Study Abroad in France | Top universities, fees, & more!

Want to study abroad in France? Here’s all you should know!

France is one of the most popular study-abroad locations, attracting a large number of students from all over the world each year. After graduation, Indian students who study in France have fantastic professional chances all around the world.

France is better renowned for its high degree of technical progress, culture, and education system reputation, which draws a large number of young applicants each academic year. The French government frequently gives students and international students financial assistance for housing, up to around one-third for successful students.

For students who do not speak French, it is frequently taught as a topic in their curriculum when studying in France. France is one of Europe’s most traditionally wealthy countries, with a rich flavor of art and history. France is second in Europe and fourth in the world in information technology. France is at the forefront of technical innovation in a number of areas.

If you are interested in studying abroad in France and want to know about its lifestyle, cost of living, best cities, and top universities, you have come to the right place! We have written down everything you need to know to study abroad in France. So let’s dive in and discover how studying in France might be the best experience you will ever have.

Life in France

Bonjour! France is a unique destination that lives up to its reputation. From its food and music to its art and architecture, France is one of the best locations in the world. The combination of arts and culture, educational institutions, and national history in this country is top tier, making it an attractive destination for students all over the world!

You may not even know it, yet France is a part of your daily existence. No, we’re not referring to French fries, which originated in Belgium!

First and foremost, France bestowed upon the United States one of its greatest gifts, the Statue of Liberty. If that’s not close enough to your heart, you may thank the French for the camera you use to share photos on Facebook; the country made significant advances in photography and even founded cinema.
There are French names on maps all around the United States, and if you’ve ever gone to New Orleans, you know how deep the French influence can go.

What does it all mean to you? Nothing if you don’t visit France and experience what it has to offer. A study abroad program in France will not only teach you about French culture, but it will also teach you about your own.

Every year, over 17,000 students study abroad in France, and international students now account for 10% of the country’s college student population. Higher education in France is lauded across the world for its outstanding instructors and research. When studying abroad in France, you should expect to be treated the same as your local colleagues, whether in a lecture or a ‘travaux diriges,’ or seminar class.

While you may study almost any topic in France, students who are interested in the arts, architecture, and history are the ones that migrate to the nation in the greatest numbers. That comes as no surprise, given that France has always been a hub of the arts as well as an international actor.

Things to do in the City of Lights

• View the paintings of French painters such as Monet, Matisse, and Renoir at the Louvre.
• Read the writings of French literary giants, including Baudelaire, Proust, and Voltaire.
• Listen to music by Debussy or more recent musicians like Air and Daft Punk.
• Visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Museum of Mankind.
• Explore the Tuileries Garden or Parc Monceau.
• Shop for Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel, and Christian Dior French fashion.
• Don’t bother asking what they are. Simply try the foie gras, beef bourguignon, or escargot.
• The nation has about 300 different types of cheese. Step aside, Green Bay; the French are real ‘Cheese heads,’ eating the most of it in the world!

Top Universities in France 

Sorbonne Université

The Sorbonne Université ranks #37 in Best Global Universities and #1 in Best Global Universities in France. From bachelor to doctorate degrees, the university offers a wide choice of courses in the arts, science and engineering, medical, and humanities.

Tuition Fee: 6,500 euros per academic year

Exchange students can attend classes anywhere from 2 weeks to the completion of an international degree at one of the top universities in France.

PSL Université

The PSL Université ranks #53 in the QS World University Rankings. Earning a master’s degree at PSL – one of the top universities in France – will help secure your ambitions.

Tuition: ⚬2,770 to ⚬3,770 per year

PSL has a world-class diploma recognized by future employers and will give you the opportunity to work in top research and innovation centers as you study abroad in France. 

ðcole Polytechnique

ðcole Polytechnique ranks #61 worldwide in the 2021 QS World University Rankings. It is the second-best French higher education and research university in this ranking.

Tuition: 19,000 euros for 3 years

The university also has industry-oriented master’s degrees that will give you the practical skills and initial work experience necessary to start your career. 

Tuition Fees in France

Over the past year, international students have had to pay higher tuition fees at French universities. But it’s important to know that there are three times as many government-sponsored scholarships for international students.

Many students ask: Can I study in France for free? The answer is yes, but only if you are a citizen or a permanent resident of a country of the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland.

Although, studying in France is not always entirely free. You will be charged a very small amount if you decide to study at a public university. Otherwise, you would have to pay higher tuition at a private institution.

Cost of Bachelors in France: ⚬2,770
The Cost of Masters in France: ⚬3,770
Cost of Doctorate (Ph.D.) in France: ⚬380 per year

The cost of a Master’s in France or any graduate degree for that matter will always cost more than an undergraduate degree.

Top Cities in France

Lyon

Lyon is the 3rd largest city in France. It is an orderly and sophisticated place with renaissance buildings dotting its streets. Lyon Cathedral is one of the most magnificent sights and a lovely old town to walk around in.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a large city with amazing architecture. There are many art museums, 18th-century mansions, and decadent palaces. It has incredible food and is known for its amazing (wine) museums. If you’re an art lover who wants to study abroad in France, this is the place for you!

Marseille

Marseille is Frances’ second city, and it’s very diverse in terms of people and cultures. There is an old harbor full of fishermen returning to shore with their catch…and it presents a stunning view.

Cost of Living in France

With all these amazing views, activities, and top universities, I’m sure you’re wondering&what is the cost of living in France?

Well, running on a budget for an apartment of two people, the rent averages to a total of $2,083 to $2,483 per month. These expenses include- 

• Rent: $800-$1000
• Electricity: $48
• Groceries: $600
• Internet: $32
• Transportation: $175

There are a lot of ways you can use to save while living and studying in France. Opting for student discounts, finding cheap accommodation, and cooking your own food are only a few of them.

Are there any admission requirements?

Once you’ve shortlisted the universities you want to apply to, you will have to go through their websites and find out the admission requirements. However, a few requirements are common across programs and universities.

For an undergraduate course, you will need to provide-

1. A high school diploma
2. Proof of language proficiency in French

For students pursuing a postgraduate degree, the universities will ask for –

1. Transcripts
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. CV
5. Proof of French proficiency
6. Standard test scores (GRE or GMAT)
7. Portfolio (for subjects like fine arts, architecture, etc.)

Start preparing these documents 6 months before you have to apply. After you submit your application, it is time to wait and see if you will receive a letter of acceptance.

Key takeaways

• France is one of the most popular study-abroad locations, attracting a large number of students from all over the world each year.
• After graduation, Indian students who study in France have fantastic professional chances all around the world.
• From its food and music to its art and architecture, France is one of the best locations in the world.
• The combination of arts and culture, educational institutions, and national history in this country is top tier, making it an attractive destination for students all over the world!
• While you may study almost any topic in France, students who are interested in the arts, architecture, and history are the ones that migrate to the nation in the greatest numbers.

In case you get stuck or need help with anything during your journey to study abroad in France, reach out to us! We’d be very happy to help.

Liked this blog? Read: Scholarship in France | Apply for these 10 best scholarships!

FAQs

Q1. Is France a good place to study abroad?

Answer – France is the ideal place to study abroad for your degree, thanks to its rich culture, gastronomy, architecture, and thriving student life! Studying in France gives you the opportunity to learn the language and gain a cultural perspective.

Q2. Can I study in France without knowing French?

Answer – Yes, you can study in France without speaking French. Universities in France offer several courses that are taught entirely in English to attract more international students.

Q3. What is the best major to study in France?

Answer – Management is the most popular subject among all, and France’s business schools are among the best in the world. International students can pick different fields of specialization such as entrepreneurship, project management, strategic management, and general management.