Why Study in France?
You've decided to study in France. You can't imagine all that lies in front of you: learning French, discovering a new culture, meeting international students
- France is the first country who signed a mutual recognition agreement with India
- A French degree gives you access to the 570 French companies operating in India
- Over 500 French scholarships are available to Indian students.
- The richness and diversity offered by the French system make it easy to find an educational program that matches your background and goals
- Programmes are professionally oriented and combine theory and practice and use professional tools in real-world settings
- 1500 French programmes are taught in English
- France is the world’s fourth-largest destination for international students and the leading non-English speaking destination
- Learn French, learn the official language of over 30 countries across 5 continents
- France tops research and innovation with over 64 Nobel Laureates and 15 Fields Medals
- An environment favorable to innovation and to young entrepreneurs
Public Universities in France for International Students
Deciding to study in France means having access to high-quality programmes that have been designed for a wide range of student interests. As per Campus France, the tuition fee is low in public higher education institutes because the French government subsidizes higher education. Some of the affordable and cheap universities in France for international students are:
- University of Paris
- Université Paris-Saclay
- Montpellier University
- University of Strasbourg
- Aix Marseille University
Other affordable public universities in France
- University of Burgundy
- University of Orleans
- Ecole Polytechnique
Top Courses to Study in France
France is a country that many people choose for their education because it is literally world class. Education is a serious matter in France, as it should be, and those who wants to study abroad in France can always count on getting the very best education possible.
Nuclear, Space and Aviation teaching in France is very popular. Other industries in which France excels includes Teaching, Languages, Art, History, Medicine and Law.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, France is definitely the country that can make your dreams come true. Of course, you need to be sure that you are going to stay in the country or already live there if you plan to earn such a degree as it cannot be taken out of the country and used to teach. There are many different French language courses being taught, but you can also learn German, Italian, Spanish and English in the country as well.
France is a country that excels in Law degrees; however, this is another area that is best left for the locals (e.g. England and Wales and France have completely different legal systems (common law and civil law respectively). Those who are interested in learning International Law will find the many different courses in France to be of the highest degree. Economics courses in France are very popular for both local and international students.
Another excellent choice for abroad study in France is Science. As France is so high on their standards of learning, the Science programs offered at the various colleges and universities are often difficult and designed for those who truly want to earn their degree in the field. Popular courses to study in France for Indian students include:
- Medicine
- Geography
- Pharmacology
- Art History
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- European and Mediterranean Cultures
- Communication technology
- Information Technology
- French Studies
- International Business Administration
- Film Studies
- Global Communications
- Finance
- International Finance
- Literary Studies
- Creative Arts
- Psychology
- International Economics
- International and Comparative Politics
Can I Study in France for Free?
Note that no tuition fees, whether differentiated or not are applicable for those students who:
- Come to study in France as a part of the partnership programme between universities that provide for total exemption from enrolment fees (like the Erasmus+ programme particularly)
- Students who have been allotted a French government grant (BGF)
- Students who have been allotted a grant from their host institution, providing a total exemption from enrolment fees
Note that the partial or total exemption policy is applicable for those Non-EU students who have been granted full or partial exemption from tuition fees by their host institution in France or by French embassy in their home country.
Tuition Fee in France for International Students
According to Campus France, non-EU students are required to pay differentiated registration fees if:
• You are enrolling for the first time for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or for an engineering degree, for the start of the 2022/23 academic year
• Within a higher education establishment that falls under within the scope of MESRI
• Given that you are permanently settled in France
In a real sense, the state will therefore cover two-thirds of the cost of your training. The total registration fee that students are required to pay is:
• At the bachelor’s level, they need to pay €2,770 per year
• At the master level, they need to pay €3,770 per year
• Non-EU doctoral students are not subject to new differentiated tuition fees
Scholarships to study in France
International students who cannot afford to study in France can apply for various scholarships. Given below is a list of the scholarships to which students can apply.
- Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship program was established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to allow French higher education institutes to attract the top foreign students to enroll in their PhD and Masters programs.
