Are you looking for a new place to study in Europe? If so, you should choose to pursue a French study abroad program! Studying abroad has many advantages, and France provides a distinctive academic experience to any student looking for a smart and exciting atmosphere to flourish.
France, or the French Republic, is a nation in Western Europe that has expanded into South America, French Guiana, and other islands in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. Its neighbors include the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, and Andorra. Did you know that, because of its numerous overseas territories, France has the most time zones of any country (12 in total).
But why is choosing to study in France the ideal option for both your academic and cultural development? Imagine yourself residing in a nation with an abundance of magnificent scenery, from the impressive capital city of Paris to the breathtakingly lovely towns of the French South, the endless vineyards of Bordeaux, the fairytale-like city of Strasbourg, or the dreamy landscapes blanketed in snow.
As a long-standing European and international hub for philosophy, the arts, culture, and science, as well as a current hub for global business, technology, and tourism, choosing to study abroad in France will add extra value to your Resume.
More than 85 million people visit France annually, making it a top tourist destination. In reality, the nation is home to the fifth-most Unesco World Heritage Sites and the seventh-largest economy in the world.
What makes it ideal for so many people?
Additionally, France is a prominent member of the European Union and the Eurozone, as well as a member of the Group of Seven (G7), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization, and the United Nations Security Council (WTO).
Since France is ranked 8th internationally and 5th in Europe among the best study destinations, it is not surprising that more than 250,000 foreign students pick France as their study abroad destination. France also ranks third in students' preferences for experiencing a new culture or lifestyle due to its rich cultural heritage, food, sightseeing, and globally renowned colleges.
Given that some of the greatest intellectuals in history, like Descartes, Foucault, Voltaire, Jean-Paul Satre, and Simone de Beauvoir, were born and raised in France, the country is well recognized worldwide as the hub of the arts, philosophy, and culture. The French educational system's primary, secondary, and higher education levels are all governed by the French Ministry of Education.
Public universities, like the renowned Sorbonne University, specialized schools, and the esteemed Grandes écoles are available for study in France. A few examples include Sciences Po Paris for Political studies, HEC Paris for Economics, Polytechnique, and the École des Hautes études en sciences sociales for social studies.
The universities are public institutions that provide degrees at three distinct levels of achievement, or "cycles," to students who have completed high school and obtained their baccalauréat. The universities offer academic, technical, and professional degrees to students. Each high school is in charge of providing the necessary instruction for admission to universities, Grandes écoles, or specialty schools. France's most sought-after academic specialties are business, fashion, hospitality, technology, and tourism.
Similar to universities, the Grandes écoles are prestigious public and private schools. They usually provide three-year programs of study that are more rigorous and specialized in fields like commerce, public administration, or engineering. Based on test results, admission to the Grandes écoles is rather difficult. However, to enroll at Grandes écoles, students must have completed their baccalaureate and a two-year preparatory course known as cours préparatoires or prépas. A Grande école awards a Master's degree to its graduates.
Additionally, governmental or private specialized schools in France prepare students for vocations in various sectors, such as art, architecture, social work, or tourism. They furthermore grant Master's degrees.
The best colleges and universities in the world are found in France. Students who choose to study in France may be sure that they will receive a top-notch education and hands-on training at cutting-edge institutions all around the nation. After graduating from France, having a degree recognized worldwide would increase one's chances of finding employment domestically and abroad.
Triple Accreditation is granted to several business schools in France. Triple accreditation, sometimes
known as the Triple Crown, is a quality control offered for particular study programs or periods. An
impartial agency that evaluates the educational value of a detailed study program or educational setting
grants accreditation.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), The Association of MBAs (AMBA), and
the EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) (EFMD), with its EQUIS accreditation,
abbreviated for "EFMD Quality," are the three organizations that are credited with triple accreditation
for business schools in France.
Students in India would be overjoyed to learn that France and India have agreed on the reciprocal recognition of academic credentials. The Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) (CBSE, state boards, pre-university (PU), or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India), are now recognized by the French government. This agreement was signed on March 10, 2018, during the India-France Knowledge Summit. The Indian government acknowledges the French Baccalauréat, License, Master, and Doctorat (the equivalent of a Ph.D.).
In addition to having world-class colleges, France offers a wide variety of courses for individuals interested in pursuing higher education at any level. Over 1,360 courses provided by Campus France, the official organization for promoting French higher education abroad, are taught entirely in English. Campus France also conducts live events and education fairs for more in-person encounters between students, professors, and officials from French institutions.
