Study in France For International Students Free
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France is among the leading countries for international to consider as a study destination. Over 3,500 institutions providing a variety of unique study programs are offered to foreign students to study in France. Due to their highly regarded colleges, excellent research possibilities, and affordable tuition, many overseas students select to study in France.
The French community is also very kind and enthusiastic about having international students. For this reason, they have simplified the visa application process for overseas students. Education in France is worthwhile for Indian and international students because of the country’s expanding economy and promise of a good life.
Education in France
1-Bachelor’s Degree: It is a full-time degree in France that is referred to as a License or License Professional. The duration would take three-four years.
2-Master’s Degree: Specialized degree focusing on one field of study or research. A Master’s degree in France would take 2-3 years.
3-PhD. Degree: Specialized degree focusing on one field of study or research. This program takes 3-5 years and needs in-depth research skills and good grades.
Here is a complete overview of France’s various higher education institutions that offer quality education.
| Institution type | Key points |
| University | Public universities that provide degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions |
| Grandes Ecoles | Specialized 3-year courses THAT are offered by both public and private institutions. |
| Specialized Schools | Institutions, whether public or private, that provide master’s degree and licence programmes |
Credit system in France
The LMD method is used in France, which awards ECTS credits. This enables Indian international students studying in France to become recognized by multiple countries in the European Union and beyond. The ECTS requirements for degrees at French universities are listed below:
1-For a Bachelor’s Degree, a student needs 180 ECTS. There are six semesters in all.
2-For a Master’s degree, a student needs 120 ECTS. Four semesters are included in this. 3-For a Ph.D., a student needs 480 ECTS. There are sixteen semesters in total
Top universities to study in France
| Institution name | THE Ranking | Portion of international students | Avg. tuition & fees/year |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris | 40 | 25% | €250 – €4000 |
| Sorbonne University | 44 | 21% | €150 – €650 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 91 | 40% | €12,000 – €15,000 |
| Universite Paris- Saclay | 117 | 19% | €200 – €5,500 |
| Université Paris Cité | 155 | 19% | €150 – €500 |
| École des Ponts ParisTech | 251-300 | 12% | €3,000 – €7,000 |
Top courses to study in France
When it comes to selecting programs and courses, France has a wide range of choices. The following are the top courses to take in France, especially for international students
1-Management and Finances
2-Geography
3-Medicine
4-Pharmacology
5-International Economics
6-Art history
7-Psychology
8-Global communications
The most well-known courses that Indian and international students are eager to study in France are listed below:
| Program | Duration | Avg. tuition & fees/year |
| Master of Business Administration | 1-2 years | €30,000 – €40,000 |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science | 1/5-3 years | €4,000 – €8,000 |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Finance | 2-3 years | €12,000 – €15,000 |
| Bachelor’s in Management | 3-4 years | €8,000 – €12,000 |
| Bachelor’s in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering | 4-5 years | €6,000 – €7,000 |
Admission process in France
Both domestic and foreign students can apply to universities in France. A step-by-step guide on how non-EU students can apply to a French university is provided below:
1-Choose the course you want to take, then look for a university that offers it.
2-Visit the institution’s official website once you’ve decided on a university to learn more about the admissions standards.
3-Fill out any necessary forms and submit them along with the required paperwork to apply for the course you desire to pursue.
4-Once you receive the admission offer, the university will send you a letter of confirmation. You can then apply for a student visa in France after that.
Admission requirement to study in France
To give you a better idea of studying in France, below are the brief prerequisites for international students applying to French universities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate Degrees.
| Degree type | Documents/Requirements |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degree | 1- Secondary education certificate, equivalent to high school in France 2-English/French test scores 3-Statement of Purpose 4-In some cases, entrance exams are mandatory. |
| Graduate (Master’s) Degree | 1-Undergraduate certificate that is equivalent to a French Bachelor’s Degree. 2- Required language test (English/French) 3-GMAT/GRE, if required 4- CV, SOP, Recommendation letter 5-In some cases, entrance exams are mandatory. |
| Doctorate Degree | 1- Graduate certificate that is equivalent to a French Master’s Degree. 2- Required language test (English/French) 3-GMAT/GRE, if required 4- CV, SOP, Recommendation letter 5- Research Proposal 6- In some cases, entrance exams are mandatory. |
Typical expenses of international students in French
The cost of attending a particular program and university in France varies depending on the student’s lifestyle. Tuition fees and cost of living are the two main components of the entire cost of education.
1-Tuition & Fees for International Students to Study in France
French domestic and international students pay different tuition rates. Non-EU students get charged more. If you decide to attend a private university, the tuition & fees will become costly. The below table presents the average tuition and fees at each level.
| Degree type | Avg. tuition & fees/year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | €8,000 – €12,000 |
| Master’s Degree | €500 – €3,000 |
| Doctorate Degree | €500 – €400 |
2-Living Costs for International Students in France
International students’ expenses in France vary depending on their way of living. Living in student housing is a reasonable choice for international students who study in France and are on a limited budget. Renting your own room space is another option to think about if you have the money to live off-campus. Here is an estimate of how much it would cost you to live in France.
| Criteria | Avg. living cost/month |
| Apartment housing, including utilities | €20,000 – €30,000 |
| Books and supplies | €500 – €1,000 |
| Food | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Dormitory Housing | €2,500 – €7,000 |
| Food for Dormitory Residents | €5,500 – €7,000 |
| Miscellaneous | €300 – €1,500 |
Top cities for international students to Study in France
Cities all around France provide top-notch education. Over time, some cities have gained popularity and have emerged as a center for international students. Here are France’s top cities for students:
| Criteria | Avg. living cost/year |
| Grenoble | €13,000 – €15,000 |
| Toulouse | €500 – €1,000 |
| Lille | €12,000 – €14,000 |
| Bordeaux | €11,000 – €13,000 |
| Lyon | €13,000 – €14,000 |
Student visa in France
If you are aware of all the proper steps, receiving a French student visa is a relatively simple and hassle-free process. Here is step-by-step guidance for Indian and international students seeking a student visa to France:
1-Open a Campus France account.
