France offers an immersive academic experience to students and is known as the centre of philosophy, culture, and arts. The country is home to some 3500 study institutions offering courses in much-in-demand subjects like technology, economics and business, culinary studies, hospitality, fashion, and tourism. French universities extend immense support to international students and offers a warm and friendly environment for them to sustain and flourish.
1. Ideal Student City
France has always been recognised for its great education system, but apart from this, the country can also surprise you with its range of student-friendly activities. From relaxing next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris to hiking in the French Alps at Grenoble. As an international student living in France, you can be assured of gaining the best student experience here.
Top Places to Visit in France Include:
2. Learn A New Language
English is one of the common languages spoken in most study-abroad destinations, including France, too; however, to adjust to the cultures of this country, having knowledge about the French language is also beneficial.
Learning a new language like French creates an impressionable professional background and makes applying to top French companies globally easy. Apart from this, on the business front, you can form better bonds with French clients by engaging with them fluently.
While it is suggested that international students learn this language before arriving in the country, most students learn it better when they arrive here. Almost all French students and tutors speak the local language during class and for basic conversations. Thus it becomes easy for non-French students to pick up the language.
3. Work With The Best Brands
Upon graduation, students can apply to the top brands in France to gain professional work experience. The country is home to multiple widely recognized brands such as L’Oreal, AXA, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes.
Working with such top brands builds your career in a manner wherein you receive real insights into working in a professional space. Thus, gaining professional recognition from such top brands will open doors to better job opportunities worldwide.
4. Home to the Best Universities
France is home to the best universities that are recognised globally. As per the QS World University Rankings 2024, there are over 35 universities that are mentioned on the list. Each of these universities has been a popular choice amongst international students for the academic value it offers, the range of courses available, and the teaching style exhibited. Here are a few examples of popular French universities:
| Universities | Ranking |
 University PSL |
Ranked 24 |
 Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
Ranked 38 |
 Sorbonne University |
Ranked 59 |
 Universite Paris-Saclay |
Ranked 71 |
 École Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
Ranked 184 |
5. Provide Opportunities to Learn The French Culture
One aspect that describes France as a unique study-abroad destination is the openness and support they provide to international students. The French culture is diverse, and as an international student, it can take time to understand it completely.
Even though some students might need help to speak or be fluent in French, the country offers various opportunities for students to learn. For instance, international students can participate in clubs and associations at the university to learn more about French culture and language. French students also engage with non-French speaking students to help them understand and learn about the country better.
France has embraced the LMD system, which means Licence-Master-Doctorat (Bachelor’s-Master’s-Doctorate). This system is resultant of the Bologna Process, which equalizes the qualifications in Europe.
In the LMD framework, the students earn their degrees by completing a set of semesters. They receive 30 ECTS (European Credits Transfer System) in each semester. These credits can be transferred to other European countries.
This is a three-year or six-semester degree program, which is equivalent to bachelor’s degree in English speaking world. Students earn 180 ECTS credits during their Licence.
This is a two-year or four-semester degree program, which is equivalent to master’s degree in English speaking world. Students earn 120 ECTS credits during masters.
This is usually awarded after completing 16 semesters and students earn 480 ECTS credits on successful completion of the program. It usually takes a minimum of three years after the master’s program to complete a doctorate.
There are three types of educational institutions in France, and they are:
In France, students’ academic performance is evaluated on a grading of 0-20. To pass, the student has to earn 10 points. French universities rarely award 20, 19, and 18 grades to students because they are stricter than secondary schools in the country.
| International Scale | French Scale |
| A (excellent) | 18 & above |
| B (very good, with few errors) | 16-18 |
| C (good, with few errors) | 14-16 |
| D (satisfactory, with many errors) | 12-14 |
| E (sufficient) | 10 - 12 |
| F (Failed) | Lower than 10 |
Pursuing a course in France opens a wider range of career opportunities for international students. Apart from preparing students for the real world, the country also offers other benefits. Most overseas students learn the ‘French’ language before graduation. Thus, this gives them better leverage when applying to French companies in France or globally. The courses offered in France are taught with a student-centered approach where independent learning is highly prioritized. The country is also home to reputed brands such as L’oreal and Hermes.
