Study in France
Bonjour, mon ami! Welcome to the rich, cultural landscape of France. Find yourself dazzled by the cuisine, the dancing, the art, and the music – all while you learn the French language. Thousands of people take their holiday in France every year to enjoy the wine and the relaxed lifestyle, if only for a short period of time. But, why not extend that holiday, and learn something while you’re at it?
If you're looking to study at a university in France, you will find numerous study degrees, combining rigorous academics with the allure of its rich cultural heritage. These days, universities and colleges in France are starting to offer plenty of English-taught degree options for Master’s and Bachelor’s students all over the world. From its long history in science, literature, art, and history, France has plenty of exciting options for international students. But French education is also about innovation and you are going to find many English-taught degrees related to Business, Science and Tech as well.
So, when you’re dreaming of walking dreamily around the The River Seine, or making your home in the Château de Versailles, then why not study abroad in France?
Why Study in France?
1. Very affordable tuition fees
If you come from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you won't pay more than 800 EUR per academic year; this applies to degrees at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD).
In some cases, non-EU/EEA students enjoy the same benefits, but in others they do pay higher tuition. Even so, studying in France is less expensive than in other countries, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
2. The number of English-taught degrees is growing
To attract more international students, both public and private universities in France have been increasing the number of English-taught study programmes in their academic offer.
There are over 1,500 courses taught in the English language, and the number is growing every year.
3. Excellent opportunities to learn or improve your French
Although English remains the primary international language in many sectors, you shouldn't overlook French. It is the third most common business language and the official language in over 30 countries worldwide.
Remember that people who speak at least two foreign languages have better chances to get higher salaries or apply for positions at large multinational corporations and institutions.
French is also famously known as "the language of love" (la langue de l'amour), and we must admit, there's something quite special about the words, the sounds, the accents, and how everything blends together beautifully.
4. France is a hub for research and innovation
Many French higher education institutions invest a lot of resources in their research facilities and staff. If you see yourself spending long hours in laboratories, conducting experiments, and working on humanity's next breakthrough, France is the place to go.
Over 64 Nobel Laureates and 15 Fields Medals highlight the importance that France places on research and progress.
5. Visit famous tourist attractions
From human-made wonders to natural beauties, there's so much to see in the Hexagon (popular nickname for France).
You can enjoy the French Riviera, explore the Prehistoric Cave Paintings in Lascaux, take a photo from the top of the Eiffel Tower, and quench your thirst for history at the Louvre Museum — these and many other attractions have transformed France into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Which universities to attend in France?
All over France, there are plenty of well-established and reputable international universities to choose from. Depending on what you study, you may be interested in going to one of the grande écoles or universities designed specifically for your subject.
Here is a list of higher education institutions we recommend:
What is it like to study in France?
French universities and institutions are known for having small classroom sizes. This means that, as a student, you don’t need to feel intimidated to ask questions or participate in a discussion. Plus, your instructors will be able to give you extra, individual assistance if you need it.
While you attend university in France, you’ll also be able to enjoy a thriving social life outside of your classes. With plenty of museums to visit and wonderful restaurants to try, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in plenty of French culture. while also getting your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
What to study in France?
When you study in France, you can find schools, universities, and institutions that are specifically devoted to the subject you’re most interested in. And because France has always been able to produce some of the greatest minds in Business, Economics, Science, and Art, you can be sure that you’ll join the ranks of other experts in your field.
Here are some subjects you might enjoy studying in France:
- Economics degrees in France
- Commerce degrees in France
- Food Sciences degrees in France
- Finance degrees in France
Where to study in France?
Everyone knows Paris – the big metropolitan city with the Eiffel Tower. But there are other charming cities all over the country, where international students can have a great time, drink great wine, and meet new people.
How to apply
Each university in France has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some documents you might need to include in your university application:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
- Your CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a French university
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in France you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require French, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
To apply to study in France, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.
The certificates generally accepted by the universities in France are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Still, you should always check your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.
Living in France
Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in France:
Tuition fees for universities in France
In France, they have both public and private universities and different tuition fees for each. Tuition fees also change based on your nationality, what you choose to study and what your education level will be.
Public universities
- Bachelor’s students: 170 EUR/year (Engineering and Medicine degree can cost between 500–700 EUR/year)
- Master’s students: 260 EUR/year
- PhD students: 396 EUR/year
Keep in mind that the tuition fees listed above usually only apply to EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA citizens can expect to pay higher tuition.
Private universities
Grande écoles: 500–10,000 EUR/year regardless of the degree type
- Private universities: 1,500–20,000 EUR/year regardless of the degree type
- Business schools: 5,000–30,000 EUR/year regardless of the degree type
If you're worried about tuition fees, have a look at these cheap universities in France.
Living costs in France
Depending on whether you find yourself in a big city or not, the cost of living in France can be quite different. However, compared to the rest of Europe, France can be quite pricey. In general you should prepare about 700–1,200 EUR/month to cover your student living costs. In more expensive cities, like Paris, you'll need around 1,200–1,800 EUR/month.
