770 per year (approximately $2,830 USD)
- Graduate: €3,770 per year (approximately $3,850 USD)
- Doctorate: €380 per year (approximately $390 USD)
Private Universities
- Undergraduate: €5,000 to €30,000 per year (approximately $5,100 to $30,600 USD)
- Graduate: €1,500 to €35,000 per year (approximately $1,530 to $35,600 USD)
Additional Costs
- Accommodation: €300 to €600 per month (approximately $306 to $612 USD)
- Food: €200 to €300 per month (approximately $204 to $306 USD)
- Transportation: €50 to €100 per month (approximately $51 to $102 USD)
- Health insurance: €20 to €50 per month (approximately $20 to $51 USD)
Scholarships
There are quite a few scholarships available to international students in France that can help to cover the cost of tuition, accommodation and other expenses. Some of the scholarships include:
- Campus France Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
- Émile Boutmy Scholarships
- Science with a Parisian Accent (SPA)
Cost of living
Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) |
Accommodation | 300-600 (student dormitory) or 500-1,000 (apartment) |
Food | 200-300 (groceries) or 100-200 (eating out) |
Transportation | 50-100 (public transportation) or 20-50 (bicycle) |
Other expenses | 20-50 (health insurance), 20-50 (phone bill), 50-100 (entertainment) |
Total | 640-1,140 (student dormitory and budget lifestyle) or 940-1,540 (apartment and moderate lifestyle) |
These are just estimates and your actual expenses may vary basis your lifestyle and location.
Major Cities To Study
Paris
Paris is the capital city of France as well as a prominent tourist destination in the world. It is home to many world-class universities, museums and landmarks. Paris is also a major centre for fashion, science, arts and finance.
Lyon
Lyon is the third largest city in France. It is known for its universities, lower cost of living and ease of transit. Lyon is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has many beautiful landmarks.
Toulouse
Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France. It is known for its aerospace industry and top-ranked universities. Toulouse is also a beautiful city with a rich history.
Montpellier
Montpellier is a city in southern France. It is a rapidly growing city with a large student population. There are many universities in Montpellier including the University of Montpellier, which is one of the oldest universities in France.
Lille
Lille is a city in northern France. It is known for its happy people and easy access to major European cities. The University of Lille which is one of the largest universities in France is situated in Lille.
Admission Process
Educational Requirements:
Undergraduate Study
To enrol in an undergraduate program in France, you must have the following qualifications:
- A French Baccalaureate (equivalent to a 12-year secondary education in France).
- Pass the entrance exam of the university of your choice
Postgraduate Study
There are two types of postgraduate programmes in France:
- Taught Master’s (MAs/MScs/MEng)
- Research Master’s (MRes/MA by Research)
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you must have the following qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- A strong academic record
- Relevant work experience (for some programmes)
Doctorate Study
Doctoral programmes in France are delivered in French with language requirements set by each institution. Unless you have studied French academically or have an equivalent proficiency certificate, candidates seeking to pursue beyond a master’s degree in France must take a French proficiency test.
Documentation requirements
Different institutes have different admissions criteria and require different documents but the following are some of the most common ones:
- All academic transcripts from secondary school must be attested.
- IELTS, TOEFL, or other tests of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Test results from the GMAT, GRE, and other exams (if applicable)
- Academic references
- Passport-size photographs
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume/CV
- A portfolio (applicable for design courses)
Visa Process and Requirements
To apply for a student visa in France, you must contact the French consulate in your home country and provide them with the following:
- Your passport
- Two passport-size photographs
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of financial means
- A letter of acceptance from a French university
- Proof of health insurance
Types of Student Visas
There are three types of student visas available in France:
Short-Stay Student Visa: It allows you to enter France and stay there for three months. This visa is a great choice for international students seeking short-term courses in France.
Temporary Long-Stay Student Visa: This visa allows you to study in France for no more than six months.
Long-Stay Student Visa: It permits international students to stay for a long time. So they can enrol in long-term courses for three years or more.
Application deadlines
The application deadlines for student visas in France vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. However, it is recommended that you apply for your visa at least three months before you plan to travel to France.
FAQs
France as a study abroad destination
France is an excellent choice for studying due to its culture, cuisine and exciting student life. Studying in France offers the opportunity to learn the language and gain cultural insights.
Free education for international students
France is not as well-known for its affordable higher education as Germany but international students have the opportunity to study in France for free (or at a very low cost), regardless of their nationality.
Cost of living in France
The cost of living in France is relatively high, especially in Paris which is ranked among the world’s most expensive cities. However, there are a number of ways to save money while living in France, such as choosing to live in a smaller city or town, cooking your own meals and taking benefit of student discounts.