Pursuing a course in France has multiple benefits, such as:
The course structure in France is simple. Students will first learn the basic foundation of the course, then move further to specialize in the course and practice the theoretical knowledge grasped earlier in project works or equivalent.
France is a preferred student destination as it offers a range of courses for international students to choose from. Over the years, this country has grown popular with regard to certain course choices due to the growth of selective academic fields. Here is an overview:
1. Financial Services
2. Fashion
3. Business
4. Technology
5. Culinary
Apart from the above, there are also several other courses which you can pursue in France, such as:
France’s course curriculum has been designed to help students be well-equipped to pursue any career goals in their chosen field. Due to this, students from leading French universities start working at their dream job immediately after graduation.
| French Universities | QS University Rankings 2023 | QS University Rankings 2024 |
 Universite PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) |
26 | 24 |
 Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
48 | 38 |
 Sorbonne University |
60 | 59 |
 Universit Paris-Saclay |
69 | 71 |
 Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon |
111 | 184 |
|
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech |
174 | 192 |
 Sciences Po Paris |
259 | 319 |
 Universite Paris Cite |
248 | 236 |
 Universite Paris 1 Pantheon- Sorbonne |
300 | 328 |
 Universite Grenoble Alpes |
317 | 294 |
The following are some top business schools to study in France. Here we have indicated different category wise QS rankings of these schools.
| QS WUR Ranking By Subject | QS International Trade Ranking | World University Rankings -Masters In Marketing | World University Rankings -Masters In Management | EMBA Rankings | |
| HEC Paris | #10 | #57 | #1 | #1 | |
| INSEAD BusinessSchool | #2 | #4 | #2 - Asia Pacific#5 -Europe |
Listed below are the top-ranked universities in France that accept scores of tests to demonstrate English Language Proficiency other than the IELTS.
These Universities Accept the Following Test Scores:
It is well-known that France is one of the most expensive countries to pursue your higher education. However, international students need not panic, because many public universities charge low tuition fees or no tuition fee from international students. Many public universities charge €170 per year to international and in-state students for bachelor’s degree. Below mentioned is the list of universities offering affordable and quality education in France to international students:
| Universities Name | QS Top University Rankings |
 University of Strasbourg |
Public Research University |
 Paris Cite University |
Public Research University |
 University of Burgundy |
Public University |
 Ecole Centrale de Lyon |
Public Research University |
 Sciences Po |
Public Research University |
 Ecole Polytechnique |
Public Research University |
 Nantes University |
Public Research University |
 Paris School of Business |
Private Business School |
 University of Orleans |
Public University |
 Montpellier University |
Public Research University |
 Paul Valery University Montpellier 3 |
Public University |
 University of Angers |
Public University |
 University of Caen Normandy |
Public University |
 Paris Nanterre University |
Public Research University |
 Universite Jean Moulin Lyon 3 |
Public Research University |
There are many Grandes ecoles on this list, which have stringent acceptance requirements.
For UG Courses in French Universities:
It is essential to meet all the Eligibility Requirements for the UG Courses before applying for them at any French university.
Note: If a student wishes to seek admission to Grandes Ecoles, the competitive exam score held by the organization will be considered. The competitive exams are usually conducted after two years preparation program. They are known as Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles or CGPE. The CGPE is one of the most intensive preparatory programs where students have to undertake 29 to 45 hours of classes in a week, including 10 hours of oral sessions and guided tutorials.
For PG Courses in French Universities:
The French graduate programs fall into three categories: Taught masters, Research masters, and doctorate and PhD.
The students need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
There are two key intakes in France – September Intake and January Intake. Let’s look at the timeline of these intakes.
This is the primary intake in France and is also known as Fall Intake. Most French Universities offer plenty of courses in this intake. Here is the timeline for the intake.
