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Welcome to the rich, cultural landscape of France!
Find yourself dazzled by the cuisine, the dancing, the art, and the music – all while you learn the French language.
Hé, mon pote! Thousands of people take their holiday in France every year to enjoy the wine and the relaxed lifestyle, if only for a short period of time. But, why not extend that holiday, and learn something while you’re at it?
So, mon copain, when you’re dreaming of walking dreamily beside the ‘The River Seine’, or making your home in the ‘Château de Versailles’, then why not study abroad in France?
Okay, Buddy! After this enchanting French introduction, feeling thrilled to start exploring higher studies in France already? Let’s dive right in!
⦁ Why Study in France?
You know what, Buddy! To put it simply, the French higher education system is one of the best in the world. It is also one of the most accessible ones.
With low tuition fees, studying in France is more economical for international students. French universities are near the top of renowned university rankings each year. Their institutions offer an education that easily competes with other countries.
France is particularly a good choice for those of my buddies who want to study business-related subjects. The country is a hub for international business and management education and also includes lots of business schools in the worldwide rankings.
From human-made wonders to natural beauties, there’s so much to see in the Hexagon (a popular nickname for France). You can enjoy the French Riviera, explore the Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux, take a photo from the top of the Eiffel Tower, and quench your thirst for history at the Louvre Museum — these and many other attractions have transformed France into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. [1]
⦁ French Universities
France has 71 public universities and they are all funded by the national government, offering excellent education at a very affordable price to all students, domestic or international. There are also a number of private universities (grandes écoles). [3]
The French higher education system is quite unique, with networks of smaller universities sharing resources as part of larger higher education hubs. This approach lends itself particularly well to postgraduate education and the demands of more specialized degree programs.
This means that even medium-sized French cities, such as Grenoble, have two or three universities as well as a number of more specialized higher education establishments. In Paris, meanwhile, there are 13 research universities, as well as many smaller institutions.
⦁ High Ranked Universities / Institutions
⦁ Institut supérieur d`électronique de Paris (ISEP), Paris
⦁ SKEMA Business School, Paris
⦁ NEOMA Business School, Rouen
⦁ Rennes School of Business, Rennes
⦁ ESIGELEC Graduate School of Engineering, Rouen
⦁ Popular Courses
⦁ International Luxury and Brand Management
⦁ Fashion Management
⦁ Tourism and Hospitality Management
⦁ International Business
⦁ Information Technology
⦁ Culinary Arts
⦁ Types of Courses
There are two main types of courses offered at French universities:
⦁ Large lecture courses, where the professor speaks and students take notes, and
⦁ Sections & labs, designed for smaller groups of students where the material covered in lectures is explored in greater detail. Usually, attendance in sections & labs is mandatory.
Some career-oriented programs also require internships and practical training.
To attract more international students, both public and private universities in France have been increasing the number of English-taught study programs in their academic offer. There are over 1,500 courses taught in the English language, and the number is growing every year.
⦁ Types of Degrees
When it comes to degrees, French universities use a format popular throughout EU: licence, master, doctorate.
⦁ Licence refers to undergraduate studies and it lasts for 6 semesters (3 years), with 180 ECTS earned.
⦁ Master studies last for an additional 4 semesters (2 years), for a total of 5 years of study and 300 ECTS earned.
⦁ Doctorate can be obtained after the additional 6 semesters (3 years). [2]
⦁ Alternative Masters-level qualifications in France
Since adopting the Bologna Process, France no longer offers traditional 'long-cycle' Masters degrees. However, some full or partial qualifications are awarded that differ slightly from the standard two-year postgraduate Masters degrees described above.
⦁ Specialized Masters
The term ‘Specialized Masters’ (Mastère Spécialisé) is sometimes used to refer to advanced programs awarded by Grandes Écoles. Like other Masters’ degrees, they tend to be four semesters long but place a great deal of emphasis on advanced professional training and technical expertise. [6]
You can expect a Specialized Masters to be highly intensive, with the aim of providing a greater degree of training and expertise than a more conventional French Masters program. Applications will also be more competitive.
⦁ MBA programs
The Master of Business Administration or ‘MBA’ was originally developed in America, but France was the first country to offer such programs in Europe.
French business schools continue to be some of the most prestigious and competitive, with institutions such as HEC Paris being particularly highly regarded.
