Master's Programs In France: A Guide To Academic Excellence

The land of the Eiffel Tower, revolution, art & history, baguettes, and Lourve – France is where dreams turn into reality. You can, too, live your dream right after finishing college because the country houses the best universities in the world. Without a doubt, applying for master's programs in France will get you there, where you want to see yourself! You can be a part of the ultimate student living experience, all while reshaping your CV. So, let’s take a look at how you can fulfil your dreams of studying master’s in France and explore the master's programs in France for international students.

Reasons to Study Master’s Programs in France 

If you study in France, you can finally get the breakthrough you deserve. You can find countless masters programs in France, that offer modern facilities to assist your research in every step. Thanks to the booming economy, getting your wet feet will never be a problem you will complain about. Getting a masters degree in France for international students will land you the dream job that you have always been aspiring for. 

While the language is no barrier, you can steer through manufacturing, technology, energy, tourism, and other sectors. While doing a masters in France, you can also find many extracurricular opportunities. Plus, you can explore historic areas & stunning architecture and find new interests. So, let's continue reading to find out what you need and how you should prepare for the masters programs in France. 

Master’s in France: Documents for Admission

Looking for a smooth admission? Before you get ready to fill out the applications, check the requirements for masters courses in France. The following are the documents you need after applying: 

1. Statement of purpose 

2. Copy of your birth certificate and passport 

3. Proof of financial resources 

4. Letter of recommendation 

5. A cover letter 

6. English or French language proficiency certificate (as applicable) 

7. Proof of health insurance 

8. Transcripts for educational qualifications 

9. Scorecards of GRE/ GMAT/ LSAT/ other exams 

10. CV/ Resume 

11. Work experience certificate (if required) 

While applying for a student visa for masters degree in France, check the basic criteria on the French government website. It's best to go through the France student visa guide and learn all about the different types, eligibility criteria, and other requirements. 

Eligibility Criteria to Study Master’s Programs in France

Visit the university's website, and start gearing up for masters programs in France. If you are an international student, you need to pass DAP or demande d'admission préalable. Below are other main requirements for masters courses in France: 

1. Relevant Academic Background 

To apply for masters courses in France, you need relevant education. Some colleges also ask you to complete credit courses if you have zero proven knowledge of the course. 

2. Letter of Recommendations 

Get a recommendation letter from your supervisor, employer, or professor for masters courses in France. Think of it as a certification to make you eligible for your potential to achieve your goals. 

3. Minimum Percentage Requirements 

Every university has its own minimum GPA requirements. The more prestigious the university is, the higher the minimum GPA requirement will be. Of course, don't make the mistake of overlooking cut-offs on the college’s official website.

4. Portfolio Requirements 

Whether you want to study fine arts or architecture, your work experience will push your application to the top. Showing off your experience, and don’t leave your extracurriculars behind! 

Popular Master’s Courses in France  

Don't you want to study in one of the best destinations for higher studies? We can understand how excited you must be after choosing the country for higher studies, but you may want to look at the top masters programs in France. The following list will tell you if you are choosing the right course and what your expected average annual salary will be. 

1. Luxury Brand Management 

Job Opportunities: Product Developer, Brand Manager, Marketing Strategist 

Average Salary: 47,500 EUR/year 

France is the mecca for fashion and luxury brands. For this reason, pursuing a masters in luxury brand management will get you to work with iconic brands. The degree offers a smooth transition to retail management, product development, brand strategy, etc. With the luxury goods market growing 3.50% per year, landing a job at Chanel may not be a distant dream for you anymore. 

2. Master of Business Administration 

Job Opportunities: Marketing Manager, Investment Banker, Product Manager 

Average Salary: 50,000 EUR/year 

As the education sector receives 20% of government spending, master’s programs in France for international students hold remarkable potential. From INSEAD to HEC, the ten best business schools in France offer world-class curriculum. Plus, an MBA in France will not only promise a job but also take you closer to significant firms like Michelin, L’Oreal, and others. After completing your masters in France, you will start from mid-level management and sharpen your knowledge of the financial and business worlds. 

