Study in France

Overview

France is the most sought-after overseas study destination after the United Kingdom and Germany. Technologically advanced but at the same time have its roots grounded in history, it is reflected in their culture and traditions, art and museums, and cuisine, making it an enriching experience for international students.

Why France

France has more than 3,500 higher education institutions, including 77 publicly-funded universities for all degree programs, Schools of Architecture, and Grandes Ecoles (Great Schools) offering 5-year diplomas (equivalent to a master’s degree) in science, business, and arts. 

France has maintained the status of a European and global center of philosophy, arts, culture, and science for centuries and is currently an international business and technology leader. France offers a broad spectrum of courses in arts, business management, fashion, and IT & Engineering.

France is the ideal destination to study abroad for your degree, thanks to its rich culture, gastronomy, architecture, and thriving student life! Studying in France will allow students to learn the language and gain a cultural perspective.

Admissions

The admission process differs from college to college, but the following documents remain/general requirements remain staple for admission to higher education in France.

Copy of a valid passport

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency)

Proof of French language proficiency (DELF or DALF & TCF)

Letters of recommendation

Statement of purpose

Academic transcripts from the previous institution

Universities

France boasts 36 universities in the QS World University Rankings, ten universities out of those rank within the world’s top 300. The nation’s two leading universities - Université PSL and Ecole Polytechnique, are ranked #26 and #61, respectively, in QS Rankings 2022. France is also home to the esteemed Grandes Ecoles (Great Schools) - known for its highly selective admissions, prestigious & rewarding degrees, and academic excellence.

Université Paris-Saclay

Saint-Aubin, Paris

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Sorbonne University

Paris, Paris

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University of Paris

Paris, Paris

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Courses

France is at the forefront of technological evolution in several fields. France has always been able to produce some of the greatest minds in Business, Economics, Science, and Art.

Hence, students can be sure that they will join the ranks of other experts in the field. France ranks #2 in Europe and #4 in the world in Information Technology.

Also, France is perhaps one of the most traditionally rich countries in Europe, with a rich flavor of art and tradition; it has become the most sought-after destination for international students who wants to study art and fashion. 

Master in Computer Science MBA Top Design Universities in France Data Science Bachelors in Engineering and Technology in France

Finances

For students who are french citizens or permanent residents of a country within the EU, here are some details - 

For students who are from outside of the EU - 

Living Expenses

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Scholarships

The French government has been working on making offers that are more attractive to international students. The government wants to increase the number of international undergraduates and postgraduates attending the schools and universities in the country.

Government-funded scholarships to study in France 

• Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence 

• Erasmus+

• The Chateaubriand Fellowship

Non-government Scholarships to Study in France 

• AIFS Study Abroad Scholarship, Grants, and Financial Support

• The Fulbright Scholarship

• Alexandre Yersin Scholarship

• Civil Society Leadership Awards 

Apart from the scholarships mentioned above, various university-specific scholarships are available for international students.

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Accommodation

The most stressful part of moving abroad for higher education can be accommodation. Whatever type of accommodation options you may prefer, the thumb rule is to start scouting for housing as soon as possible. 
On-campus Accommodation

University Residence Halls:

These students' residences are owned and managed by France's Regional Center for student services known CROUS. They assist students, so they can enjoy low rents, fully furnished apartments, and a built-in social life. 

• Average cost: 200 EUR

• The average cost in Paris is 400 EUR

Off-campus Accommodation 

Visa

The French Government offers international students two types of visas - 

• Court sojourn pour études - The short stay visa for 90 days 

• Visa étudiant long séjour valant titre de séjour - The long stay visa for more than 90 days  

Procedure 

If students are from EU/EEA countries, then there is no visa requirement for studying at any academic level. Students may freely enter the country for education or internship regardless of the length of their stay. However, students need medical insurance to cover them in any emergency.

If students are from non-EU/EEA countries, a long-stay visa is required for studying in France. There are two types of French student visas available. 

VLS-TS - Long-term visa used as a resident permit: The visa allows international students to stay in France for one year without requesting a resident permit. Depending on students' level of studies, the visa is further categorized into three types - 

• The Student VLS-TS Visa - For bachelor's and master's studies 

• The Talent Passport VLS-TS Visa - For Doctorate Studies

• The Internship VLS-TS Visa - For internships 

VLS-T - The Temporary Long-Term Visa: The visa doesn't need validation upon arrival and cannot be renewed. With this type of visa, students can stay in France for one year for educational purposes. 

Documentations 

Paperwork and documentation are an important part of studying in France for higher education. To ensure a hassle-free admission process, students must keep the following documents ready with them at all times.  

1. Visa application form

2. Passport-type photographs

3. Valid passport and copies of previous visas

4. University's official enrolment/acceptance letter

5. Proof of financial means (around 615 EUR per month) 

6. Airline ticket/reservation showing date of departure

7. Medical insurance (300–715 EUR/year)

8. Documents stating the accommodation arrangement

9. French language proficiency certificate (if you have enrolled in a course that requires the language)

10. Proof of payment of the visa fee (50–100 EUR)

11. Proof of civil status (if applicable).

Copy of valid Passport Financial Documents Form I-20 Copy of DS-160 SEVIS Fee Receipt

Careers

France is the world's fifth-largest economy and is home to 31 of the world's 500 most powerful companies. Airbus, LVMH, Orange, Danone, Total, L'Oréal & Sanofi are some of the leading French organizations of international repute. 

Part-time Work Opportunities

International students can seek part-time jobs in France. However, the nature and timing of the work should not interfere with the studies. The restriction on the period is 20 hours per week. During semester breaks and holidays, students are allowed to work full-time. The hourly wage for students working part-time is 9.67 Euros per hour. Students should try to seek this opportunity to gain real-world exposure and networking. 

Full-time Work Opportunity / Post-study Work Opportunity 

France has two separate policies for international students who wish to stay in France to seek employment. 

Career opportunities for international students post-graduation 

After graduation in France, an international student can stay back only when they have paid employment. Students who are already employed are eligible to apply for a residence permit. This law is applicable to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

Career opportunities for international students post Master's studies. 

In France, however, rules get a little relaxed for postgraduate students. Unlike the undergraduate pass-outs students, who are only entitled to get a residence permit after having paid employment, the postgraduate students are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit for a duration of about 12 to 24 months, which is a non-renewable temporary visa. This visa does not allow international students to be recruited in France permanently.

If students are successful in finding work that gives them a salary of at least 1.5 times the minimum wage, then they can contact their local administration to change their status from student to employee and allows them to work full-time. Students will get a post-study work visa in France.

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