Study In France

International students now frequently choose France as their study abroad destination. Studying at international universities, experiencing a different culture and society, being able to become the best version of yourself from within, and the relatively affordable cost of tuition are just a few advantages of studying in France. According to Campus France, there were over 400,000 international students enrolled in France in 2021–22, a rise of 8%. In other news, France wants to welcome 20,000 foreign students by the year 2025, creating opportunities for new businesses, start-ups, and innovation. 10,000 Indian students chose to continue their education in France in 2019.

Why Study in France?

France is gradually becoming a top destination for international students who want to pursue their higher education. Some of the reasons to study in France are:

• World-class universities: Some of the best colleges and universities in the world are available in France. Students who choose to attend a French university are assuring themselves of a high-quality education and coupled with practical training. Furthermore, graduates from France will have better career possibilities in France if their degree is one that is internationally recognized.
• A chance to witness multi-cultural society: By choosing to study in France, students shall have a chance to discover a society that is multi-cultural, open, and proud of its history.
• Cost of studying: In comparison to other study abroad countries like the UK and the USA, France has relatively affordable tuition fees. Students applying for bachelor’s courses at public universities in France would need to pay €2,770 yearly and €3,770 for masters degrees. However, tuition at private institutions, particularly at private business schools, is relatively more expensive than in public institutions, 
• A country of elegance: France is known to display its high and off-the-rack fashion. Be it Designer boutiques, or department stores, or international stores, there is something for everyone in France.
• Economic powerhouse: One of the world’s major economies is France. It is a traditional country with exceptionally skilled workmanship. It is home International companies including Airbus, L’Oreal, Orange, Danone, Sanofi, etc

Study in France: Key Highlights

Education System in France

There are various programs available for international students seeking higher education in France, whether or not they speak French. According to Campus France, 2.5 million people are enrolled in higher education in France. 12% of these students are international. More than 3,500 public and private higher education institutions exist in France.

Top Universities in France

The best universities in France will be discussed in this section. France has moved to the seventh position in the world in the QS World University Rankings for 2023, after the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, among others, with two institutions ranking in the top 50. This impressive ranking is a result of the performance of 32 institutions, distributed around France, most of which raised their ranking. On the other hand, 42 institutions were ranked overall in the most recent Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, up from 39 institutions in 2022.

Top Courses in France

A cost-effective option for international students is to study in France. Some business courses are ideal to take in France, but there are other courses that have recently gained a lot of popularity.

Some of the best courses to study in France are:

MBA
Engineering
Luxury Brand Management
Film Studies
Hotel Management~
Fashion Designing
Computer Science
Finance
Data Science
Medicine

Cost of Studying in France

Studying in France is relatively inexpensive in public higher education institutions since the French government is funding higher education. Students from outside the EU must pay different registration fees. The two-thirds of the cost of your training will be covered by the state.

The total differentiated registration fee that students have to pay is:

• €2,770 per year at the bachelor level
• €3,770 per year at the master level

Cost of Living in France

The amount required by a student is generally determined by where he or she lives in France, the program pursued, and the accommodation. According to Campus France, most students require 600 to 800 Euros per month to cover transportation, food, and housing expenses. Living in France is undoubtedly expensive, but one can cut costs by attending a public institution and living with roommates.

Overall, the cost of living in France is fairly low outside of the capital, but if you live alone and attend a private school, the expenses can quickly add up. This all depends on a variety of factors, and considering each on of them can help you live comfortably while studying in France. Taking everything into consideration, the average monthly student budget in Paris is around 1000 Euros and 800 Euros elsewhere.

France Student Visa

There are various types of France student visas available for studying in France. The Schengen short-stay visa allows students to enter and stay in France for up to 90 days in the Schengen area. The temporary long-term visa is valid for 4-12 months and allows students to pursue higher education.

Long-stay visas, on the other hand, are valid as a residence permit for students. This visa allows students to stay in France for 4 to 12 months to pursue higher education. If students want to stay in France to continue their studies but their VLS-TS visa is about to expire, they can apply for a visa renewal. Students on this visa are permitted to work 964 hours per year.

Admission Requirements to study in French Universities

The medium of instruction in many French universities and colleges is French. As a result, it is recommended that you take some French language tests. A 10+2 certificate from a recognized board, as well as proof of English language proficiency test score, are required for undergraduate programs.

To study a postgraduate course in France, students must have an undergraduate degree, GMAT/GRE scores, English language proficiency test scores, and work experience (if applicable). Students applying for admission to PhD programs must have a master’s degree or equivalent.

