Study in France

Why choose France?

France is an excellent destination for academic pursuit if you are seeking reputed institutions in a diverse environment. France is popular for high-quality education, excellence in science, higher employability, relatively low cost of tuition, rich culture as well as a rich heritage and quality of life. France is well renowned all over the world for its higher quality education as well as research-centric approach.

Numerous French universities and Grandes École have been placed in the top in the most reputable international rankings.

France is known as one of the most popular student host countries worldwide. It is the world’s top 5th ranked destination for international students and is ranked first among the non-English-speaking country. Many public and private universities and schools have increased the number of English-taught programs in recent years to increase the number of students from Non-Francophone countries. Almost all subjects, from business to humanities and engineering, and computer science to social sciences are now completely and partially taught in English.

Choose France; National strategy to attract international students

In 2018, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced a prestigious Bienvenue en France/Choose France strategy, aimed at attracting more foreign students to France and increasing the visibility of the French higher education system in the global scene. The objective of this strategy is to host half-million students by 2027 and also encourage the departure of local students to study abroad.

The government has put special emphasis on the internationalization of higher education, which is why since 2019 France has implemented a simplified visa policy for international students and has encouraged all establishments to set up intensive modules of French language courses for non-French speaking foreign students.

A one-stop-shop policy (known as a welcome desk) has been introduced to help students to complete all administrative tasks from a single place. The government has also set up a stranded price i.e. € 2,770 for a license and € 3,770 for a masters’ degree while the government pays two-third of the total fees. At the same time, there are plans to increase exemptions and triple scholarships. In total, one in four international students will be able to benefit from an exemption or a grant.

Higher Education system: LMD framework:

The license, a three-year course of study, is an undergraduate degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the English-speaking world. After the license, students can complete a master’s, a two-year course of study equivalent to a master’s degree. Students holding a master recherche may complete an additional three years’ coursework to qualify for a doctorate.

The LMD framework was implemented under the Bologna Process in order to harmonize university qualifications in Europe.

Types of Institutes in France:

There are 3 types of institutes in France:

Study in France
  • Lycées
  • Universities (governmental)
  • Grande écoles (public) (most of them are top ranked educational institutes of the world)

The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings.

Among the well-known universities are:

  • École Polytechnique
  • CentraleSupélec (CentraleSupélec – Université Paris-Saclay
  • Sorbonne University
  • Pierre and Marie Curie University
  • University of Paris-Sud. etc.

Students can also find a wide range of options for an MBA in France, as France houses various top-level business schools in Europe. Some of them are:

  • HEC Paris
  • ESSEC Business School
  • ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad
  • EDHEC Business School. Etc.
Tuition fees in France:

The tuition fees applicable at public universities are determined by the French government and therefore remain the same throughout the country.

Citizens within the EEA – will still be charged a very low amount for the tuition:

  • 170 euros per year for Bachelor’s (License) programs,
  • 243 euros per year for Master’s programs,
  • 601 euros per year in Engineering courses at certain institutions,
  • 380 euros per year for Doctorate (Ph.D.) programs.

However, it is to be noted that all other international students are not expected to pay higher fees for Bachelor’s as well as Master’s degrees. The new tuition fees for international students, starting September 2019, are:

  • 2,770 euros per year for Bachelor’s (License) programs,
  • 3,770 euros per year for Master’s programs,
  • 380 euros per year for Doctorate (Ph.D.) programs – the same amount as for Europeans.

The fees at private universities are generally higher, which range from 3,000 to 20,000 euros per year.

Scholarships:

The French government has shared an increased availability of scholarships along with the revised tuition fees applicable for the students. Campus Bourses tool offers an overview of grants and scholarships to study in France.

Campus Bourses (Campus Scholarships) provide information on the scholarships offered to foreign students. Apart from this, the French Foreign Ministry, as well as the French Ministry of Higher education and Research, also provides various scholarships to foreign students based on social criteria. . Many French regions and towns also provide scholarships to foreign students enrolled in programs in their region.

Visas:

If you wish to study in France, it’s important to learn about visa requirements. The French government regulates these issues and regulations based on the students’ citizenship.

No visa is required for the EU citizens and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Non-EU applicants need to obtain a visa, which also includes a residence permit (VLS-TS). The permit is valid for a year and can be renewed later.. Applicant must complete an application form including passport photos, proof of your qualifications, a police certificate attesting that you don’t have a serious criminal record, proof you can speak French (if your course is in French), and proof that you have sufficient financial means to the French Office of Immigration and Integration. Upon arrival in France, the applicant needs to contact OFII.

International students will have to prove that they can financially support their studies. You should have around €7,400 per year in order to prove they can support themselves without working.

Student life:

While the living standard in France is significantly high, the experience of studying in France is certain to be memorable and life-altering.

France offers a great variety of experiences and learning adventures. Students can choose from a wide range of climatic and geographical environments – from bustling cities to relatively quiet peri-urban settings, from crowded market places to pristine beaches, France has it all.

Working in France while studying:

France allows all international students to work while they are studying. This right applies to all students in France. Students who are not European Union nationals must have a student resident permit.

France allows all foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year, which is the equivalent of 60% of the maximum working hours permitted. (50% for Algerian students whose status remains defined by the Franco-Algerian agreement of December 27, 1968).

The minimum wage is guaranteed by law for all workers in France whether one is a student or not.

Working in France after graduation:

The French language is also one of the greatest hurdles if you plan to stay after you graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in France. One is expected to speak French comfortably, if not fluently, in order to find a job in France. It is found that international students are able to start their professional careers in France relatively faster and easier as compared to other European countries.

Living cost

Although tuition rates are affordable, the cost of living in France is relatively higher as compared to the neighboring countries. Students are eligible for subsidized rates in various eateries and transportation services. Housing services specifically designed for international students are also often available.

Students are advised to pick a destination after carefully evaluating the cost of living as well as other amenities while making a decision.

International students are provided with several options for accommodation in France. Students can choose to live in university accommodation for around €180 after the CAF per month. It is to be noted that the demand for these types of accommodation is quite high. Alternate accommodation options could be renting a private studio apartment which might cost around €400-€600 as well as homestays which might cost around €200-€800 per month.

Do you need tailored advice?

For students who are seeking the highest quality education at any of France’s top universities, we offer personalized guidance, counseling, and support that matches your requirement and goals. Please contact us for more information and to find out how you can take your first steps to succeed in your ambition.