French universities receive 75% of foreign students for their post-secondary education. It is a prime destination for science, business, languages, arts, humanities, medicine and sport. French universities offer high quality education at a low cost in comparison to that offered by British, Australian or American universities. There are more than 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education in France.
in 2019, France was ranked as the 7th richest country in the world. It is in an excellent position to recover the economy post Covid-19 with enhanced market flexibility. It is the ideal place to study abroad for your degree thanks to its rich culture, gastronomy, architecture, and thriving student life.
Studying in France is not expensive, compared to the English-speaking countries such as the UK or US. With the country’s renowned standard of education and comparatively low cost of living, studying in France will give you true value for money. Many universities offer grants and scholarships that can reduce the tuition fees of study programs. As a student, you can also get discounts in many bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas.
French higher education is unusual in that it’s formed of smaller institutions within much larger university networks. It is extremely specialized in various subjects. More than 3,000 English-taught study programs and courses available in France covering a broad range of fields, and leading to a bachelors, masters, PhD, diploma or certificate.
France offers up to two years post study visas for international students who want to stay and work after graduation. On completing the masters course, a student can apply for and get a temporary residence permit – APS, for a period of 12 months.
Step 1: Course research
Since there are several universities and programs available, you must research before choosing your desired course. France is known for its highly specialized courses, including Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business, Management and Biomedical.
Step 2: Check requirements
You must check the requirements for the course of your choice. There are different entry requirements applied within the same university, ensure you are reading and following accurately. You can reach the university through email or if you are unsure, contact your counsellor. Once you have your GRE/IELTS/TOEFL score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on your budget, city, profile, and interests.
Step 3: Procure your documents
Each course and university require certain documents for applying for an eligibility check. Some universities prefer you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested before submission. Write a letter of intent explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a degree.
Step 4: Submit your application
Create an account through the university website and upload your documents. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. Most Universities charge approximately € 20 – 200 for applications or some free.
Step 5: Accept the admission letter.
Some of the common eligibility criteria to get into top universities:
To enrol in a masters degree, you must have a relevant bachelors degree recognized by French universities. The following are the list of common documents required by universities:
Indian students require a visa to enter and stay in France for the duration of the course. You get a national visa that is intended for longer studies. Whereas for short courses, you receive a Schengen visa, which is valid for 3 months and cannot be extended. The following documents required to receive a student visa are:
There are two types of France Student Visa:
The tuition fees at public universities are set by the French government and are the same across the country. The fees are higher as compared to Germany, but there are several scholarships available for international students.
Living expenses for students in France are relatively lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Switzerland. The average monthly living expenses of a student is around € 400 – 1200 per month, includes expenses like accommodation, books and materials, lifestyle and others. The total cost of living depends on factors like the location and type of lifestyle. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week earning 7 to 15 Euros an hour and travel freely in the countries of the Schengen area.
A degree in France will provide you with a 24-month work permit visa. The country has a plethora of opportunities to offer for any field of graduation. The most demanded jobs are Project Manager, Software Engineer, Medical Practitioner, Hospitality Managers, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Nurse, Investment Manager, and Marketing.
The top employers recruiting in France are:
A: Each university and course has different criteria, but the most common is a bachelors degree in a relevant field. Most reputed business schools will also require a GMAT or GRE. Check the university’s website for the relevant course to find exact requirements.
A: No. But the language plays an important in living and securing a job. Although most of them are English speakers, learning the basic language will help you a long way.
A: Some of the most affordable cities to live in in France are Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rennes.