April – May of the Previous year: Shortlist universities in France and check their websites for application requirements, due dates, course structure, and other information. If they meet your requirements, you can download brochures, enquire about scholarships and bank loan options, and so on.
June – July: Start appearing for required standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, and so on.
Aug – October: Arrange all necessary documents required for application such as reference letters, essays, SOPs, and so on.
November – December: Finish your applications
January – March: Appear for interviews (if any) and accept the offer letter. You may be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to affirm your admission to the university.
April – June: Apply for a student loan, scholarships, and student visas.
July – August: Book tickets and get ready to start your new semester in France!
This is the secondary intake in France and is also known as Spring Intake. Here is the timeline for the intake.
March – April Previous Year: Shortlist universities in France and check their websites for application requirements, due dates, course structure, and other information. If they meet your requirements, you can download brochures, enquire about scholarships and bank loan options, and so on.
May – June: Start appearing for required standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, and so on.
July – August: Arrange all necessary documents required for application such as reference letters, essays, SOPs, and so on. Finish your applications.
August – September: Appear for personal interviews (if any) and accept the offer letter. You may be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to affirm your admission to the university.
September – October: Apply for student loan, scholarships, and student VISA.
November – December: Book tickets and prepare for your new semester in France!
The quality of education is outstanding, and the tuition fees vary depending on the study level and course that a student chooses. Below mentioned are the average tuition fees for courses in France:
| Types of Expenses (Annual) | Expenses in Euro (€) |
| Tuition Fees (Public Universities) |
€2,770 at the licence (bachelor) level €3,770 at the master level €380 at doctorate level |
| Tuition Fees (Grandes Ecoles) | The fees may range from €450 to €1100 in publicly funded Grandes Ecoles. In privately funded Grandes Ecoles, such as engineering schools, the tuition fees can be about €25,000. |
| Tuition Fees (Private Institutions) | The fees range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. |
| Costs of Accommodation | € 200/month for students’ hall of residence, €400-€700/month rent for shared apartment, €200-€800/month living with a host family |
The French Student Visas are broadly classified on the kind of stay expected. Depending on the duration of your visit (or duration of your course), you can apply either to a Short Stay VISA, a temporary long-stay VISA or a long-stay VISA. Here’s a quick look at them.
This is a short-stay student VISA, which is valid for 3 months and is ideal for students planning to take up short language programs in France.
This is temporary long stay student VISA that is valid for four months up to a year. The students planning to take up courses that may last between 3 and 6 months.
This is a long stay VISA also called the residence permit -VLT-TS, and it stands valid for the entire course duration.
This VISA is issued for 90 days and is valid for entrance exams. A student can apply to their local prefecture for a 1-year renewable, residence permit after clearing the exam.
A step-by-step process to make an online application for French Student VISA is as mentioned below:
Note: You have to validate your residence permit or long-stay VISA (VLS-TS) within three months of arrival in the country by clicking on: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/
The best student cities in France for international students are chosen every year based on factors like affordability, desirability, student friendliness, and so on. The following are top 4 French student cities as per the QS Best Student Cities 2024/25.
