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Embarking on a journey to study in France opens the door to a world of wonders, with the iconic Eiffel Tower standing as a symbol of the country’s breathtaking beauty and endless allure. From students to individuals of all ages, France captivates with its elegance and charm, leaving an indelible mark on all who visit.
Immersing oneself in French culture is an enriching experience, where every corner is steeped in art, fashion, history, and culinary delights. The opportunity to study in France holds a unique appeal, offering a blend of academic excellence and cultural enrichment that surpasses expectations. Whether one chooses to commence their academic journey in the bustling capital city or venture towards the serene northern or southern regions, each university presents a distinct area of specialized learning, catering to diverse interests and aspirations.
Did you know that in 2019, approximately 10,000 Indian students made the remarkable choice to pursue higher education in France? For aspiring students, understanding the myriad benefits of studying abroad is paramount. However, France extends beyond its stellar educational system, offering a myriad of opportunities for personal and professional growth. From vibrant cosmopolitan cities to picturesque countryside landscapes, France beckons with its rich tapestry of experiences, making it an ideal destination for higher education.
France offers some of the world’s lowest tuition fees, even at prestigious institutions, making studying abroad more accessible. Language is not a barrier, as many universities offer courses in English, and learning French opens doors to a community of 274 million people worldwide. With affordable education, diverse course offerings, and a rich cultural experience, France is an attractive destination for international students.
1. Unique academic strengths: France boasts some of the world’s top research institutions, ranking fourth globally in Nobel Prizes and second in Fields Medals. With 73 universities, over 200 engineering schools, 20 architecture schools, and 150 business schools, students can explore diverse specializations, from luxury brand management to landscape architecture and wine science.
2. Low cost of studies: Tuition fees in France are incredibly affordable, averaging around €600 per year, even for international students. Fee waivers and discounts, based on criteria such as early application or exceptional GMAT scores, further alleviate financial burdens.
3. Good rankings: French degrees are highly esteemed, with institutions like École Normale Supérieure, Paris, ranking 54th globally in Times Higher Education. Five French schools, including HEC Paris and Insead, feature in the top 20 MBA programs according to Financial Times.
4. Importance of international students: France welcomes over 15% of foreign students, with 42% of doctoral candidates being international. Recognized as the third most popular study destination globally, France offers an increasing number of courses in English, catering to diverse student needs.
5. Cultural diversity and global exposure: French culture, encompassing literature, cinema, and cuisine, enriches student life. With French being the third most used language for business and spoken by 274 million people worldwide, studying in France offers unparalleled cultural immersion and global networking opportunities.
6. Employment possibilities: Long-stay student visas permit part-time work of up to 19½ hours per week. Completing a master’s degree opens avenues for extended stays and full-time employment, particularly in fields related to the degree. European students enjoy unrestricted work rights in France.
7. Alumni visa: Indian graduates holding master’s or PhD degrees from France are eligible for a 5-year alumni visa, facilitating travel to France and the Schengen Area. This visa permits stays of up to 90 days for leisure or business purposes, fostering continued engagement between India and France.
France upholds stringent educational standards, investing significantly in infrastructure to maintain excellence. From engineers to doctors, professionals across industries rely on France’s esteemed education system to hone their expertise. The academic year runs from mid-September to late June, offering a progressive learning journey.
The educational framework mirrors India’s, comprising primary (école), middle (collège), and high school (lycée) levels. Post high school graduation, students can pursue higher education through various diploma routes. Notably, the majority of educational institutions in France are public, prioritizing quality education at an accessible cost.
One of France’s educational strengths lies in its small tutorial sizes and extensive instructor support. This fosters an environment conducive to learning, where students have ample opportunities to engage, question, and seek assistance, enhancing their academic experience significantly.
France has many renowned higher learning institutions scattered around the country – no matter what subjects you wish to study or degree you want to earn. We have listed some of the best universities to study in France.
Of course, when you are attending a college to study in France, you do have the option of learning in English or French. And if you are interested in understanding the culture of the country as well as forming new bonds, utilizing a French course is a great option. French is the second most spoken language in Europe and being able to speak and understand it, adds so much significance to your life. To know in-depth about the language that classes are taught in, you can talk to the expert at the college that you are planning to attend.
There are literally thousands of industries in which France excels and students can easily earn a degree no matter what type of career they are interested in. Some of the popular fields of education include Nuclear, Space and Aviation, Economics, Languages, Teaching, Art, History, Medicine, Science and Law. French universities aim to deliver the best of learning opportunities to students. They are quite aware of these domains and ensure that they teach students beyond the realms of basic education.
In order to start your bachelor’s education in France, you must complete your 10+2 or a high school diploma or equivalent from a recognized board of education. And if you wish to study in France, you should be prepared with your application well ahead of time and submit it no less than 2 months in advance of the commencement for your desired courses. Students have the opportunity to begin their undergraduate studies in the following disciplines.
| Category | Degree | Description |
| Taught Masters | MA, MSc and MEng | These are similar to undergraduate studies, with lecturers, tutorials and seminars. Students have to research topics on their own and take an independent approach to their studying. |
| Research Masters | MRes and MA (Research) | These are the prerequisites for entering a PhD in France and students must focus on improving their research skills through conducting independent research to produce a final project. |
| Doctorate | PhD | Usually completed after a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Students have to demonstrate the necessary aptitude to pursue independent research. |
Earning a postgraduate degree in France may vary – diplomas can be earned within a duration of 4 years, while degree programs need 1 to 2 years to complete. The application process is very similar to bachelor’s studies. Additionally, to pursue management courses students need to have a valid GMAT score and GRE is important to pursue MS in France.
Although most degrees are taught in French, there are various English-taught study programs, notably at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels. The following language exams are accepted by academic institutions in France.
Exemptions from the requirement to demonstrate French language competency include:
For all the students who are planning to study in France after class 12th, the process of pursuing the studies of your choice in the country is quite simple. France is a hub of many leading universities, thus you are required to thoroughly go through the list of universities as well as the courses offered by them. Universities in France usually offer intakes in the months of September and June. Once you have found the UG course of your choice, you can look out for the academic requirements of it. Do not forget to check whether the program is taught in English or French.
On average, an Indian student would require a minimum 60- 70% in 10+2 examinations. As per the medium of your course, you will be asked to qualify entrance exams for DELF, DALF, TEF, etc. If you have chosen French. On the other hand, if you have chosen English as your study medium, scores for exams like IELTS, TOEFL etc. are required. Once you pass by the step of academic requirements, the next step would be to follow up for the visa. Listed below are there documents that you may need for the visa application.
You can easily pursue a course in France without qualifying the IELTS exam. Listed below are the universities in which you can apply without IELTS score-
An internship agreement or Convention de Stage is important for students going for an internship in France. It is a contract between the intern, intern’s home institution in India and the employer (either the host university or the company). Acting as supplemental workplace insurance, the document includes the dates of the internship, tasks and objectives that the internship is relevant to the course of study, besides information on the institution in France and the police department. In case the internship is for a period of more than 3 months, then you’ll have to get a stamp from the labour authority in the host country.
Approx. between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence) Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month. Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between 800 – 1,000 EUR. Your cost may increase or decrease depending on the university, course and city.