Comparing public and private institutions in France, candidates applying to public universities would have to pay €2,770 for a Bachelor's degree and €3,770 for a Master's degree. Private colleges' tuition is significantly more expensive than public institutions, ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 per year for both Bachelor's and Master's level programs. This is especially true of private business schools.
France has a lower cost of living than the United States and the United Kingdom. The costs shown here might go up or down depending on where you choose to stay, i.e., lodging/a single stay in the city would be more expensive than lodging/a shared stay in the suburbs.
Each year, more than 500 deserving Indian students who want to continue higher education in France are
given scholarships for up to 11 crore Indian rupees by the French Embassy in India and French
businesses. For their studies in France, Indian candidates with strong academic records can choose from
various financial choices. The following are popular scholarships for Indian students wishing to study
abroad in France:
The Charpak Scholarship Programme
Charpak Lab ScholarshipCharpak Master's Scholarship
Charpak Exchange Scholarship
Raman Charpak Fellowship (Ph.D.)
La Femis
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
Legrand Scholarship Program
Many students who want to study in France or any other foreign nationals are often unsure about their ability to access the appropriate organizations. Campus France developed the France Alumni program with assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create an active and encouraging alumni network. It is a website that enables Indian students who attended French universities to connect, hang out, plan events, and exchange experiences. The network also offers assistance with work placements to assist students in beginning their careers and increasing their understanding of professional connections.
Regardless of the students' program level, the France study visa is offered in a clear and straightforward manner. Candidates must apply for a long-stay student visa if they want to study at a higher education institution for over three months. You should submit your application well and confirm that your passport is still valid. By contacting universitybureau.com, candidates may learn more about visa requirements and receive help with their university applications.
France, often referred to as the economic engine of Europe, is known for its traditional, extremely high-quality workmanship. Renowned for having excellent chances for research and development. The fifth-largest economy in the world and 31 of the 500 most powerful corporations are based in France. International businesses, including Airbus, Total, Orange, Sanofi, LVMH, L'Oréal, and Danone, to mention a few, are based in France. Consequently, such a healthy economy would only indicate a strong employment market for young people who have just graduated.
Apart from the fact that France is a beautiful location and is renowned for its top-notch higher education and research, the nation also offers these services. UNESCO World Heritage sites may be found throughout the nation and its borders, and France's seas, oceans, and nightlife are all right out of a Hollywood production. Candidates who travel to France for higher study should expect an incredibly personal journey.
Are you eager to start your new academic experience in France and prepared to apply? We hope so! Since we have compiled all the necessary procedures to get accepted into the French university of your choice, the application process for French institutions is not at all difficult.
This is possibly the most crucial and challenging stage. Your life and career will be defined by the major you choose to pursue. Consider the different degrees France has to offer you in a range of disciplines as you see yourself in the future. Do you wish to earn a business degree from a Grandes écoles or study fashion management in one of the world's fashion capitals? You have a choice!
When preparing your application for French institutions, there are specific admission standards you need to pay special attention to, depending on the purpose, your nationality, and the academic level of your studies. Make a strategy; choose the colleges and majors of your choosing. To get the answers to any queries, you might have, get in touch with Campus France, the French Embassy in your country, the colleges you want to apply to, or the existing support services.
Start gathering the required paperwork as soon as feasible. This process takes a lot of time. Remember the
unique paperwork needs according to your country, study level, and preferred university. Keep in mind that
you might want French translations of your original documents. These services may be obtained via the French
Embassy in your nation of residence. The majority of university applicants to France include:
1. A completed application form signed by the official authorities
2. Campus France authorization
3. A civil liability certificate
4. ID photos
5. Passport
6. High school transcripts
7. An essay (if asked by the university)
8. Proof of language competency in either English or French, depending on the program
9. Proof of payment of the application fee
Non-European students may be required to submit extra paperwork, including their birth certificate, proof of
financial support for their studies, and, following acceptance, their student visa for France. Please be
aware that each program may require additional paperwork; thus, be sure you take the time to determine what
is required of you.
European citizens must use the Parcoursup Platform to apply for the first year of a bachelor's degree.
Nevertheless, there is no specific application process to enroll in the second or third year of a
Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate program. In such a case, get in touch with the colleges you intend to
apply to.
For admission to French universities, non-European students must pass the Preliminary Admission test, often
known as the "Demand d'Admission Préalable - DAP." They also need to submit an online application through
Campus France.
Félicitations! In France, you are now formally a student. Contact your university to make the first tuition payment, if necessary, as soon as you get your admission letter. The next step is applying for a student visa in France as soon as possible. Choose whether you require a short-term or long-term visa and carefully review the regulations based on your country. If you want assistance with the visa procedure, get in touch with the French embassy in your nation of residence.