Language Proficiency Test Requirements:
In France, many courses are taught in French and English. Depending on your chosen medium of instruction, you can submit the results of the following language tests:
French
English
Standardized Tests
| Type of Scholarship | Name of Scholarship | Description |
| Government Funded Scholarships | Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence | This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to study for master’s and PhD in selected institutions in France by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. |
| Erasmus + | This scholarship is provided by the European Commission to students wishing to pursue courses in EU. It offers grants towards living costs while participating in the exchange programs in the country. | |
| The Charpak Scholarship Programme | This scholarship is provided to Indian students by the Embassy of France in India. Named after a French Physicist - Georges Charpak, the scholarship is awarded at four levels - license programmes, master’s degree programmes, research internships, and exchange programmes. | |
| Raman Charpak Fellowship (PhD) | This fellowship is jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in India, the Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs, Government of France, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India to support students who want to perform research in a research institute/university and development institute based in India/France. Any French or Indian citizen residing in France or India, and has registered for a PhD in a recognized university or institution in their country can apply. | |
| La Femis | This is a fully funded scholarship program designed by La Fémis and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development to support Indian students who want to improve their theoretical and practical experience of documentary film production or filmmaking. The duration of this program is 9 weeks, with classes being conducted 5 days a week. Every year 15 Indian students are chosen for this scholarship. The awardee receives a stipend, medical insurance, and a return ticket to France. | |
| Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) | This scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) as well as the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) to Indian students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in a specific area of study. | |
| Franco-Indian Trust Scholarships | Shikhar Thales Scholarship Program | This scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in engineering disciplines like aerospace, communication and control systems, and AI at one of the higher education institutions in France. |
| UGAM Legrand Scholarship | This scholarship is awarded by Legrand Group in association with the Franco-Indian Education Trust with the support of the French Embassy in India. It is awarded to students wishing to pursue their studies in management and engineering disciplines. | |
| Co-Financed Scholarships | Sciences PO | This scholarship is jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in India and Sciences PO university to students wishing to pursue their higher studies at Sciences PO Paris, an international research university known for promoting research in social sciences and humanities. |
| The Neemrana Music Foundation | This scholarship is jointly awarded by the Embassy of France in India and the Neemrana Music Foundation in Delhi to students who want to pursue higher education in western classical music at any of the prestigious music schools in France. |
Indian students would require a work contract or the promise of employment to continue in France after their studies. They must possess a contract, which indicates their payment will be at least one and half times the minimum wage in France, which is € 2,200, as of 2017. If the student doesn’t possess the promise of employment or work contract, they may raise a request an Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour (APS – temporary resident permit) that is valid for the next 12 months. To make a request, the student must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s – level degree or must be planning to start their own business.
A student can earn a minimum hourly wage of € 7.61 depending on the type of job and experience. The following are a few popular on-campus and off-campus jobs taken by a student.
On Campus Jobs
Off Campus Jobs
The following are some highly paid jobs in France. The salaries would slightly differ based on experience, field of study, proficiency, and other factors.
| Job Description | Average Annual Salary (Euros) |
 Banking |
€ 62,500 to € 179,000 |
 Financial Services |
€ 54,700 to € 157,000 |
 Teaching |
€ 54,700 to € 157,000 |
 Computer Science and IT |
€ 45,700 to €72,000 |
 Electrical Services |
€ 41,160 to €75,000 |
The job market in France is extremely competitive for international students and the ones with the talent and skills to match the job requirements can get in. The working days in France in most organizations are Monday to Friday, 7 hours a day and 35 hours per week. France's working culture is highly based on tradition and attention to detail.
A grande ecole is an elite higher education institution that follow a rigorous and highly competitive admission process. These institutions offer research, training, and teaching in architecture, engineering, business administration, academic research, as well as public policy and administration.
Most grande ecoles are publicly organized and do not charge high tuition fees. However, some are privately organized, too. They may include business schools, engineering schools, and so on. These institutes may charge high tuition fees.
Working knowledge of French is essential for international students in France if they wish to build a career in the country.
Indian students can find jobs in France through online websites such as Pole Emploi, or the European Employment Services, EURES or their networks.
It will depend on the course you are applying for. For instance, if you are selecting a course with an English medium of instruction, the university may require you to submit IELTS results. However, some may universities may accept scores of other English proficiency exams.
Education in France is not entirely free, and compared to other European and English Speaking countries, tuition fees in France is quite affordable. The government of the country subsidizes higher education. The French government bears the major share of the tuition fees.
Compared to neighbouring European countries and other English-speaking countries, France is one of the most affordable countries, especially considering the quality of education it provides.
No, the public universities in France are not free for international students.
Students are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week. In academic breaks, students can work full-time without any restrictions.
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Email: info@collegepond.com
Call Us: 022-46003655
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