Study in France
Why study in France?
The French higher education system is often regarded as one of the greatest in the world. It is also one of the most easily accessible. Because of the cheap tuition prices, studying in France is more affordable for overseas students. Every year, French universities are towards the top of prestigious university rankings. Their educational institutions can easily compete with those of other countries.
France is an excellent choice for people interested in studying business-related disciplines. The country is a hotspot for international business and management education, with many business schools scoring high in international rankings.
France has 71 public institutions, all of which are financed by the national government and provide good education at a low cost to all students, domestic and international. Private universities (grandes écoles) are also available. Depending on the programme and institution, the academic year begins in September or October and concludes in May or June. There are two semesters, separated by a break after final exams at the end of the first semester. Large lecture courses, where the lecturer talks and students take notes, and sections & laboratories, meant for smaller groups of students, where the topic presented in lectures is explored in greater detail, are the two primary types of courses offered at French institutions. Attendance in sections and laboratories is usually required. Internships and practical training are also required in several career-oriented programmes.
When it comes to degrees, French universities follow a pattern that is common throughout the EU: licence, master’s and doctorate. Licence refers to undergraduate courses that run 6 semesters (3 years) and require 180 ECTS. Master’s studies last an additional four semesters (two years), for a total of five years of study and 300 ECTS. After an extra 6 semesters (3 years), a doctorate can be acquired.
About France
France is a lovely country with a rich tradition of higher education. It is located in Western Europe and stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Sea and the English Channel. This provides France with beautiful natural beauty that you may like to explore. France has a significant cultural history as well as a rich artistic, intellectual, and scientific culture. France is a prominent cultural, culinary, and literary centre. All of these factors combine to make it an appealing location for international students from all over the world.
The following are the top tourist attractions in France:
- Paris’s Eiffel Tower
- Versailles Chateau (Versailles)
- Normandy’s Mont Saint Michel
- The Azure Coast
- The Louvre in Paris
- Mont Blanc (the highest peak in Western Europe)
Study cost in France
France’s currency is the Euro (€). Tuition rates at public universities are regulated by the government and are quite low. In actuality, tuition rates at France’s public higher education institutions are the same for domestic and international students.
Tuition rates are set each year. The average annual tuition for undergraduate courses was less than €200 (less than US$250). Master’s degrees cost roughly €259 (approximately US$305) while doctorate degrees cost around €393 (approximately US$460). Students are frequently obliged to pay administrative fees, which marginally increase tuition prices. Despite these costs, studying in France is still one of the most economical options for overseas students seeking a high-quality education.
These tariffs are only applicable to public institutions. If you choose to study at a private institution, the fees might be as much as €10,000 (US$12,000) every year.
There are additional scholarships and mobility programmes available for students who want to study in France. Grants from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, financing from the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), awards from regional councils, and Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus programmes are among the most popular.
Student Visa in France
If you want to study in France, you should be aware of all possible visa requirements. The French government governs these concerns, and the rules differ depending on your citizenship.
Applicants from outside the EU: A visa, which includes a residency permit (VLS-TS), is required. It is valid for one year and can be renewed at any time. To obtain this visa, you must fill out an application form and submit passport photos, proof of your qualifications, a police certificate attesting that you do not have a serious criminal record, proof that you can speak French (if your course is in French), and proof that you have sufficient financial means to OFII (the French Office of Immigration and Integration). When you arrive in France, you must contact OFII (you may be required to undergo a medical examination).
If you are not from an EEA nation, you will need to acquire health insurance for your stay in France. Depending on the coverage, this will cost between €20 and €50 each month.
International students will be required to demonstrate their financial ability to support their education. You should have roughly €7,400 per year to demonstrate that you can support yourself without working. International students, on the other hand, are able to work up to 20 hours per week, therefore there are prospects to earn extra money.
Living cost in France
Unlike tuition prices, living expenses in France are generally greater than in nearby countries. Fortunately, students are frequently eligible for discounted restaurant and transit rates. There is also specific student housing accessible for international students studying in France. Living expenses are lower in smaller areas, so keep this in mind while picking where to study.