Prepare your bags and board the plane for France once you have got your student visa for France and have assembled all the required paperwork. This is only the start. You will live and study in two of the world's most advanced, cutting-edge, and romantic nations!
You must demonstrate your proficiency in French because it is the language of teaching at French universities and institutions. It is a requirement for international students to take French language exams.
Read moreThe beginning of a university's term or semester is called "Intake." In other words, it's the year when universities start their semesters with classes. France has two primary intakes. They are the January and September intakes, respectively.
September Intake:
January Intake:
Which Intake Should Be Chosen?
List of Colleges Accepting Students between January and September:
Many top-ranked colleges and business institutions worldwide, including those with triple accreditation, are in France. The country now ranks among the top study abroad destinations worldwide because of its unique educational system. The state-of-the-art campus amenities and highly qualified faculty at French institutions are also well known, creating an ideal learning environment for the students.
France is ranked as one of the most popular countries for foreign students. Students are lured to France, which is home to some of the top universities in the world, as well as the opportunity to practice or enhance their French, see world-renowned exhibits, and live "à la française." The system of inexpensive tuition costs is another significant perk.
With four French towns included in the QS Best Student Cities, France is one of the world's most famous study abroad destinations. The country is rich in history, has stunning architecture, and serves delectable cuisine and drink.
University | France Rank | Global Rank |
---|---|---|
Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) | 1 | 52 |
Ecole Polytechnique | 2 | 68 |
Sorbonne University | 3 | 83 |
CentraleSupélec | 4 | 138 |
Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 5 | 161 |
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | 6 | 242 |
Université de Paris | 8 | 275 |
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 9 | 287 |
ENS Paris-Saclay | 10 | 291 |
A list of institutions that provide quality education at reasonable costs to visitors to France are:
What motivates you to travel to France to study? Attesting to its rich past is the Eiffel Tower, the
world-famous fashion companies of Paris, the Louvre and other classical art museums, wines, fine food,
Lascaux's prehistoric cave paintings, Lyon's Roman Theater, and the enormous Palace of Versailles.
However, you know there are 250 000 international students or 10% of all students in France. The greatest
colleges in France have the best courses to offer, and most importantly, the tuition costs are far lower
than
in other nations like the U.S. and the UK, which attracts many students! What could be more intriguing than
receiving free education from the government itself?
It offers all of its pupils the greatest education possible through its 85 public institutions. The greatest
research facilities, greater job prospects, better infrastructure, and more are all there! A bachelor's
degree
takes six semesters, while a master's degree takes four. Before enrolling, you should research a
university's
top courses, its standing internationally, and the tuition costs. In general, France is regarded as a
business
center. Therefore, we may infer from the title alone what the best French course is, and we can also infer
from the study that Management is the best course in France.
France is excellent for business and management students to study abroad because of its consistently rising
economy. The perfect fusion of academic prospects and professional facets may be found in France's
metropolis,
Paris. If you wish to relocate outside of Paris, southern France is one area to consider.
Among all the courses, management is the most favored. One can specialize in various areas, including
general
management, project management, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. Nine out of fifty universities
are
included among the top universities in Europe. The greatest business schools in France also rank among the
world's top B-schools, so you heard it correctly.
Additionally, we'll include the top business schools in France where you may pursue an MBA:
• INSEAD
• HEC Paris
• ESSEC Business School
• Grenoble Graduate School of Business
• EDHEC Business School
The admissions procedure at French engineering universities is quite difficult. Considering the better
teaching levels and superior practical training offered at engineering universities in France, it is,
nevertheless, entirely reasonable. Yes, they emphasize the intellectual and functional components of
technical
education.
How can one overlook engineering, the hardest course in the Guinness World Records? It continues to be a
very
well-liked course among students. The current most popular course. Students are drawn to work in prestigious
French corporations like Airbus, Alcatel, and Alstom in gas turbines, telecommunication, and aviation. The
following are some top colleges that provide the greatest courses:
• Ecole Centrale de Lyon
• Ecole Polytechnique
• Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA)
• Ecole Centrale de Paris
• Grenoble INP, Grenoble Institute of Technology
France is home to top-notch scientific and research universities at the forefront of chemistry and physics.
Paris is the center for the pure sciences, yet this is not unique to the city. Simply said, everywhere you
travel in France, you will discover a highly regarded Pure Sciences French University. It is a beautiful
blending of ancient customs and contemporary life.
