A Comprehensive Guide to Studying in France 2024

Are you looking to study abroad in a country that promises the best quality of education and fantastic student life? Your quest ends here - enter France! Home to the Fashion Capital of the world, France has a rich and decorated past and is home to some of the most distinguished universities. It has become a premier study-abroad destination for international students worldwide. A report by Campus France suggested that the number of international students surged by 8% in 2021-22, exceeding a whopping 400,000. Join the rising tide of students flocking to study in France! 

Let us dive into our comprehensive guide and discover the ins and outs of their education system and the best courses and universities in France for international students. We will also cover the cost of living, visa process and admission requirements. We will discuss the most happening cities in France and spill the beans on scholarships, education loans, part-time work options, post-study work permits and the hottest job sectors. Studying in France is more than just textbooks and exams; it will immerse you into the culture of the country and transform you as a person. So, let us expand our horizons and become the best version of ourselves. Book a ticket to study in France and start your educational journey here! 

Why Study in France?

France is long known for its quality education, which stands the test of time. Here are some compelling reasons to study in France:

1. Best Universities

Some of the top universities in France, like Sorbonne University and PSL Research University, are highly ranked in the QS Best Universities List. The universities ensure high-quality education by providing exceptional programs in multiple disciplines. 

2. Global Recognition

An in-demand degree from an esteemed French university is globally recognised and highly respected. It opens the doors to international career opportunities.

3. Cultural Experience

Studying in France gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in French history, art and cuisine while residing in one of the most culture-rich countries in the world.

4. Affordability

The tuition fees at French universities are relatively more affordable than in other countries. You can avail of numerous scholarships to fund your study in France.

5. Diverse Course Offerings

French universities offer various courses and programs across various disciplines, allowing you to pursue your academic interests.

6. Quality of Life

The French are known to have a high standard of living and excellent healthcare facilities. Commuting in France is a breeze with the efficient transport system and a vibrant social scene while studying in France.

Studying in France VS UK

We know how fond the world is of the United Kingdom and its education system, but we also know France has set a benchmark for providing the finest education. Studying in France is something that most students dream of. Below is a comprehensive list of a comparison between the UK and France;

Cost of Studying: 

1. France- 5000 to 7000 EUR
2.  UK- £18,000 to £35,000

Popular Intake

1. France- September, March
2. UK- January, April, September

Salary expectation

1. France- 52,911 EUR
2. UK- 115,000 GBP

France Education System

If you are considering studying in France, it is important to learn more about the education system of this beautiful country. The French education system is celebrated worldwide and attracts a diverse community of international students. France has a highly centralised education system. It is divided into three stages, namely primary, secondary and higher education. As you move to secondary education, you will get into college. College education lasts four years, followed by the lycée spanning three years. It finally ends with the prestigious baccalauréat qualification akin to a high school diploma. Once you have completed secondary education, the doors to higher education open. Check out this blog to know the top reasons to study abroad.

Top Universities in France

France is renowned for its numerous prestigious universities that consistently rank among the best in the world. Here's a closer look at the top universities in France based on the latest QS World University rankings for 2024:

Top Courses in France

France offers various courses across various disciplines. Here are some of the top courses popular among international students:

Cost of Studying in France

France offers high-quality academic programs at very low tuition fees for international students compared to other countries. The tuition fees for European students at public institutions are €170 per year for Bachelor's degrees, €243 per year for Master's degrees, €601 per year for engineering schools, and €380 per year for doctoral programs as of 2022. Non-European students are required to pay differentiated registration fees. The state covers 2/3rd of the cost of education for students. The differentiated registration fee at the Bachelor's level is €2,770 per year, while at the Master's level, it is €3,770 per year. It is important to note that certain schools, such as those operated by the Ministry of Defense or Agriculture, may have different tuition charges. 

Cost of Living in France

France is an upcoming study-abroad destination for students who wish to pursue the best degrees and the highest quality of education. Before students move to France, students must know the city's cost of living in which their university is located. Having a clear idea of the expenses will help you budget accordingly and ensure a comfortable stay while studying in France.

1. Accommodation: €400 - €800 / month
2. Food and groceries: €200 - €300 / month
3. Transportation: €30 - €70 / month
4. Utilities (electricity, water, internet): €80 - €120 / month
5. Mobile phone plan: €20 - €30 / month
6. Health insurance: €50 - €100 / month
7. Books and study materials: €30 - €50 / month
8. Entertainment and leisure: €100 - €150 / month

Browser here to know more about; Cost of living in France

French Student Visa

It is very important for international students planning to study in France to obtain the right student visa. The visa type you need depends on your study program. There are three main types of French student visas:

1. Schengen Short-Stay Visa

Students can stay in France and the Schengen area for 80 days. The student visa in France is perfect for students enrolling in short training courses lasting less than three months. 

2. Temporary Long-Stay Visa

The student visa in France is for students attending programs that last between 4 to 12 months. The arrival process is simple as there are no additional formalities upon arrival. 

3. Long-Stay Visa - Visa de Long Séjour pour Études(VLS-TS)

The French student visa acts as a residence permit and is a permanent requirement for students planning to study in France for over six months. The student visa in France is valid for the duration of your program and involves additional formalities upon arrival.

