About France
France is a country in Western Europe known for its culture, history, and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, and it’s a semi-presidential republic with Paris as its capital.
France is globally renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, exquisite cuisine, fine wines, fashion houses, and picturesque countryside, including charming villages and vineyards.
France is a popular study abroad destination, ranking 9th globally and 5th in Europe, attracting over 250,000 international students, with renowned institutions like École Polytechnique and HEC Paris offering world-class education. France is the most visited country in the world, with Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium accounting for the highest share of international tourist arrivals.
Why Study in France?
Studying in France is attractive due to its high-quality education system, renowned universities like Sorbonne and Sciences Po, excellent research opportunities, a rich cultural experience, the chance to learn French (a globally spoken language), and a strategic location in Europe, making it a hub for international students; all while offering a diverse range of study programs and potential career opportunities after graduation.
- Academic Excellence:
France boasts top-tier universities with a wide range of quality programs across various fields. - Research Opportunities:
Strong research and development facilities, including the French National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR), provide excellent research possibilities. - Cultural Immersion:
Immerse yourself in French culture, art, cuisine, and history. - Language Acquisition:
Learn French, a globally recognized language, which can open doors to various career paths. - Affordable Education:
Compared to other European countries, tuition fees at French public universities can be relatively low. - International Student Community:
France welcomes a large number of international students, fostering a multicultural environment. - Career Prospects:
Studying in France can lead to job opportunities within the country and internationally, particularly in sectors where French language proficiency is valued. - Strategic Location:
France’s central position in Europe allows for easy travel and access to other European countries.
French Education System
The French education system is free and mandatory for children ages 3 to 16. It has three stages: preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education.
Preschool
- Nurseries (écoles maternelles): For children ages 3 to 6
- Day care (pré-maternelle): For children age 2
Primary
- Primary schools: For children ages 6 to 11
- Five years of study: Similar to a US elementary school
Secondary
- Collège: For students ages 11 to 15
- Four years of study: Similar to a US middle school
- Lycée: For students ages 15 to 18
- Three years of study: High school
Higher
- Based on the LMD system: Licence-Masters-Doctorate degrees
- Access dependent on the baccalaureate: National diploma
Top 15 Universities in France
1. srbonne university
2. University of Paris-Saclay
3. University of Paris
4. Université Grenoble Alpes
5. Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon
6. Institut polytechnique de Paris
7. Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
8. Montpellier University
9. Sciences Po
10. École des Ponts ParisTech
11. Université PSL
12. Aix-Marseille University
13. University of Bordeaux
14. University of Strasbourg
15. École Polytechnique
- Sorbonne University, a world-renowned institution, excels due to its rich history, strong academic programs, and global reach, offering multidisciplinary studies and fostering a rigorous, research-oriented environment.
- Université Paris-Saclay stands out as a leading French university due to its strong research focus, interdisciplinary approach, global recognition, and strategic location in a dynamic economic and technological hub.
- The University of Paris, now known as Université Paris Cité, is a top-ranked French university with a rich history, offering a diverse range of programs, including many in English, and boasts a vibrant campus life and strong international partnerships.
- Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) stands out as a top choice for higher education and research due to its strong academic reputation, innovative approach, and vibrant student life, all within the beautiful setting of the French Alps.
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a highly regarded French institution, known for its strong research and teaching in a multidisciplinary environment, particularly in fields like exact sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and for its focus on preparing future teachers and researchers.
Studying in English or French?
For studying at French universities, especially in programs taught in French, a strong command of the language is crucial, often requiring a minimum B2 level (intermediate) proficiency, demonstrated through tests like DELF or TCF-DAP.
French Language Proficiency
Most French universities, particularly public ones, expect international students to have a good level of French, as many courses are taught in French
Popular Courses to Study in France
Popular courses to study in France include:
1. engineering,
2. finance,
3. computer
4. science,
5. Luxury brand management.
6. Fashion design
7. Culinary arts
8. MBA programs
9. Medicine
10. Hospitality Management and Tourism
Undergraduate Studies
France offers a wide array of undergraduate programs, particularly in business and management, with institutions like Burgundy School of Business (BSB), EM Normandie Business School, and Paris School of Business (PSB) being popular choices for international students.
Popular Programs
- Business and Management
- Sciences
- Humanities
- Arts and Design
- Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
- International Business Administration
- Finance
- International Finance
- International Economics
- Communication Technology
- Information Technology
- Geography
- Art History
- International and Comparative Politics
- Sociology
- Literary Studies
- Film Studies
- Global Communications
- Creative Arts
- Linguistics
- French Studies
- European and Mediterranean Cultures
Postgraduate Studies
France, postgraduate studies follow the LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorat), with Master’s programs typically being two years (M1 and M2), leading to a “Diplôme National de Master”.
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. |
Language Requirements for Universities in France
For studying at French universities, especially in programs taught in French, a strong command of the language is crucial, often requiring a minimum B2 level (intermediate) proficiency, demonstrated through tests like DELF or TCF-DAP.
- French Language Proficiency: Most French universities, particularly public ones, expect international students to have a good level of French, as many courses are taught in French.
- Recommended Level: A B2 level (intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is generally recommended for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
- Specific Program Requirements: Some programs, especially those in fields like medicine or letters, may require a higher level, such as C1 or even C2.
- Language Tests: You may need to demonstrate your French proficiency through official language tests like:
- DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française)
- DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)
- TCF (Test de Connaissance du Françai
- TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français):
Study in France for Indian Students After 12th
Indian students can study in France after 12th grade in a variety of programs, including undergraduate, diploma, and certificate courses. France is a popular choice for international students.
Programs
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
- Engineering, business, and economics
- Medicine and healthcare
- Culinary arts
- Language courses
- Fashion designing
- Hospitality and tourism
- Art and design
- Information technology and computer science
Study in France without IELTS
Study in France without taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. Some universities in France don’t always require the IELTS because they value practical skills over language.
Universities that may waive IELTS:
- American Business School, Paris
- EBS Paris
- EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
- ESAIP School of Engineers
- ESC Rennes School of Business, France
- ESGCI, Paris
- ESL SCA Business School
- IESA International
- INSEEC Business School
- ISC Paris
Study in France Scholarship
- Charpak Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Shikhar Thales Scholarship program
- Bahman Samandari Scholarship Program
- Amba- Dalmia Scholarship Program
- École Normale Supérieure International Selection
- Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon
- Emile Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po University
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
- Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation Scholarships
- INSEAD MBA Scholarships
Cost of living & studying in France.
Studying and living in France can range from affordable to expensive depending on your location and lifestyle. Expect to budget roughly €650-€1400 per month for living expenses, with Paris being the most expensive and cities like Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, or Toulouse being more budget-friendly.
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