Study in France

Introduction

France is one of Europe's major countries and the site of Europe's first renaissance, the French Revolution, which took place in or around 1789. France is bordered by six countries: Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg to the northeast; Switzerland, Italy, and Spain to the southeast; and the Netherlands and Luxembourg to the southwest.

Alternatively, the English Channel separates the United Kingdom from France. Many major international airports (including two in Paris), ferry ports, and the French rail system make the country an ideal entry point into Europe.

In addition, France is the most visited country in the world, making it the most popular tourist destination. People travel to Paris primarily to take advantage of the city's fame as a destination for lovers. Also, its food and wine are well-known. They are also recognized for their sense of style, with many people taking great care in their looks and apparel. French and English are the two main languages spoken in the nation.

France's educational system is characterized by a focus on both intellectual growth and personal growth, with a heavy emphasis on both technical training and vocational preparation. For a long time, many students throughout the world had no choice but to attend one of these old, yet technologically advanced colleges.

It's not just because France is a foreign nation that students go there, but also because of the country's politeness and formality, which means that everyone is always willing to provide a hand.

Top Reasons To Study In France

France is unquestionably one of the greatest destinations in the world to attend college or university. The best schools and universities in the country are open to students of all ages who want to get a quality education while also gaining real-world experience. French colleges and businesses are among the greatest in the world, and the country is at the forefront of several fields.

Similarly, the topic of why people select France for their undergraduate or post-graduate studies has a variety of answers. Some of the most important are included below.

• Centuries-Old Universities with Big and Adorable Campus: Some of France's universities are among the world's ten oldest, including the University of Paris (founded between 1160 and 1250), the University of Toulouse II - Jean Jaurès (founded in 1229), and the University of Bordeaux (founded in 1441). More than 3,500 higher education institutions may be found in France.
• Wide Ranges of Courses: All these centuries-old institutions offer hundreds of undergraduate and graduate programs in everything from the humanities and social sciences to business and management to engineering and the medical sciences.
• Top Class Research Facilities: Many students choose France as their first option for doctorate and postdoctoral research programs because of the availability of both cutting-edge technology and highly qualified supervisors from a variety of fields who are always willing to provide a hand.
• International Exposure: As a result of being a top option for many students, this university offers a unique opportunity for students to get foreign experience that benefits their personal growth. Having students and faculties from many various nations means that students have a more diverse perspective, which helps to foster an environment that is more favorable to academic excellence.
• Friendly & International Professors: The professors are pleasant, and they go out of their way to help their students, especially those from other countries, adjust to life in a new nation. In addition, faculty and staff at other institutions are pleasant and always willing to assist students.
• Courses are taught in the English Language: It's common for non-French students to believe that French is the medium of instruction in France; however this is incorrect, as many university courses are taught in English. Furthermore, because the majority of the French population is bilingual in English and French, international students will have no trouble communicating.
• Opportunity to Learn French: French is a widely spoken language since it is one of the official languages of the United Nations. Aside from that, French is a vital tool for global exchange. In terms of total number of native speakers, it's the world's sixth most frequently spoken language. In addition, French is the second most extensively taught language in the world, second only to English, and is taught widely across the globe's many regions.

It's a bonus to be able to study French for free from native speakers in such a situation.

• Easy to Apply & Secure Admission: A few basic steps are all that's required to submit an application for an undergraduate or graduate program. In many universities, the application cost is almost nil.

It's also simple to get a job at a French university because overseas students may apply to as many as 20 schools with one online application. Students who want to attend a French university will find this to be a huge help.

• Lower & Affordable Education Fee and Living Cost: The cost of education in the United States is lower than in many other nations. The cost of attendance at many public colleges is low enough for most students to afford it. In addition, the cost of living is minimal.

The average costs of popular items in the country:

• Restaurant Meal 10 EUR
• McDonald’s Combo Meal 6.50 EUR
• Domestic Beer 3 EUR
• Cappuccino 3 EUR
• Coke/Pepsi 3.00 EUR
• A loaf of White Bread 3.00 EUR
• Milk, 1 liter 1.20 EUR
• Petrol 1.60 EUR per gallon
• Internet 30.00 to 50.00 EUR

• Availability of Scholarships: Scholarships for international students are available in a variety of forms from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More than a quarter of these scholarships are sponsored in whole or part by government funds, such as the Eiffel (Master's and Doctoral level studies) or the Major programs (for the best foreign students who have graduated from French high schools abroad).

