Study abroad in France: a guide to French universities
If you want to study abroad, higher education (Enseignement Superieur) in Best Study abroad in France attracts many international students. With high-quality French universities, grandes écoles (like Ivy League universities), as well as specialized schools offering a wide range of courses at nominal fees, it’s no surprise that France attracts a quarter of a million foreign students studying abroad in France. . Every year.
More than 287,000 international students come to study abroad at French universities and higher education institutions each year, making it the fourth most popular student study abroad destination after the US, the UK and Australia. A third of French PhDs are awarded to students from outside France, and almost half of academic papers are co-authored with at least one foreign colleague.
France is committed to a policy of treating French and international students equally, with equal and very low tuition fees for courses leading to national diplomas (degrees), and equal access to benefits such as housing assistance and health insurance.
Top Universities in France
French universities are of high quality. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2014–15, France had two educational institutions in the top 100: Ecole Polytechnique at 61 and Ecole Normale Supérieure at 78. Five more universities are in the top 200: Pierre and Marie Curie University (103), Paris-Sud University (120), Ecole Normale Supérieur de Lyon (160), Joseph Fourier University (178) and Paris-Diderot University-Paris 7 (180). .
Study Abroad: Higher Education in France
French universities offer about 36,000 different programs and courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level. Some undergraduate programs and a large number of post-graduate programs are at least partially taught in English. You can find a list of over 1,000 programs taught in English.
Each institution sets its own calendar but the academic year usually starts between 15 September and 1 October and ends in late June/early July. Best Study abroad in France has public holidays around Christmas/New Year, February and April.
Related: Best Colleges in France for International Students 2022
Types of Universities in France
France has about 250 elite institutions called Grandes Ecoles, 83 public universities, as well as many other research institutes and specialized schools.
The Grandes Ecoles are Best Study abroad in France’s most prestigious higher education institutions, producing many politicians, top civil servants and scientists. The two highest French universities in the world rankings – Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Normale Supérieure – are Grandes Ecoles. They usually specialize in a single field, often business or engineering, although some offer a wider range of subjects. In fact, admission is through highly competitive entrance exams. They can be either public or private. They teach many programs in English and enroll about 30,000 international students.
About 80% of university students in France attend a public university; 10% of these are international students. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) can enroll in French universities, which offer training in all disciplines. Public universities are funded by the French government and often include internships.
There are also research institutes, schools of art and architecture, colleges of fashion, film, performing arts, journalism, social work and other specialties.
Many universities, research and specialized schools are grouped together in higher education and research clusters or PRES (pôles de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur) collaborating on courses, research and resources. Degrees are sometimes awarded by PRES rather than individual institutions. In fact, there are about 20 PRES in France.
Qualification awarded in France
French degree courses at universities follow the Bologna ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Under the system, one credit corresponds to the student workload required to successfully complete course modules; These credits are cumulative and transferable. Three levels of national diplomas (diplomes nationalaux) are awarded in France:
- License (equivalent to Bachelor’s degree) – three years, 180 ECTS.
- Master’s degree, which is divided into research, for those who want to progress on a doctorate (PhD), or professional, for those who want to enter the workplace after graduation – two years, 120 ECTS.
- National Doctoral Degree (PhD) – three years, 180 ECTS.
Students at grandes écoles have two years of preliminary study (CPGE or Prepa) at a grande école or another school before sitting the entrance exam for three-year programs at one or more grandes écoles. At the end of five years students are awarded their school diploma which is equivalent to a master’s degree.
Cost of studying in France
International students pay the same tuition fees as French students. The French government subsidizes state higher education so fees at French universities are extremely low. The annual tuition fees for 2014-15 in state educational institutions are prescribed by law:
- €189.10 for license course
- €261.10 for a master course
- €396.10 for doctoral courses
- €615.10 for courses leading to the Diplom d’Engineer (Engineering Diploma).
Tuition fees at private institutions, especially business and management schools, are much higher and usually between €3,000 and €10,000 per year. However, top management schools can charge up to €30,000 per year.
You will need to support yourself while you are studying in France: allow a monthly budget of around €1,000 in Paris and €800 elsewhere.
Student accommodation in France
University residences (Citiés-U) are managed both on campus and in towns by regional student-service agencies called CROUS/CNOUS. It is the cheapest form of student accommodation (around €120 per month for a room) and you will need a guarantor. If you hold a French government grant, are on an exchange program or are in the second year of a master’s or doctoral course, you have the best chance of securing a room.
You’ll find private student buildings near most universities in France, with amenities including common rooms, cafeterias, laundry, staffed front desks, garage spaces, and maid services. Rent is around €600–700 per month in Paris or €400–700 per month elsewhere and you also need a guarantor. You can also hire privately. Contact the University Housing Office and Student Services, or CROUS.