As was already said, France has the greatest research infrastructure, encouraging students to pursue careers
in physics and chemistry similar to those of Louis Pasteur, Marie and Pierre Curie, and André-Marie Ampere.
Most Nobel Prize winners come from this nation.If you desire to study this particular course, the following
universities are on the list:
• University of Paris-Sud
• University of Grenoble Alpes
• Université de Strasbourg
• Ecole Polytechnique
• Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris
• Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)
Studying in France is renowned all around the world for its top-notch language courses. Simply put,
linguistics refers to the study of language. It includes information on the language's beginnings,
development, and usage. Linguistics is a beneficial discipline for those interested in journalism,
translation, language study, and many other professions. Typically, the courses cover phonetics,
pronunciation, grammar, and syntax. The top language schools in France where you can study are listed below:
• ISIT France
• University of Kent - Paris Campus
• University of Reims
• Lille Catholic University
Great intellectuals have come from France into the globe. The country is the ideal setting for studying
philosophy because of its perfect fusion of history, modernization, variety, and adherence to French
culture.
Here is a list of the top universities in France where one may study philosophy. There are numerous elite
universities around the nation. Paris naturally has the nicest ones!
• Pantheon-Sorbonne University
• Ecole Normale Superieure
• Sorbonne University
These are the best French courses that are popular right now. Culinary arts, fashion design, and hotel
management are other courses. Any course is an option, based on your interests.
Whether you are an EU citizen, you may or may not need a student visa for France.
You do not need a French student visa if you are a citizen of the EU, the EEA, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland,
or Liechtenstein. Instead, a current passport or other acceptable form of travel identification will be
enough
for you to study in France lawfully.
If you are a citizen of any other country, you must apply for a student visa before you may enroll in
classes
in France.
The French student visa you need may vary based on how long you intend to study there. There are numerous
different categories.
1. Schengen student visa (short-stay)
You should apply for the court séjour pour étude, often known as the short-stay or Schengen student visa if
your studies will last no longer than three months and you are certain you won't stay in the country any
longer. The Schengen student visa is free to obtain and is not extendable.
2. Visa to sit entrance exams
You can apply for the visa de court séjour étudiant concours, or simply a visa for entrance tests if you
must
come to France to take one or more university admission examinations. If you take the test and pass it, you
can apply for a one-year renewable residency visa.
3. Temporary long-stay visa
You can study in France for up to six months with a temporary student visa known as a visa de long séjour
temporaire pour études. You do not have to apply for a residence permit separately if you have this student
visa for France.
4. Long-stay visa
If you want to study in France for longer than six months, you need a long-stay visa, sometimes referred to
as
an extended-stay VLT-TS or visa de long séjour pour études. This visa serves as a residence permit and is
valid for the length of your program of study, typically four years for a Ph.D., two years for a master's
degree, and three years for a bachelor's degree. Algerian natives are not required to have the VLS-TS,
although other rules still bind them.
The official national agency for higher education and foreign students in France, Campus France, will be
used
by nationals of a number of nations to apply for a French student visa. Additionally, those students would
have been forced to apply to their preferred French universities through the CEF process using Campus
France.
You will be in charge of both your university application and your student visa application if your country
of
origin is not one of those listed on the aforementioned website. You cannot apply for a student visa for
France until you have been accepted into a program at a French university.
• A formal letter of admission into a recognized program at a French university. This should be written on
letterhead with your complete contact information, a description of your course of study, and the start and
finish dates.
• Evidence that you have enough money to live in the nation. A bank statement, a letter from a guarantor, or
a
notification of money from a loan, scholarship, or grant can all be used to demonstrate the current need,
which is €615 (US$820) each month.
• Evidence of a return flight home. This frequently takes the shape of a ticket or reservation that shows
the
departure date. Still, it can also take the form of a handwritten declaration of purpose that includes
anticipated departure dates.
• Evidence of health insurance, with a minimum of €30,000 ($40,150).
• Validation of accommodations. If you're living with friends or family, you can demonstrate this by showing
an "attestation d'accueil" or a certificate of board and lodging.
• French competency documentation, if you're taking a course in the language.
The French Office of Immigration and Integration must receive the official form sent to you with your
extended
stay VLS-TS when you arrive in France (OFII). If you live in Paris, you can do this in person or by
registered
mail. You should provide a copy of your current passport with pages showcasing your identification and the
entrance stamp along with the letter.
If more guidance is needed, you will get a receipt of confirmation when your form and copied passport pages
have been received. If you did not previously have a medical examination in your country of origin, you
could
be given the go-ahead to do so now.