2-Complete the application form and upload the necessary files. Be sure you pay your Campus France fees.
3-You will be admitted or refused for the chosen course based on your applications and your chosen institutions. If you are accepted, the institution will send you an email to your Campus France account.
4-Campus France will provide a date for the academic interview after reviewing the application.
5-You must bring all required documentation with you to the in-person visa appointment. Mention the university that accepted your application and your reasons for wanting to study in France during the interview.
6-You will receive the original copies of the physical copies of the purchased documents along with an interview completion certificate after the interview.
Make an account there and arrange an appointment with the VFS-France so that you may submit all of your documents.
7-To submit your biometric information, come to the VFS center. You can pick up the visa right here once it has been accepted.
8-Make sure your visa is valid within three months of your arrival in France.
What are the required documents for a France Student Visa?
1-Transcripts of previous degrees
2-Language test score
3-Valid passport
4-Proof of financial capability
5-Cover letter
6-Admission letter from the university
7-Photo
8-Flight tickets
Top Scholarships to Study in France
All international students can apply for one of the many scholarships available in France. These are scholarships that are supported by the public or private sectors. For Indian students, take a look at these prestigious scholarships:
| Scholarship name | Who is eligible? | Benefits/amount |
| ENS International Selection Scholarships | Students to seek Master’s degrees in the humanities, arts, and sciences | provides a room on the ENS campus and a monthly payment of €1,000 for three years. |
| Eiffel Scholarships in France for International Students | Students in master’s and doctoral programs | Pays foreign travel, health insurance, social activities, and housing allowance |
| Emile Boutmy Scholarship | Students from non-European countries enrolled for undergraduate and graduate degrees in Sciences | offers €3000–€12,000 for three-year undergraduate programs. |
| Ampere Excellence Scholarship for International Students | Students will enroll in the ENS de Lyon’s Master’s programs. | Offers a scholarship of €1,000 every month for a year. If the Master’s program director approves and Year 1 is finished, the second-year scholarship is renewable. |
| Universite Paris- Saclay International Masters Scholarships | Master’s students | Offers €1,000 and pays for travel and visa costs |
| Foundation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarships for African and Asian Women | Students pursuing an MBA from Asian or African nations impacted by natural disasters | grants scholarships worth €20,000 |
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarships | Master’s students | Includes tuition, travel, scholarships, and allowance costs |
Job opportunity after graduation in France
Understanding your choices for staying in France after graduation is crucial. Only those who are working while finishing their Bachelor’s degrees are permitted to stay. A temporary residency permit, or APS, is available to students who are completing their Master’s degrees at French institutions. This visa is valid for 24 months. They can look for work throughout this time.
There are several work options for international students who complete a Master’s degree in France. There are several industries with significant labor shortages. Here is a brief overview of France’s major employment sectors:
| Area of expertise | Avg. income/Salary |
| Engineering | €40,000 – €50,000 |
| Teaching | €55,500 – €65,000 |
| Management | €55,500 – €65,000 |
| Tourism/Hospitality | €55,500 – €65,000 |
Work Visa & PR in France
International students who completed their education in France can apply for a work visa and make at least 1.5 times the minimum salary. The French government has modified the permissions document to make a work visa for overseas students simpler. For instance, the Passport Talent Permit was added. An overseas student can be eligible for this visa if they can contribute to the French economy and stay in France for up to 4 years, with the option to renew.
Students can also seek permanent residency if they remain in France. The following requirements must be satisfied in order to be a permanent resident of France:
- Lived five years in France
- Speaks French with ease
- Respect French culture and rights
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Frequently Asked Questions: Study in France
The quick answer is No. Several engineering, management, hospitality, and fashion studies courses are taught in English; therefore, not all courses require a student to know French. To have a pleasant stay, it is always advisable to learn French.
In most cases, Yes. Similar to the Indian educational system, a Bachelor’s degree can be earned after three years, a Master’s after five years, and a Doctorate after eight.
For MBA and business courses, GMAT is necessary. However, many management courses are offered without the GMAT requirement. GRE also is many courses is NOT mandatory, however, it improves your CV.
Students from 33 countries must apply through the online CEF method offered by the government organization Campus France, which is mentioned at www.campusfrance.org. This applies to both college and visa applications. Foreign applicants should submit their applications directly to the schools they are interested in, following the instructions provided on the official website.
Master’s degrees cost €270, doctorate programs €400, and the programs leading to the diplôme d’ingénieur cost €620 (about US$200–670). Private tuition is probably between €3,000 and €10,000 (US$3,200 and US$10,900) annually, while prestigious business schools may charge up to €30,000.
Through the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, outstanding international students would be able to receive funding. For 12-36 months at the Master’s level and for up to 10 months at the Ph.D. level, this offers an allowance of €1,200 a month. Other sources of funding for international students include fellowships through the Erasmus program of the European Union, scholarships from individual universities, and funding from regional councils, often in collaboration with government-funded organizations like the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).
Doctoral students can apply for a contract doctoral, which makes them officially an employee of the institution and entitles them to regular payments in exchange for their research and teaching efforts. These contracts are for three years and have a minimum monthly wage of at least €1,700.
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