⦁ Academic Year
The academic year begins in September or October and ends in May or June, depending on the program and institution. This period is further divided into two semesters, with a Christmas break. Examination periods usually take place at the end of semesters. [2]
⦁ Language
Although English remains the primary international language in many sectors, you shouldn't overlook French. It is the third most common business language and the official language in over 30 countries worldwide.
Remember that people who speak at least two foreign languages have better chances to get higher salaries or apply for positions at large multinational corporations and institutions.
French is also famously known as “the language of love” (la langue de l'amour), and we must admit, there's something quite special about the words, the sounds, the accents, and how everything blends together beautifully. [1]
For courses in French, the most commonly accepted tests are the DELF and the DALF, both of which are administered by the French Ministry of Education. You can learn more about these in our guide to French language tests.
Note that courses in English may also require a language test for applicants studying in a second language.
⦁ Tuition Fees for Universities in France
In France, they have both public and private universities and different tuition fees for each. Tuition fees also change based on your nationality, what you choose to study and what your education level will be.
⦁ Public universities
Bachelor’s students: 170 EUR/year (Engineering and Medicine degree can cost between 500–700 EUR/year)
Master’s students: 260 EUR/year
Ph.D. students: 396 EUR/year
Keep in mind that the tuition fees listed above usually only apply to EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA citizens can expect to pay higher tuition.
⦁ Private universities
Grande écoles: 500–10,000 EUR/year regardless of the degree type
Private universities: 1,500–20,000 EUR/year regardless of the degree type
Business schools: 5,000–30,000 EUR/year regardless of the degree type [3]
⦁ Living costs in France
Depending on whether you find yourself in a big city or not, the cost of living in France can be quite different. However, compared to the rest of Europe, France can be quite pricey. In general, you should prepare about 700–1,200 EUR/month to cover your student living costs. In more expensive cities, like Paris, you'll need around 1,200–1,800 EUR/month. [1]
⦁ Working Opportunity after graduation
The French language is also one of the larger hurdles if you plan to stay after your graduation with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in France. To find a job, you will almost inevitably need to be fluent or at least near-fluent in French. Other than that, when compared to other countries in Europe, it is relatively easy for international students to start their careers in France after graduation. [7]
⦁ Application deadlines for France
In France, you can apply in two batches.
First, if you want to apply for fall admission, then be sure you mark the 1st of February and the 1st of April in your calendar. And, sometimes, know that this date can be extended if there are still some available spaces. [4]
If the cold bothers you, then check out the spring admission session, which ends on the 15th of September. And, of course, if there are still available spaces, it can be prolonged.
⦁ Required Documents
In order to apply for higher studies in France, the documents and forms you will have to complete and upload are:
⦁ A pre-registration certificate provided by the university;
⦁ The Campus France authorization;
⦁ Your Passport or ID card;
⦁ Some ID/passport-type photos;
⦁ Copies of graduation diplomas and their French translation;
⦁ A registration fee;
⦁ Social security fees;
⦁ A civil liability certificate;
⦁ A copy of your European health insurance card (only if you're an EU citizen, obviously);
⦁ CV;
⦁ A motivation letter;
⦁ English (or French) language certificate;
⦁ Your transcript of records, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (or equivalent);
⦁ Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating that you graduated);
⦁ Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 EUR/month) [4]
⦁ Visa
If you wish to study in France, it’s important to inform yourself about all the possible visa requirements. French government regulates these issues and regulations depend on your citizenship.
For EU citizens and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, no visa is required.
Applicants from outside the EU: You will need to obtain a visa, which includes a residence permit (VLS-TS). It is valid for one year and can be renewed later if necessary. In order to obtain this visa, you have to complete an application form as well provide OFII (the French Office of Immigration and Integration) passport photos, proof of your qualifications, a police certificate attesting that you don’t have a serious criminal record, proof you can speak French (if your course is in French) and proof that you have sufficient financial means. Once you arrive in France you will need to contact OFII (you may need to take a medical examination).
If you are from a country inside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and a holder of an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) then you do not need to get health insurance. You will be able to access healthcare at the same places and same cost as local residents. If you are from a country outside of the EEA, you will need to purchase health insurance for your stay in France. This will cost around €20-€50 per month, depending on the cover. [3]
International students will have to prove that they can financially support their studies. You should have around €7,400 per year in order to prove they can support themselves without working. However, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, so there are opportunities to earn more money.
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