- Emile-Boutmy Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students whose profiles match the admission priorities and the requirements of course. It is offered at both bachelor’s and master’s level and covers a tuition grant that can range between €3000 to €13000 depending on the year of study programme.
- Ampere Scholarship of Excellence: The Ampere Scholarships of Excellence of the ENS De Lyon provide students an opportunity to enroll in one of the ENS De Lyon Masters programs in the Exact Sciences, the Arts or the Human and Social Sciences. The financial support offered is 1,000 Euros per month for 12 months.
- Ile-De-France Masters Scholarships: The Regional Council of Ile-De-France offers master's scholarships to international students who wish to study at a higher education institute in Ile-De-France.
- INSEAD MBA Scholarships: Three types of scholarships are available: need-based, non-need-based (awarded as per nationality, leadership abilities, professional background, or any combination of these criteria), and spot scholarships that are awarded immediately without the need for applications on the basis of exceptional admission profiles.
Eligibility and Documents required to Study in France
1. Many universities in France require students to have a minimum of 60% to 65% in their earlier degree qualification to be eligible to apply for Bachelor's / Master's / Phd.
2. IELTS (not mandatory for every university so cross-check)
3. For admission to any University in France, you need to take the English or French language tests to prove your language efficiency.
Documents needed for admission
1. Your various marksheets, transcripts, passing certificates & etc., from your secondary/high school or diploma.
2. Universities also require students to submit recommendation letters from their professors, school principal, and supervisors stating that they are a well-performing
3. Many universities and degree programs require students to have relevant academic backgrounds to pursue the selected Master’s course.
4. Many courses, such as courses related to fine arts, architecture, etc., also require students to submit a portfolio.
5. Top B-Schools in France also require students to give the GRE/GMAT to apply to their University.
6. A Valid Passport: Copy of your passport (mandatory first and last page)
What are the other options to study in France for free?
In order to study in France for free, students should also keep the following points in mind.
- Find a part-time job: International students are allowed to work in France while studying. French law allows international students to work up to 964 hours per year. Even though you may not find tuition-fee-free universities in France to study or you may not get a scholarship, the tuition fees are still lower in France than in the U.S. So, to manage the living expenses, you can do a part-time job.
- Choices at your local embassy: In order to know about the available financial aid options, it is advised to get in touch with your local embassy, as there are agreements between governments most of the time. According to Campus France, every year, the French Embassy in India along with French companies awards scholarships totaling up to 12 crore Indian rupees to over 500 meritorious young Indian students who want to pursue their higher education in France. In all, Indian applicants with outstanding achievement records have a number of funding options for their studies in France.
- Educational loan: International students who want to study in France can also apply for educational loans from the banks. In order to make sure that the educational loan process is hassle-free, it is advised to keep the documents ready like a filled application form, identity proof, proof of residence, photographs of the applicant and co-applicant, financial statement, etc. The education loan will help you cover the expenses like fees payable, accommodation / hostel charges, other expenses like book, computer, uniforms, etc.
Cost of Living in France
France, as a country, needs no introduction. People know the country and also know that it is one of the expensive countries to stay in. In fact, this is not too far from the truth. Some of the French cities are rather expensive to stay in. But on an average, if we were to look at the country from a student’s point of view...then how costly is it? Well, nothing too extravagant but yes, a tad more than other European countries like Germany and Italy. Comparing it to UK and USA, well, it’s cheaper but just.
What is important to note, however, is that the bigger the city, the higher the cost of living! For instance, rentals in Paris are almost twice as much as the country average at about €928 per month for a single room accommodation. Also, the other things would be more are well. The city averages at about €180 per month for basic utilities and recreation costs way more – after all there is so much to see and do in a city like Paris.
The rates also vary if you are looking at city centre properties or are willing for accommodation in the suburbs. Also, three bedroom accommodation, if taken on sharing basis, would cost a student much less. Also, campus accommodation, again, would be cheaper as well and a great place for students to explore.