Top Cities in France Preferred by Students

Every year, number students from across the world visit France to pursue their higher education. However, they are frequently confused as to which city to choose in order to live in France. Paris is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, as well as one of the top student cities. Paris is ranked eighth in the QS best student cities 2023 rankings. Aside from Paris, some of the top student cities in France include Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Grenoble, Lille, Nice, Nantes, and others.

Scholarships to Study in France

International students can apply for merit and need-based scholarships to study in France. Students with strong academic records, high standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments will be considered for scholarship awards and financial assistance. Make sure to apply before the deadline to make the most of these opportunities.

Students can apply for scholarships from French higher education institutes such as Rennes Business School, EDHEC Business School, and Science Po’s Emile-Boutmy Scholarships. Furthermore, as per Campus France, more than 500 French Government scholarships are provided to deserving overseas students who wish to pursue higher education in France.

Education Loan for Studying in France

Students have the option of applying for an educational loan in order to pay for their tuition, living expenses, and other costs in France. Banks therefore offer educational loans for studying in France.

It is advisable to have all the proper documents prepared in advance and to meet all eligibility requirements in order to obtain quick approval for a student loan. An educational loan may help with costs such as fees payable, accommodation charges, exam, laboratory and library fees, expenses like books, equipment like computer, uniforms,, as well as other costs necessary to complete the course, including project work, study tours, or thesis.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in France

Every foreign student in France has the right to work during their studies. Keep in mind that students who are not citizens of the EU must have a student resident permit. Foreign students may work up to 964 hours yearly, following French law. Regardless of whether you are a student or not, France’s minimum wage is guaranteed by law.  As of January 2021, the minimum wage is €10.25.

Post-Study Work Permit in France

Students may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, or APS, in order to look for employment or start a business after completing their studies and after obtaining a degree from a French higher education institution. At the end of their studies, the APS allows international students are allowed to remain in France for a year.

Foreign graduates with an APS are permitted to work under the same conditions as students, or 964 hours a year, until a work contract has been signed for a fixed period of time.  Students with vocational degrees, master’s level equivalent degrees, or equivalent degrees, such as degrees in engineering, political science, higher accounting, veterinary medicine, etc., may apply for a temporary resident permit. Students with a Masters of Science (MSc) that has been certified by the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles or those who want to start their own company can ask for it.

Job Prospects in France (ROI)

The return on their investments is a persistent thought in the minds of students who choose to study abroad. The best value on their investment is what students want. When deciding to stay abroad, students consider many factors, including the high cost of studying abroad and the potential for a good return on investment.

Health and social care, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing are the three industries that represent the majority of employment in France, according to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. In the years to come, France is expected to do better thanks to a stronger growth in the number of people who are employed and of working age.

Popular Job Sectors in France

According to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), France’s real GDP is expected to increase by 2.6% in 2022 and 0.6% in 2023. (OECD). According to the Economic Survey from November 2021, the French economy quickly recovered from the COVID-19 disaster.

The top job sectors in France include:

• Engineering – Automobile, Aerospace, Mechanical, Metallurgy
• Management
• Tourism / Hospitality and Luxury
• Energy Management
• Teaching

Frequently sought jobs in France

• Doctor / Physician
• Lawyers
• Pilot
• Healthcare professionals
• Bank manager
• College professor
• IT Professionals

France is home to multi-national companies like:

Average Salary in France – By Job

Study in France FAQs

• Q. Can students work in France?
  Every foreign student has the right to work in France, while studying. French law allow students to work up to 964 hours per year. With this, students are also given a minimum wage. The minimum wage is €10.25, as of January 2021. 
• Is France good for international students?~France, as a study-abroad destination, is an excellent choice for any international student. This is because, it is a welcoming country with an interesting and diverse culture. It also has many schools that are internationally renowned, like business and fashion schools. 
• Q. Is studying in France expensive?
  The cost of studying in France is among the lowest in the world. The government subsidizes the tuition fees in higher public institutions. The tuition fees for international students enrolled in public higher education institutes is €2,770 per year at the bachelor’s level and €3,770 per year at the master’s level.  
• Q. Can I live in France without knowing French?
  France is one of the friendliest, most open and most welcoming countries in the world. However, it is advised to know some basic French language terminologies to survive better. But, there are some courses that are available in English. It is better to have a knowledge of the language as this will help you with practical matters like buying groceries, paying bills, understanding directions and instructions, etc. 
• Q. List some of the courses that are popular in France. 
  Some of the most popular courses in France for international students include Economics and Business, Fashion, Hospitality, Technology and Tourism.