Here is a breakdown of the costs to expect in France:
- Rent (student residence halls vs private rent): 200–400 vs 400–700 EUR/month
- Utilities: 150–200 EUR
- Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 50 EUR
- Milk: 0.98 EUR
- Loaf of bread: 1.41 EUR
- Monthly transportation pass (metro, bus, train): 56 EUR
- Cappuccino: 2.82 EUR
About France
Nowadays, universities in France offer plenty of English-taught degree options for students worldwide. From its long history in science, literature, art, and history, France has plenty of exciting options for international students.
Interesting facts about France- France is the most visited country in the world. In 2012, they welcomed over 83 million tourists.
- People in France are prohibited from naming their pigs Napoleon.
- Louis XIX was king of France for 20 minutes.
- The people who invented the first digital calculator, hot air balloon, parachute, Braille, margarine, and the first public interactive computer were all French.
- In certain cases, you are legally allowed to marry a dead person.
Universities, colleges and schools in France
Bordeaux
- Institut Culinaire de France (3 Short courses)
- KEDGE Business School (2 Short courses)
Cergy-Pontoise
- ESSEC Business School (4 Short courses)
- CY TECH (1 Short course)
Chambéry
- OMNES Education (1 Short course)
Fontainebleau
- INSEAD - The Business School for the World (18 Short courses)
Gif-sur-Yvette
- Paris-Saclay Superior Normal School (1 Short course)
Gradignan
- Bordeaux Sciences Agro (3 Short courses)
Jouy-en-Josas
- HEC Paris (11 Short courses)
Le Havre
- Ecole de Management de Normandie (1 Short course)
Lille
- SKEMA Business School (22 Short courses)
Lyon
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (1 Short course)
- Jean Moulin University Lyon III (1 Short course)
Marseille
- KEDGE Business School (2 Short courses)
Montpellier
- MBS (3 Short courses)
- l'Institut Agro Montpellier (1 Short course)
Nantes
- IMT Atlantique - Graduate Engineering School (1 Short course)
- Audencia (3 Short courses)
Nice
- Data ScienceTech Institute (10 Short courses)
- EDHEC Business School (1 Short course)
Palaiseau
- École Polytechnique (1 Short course)
Paris
- SKEMA Business School (22 Short courses)
- EIT Manufacturing Master and Doctoral School (5 Short courses)
- ESRA International Film School (4 Short courses)
- Rennes School of Business (6 Short courses)
- Sup de Luxe (2 Short courses)
- The American University of Paris (2 Short courses)
- ESCP Business School (10 Short courses)
- École Ducasse (8 Short courses)
- Paris College of Art (29 Short courses)
- Queen Mary University of London (1 Short course)
- ESTACA (1 Short course)
- Indian School of Hospitality (2 Short courses)
- Institut Curie (15 Short courses)
- EICAR, The International Film and Television School of Paris (4 Short courses)
- University Paris Cité (1 Short course)
- TBS Education (24 Short courses)
- IFA Paris - International Fashion Academy (10 Short courses)
- Institut Pasteur (23 Short courses)
- Postgraduate (1 Short course)
Rennes
- Rennes School of Business (6 Short courses)
- IGR-IAE Rennes, Graduate School Of Management (2 Short courses)
Rouen
- UniLaSalle (3 Short courses)
Sophia Antipolis
- SKEMA Business School (22 Short courses)
Strasbourg
- International Space University (7 Short courses)
Toulouges
- ISAE-SUPAERO - Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space (1 Short course)
Toulouse
- TBS Education (24 Short courses)
- The University of Toulouse (2 Short courses)
- Toulouse School of Economics (1 Short course)
Yssingeaux
- École Ducasse (8 Short courses)
How to Apply to a Master's in France
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in France, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in France?
The documents and forms you will have to complete and upload are:
- A pre-registration certificate provided by the university;
- The Campus France authorization;
- Your Passport or ID card;
- Some ID/passport type photos;
- Copies of graduation diplomas and their French translation;
- A registration fee;
- Social security fees;
- A civil liability certificate;
- A copy of your European health insurance card (only if you're an EU citizen, obviously);
- CV;
- A motivation letter;
- English (or French) language certificate;
- Your transcript of records, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (or equivalent);
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating that you graduated);
- Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 EUR/month).
Prove your language skills
People speak French in France. Yes, we know, we just blew your mind! Nonetheless, they do, and, if you want to speak it with them, as well, you should prepare a proficiency certificate, like DELF, DALF, or TCF.
If you don't really care about the idea of studying in French, then, fortunately, you can pick an English degree. Still, you will have to present an English proficiency diploma. This one can be:
- TOEIC
- TOEFL
- IELTS
Application deadlines for France
In France, you can apply in two batches.
First, if you want to apply for the fall admission, then be sure you mark the 1st of February and the 1st of April in you calendar. And, sometimes, know that this date can be extended if there are still some available spaces.
If the cold bothers you, then check out the spring admission session, which ends on the 15th of September. And, of course, if there are still available spaces, it can be prolonged.