The French institutions also provide more than 100 other scholarship opportunities (especially for the research programs e.g. Ph.D. and post-doctoral level).

• Rich Culture and World-Famous Tourists’ Attraction: France is a famous tourist destination because of its rich cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage. There are several tourist attractions in France, both man-made and natural.

Other famous sites are Lascaux Cave Paintings and the Eiffel Tower, as well as a history lesson at the Louvre Museum. One of the world's most popular tourist destinations is France, which boasts a plethora of attractions.

• Pleasant Weather: With its great location on both sides of the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans, France experiences four different seasons and an astounding range of landscapes due of its ideal geographical position. From its snow-capped peaks to its sunny beaches, and from its lush woods to its mineral-rich plains interspersed with stunning architecture, France offers everything to pique the interest of prospective students.

In addition, French universities provide students with a variety of class schedules and course options, allowing them to attend their institutions either full- or part-time. All of these classes, as well as the hours at which one might take them, differ by institution or university.

Types of Programs in France Universities

There are four stages of higher education in France, which is the same as in other European nations that are popular with international students for their higher education systems.

Following are the major programs:

• Undergraduate programs (or license and license Professionnelle or Bachelor’s Degree)
• Post Graduate program (or Masters’ Degree)
• Doctoral program (Ph.D. Degree)
• Post-Doctoral program

Admission Requirements for France Universities

Once you decided to apply for a college in France, then you essentially must fill out the application form in its entirety, which is usually online. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner the admissions committee can evaluate it and determine whether or not you are a suitable fit for the university.

According to on your nationality, the application procedure may be different.

Here’s a short guide on how you can apply for a college in France.

• For European Students

To apply for admission to a French university as an international student from another EU country, you will usually need:

1. Completed university application
2. ID photo or driver’s license
3. High school transcripts (or relevant equivalent)
4. Essay (if asked)
5. English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.)
6. Apply for financial aid program (if the University provides one)
7. Application fee (if asked)
8. Any other required document depending on the University

• For Non-European Students

If you are not from an EU country when applying for college in France, you need

1. Completed university application
2. High school and college transcripts (If you did not attend a college then just the high school ones will do)
3. Copy of passport
4. A passport-sized photo
5. Essay (if asked)
6. English proficiency results (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo etc.)
7. Copy of birth certificate
8. Certified translation of the birthplace of your parents
9. Proof that you can financially support yourself

• Any other required document depending on the University
• After admission: A French Student Visa

Entry Requirements for France Universities

However, for each university, the application process and requirement are some or other way different; some universities, for example, may ask for GRE, GMAT or LSAT score – these are internationally used tests that ensure that applicants are prepared for the challenges of advanced study.

• MA Entry Information

If you want to apply for an MA program in a French university, keep the following information in mind:

1. Masters in France are usually 2 years in duration
2. Master's degrees in French are divided into "teaching units" (TU) in order to focus on a wide range of subjects in a single subject area (practical workshops, theoretical discussion, and independent project-work)
3. Dissertation (or a similar extended research project)
4. There are two types of Masters: Specialized Masters and MBA programs
5. Specialized Masters – It is sometimes used to refer to Grandes Écoles' most advanced programs.
6. a) four semesters long
7. b) Competitive applications
8. c) Highly intensive
9. MBA programs – originally developed in America but France was the first country to offer these in Europe. French business schools tend to be most competitive to get into.

• Ph. D. Programs

Most Ph.D. programs in France are conducted as a part of the main course within doctoral schools. There are 266. They collaborate with research laboratories and centers to provide doctoral training to all Ph.D. candidates. The duration of the Ph.D. program is six semesters where candidates must attend two teachings (or research) semesters per year.

• What one should enroll in a doctorate:

1. Find a thesis topic and thesis supervisor
2. Look for a Doctorate during the second year of your Master’s
3. Check with your doctoral school for information if you need funding or not

Cost Of Studying In France

The entry requirements, as well as tuition fees, vary from university to university. For example, some universities might not ask for a high fee or SAT results but some may ask. On average, here’s how much you might have to pay for tuition in a French university based on the program one has chosen for.