You can frequently get assistance with this step from your place of education. In some instances, the OFII
and
the questioned school have a contract, which allows documentation to be presented to the school rather than
the French authorities.
You will always be required to pay a tax of €58 (US$78) to cover administrative expenses.
You may get paid 964 hours a year as an international student with a valid residence permit (the VLS-TS serves as such) (this equates to about 60 percent full-time employment). This amount of hours is planned for use from September 1 to August 31. Between September and June, there are (up to) 670 hours of allowable work; from July to August, there are (up to) 300 hours.
For many people worldwide, enjoying "la belle vie" in France is a fantasy. It is simple to see the appeal given the country's limitless countryside, gorgeous seaside villages, and some of the world's busiest cities. It is immensely alluring to picture freshly baked baguettes and croissants, busy markets full of fresh local vegetables, and enjoying wine or coffee in a town square. A robust local economy and simple access to other EU nations are advantages for French citizens (EU).
Due to their freedom of movement, EU citizens will find it quite simple to get permanent residency in France. However, obtaining permanent residence in France demands patience and knowledge of the nation's immigration laws for non-EU/EEA nationals.
How can you acquire residence in France?
Fortunately, for potential immigrants looking to move to France for a new life, the French immigration
system
is reasonably easy and affordable. Getting a Temporary Residence Permit (Carte de séjour temporaire) is the
first step. In France, a temporary residency permit known as a carte de séjour temporaire (CST) is issued
(typically up to one year). There are several sorts of residency permits available for a variety of
situations, including the following:
International Students
Students from outside the EU/EEA must be at least 18 years old, have a spot reserved at a French educational
institution, and have enough money to sustain themselves completely in France.
If you need to travel to France to take any tests you need to take, you can apply for a short-stay visa
(good
for up to 90 days). In certain situations, passing an educational admission exam can be essential.
For Private And Family Life (Vie Privée Et Familiale)
A vie privée et familiale (VPF) residence permit can be applied for by non-EU/EEA persons who are married
to,
have a child who is a French citizen, or who have a French residency visa. According to official advice, if
you have familial links to France, you may be able to apply for a private and family life residence visa.
You
can work with this yearly card. As a result, if you already have a VPF residence permit, you won't need to
apply for a new work permit.
The steps you must take to obtain a VPF vary depending on location and situation. As an illustration, if
your
spouse is French and you reside outside of France, you can apply for a VLS-TS and, before it expires, a
multi-year VPF residence visa.
For Employees Or Temporary Workers
Non-EU/EEA nationals commonly request the VLS-TS, a French long-stay visa, and a permit combination. There
are
various options for obtaining a residence permit based on employment, including those for workers,
independent
contractors, business owners, and research scientists.
Depending on your circumstances, France offers a variety of work permits, including:
1. Temporary residency permit (CST): This will specify the type of employment you are permitted to
do,
such as employee, self-employed, scientific, artistic, and cultural profession, or merchant.
2. Short-term work permit (ATP, Autorisation provisoire de travail): These are often given to
students
who want to work for longer than what is permitted as part of their studies, refugees who are seeking
asylum,
and employees who are employed in France but are not residents of that country (i.e., cross-border)
3. Seasonal work agreement: All employees require an employment offer that the French government has
officially approved.
How can you acquire permanent residence in France?
You can apply for a permanent residency card after five years in France (carte de residence). Despite being
renewable every ten years, a French permanent residency card permits you to live, work, and study there
eternally. A different choice is to apply for French citizenship, enabling you to vote and submit a passport
application. You will need to schedule an appointment with your local prefecture, which will supply you with
the documentation to complete to submit your application for permanent residency in France. They will also
specify which papers you must submit, such as your passport, employment contract, medical certificate, and
birth/marriage certificate, to support your application.
Five years are also required for citizenship before you may try to naturalize as a French citizen. You must
have lived in France for five years straight, show that you have assimilated into French culture, and have a
suitable level of French language ability to qualify. A Republican Integration Contract (CIR), an agreement
between the "French State and any non-European foreigner authorized to stay in France and seeking to live
there permanently, subject to certain limitations, will also be required of you. The undersigned agrees to
adhere to training programs to help him integrate into French society. Civic education is needed. Depending
on
your level in French, language instruction may be recommended.
As long as you fall under one of the aforementioned categories, France makes obtaining temporary and later
permanent residency relatively straightforward (i.e., employment, family, studying, etc.). Consult an
immigration attorney or University Bureau if you have questions about the procedure. If you are already in
France, go to your local French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). They will be able to advise
you
on the optimal immigration path based on your circumstances, those of your family, and your long-term
requirements.