Want to study in France? 10 important things you should know.

An introduction to Studying in France

Studying in France is a dream for many aspirants and if you are one of them, then this is the right place to get started! Being one of the most famous destinations in Europe, France is a cosmopolitan country with rich history and culture. 

What’s more, it was named the 2nd best destination in Europe for the year 2023. Students from all over the world enroll themselves to study in France and gain international exposure. 

Let’s learn more about why you should choose France for higher studies!

Read More: Living in France | The best guide for all international students!

Why study in France? 

France offers students a diverse study experience. People from all around the world come here to learn more. Not only is France culturally diverse, but it also has beautiful cities and a lively social atmosphere. 

There is more opportunity to explore the country and its surroundings due to the close proximity to other European countries and major cities. 

Read More: How to get a France work permit? – A complete guide!

Is France a good country to study  and How is the quality of education?

France has an excellent academic reputation owing to its phenomenal quality of education, research activities, and employment opportunities it offers. No wonder there are over 3,58,000 international students pursuing higher education in French institutions.

Students believe it is a place where academic and social opportunities thrive, thus the population of international students is constantly rising. Statistics suggest that about 10% of enrolments at French universities are taken up by international students. 

In fact, the higher education system of France is one of the best and most accessible in the world. It is particularly a good choice for students wanting to pursue business-related subjects like international business and management. 

France has 71 government-funded public universities offering quality education to international students at affordable prices. Studying at a French university also opens multiple internships and job opportunities to students. 

Best universities to study in France

France has some high-ranking universities along with good student accommodation. There are also many diverse options for your education. It has some of the best law schools, business schools, engineering schools, and so many more. 

Here are some of the top universities in France-

1. PSL Research University
2. ðcole Polytechnique
3. Sorbonne University
4. The University of Paris
5. The University of Bordeaux
6. ðcole des Ponts ParisTech
7. Grenoble Alpes University
8. University of Montpellier
9. Aix-Marseille University
10. University Paul Sabatier Toulouse III

Cost of studying in France

One among many questions aspirants will have is ‘how much does it cost to study in France?’ 

The tuition fees for international students are-

• 2,770 EUR per year for Bachelor’s programs
• 3,770 EUR per year for the Master’s programs
• 380 EUR per year for Ph.D. programs

However, these only refer to the public universities in France. The cost of tuition at private universities will be higher. They can range from 3,000 to 20,000 EUR per year  

Student life in France can get expensive. Despite that, you can live in cities like Bordeaux, Lyon or Toulouse with 850 to 1,000 EUR per month including accommodation. You may spend even less in smaller towns. 

However, if you want to live in the capital of France that is Paris, you will spend approximately 1,250 to 1,400 EUR per month. 

Scholarships and part-time opportunities in France 

The French Foreign Ministry awards various scholarships to foreign students coming to study in France. The ministry finances around 25% of the scholarships. 

Some of the government-funded scholarships include-

1. Erasmus+
2. The Chateaubriand Fellowship 
3. Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

Read More: Scholarship in France | Apply for these 10 best scholarships!

Some of the non-government scholarships include-

1. The Fulbright Scholarship 
2. Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) 
3. AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Support

The official CampusBourses tool will give you an overview of grants and scholarships to study in France. 

Another way to cover your expenses is to work part-time. All foreign students are allowed to work while studying in France. You can work up to 964 hours per year, i.e. 20 hours per week.

France student visa 

There are four types of French student visas available and it’s important to choose the right one before you actually start the application process.

Student visa

Most students opt for this international student visa. If you have already chosen your training program, have been accepted by a higher education established in France, and are 18 years and above, you can apply for-

• A short-stay visa (if your course does not exceed 3 months) or
• A long-stay visa (if your course exceeds 3 months)

Student trainee visa 

If you want a work placement in France, you need to apply for- 

• A short-stay visa (the duration of your work placement is less than 3 months) or
• A long-stay visa (the duration of your work placement exceeds 3 months)

Staying with family to study

In case you’re between 18 and 30, you can opt for a 1-year study visa, which will allow you to temporarily stay with a family in France to study. 