• Bachelor’s degree: 2,770 euros per year.
• Master’s degree: 3,770 euros per year.
• Ph.D.’s degree: 2,770 380 per year.

The France Student Visa Process

If you are not a European student, you need a student visa. To get the student visa, one needs the following documents:

• An acceptance letter issued by an accredited institution in France.
• Proof that you can fund yourself while staying in France. Such as a bank statement, a guarantor’s letters, or a notice of funding from a loan, scholarship, or grant.
• Proof of return ticket to home. Often this is in the form of the actual ticket or reservation showing the date of departure, but can be a handwritten statement of intent, including intended departure dates.
• Proof of medical insurance.
• Proof of accommodation. Can be shown in the form of student-housing confirmation or a certificate of the board and lodging (if you are living with friends or relatives).
• Optional - Proof of proficiency in French, if you are studying a French language course.

Top Courses in France

The grandes écoles (means Higher Schools) of France are elite higher education establishments. They are usually focused on a single subject area (e.g., engineering, business studies, or humanities). It has a small size, as typically between 100 and 300 students graduate per year. Because of such reason, it is highly selective. Such graduates are widely regarded as prestigious. Interestingly, and most of France's scientists and executives have graduated from a grande école.

Based on the same, the following are the preferred courses that most of the students from all over the world look for

• Science and Engineering: Écoles Normales Supérieures, Ecole Polytechnique, Mines ParisTech, ISAE-Supaéro, Ponts Paristech, and CentraleSupélec;
• Humanities: three Écoles Normales Supérieures and Ecole des Charter;
• Business: HEC Paris, NEOMA Business School, ESSEC Business School, ESCP Europe, INSEAD, EMLyon, Audencia and EDHEC;
• Administration and Political Sciences: ENA and Sciences Po.

Work While Studying In France

After completing the course, students get 18 months to 24 months’ work opportunities in France, which further helps secure a career either in France or some other countries of Europe. Interestingly, the average salary in France is about €40,000.

Internship Opportunities In France

Because of its cultural diversity and advanced economy, France may provide students with a range of internship opportunities. You may pursue business, schooling, or hospitality, among other things. The best thing is you do not need French language skills to get internships. The three most popular fields in which you can get an internship in France are Art History, Hospitality, and Education. Students mostly prefer doing internships during their fall or spring semesters. If you are concerned about missing classes, you can do an internship during your summer break. If you want to do a short-term internship, then winter break is a perfect time. The added advantage is that you get to see beautiful, culturally-rich places in France like Aix-En-Provence, Bordeaux, Paris, etc.

Career Opportunities In France

Health and social insurance, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing are now dominating the labor market. The construction is expected to be the most in-demand industry, followed by the lodging and food market and technical services. See the table below for a breakdown of how much they pay.

Although there will be employment for high-skilled employees such as analysts and engineers, for the time being, low-skilled positions will rise the fastest. Cleaners and assistants, administrative associates, service employees, scientific and engineering technicians, and teachers are occupations with most job opportunities.

Immigrate To France Post-Studies

There are various types of student visas authorized for France, and each type of student visa can work after finishing the studies. Here's a short look at it.

• Visa de court séjour pour etudes- Not Allowed
• Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes- Not Allowed
• Visa de long séjour etudes- Allowed

Simply placed, students who choose to take limited and short-term courses in France will be unable to stay. Only students studying in long-term studies, such as bachelor's and master's degrees, who have a Visa de Long Sejour Etudes or Long Stay Research Visa for France, are allowed to live in the country after completing the course for 24 months.

After finishing his or her studies in France, a student must depart the country in accordance with the country's immigration laws. However, if he/she has paid for jobs, he/she can apply for a residency permit in France. This applies to all bachelor where master's programs and applicants must qualify for a work permit.

Health Care Benefits In France

The French healthcare system includes both public and private hospitals, physicians, and other medical professionals who give services to all French citizens. This is irrespective of background, income, or social class, making the French healthcare system extremely open, even to foreigners. After all, France is ranked as the “Best Healthcare System in the World” by WHO. Let us check out the pros of the France Health Care System.