Grandes Ecoles and some private institutions have student accommodation on campus, with rents around €250–350 per month.
You may also be able to apply for a grant to help pay for accommodation through CAF (Allocations Familiales).
French visa to live and study in France
EU/EEA students do not need a visa to come and study at a French university, but almost everyone else does. If you go through the CEF process (see above), they will organize your visa for you. If you are not, you will also need to arrange a visa through your French Embassy/Consulate once you have a place offer from the university. You will need to show proof of your academic qualifications, study plans, French language proficiency (if applicable) and prove that you have sufficient funds to support you while you are studying in France – around €615 per month.
For the first year of your studies, the visa is proof of your residence status, although you will still need to register with the immigration office after you arrive. From the second year you have to apply for Carte de Sejour. For even more information, see Expatica’s guide to French student visas and permits.
Everyone needs health insurance that is valid in Best Study abroad in France. Read more about health insurance requirements in Best Study abroad in France.
After you arrive in Best Study abroad in France to start your studies, you must register at the university at the beginning of the academic year to complete your registration. You will be asked to enroll in the National Student Health Scheme and you will also receive your student ID.
Work while you are a student in France
Students within the EU/EEA can take up paid employment alongside their studies without restriction as long as your university participates in the Student Health Care Plan (social security).
Everyone can work as long as they have a French residence permit. Students can work a maximum of 964 hours in a year. Graduates of Master’s programs or above can apply for a non-renewable permit to stay in Best Study abroad in France for one more year, working under the same conditions. See French student visas and permits.
Tips on student life in France
- Students majoring in arts or humanities may find that there are many more classes to attend at a French university than at a previous university at home. Lectures can start as early as 8 am and last for three hours without a break.
- Exams may be more about memorizing information presented in a lecture rather than independent learning.
- It is not uncommon for students to do a year (repeat) if results are not up to scratch.
- Most French students choose to attend a university in their home region and many go home on weekends.
Colleges in France for International Students
Are you thinking of studying abroad, especially in Best Study abroad in France? If yes, this article will guide you to choose some of the best colleges in Best Study abroad in France for international students. France is a beautiful historical country in Western Europe with a rich geographical landscape. It has a rich and distinguished history of artistic and scientific achievements. France, a country defined by its unique culture, has inspired world cuisine, fashion and literature.
The Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint Michel, Chateau de Versailles and other time-honored architectural treasures can be found in Best Study abroad in France. Another reason to visit the scenic country is as an international business hub. This article will look at the best colleges in France for international students. If you have any questions related to the article, feel free to contact for additional information.
Why is France suitable for international students to study?
French universities have a strong academic reputation. Several have existed since the 13th century and have produced some of the best thinkers and artists known in the world. More than 250,000 international students are currently enrolled in Best Study abroad in France, where they can benefit from excellent teaching and research opportunities.
Compared to other nations, studying in Best Study abroad in France is less expensive, with students paying an average of €200 (USD 250). Because they are funded by the government, public colleges have lower tuition. Scholarship programs are available at private colleges (Grandes Ecoles). Teaching at French institutions consists of extensive lecture courses and small laboratory discussions, allowing external and internal learning.
France’s cost of living can be a bit more substantial than its neighbors. On the other hand, students are entitled to discounted rates on everything from accommodation to transportation to museums. Most French people are multilingual. However, learning French while you’re studying is usually a brilliant idea.
Best Colleges in France for International Students
These French universities are ranked numerically based on their overall ranking in the Best Global Universities list. Members of the Academic Community-rated schools worldwide and in Europe based on their research performance and rating. Check out the list of colleges in Best Study abroad in France for international students.
Paris University of Sciences and Letters
Paris Science and Lettres University in Best Study abroad in France’s top university for international students. It was created by consolidating five institutions, including a regular school, an engineering institute and an observatory. PSL has expanded into 11 constituent schools, covering a wide range of academic fields such as physical sciences, life sciences, economics, humanities, creative arts and more. PSL is a top performer in specialized mathematics, physics and ecology.
The university has produced leading philosophers such as Louis Pasteur, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault. PSL has 17,000 students and 2,900 scholars, 140 labs, ten incubators, fab labs and co-op areas. PSL is a holistic institution that offers all the resources necessary for growth and prosperity, including small classes, high teacher-to-student ratios, and significant research involvement.
PSL research universities are consistently ranked high in significant university rankings in teaching and research. The university has since developed close partnerships with overseas institutions such as Cambridge, Berkeley and New York University, to name a few.