If you’re a minor

If you’re under 18 and want to stay in France to study you should opt for a-

• A short-stay visa (if you want to study in France for less than 3 months), or
• A long-stay visa (if you want to study for more than 3 months)

Here are a few things you need to keep in mind for your visa application- 

• Countries that follow the EEF procedure will cost 50 EUR. If you’re from a country that doesn’t follow the EEF procedure you will pay 99 EUR.
• If the higher education establishment requires an entrance examination organized in France, you will be issued a short-stay visa. This will be a 90 day maximum in a 180-day period. If you pass you will be granted a long-stay visa. 
• The long-term visa will allow you to study and have part-time work as a student for 20 hours per week.
• Post graduation, you can work in France full time for another 2 years if you get a work permit.
• Once you’re in France, you need to validate the visa within 3 months and that can cost 60 EUR. 

Current students at French universities 

A vast majority of students in France attend universities as opposed to Business School or Schools of Art. 

Institution	Number of International Students
Schools of Engineering	26,216
Schools of Business	36,790
Schools of Art and Architecture	10,313
Preparatory Programmes	16,350
Other	21,446

Most of the international students enrolled in French universities are pursuing undergraduate level Bachelor’s programs while the others are either pursuing Master’s or Doctorate level education. 

Will I need to learn French?

Generally, public universities offering courses in French require that you have any one of these 3-

• A B2 intermediate level certificate.
• The DELF – Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française.
• The TCF – DAP for international student’s certificate.
• Very few of them require the C1 advanced level certificate in the DALF – Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française.

These diploma certificates are useful in securing admission to French universities and are valid for life. 

Courses with an English medium of instruction are not very common in France, but they do exist. A few public universities in France offer English-taught programs with the benefits of French education. Most of these courses also include teaching you French along with your subject of specialization. 

Many French people speak languages other than their own. Nonetheless, being able to communicate in French will make the transition smoother. International students are encouraged to learn and improve their language skills even if their university program is being delivered in English. 

If you are not fluent in French, take it as a challenge rather than an obstacle. In addition, any French skills will only strengthen your resume! 

PR in France

Do you wish to get a PR in France after studying there? If yes, let’s look at how you can do it!

The first step towards getting a PR is to enroll yourself in one of the top universities in France. After the completion of your studies, you can apply for a temporary resident visa – APS visa, to work for 12 months. The APS visa can be extended by another 12 months, allowing you to stay for a duration of 24 months. 

During this period of 2 years, you can look for a suitable job and enter a CDI contract with an employer. It is also preferable to learn the B2 or C2 level of French for an added advantage.

Is France the best country to study abroad? 

France is an exceptionally beautiful country. It has an exemplary education system and offers a plethora of courses you can choose from, at affordable costs. And this is where you need to start-

1. Choose the course of your interest
2. Shortlist a university program accordingly, and
3. See which universities make the cut and make sure you satisfy their eligibility criteria

As you fly there, you will see that studying abroad in France is a huge milestone as it makes you a part of the elite circle of international students. 

If you feel like we missed out on some info or have any doubts, feel free to get in touch with us or drop comment below!

 

 

Key Takeaways

• France offers a high standard of education, especially in business-related subjects. The country has 71 public universities and numerous other types of institutions, making it a hotspot for international students.
• While tuition fees are relatively low, particularly in public universities, living expenses can vary. Costs can range from 850 to 1,400 EUR per month, depending on the city.
• Various scholarship programs are available, and international students are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week to help cover their expenses.
• France offers multiple visa types depending on your situation, such as short-stay and long-stay student visas and options for those under 18 or those wishing to do work placements.

FAQs

Q1. What makes France an attractive destination for higher education?

Answer: France is known for its rich culture, excellent academic programs, and diverse opportunities for international exposure. Its proximity to other European countries also offers opportunities for travel and cultural enrichment.

Q2. How affordable is studying in France?

Answer: Public universities charge around 2,770 EUR per year for Bachelor’s programs, 3,770 EUR for Master’s, and 380 EUR for Ph.D. programs. Living costs vary by city, ranging from 850 to 1,400 EUR per month.

Q3. Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?

Answer: Yes, France offers various scholarships such as Erasmus+, The Chateaubriand Fellowship, and Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence, among others. The Campus Bourses tool provides a comprehensive overview of available grants and scholarships.