In France, international students will have various options for housing. You may live in university housing for about €120 per month. However, there is a huge need for these. Exchange or scholarship students are chosen based on social characteristics. A private studio flat will cost between €457 and €542. Another option for overseas students is homestay. Depending on where you live, this will cost between €200 and €800 each month. In addition, at least one meal every day is supplied.
Students can apply for a grant through their local Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF). It is free to apply, and if you are eligible, you can receive up to 35% of your monthly rent back.
Language in France
Many French people are fluent in languages other than their native tongue. However, knowing French is required for effective conversation and study in France. International students who speak French fluently have a lot simpler experience at school and in everyday life. If you believe your French is inadequate, there are numerous language courses available for those who want to improve their language skills. Making an effort to speak French with locals and socialise with them is a fantastic method to improve your language skills.
You may study and speak in English at the same time. International students, on the other hand, are encouraged to learn French and improve their language skills. Take this as a challenge rather than an impediment. Any level of French fluency will look fantastic on a CV or resume!
If your course is taught in French, you must demonstrate your proficiency by taking one of the following tests: TCF DAP (Test de Connaissance du Français, Demande d’Admission Préalable), DALF (diplôme approfondi de langue française), or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). If your course is in English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Student cities in France
Many cities in France are home to universities and other higher education organisations. Because French towns are gorgeous and atmospheric, they offer an unforgettable experience to all international students.
Paris
It’s simple to see why Paris is known as the “City of Love.” If nothing else, you’ll fall in love with the local cuisine and culture. As a student, you will be studying in a culturally rich city, expanding your knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom. It is one of the world’s most popular tourist locations, with several options to have a good time.
Paris is a significant cultural centre, with many attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and world-renowned galleries such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Students will get the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Paris’ nightlife, scenic streets, and charming cafes. As the capital, Paris also has superb universities and institutions, many of which concentrate in specific disciplines. Living in Paris is a wonderful chance for those international students who want to study at a prominent university while also experiencing the city’s splendour.
Lyon
Lyon is close to the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. This lovely mediaeval city is known as France’s culinary centre. It is also the most cost-effective city for students. The city offers gorgeous architecture that all visitors adore, especially since Lyon’s well-preserved architecture has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vicinity of the French Alps will appeal to international students who enjoy nature and winter sports.
Lyon is known as one of France’s major financial hubs, and in addition to many attractive sights, the city has a lot to offer those seeking higher education. There are four main universities in Lyon: the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, the Université Claude Bernard Lyon, the Université Lumière Lyon, and the Université Jean Moulin Lyon.
Lille
Lille is located in the north-west of France and provides as an excellent base for seeing the rest of the country as well as Northern European countries. Lille was formerly renowned as one of France’s major industrial cities. In recent years, the city’s cultural and commercial offerings have grown. If you want to study in France, consider Lille: it has many of the benefits of living in a smaller town. It offers several educational options and acts as a superb home base for overseas students. At the same time, it is not as crowded or expensive as larger cities such as Paris.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a well-known port city in southwest France. This is the wine industry’s hub and home to Vinexpo, the world’s largest wine fair. Bordeaux wine has been produced in this region since the 8th century, and the city has a long history of wine production. The city is also noted for its outstanding architecture, and the city’s historic core is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Bordeaux is recognised as the City of Art and History, and it is home to one of Europe’s most extensive 18th-century architectural urban regions.
Bordeaux has many options for international students seeking higher education. The renowned University of Bordeaux was founded in the 15th century. It now has approximately 70,000 students and is separated into four sectors: one for Maths, Physical Sciences, and Technologies, two for Medicine and Life Sciences, three for Liberal Arts, Languages, Humanities, and History, and four for Law, Economics, and Management. There is also the Bordeaux Institute of Political Sciences.
Toulouse
Toulouse is France’s fourth-largest city, located on the banks of the Garonne River. The city is known as la Ville Rose (‘the Pink City’) because of its distinctive architecture composed of pinkish terracotta bricks. Toulouse is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Canal du Midi and the Basilica of St. Sernin, Europe’s biggest intact Romanesque structure.
Several higher education institutes are located in the city. Toulouse University was founded in 1229 and is one of Europe’s oldest. Toulouse Business School, Toulouse School of Economics, and INSA Toulouse are also located in the city.