Study In France
Experience the beauty of France while earning a world-class education. From renowned universities to stunning landscapes and rich culture, France has it all.
Why study in France?
International pupils looking to study in France as their preferred location. Among the benefits of studying in France are:
Cost to study in France
France's currency is the Euro (€). Tuition prices at state universities are determined by the government and are very low. In reality, tuition prices at France's state higher education schools are the same for domestic and foreign students.
Tuition rates are established each year. In 2017, the typical yearly tuition for undergraduate education was less than €200 (less than US$250). Master's degrees cost around €259 (approximately US$305) and PhD degrees cost around €393 (approximately US$460). Students are frequently needed to pay administrative fees, which marginally increase tuition expenses. Despite these costs, learning in France is still one of the most affordable choices for foreign students seeking a high-quality education.
These prices are only applicable to public organizations. If you want to study in France at an elite school, the fees can be as much as €10,000 (US$12,000) per year.
There are also scholarships and mobility programs accessible for those who want to learn in France. Grants from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, money from the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), prizes from regional governments, and Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus initiatives are among the most popular.
Undergraduate study in France
You must fulfill certain prerequisites in order to enroll in one of the French bachelor's colleges. Although the precise collection of requirements changes depending on the programs and universities you select, the fundamental ones do not. Let's quickly examine them:
The main prerequisite for enrolling in undergraduate studies at French institutions is a 10+2 diploma from an accredited school. Check the minimum score requirements for the subject and school you choose.
For entry to any bachelor's program to study in France that is taught in English, all foreign students must pass an English literacy exam. Since the majority of undergraduate classes in France are taught in French, pursuing those courses requires at least a B2 or C1 degree of proficiency in the language.
Minimum scores for English Proficiency Tests are:
Post Graduate study in France
QS Best Student Cities 2023 has ranked Paris at 9th position. France is becoming an appealing destination for students who wish to study abroad. France has a good economic base and is home to some of the biggest international companies such as Airbus, L’Oréal, Danone, etc. In addition, it offers high quality education, and decent research and development opportunities. According to Payscale, the average annual salary of a student with Master’s degree in France is nearly €42,000.One of the main reasons for international students to study in France.
| Headings | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Universities Offering MS in France | Approx. 25 |
| MS in France Fees (1st Year Average of 27 Universities) | INR 12 Lakhs |
| Top Specializations | Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence for Business Transformation, Computer Engineering, Management-Engineering, Design and Management of Complex IT Systems, etc. |
| Exams Required | Formal Schooling, Graduation, English-language proficiency tests scores such as IELTS or TOEFL |
Top universities to study in France
The best colleges in France will be discussed in this part. France has climbed to the seventh position in the world in the QS World University Rankings for 2023, behind the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, among others, with two schools ranking in the top 50. This impressive ranking is a result of the success of 32 institutions, spread across France, most of which increased their score. On the other hand, 42 institutions were listed overall in the most recent Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, up from 39 institutions in 2022.
| Sr. No. | Universities | Top Universities Ranking (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSL University | 26 |
| 2 | Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 48 |
| 3 | Sorbonne University | 60 |
| 4 | University of Paris – Saclay | 69 |
| 5 | ENS Lyon | 111 |
| 6 | Ecole Des Ponts ParisTech | 174 |
| 7 | Paris Cite University | 248 |
| 8 | University of Grenoble Alpes | 317 |
| 9 | University of Strasbourg | 434 |
| 10 | Aix-Marseille University | 490 |
Intakes to study in France
| September Intake | January Intake |
|---|---|
| Also known as the Fall intake | Also known as the Spring intake |
| Applicants must begin their preparation in March-April to take admission in this intake | Applicants must begin their preparation by August in order to take admission in this intake |
| This is the preferred choice for many international students | This is a fairly popular intake among international students |
| Deadline for this intake is July-August | Deadline for this intake is November |
| Primary intake | Secondary intake |
Scholarships to study in France
The ENS conducts an international selection each year that grants about thirty of the brightest foreign students the opportunity to enroll in a two or three year program in either science or the humanities. For two to three years, they are given a salary of roughly 1,000 euros per month. Each year, about 30 international pupils receive awards.
Through the Ampere Scholarships of Excellence, the ENS de Lyon and its collaborators provide financial aid for deserving foreign students to enroll in their master degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, and exact sciences, with the exception of professional master's degrees in teaching. The grants are extendable with restrictions and provide €1000 per month for a total of 12 months.
In order to draw the finest foreign students from outside the European Union who are seeking and have already been accepted to Sciences Po University, Sciences Po established the Emile Boutmy Scholarships in honor of the university's creator. For 2 years of postgraduate education, the grants can range from €5,000 to €10,000, or for 3 years of college study, they can range from €3,000 to €12,300.
The Université Paris Saclay wants to encourage foreign students to enroll in the master's programs offered by its affiliate institutions. The grant is worth €10,000 per year, plus an additional €1,000 for travel and immigration costs.
Cost of living in the France
Unlike tuition prices, housing expenses for those who study in France are generally greater than in neighboring nations. Fortunately, students are frequently qualified for discounted eatery and transportation prices. There is also specialized student housing accessible for foreign students to study in France. Living expenses are cheaper in smaller towns, so bear this in mind when choosing where to study.
International students will have several accommodation choices in France. You could live on campus for about €120 per month. However, there is a high demand for these. Social variables are used to select exchange or bursary students. A solitary studio apartment ranges in price from €457 to €542. Homestay is another option for international pupils. This will cost between €200 and €800 per month, depending on where you reside. In addition, at least one supper is provided each day.
Students can apply for a bursary through their local Caisse d'Allocation Familiale. (CAF). It is free to register, and if you are qualified, you can receive up to 35% of your monthly rent back.
Other housing expenses could include:-
Student Visa Requirements to study in France
If you want to study in France, you should be aware of all potential visa requirements. The French government controls these problems, and the rules differ depending on your citizenship.
There is no visa requirement for EU residents and inhabitants of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Applicants from outside the EU: A passport, which contains a work authorization, is required. (VLS-TS). It is good for one year and can be extended at any time. To obtain this visa, you must fill out an application form and submit passport photos, proof of your qualifications, a police certificate attesting that you do not have a serious criminal record, proof that you can speak French (if your course is in French), and proof that you have sufficient financial means to OFII (the French Office of Immigration and Integration). When you land in France, you must notify OFII. (you may need to take a medical examination).
If you are a resident of a nation within the European Economic Area (EEA) and have an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), you do not need to obtain health insurance. You will have access to healthcare in the same locations and at the same expense as local residents. If you are not from an EEA nation, you will need to buy health insurance for your stay in France. Depending on the coverage, this will cost between €20 and €50 per month.
International students will be required to demonstrate their budgetary ability to support their education. You should have around €7,400 per year to demonstrate that you can sustain yourself without working. International students, on the other hand, are allowed to labor up to 20 hours per week.
To study in France can be a rewarding and enriching experience for international students. France is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities with the availability of scholarships, affordable tuition fees, and a welcoming international student community, France remains a top choice for students seeking a quality education abroad.
If you are considering to study in France, Maxxcell can help you make your dream a reality. Our team of experienced education consultants can guide you through the application process, help you select the right program and institution, and provide support throughout your academic journey. Contact Maxxcell today to start your study abroad adventure in France!