3. Finance and Accounting 

Job Opportunities: Financial Analyst, Treasury Analyst, Compliance Officer

Average Salary: 58,000 EUR/year 

Paris houses the Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development, which is an international body to develop policy standards for sustainable economic growth. The fact alone makes completing a masters in finance in France an opportunity never to miss. That’s why the work opportunities are available in abundance, and you can find yourself at an investment firm or multinational company after finishing your masters in France. 

4. Management 

Job Opportunities: Strategic Planner, Digital Marketing Manager, Business Consultant 

Average Salary: 40,000 EUR/year 

You might have heard a lot about master’s in management in France, and the abundance of brimming opportunities one can explore. For management and business education, you will find more than a hundred institutions specialising in masters programs in France. Owing to the country’s robust business panorama, you can gain a hands-on approach in technology, retail, or healthcare.  

5. Tourism and Hospitality Management 

Job Opportunities: Event Planner, Marketing & PR Officer, Hotel Manager 

Average Salary: 35,000 EUR/year 

France welcomes more than 70 million tourists every year; therefore, opportunities to study tourism and hospitality management are many here. College de Paris and Skema Business School offer masters programs in France for students aspiring to contribute to the billion-dollar industry. The dynamic sector gives way to grabbing a lucrative opportunity to manage events on the French Riviera or luxury hotels. 

Top Universities for Master’s in France 

For your master’s courses in la France, you may find it a challenge to find the best university. After all, the 36 universities in the country are topping the QS World Rankings. But where should you apply for masters in France? Check out the top universities listed below and see whether the institution offers the course. 

1. The SKEMA Business School 

Established: 2009

From masters in management to Grande École, SKEMA offers AI, luxury marketing, and many masters programs in France. Titled with "triple crown," the institution is crowned with AACSB, EFMD EMBA, and EQUIS. Their Grande École is at 12th in the world, and we cannot go on without missing its MSc in financial markets and investments. Studying at SKEMA will also offer a chance to network with business-minded people from around the world.

2. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon 

Established: 1882 

With the QS World Ranking of 184, ÉNS Lyon is home to 1.2 million academic resources. This elite university welcomes undergraduates and working professionals across the world for their top-ranked courses, from sciences and humanities. Some of the popular master's courses are for fundamental physics, cognitive sciences, and chemistry. 

3. Leonardo De Vinci University

Established: 1995 

Among many universities in France for international students, this one stands out for offering masters in France in English. With more than 70,000 students on board, the university vows to teach following project-based methods. Currently, they have been recognised with the EESPIG certification and have earned much popularity for their masters in English in France. For an MSc in digital business analytics or a masters in management in France, the university is one of the great choices. 

4. Montpellier Business School  

Established: 1897

With an acceptance rate of 55%, MBS is a proud champion of EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB. Among many of their famous masters programs in France, their courses on business excellence, finance, and marketing stand out. Since 2012, this 107-year-old management school has been ranked at the top for the Financial Times' Best Masters in Management.  

5. Sorbonne University 

Established: 2018

As the merger between Pierre & Marie Curie University and Paris-Sorbonne University, the new Sorbonne University came in front with a 20% acceptance rate. The institution ranks 83rd among the top universities and secures 42nd in the world for strong academic scores. Master in actuarial science, master in marine sciences, and master of biodiversity, ecology & evolution are a few popular courses here.

Scholarships for Master’s Programs in France 

Steeped in history, France is a wonderful place to study master’s. However, the tuition fees often hold back many students’ dreams and aspirations. The public universities usually follow the fee regulated by the state. Though a master degree in France for international students may be more expensive than home students, the government bears a huge portion of it. 

While EEA, French, and EU nationals pay 200-600 EUR/year for public universities, international students for masters programs in France pay around 3,770 EUR/year. On the other hand, private universities follow their own rules, so don’t be shocked if you see the tuition fees are around 10,000 EUR. You can note down the top 10 scholarships in France for international students and prepare. 

As the scope for a masters degree in France is plenty, you should stay prepared with the cost of living in France as a student. Studying in the land of baguettes and berets may sound fancy; however, financial woes can catch up when you do not prepare ahead. So, best luck for your future endeavours!