• Speed – It is simple to book an appointment, and it is timely, and there is no waiting.
• Price- A visit to the generalist costs just €23! In addition, everything gets covered in your health insurance.
• Options- homeopathic treatment, for example, is a readily available alternative.
• In-depth investigation

Public Transport Systems In France

France’s public transportation system is vast, reasonable and easy to use. Here we will discuss all the public transportation options available in France.

• Bus- If you take public transportation through much of France, you will quickly realized that the humble bus is the most common mode of transportation in the world. If you are commuting between suburbs in a big city or through remote French valleys, the bus is probably your best choice. It's also a perfect way to see aspects of your new home that you would not have seen otherwise.
• Coach- France is one of Europe's biggest nations, and the distances between major cities can be shocking. These inter-city and inter-regional coach routes provide a comfortable – and often less expensive – way to get across the world. Most cities will have a coach station (gare routière) where long-distance buses can be caught.
• Metro- Under your foot is one of the most efficient ways to get through several French towns. Rennes, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, and Lille all have metro systems that link the city's outskirts to the city center. These networks are often the fastest and most effective modes of transportation in these cities. Usually, tickets can be used for all modes of transportation in their respective cities, enabling you to get about with ease.
• Train- Train travel in France can be an utter treatment, with beautiful scenery to admire and surprisingly long journey times between cities. The state-owned SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français) operates French trains. This includes the fast TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) as well as slower regional and inter-city trains. Most major cities in France have high-speed network links, making this the most common and reliable means of French public transportation.
• Airplanes- France has one of Europe's most established air travel services and infrastructure, with a wide number of airports located across the region. Paris is home to two of France's busiest airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Many of France's airports, though, are remote regional hubs. These have only a few flights per day to both domestic and foreign destinations.
• Taxi- There are many taxis in France. These are authorized at the local level, with specific rules governing vehicle safety, passenger capacity, and operating hours. Private minicabs do not exist, and all taxis run equally throughout the country.

Education Facilities in France

The French school system is divided into three stages: basic, intermediate, and higher education.

Most primary and secondary schools in France, as well as a considerable number of universities, are public institutions with heavily organized administrations. Primary and secondary school curricula are uniform in all schools for a given grade.

• Primary Education- In France, formal education begins at the age of three, where many children attend kindergarten (maternelle). Daycare (pré-maternelle) is available beginning at the age of two.

Although pré-maternelle and maternelle classes are not required, all children must be enrolled in school by the age of six. Primary school lasts five years, from around the age of six to eleven (similar to elementary school in the United States).

• Secondary Education- the following elementary school, students progress to secondary school, which is split into two levels. The collège is a four-year program for children aged eleven to fifteen (similar to high school in the United States). Upon completion, students obtain a brevet des collèges.

Following the collège, students continue their higher education at the lycée (high school) for the final three years.

The baccalauréat (bac) degree is then awarded to students who complete an examination. The baccalauréat is similar to a high school diploma in the United States, although it varies in that it includes preparatory training.

• Higher Education- Following the lycée, students may obtain either a vocational diploma or an academic diploma.

There are two-year degrees in technology called the DUT (diplôme universitaire de technologie) and the BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur).

Diplomas in academics: Schools of higher education in France can be categorised into three groups: universities, academies and specialised institutes.

How We Help 

Our experienced consultants will guide you throughout your journey in pursuit of higher education and admissions into your dream universities/colleges. In specific but not limited to, following areas of assistance is provided by our consultants:

• Complete Profile Evaluation
• Guidance on curriculum and subject selection for high school (A levels, IB, IGCSE etc)
• STEM Coaching - Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Maths, Economics, English and many other subjects
• Preparation of different standardized tests - Undergraduate and Postgraduate
• Helping you to build your profile by guiding you on leadership skills, co-curricular activities, internship, online courses etc.
• Shortlist and finalize the best-fit college / university
• Research the right programs / courses for students
• Craft academic CV
• Brainstorm ideas for essays and personal statements
• Draft pointers for recommendation letters
• Scholarship and Financial Aid guidance
• MMI and Panel Interview Preparation
• Submission of the application form
• Follow up with the universities and updating the status of the applications
• Visa assistance and guidance
• Assistance on safe accommodation options
• Pre-Departure Guidance