The student visa application process depends on your country of origin. Some students must apply through Campus France (The official national agency for higher education and international students). Others must independently apply for both university admission and student visa. Documents supporting the visa application include the official acceptance letter from an accredited French institution, proof of sufficient funds for living expenses, a return ticket, and medical insurance coverage. Know more about France visas for students.

Admission Requirements to Study in French Universities

The medium of instruction in most of the universities in France is French. Therefore, incoming international students should appear for language proficiency tests to prove their command of the French language. For undergraduate programs, a level of command of the French language equivalent to B1/B2 in the European Language Passport is required. The French language requirements for graduate studies (Master's or PhD) may differ according to your school and program, so you must consult your school's admission counsellor for accurate details. A French proficiency test, like TCF (Test de connaissance du français), is required, along with an undergraduate degree, English language proficiency test scores, GMAT/GRE scores, and work experience if applicable.

Best Student Cities in France

Deciding on a city to stay in is a common yet major dilemma faced by many students who wish to study in France. To clear out the confusion, we have listed the top French cities mentioned in the QS best student cities in 2023. Though most know Paris as one of the most visited tourist attractions worldwide, it is also one of the top student cities, ranking at #9. Before moving into a new city to study in France, some crucial factors are living costs, safety, quality of education, community and transport. 

1. Toulouse
2. Rennes
3. Montpellier
4. Strasbourg
5. Grenoble
6. Lyon
7. Bordeaux
8. Nantes
9. Paris
10. Poitiers

Study in France Scholarships

Students who wish to study in France but lack the financial means should not give up on their dreams, as France offers multiple scholarships for international students. The scholarships available include university, financial, merit, country-based, government-funded, privately funded and partial scholarships. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must have strong academic records, extracurricular achievements and good scores in standardised exams. Carefully reviewing each scholarship's eligibility criteria is necessary, as some may focus on specific fields of study or students from particular backgrounds/countries. Here is a list of some of the scholarships for international students to apply for while studying in France:

1. The Sophie Germain Scholarship: Supports international students pursuing postgraduate degrees in mathematics.
2. The French Government MOPGA Scholarship: Awarded to researchers focusing on environmental issues.
3. The Eiffel Scholarship Programme of Excellence: Provides support to graduate and PhD students in various disciplines. 
4. Government-funded programs: Erasmus+ is awarded to students and staff for study, training, and work opportunities in European countries
5. Non-government scholarships: The Chateaubriand Fellowship and Alexandre Yersin Scholarships.
6. University-specific scholarships: Stephen M. Kellen Scholarship, Emile Boutmy Scholarship, and ENS International Selection Scholarships
7. Other scholarships: Scholarships offered by the American Association of Teachers of French, Campus France, Fulbright Scholarship, and AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships.

Part-Time Work Options in France for International Students

International students can do part-time work while studying in France. French Law allows foreigners to work up to 964 hours per year. If you are a student (or not) working in France, French Law guarantees a minimum wage of €11.27 per hour. Students not from the European Union must have a student resident permit before applying for part-time jobs while studying in France.

Post-Study Work Permit in France

A post-study work permit in France allows international students to extend their stay there after completing their studies to search for jobs. The French government provides students with many options for post-study work permits to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the French economy. The permits include the Temporary Residence Permit, Talent Passports, and EU Resident Card.

The Temporary Residence Permit allows students to stay in France for 12 months to search for employment or start a business. 

Popular Job Sectors in France

France's economy has shown resilience and is on a path to recovery following the COVID-19 crisis. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects that the real GDP of France will grow by 2.6% in 2022 and 0.6% in 2023. France offers the best jobs for professionals within the country and internationally. Let us look at the top-performing job sectors in France:

1. Tech Industry
2. Finance
3. Tourism and Hospitality
4. Healthcare
5. Architecture
6. Education
7. Arts and Creative Industries
8. Manufacturing and Engineering
9. Consulting and Management
10. Agriculture

Job Opportunities in France

France, as a country, offers ample job opportunities for international graduates; some schools in France for international students are flexible with students interning or doing part-time jobs while studying. One can be stable financially and earn a good amount of experience. Below are a few job opportunities one can explore in France;

Part-Time

1. English Tutor: 15 EUR per hour
2. Technician Support: 10 EUR per hour
3. Research Assistant: 15EUR per hour
4. Cashier: 10 EUR per hour

Full Time

1. Product Designer: 30,000 EUR - 60,000 EUR
2. Video Editor: 30,000 EUR - 50,000 EUR
3. Sales Executive: 100,000 EUR - 120,000 EUR
4. Research Scientist: 50,000 EUR - 75,000 EUR
5. Engineer: 45,000 EUR - 80,000 EUR
6. Business Developer: 30,000 EUR - 70,000 EUR

So what are you waiting for? Grab the opportunity to study at some of the best schools in France for international students. With scholarship options available and a focus on research and innovation, France is the perfect place to obtain your degree. We hope the blog has provided you with all the necessary information regarding studying in France, and you are already on your way to booking your tickets! Choose France as your educational destination and start your journey today. Also get informed on France culture and traditions.