STUDY IN FRANCE

France is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Among its major advantages are the high quality of education, the remarkably low tuition fees, and the enjoyable French way of life.

Universities in France

The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe, and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and University of Paris-Sud.

There are also many great options to study for an MBA in France: The country is home to many of the best-ranked elite business schools in Europe. Among them are HEC Paris, Insead, ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad), and Edhec Business School, to name but a few.

Life In France

France is a fascinating country with a very rich history, amazing sights, and a very strong culture, dating back centuries. It has a well-established socio-political system that places its citizens in the highest regard, and education is at the heart of the French model of development. France is the birthplace of democracy, and gave the world the siren calls of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’. France is also the capital of fashion and its cuisine is so exquisite that it is recognized as part of the world’s intangible heritage by UNESCO! As a student in France, you will get to experience all this firsthand as you observe and immerse in a glorious culture. French education is dedicated to excellence. As a student in France, you can expect small tutorial sizes and diligent instructor intervention to help you excel in your studies. Capital city Paris is the hub of fashion, art, and history with its numerous world class museums, art houses and palaces, proving students with opportunities to witness masterpieces firsthand. Several museums, cinemas, and sports arenas exist across the country and many of these facilities come free of cost for students. French Universities are known for investing in the welfare of their students by going the extra mile to provide the best amenities and activities to help students truly excel.

Student life

The standard of living in France is remarkably high, and one thing is certain: Studying in France is going to be a great, life-changing experience for you.

France caters to every taste – and that does not only mean wine and cheese enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bustling urban environment, quiet mountains, or the relaxed atmosphere on the Mediterranean shore, you will find a fitting destination for yourself. Paris offers a unique metropolitan vibe in a charming environment. Marseille and Montpellier are directly off the Mediterranean coast; summer beaches included. Rennes or Nantes are close to the rougher Atlantic coasts. And from Grenoble or Lyon, the Alps are within reach.

Speaking French

Even when studying in France in English, you should not miss the opportunity to learn French. Not only because you will learn a beautiful language that enables you to speak to around 270 million people in almost 30 countries; but also because you will need some French in your everyday life. While many locals in France speak solid English, they simply prefer their native tongue, and will appreciate when foreigners make the effort. Even if that effort is limited to something like “je ne comprends pas” – “I do not understand”.

For international students, almost all the renowned courses in higher education (both bachelor’s and master’s) are offered in English. The assignments and exams are also in English, and so is the teaching. The students, however, should learn basic French if they want to work and study in France, and their language might be a barrier.

Understanding Education In France

Higher education in France is organized in three levels or grades which correspond to those of other European countries:

Bachelor’s degree – called Licence and Licence Professionnelle
Master’s degree
Doctorate – called Doctorat

The Licence and the Master’s degree are organized in semesters: 6 for the Licence and 4 for the Master’s. The French higher education system follows the European credits system (ECTS). A Licence (Bachelor’s degree) is awarded once 180 ECTS have been obtained and a Master’s degree is awarded upon obtaining 120 additional credits. These credits are generally transferable between paths. Higher education in France is divided between various “Parcours” or paths based on UE (Unités d’Enseignement or Modules).

Admissions Process In France

The admissions process in France is dependent on the course and the university chosen. The academic year in France usually begins in September or October. Application forms for universities are available from university websites and even from the French Embassy.

Standardized Tests
University/Course Selection
Document Preparation
Application Review and Submission
Interview Preparation
Visa Counselling
Pre-Departure Bookings and Information
Arrival in France and Acclimatization
Contact your AEC counselor for specific details.

Work And Study From France

Internship And Employment Opportunities

In France, all programs are followed by very well-paid internships of 6 to 12 months in multinational companies. Students are entitled to work part time up to 20 hours a week, off campus. According to French legislation there is a minimum gross salary between 8 to 9 Euros per hour.

Post-Study Employment Prospects

Students who have earned a master’s degree or the equivalent may apply for a one-time (non-renewable) temporary residency authorization (APS, authorization provisoire de séjour) valid for 6 months beyond the date of expiration of the student’s residency permit. The authorization enables the student to work at any job up to the limit of 60% of the official work week (that is, just over half-time employment).

Students who obtain a job related to their academic program at a rate of compensation equal to at least 1.5 times the national minimum wage may enter full-time employment by filing a request for a change of status (from student to employee) in their respective region.

France Study Permit Information

Nationals from various countries will apply for their French student visa through Campus France, the nation’s legitimate national organization for higher education and global students. Those students would likewise have been required to utilize Campus France to apply to their picked French organization, through the CEF strategy.

For more than 90 days of stay in France, the “Long stay” visa form should be completed. Download the application form here.

Visa Documents For France

Two passport-size photographs of the past 3 months meeting set standards – one must be attached to the application form (Size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with clear background).
Passport: a full national private passport or official travel document with a minimum of three months validity beyond the validity of the requested visa. The passport should be issued less than 10 years ago.
A print out of your Campus France ID number.
A letter of registration from a French Academic Institution or a certificate testifying that you will follow a European Union Training Program or proof of scholarship.
Cover letter explaining the study project and your motivation, including a short CV.
Proof of resources: tuition fees + a minimum of 615 Euros/month x by number of months of stay (living expenses).
One copy of your round trip ticket if you are studying 6 months or less (+ 1 photocopy) or a one-way ticket only if you are studying in France for more than 6 months (+ 1 photocopy)
The “Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration” OFII form duly filled and signed. Download the OFII form here
Proof of residency in France such as a lease, electricity bill, title of property etc. for a minimum of 3 months + 1 photocopy. Accommodation in an establishment (or in an institution) or provided by an establishment (or an institution): attestation by the establishment or the institution.
Copy of the CV
Copies of the degree and diploma certificates

For particulars on providing proof of resources and other Visa related documents, contact your AEC counselor.