Study in France

France offers a multicultural environment for students with 12% of the student population comprising international students. France, despite being a non-English speaking country, is highly inclusive, offering over 1500 courses taught in English as well. This is a major draw for international students. 

Key Highlights 

How does the Education System Work in France

The French Education System offers a range of opportunities for Indian students. Public universities often provide free education in France or charge minimal fees, especially for EU students. While fees for non-EU students, including Indian students, are higher, scholarships can significantly reduce costs. Indian student life in France is enriched by its diverse culture, world-class universities, and the chance to pursue internships or part-time jobs during studies. The structured education system includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs with a focus on practical skills, making it a desirable destination for Indian students looking to study abroad.

How does the Credit System Work in France

In France, the credit system is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). ECTS is a standard for comparing the academic credits of higher education institutions across the European Union. The ECTS credit system is based on student workload and measures the quantity of work required to complete a course.

In France, one ECTS credit corresponds to 25-30 hours of student workload, which includes time spent in class, individual study, and coursework. Most courses in higher education are worth between 3-6 ECTS credits. Students typically take 30 ECTS credits per semester or 60 ECTS credits per academic year.

The credit system is an important tool for student mobility and the recognition of qualifications across different countries and institutions. ECTS credits are transferable between higher education institutions within the European Union and can be used towards the completion of a degree. ECTS credits are also used to assess a student's progress towards their degree and determine if they have met the requirements to progress to the next level of study.

What is the Application Process to Study in France

Almost all French university applications are typically done through the “Études en France” platform for international students. This centralized system helps track and manage your application to multiple universities. Indian students applying for undergraduate courses in France need to apply directly to the universities or through Campus France. Most courses require a high school diploma and language proficiency in either French or English. For postgraduate courses, students need a relevant bachelor's degree and must provide academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Some courses also require work experience and an interview.

What are the Documents Required to Study in France

The requirements to study in France vary depending on the course and university, but the basic set of documents is similar. To streamline the process, ensure all your documents are complete and meet the specific requirements to study in France.

The documents required to study in France include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Valid passport
• Proof of language proficiency (French or English)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• CV/Resume
• Proof of financial stability
• Passport-sized photographs

What are the Top Universities to Study in France

Students who want to study in Europe can enroll in some of the Best Universities in France. The Universities for Bachelor’s, Universities for MS & Universities for PhD in France are highly regarded and ranked on global rankings. Here are the top ones.

What are the Best Courses to Study in France

France is renowned for offering some of the best courses across various disciplines. Students can explore programs in humanities, sciences, business, and more. To specify, here are some of the Best Courses to Study in France which are highly popular.

• Engineering
• Fashion
• Hospitality
• Dessert Making
• MBA
• Data Analytics
• Marketing
• Art

What Scholarships are Available in France for Students

France offers a variety of scholarships that make education more accessible to international students, especially Indian students. These scholarships range from fully funded opportunities to partial funding, covering tuition fees and living expenses. Scholarships in France for Indian Students are highly competitive, with merit-based awards being a common option. Additionally, Fully Funded Scholarships in France for international students help ease the financial burden of studying abroad.

Common scholarships include:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Offered by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, this scholarship is available to students pursuing a Master’s or PhD. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and other costs like travel.
• Charpak Scholarship: For Indian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programs in France. It offers a monthly stipend, visa fee waiver, and medical insurance coverage.
• Émile Boutmy Scholarship: Designed for non-EU students applying to Sciences Po, it offers financial support ranging from €3,000 to €12,300.
• Erasmus+ Program: This scholarship is available for students looking to engage in a study exchange within European universities. It covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses.

What Intakes are Available to Study in France

France Intakes for international students mainly happen twice a year, giving applicants flexibility in choosing when to start their studies. Different universities may offer different courses for each intake, so it's essential to plan accordingly.

• Fall Intake: The primary intake in France, starting in September, is when most programs open for new admissions. This is the most popular intake for international students, and it offers the widest range of course options.
• Spring Intake: The secondary intake begins in January. Fewer programs are available during this intake, but it is ideal for students who miss the fall deadline or want to start their studies mid-academic year.

What is the Study Cost in France

Tuition fees of universities in France are considerably lower than most countries as the tuition fee in France is subsidized by the government. The cost to study in France, primarily the tuition fee, is only about €175 to €618 per year for EU residents. However, non-EU international students have to pay around €2,850 to €3,879 as registration fees rather than tuition fees.

What are the Living Expenses in France

As a student, living in France is budget-friendly and ranges around €600 to €800. Your Living Expenses in France will include various costs like accommodation, food, transportation, etc. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected expenses when living in France.

• Accommodation: €150 - €1,200 per month
• Food: €300 per month
• Transport: €350 per month
• Phone Bill: €10 per month
• Internet: €20 - €50 per month
• Insurance: €20 per month
• Personal Expenses: €100 per month
• CVEC: €92 per year

What is the Student Visa Process & Fee for France

To study in France, international students must apply for a France Student Visa (Visa long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS), which allows them to stay for the duration of their studies. The process involves multiple steps, from securing an admission offer to gathering the necessary documents and attending an interview at the French consulate.

• Admission Offer: Secure an offer of admission from a recognized French university.
• Campus France Registration: Register with Campus France to begin the visa application process.
• Gather Documents: Key documents include your admission letter, proof of financial means (around €615/month), health insurance, and accommodation proof.
• Visa Interview: Schedule and attend your visa interview at the nearest French consulate.
• Pay the Fee: The visa application fee is approximately €99.
• Visa Processing Time: It generally takes 2 to 4 weeks for the visa to be processed. Upon arrival in France, students must validate their visa online within the first 3 months.

What is the Post Study Work Visa for France

After completing their studies, international students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour – APS) in France. This visa allows graduates to remain in the country to find employment related to their field of study. The post-study work permit in France is valid for 24 months (two years), allowing students to stay in France and work full-time. Students must apply for a work permit in France within six months of graduating. Once a job is secured, the employer can sponsor the work visa, allowing the student to transition to a long-term work permit.

How can you obtain Permanent Residence (PR) for France

After completing their studies, international students can work towards obtaining French citizenship or permanent residence (PR) by fulfilling specific requirements. While France does not offer a direct pathway to PR upon graduation, French citizenship for Indian students is available for those who work in the country for at least five years.

Read More: How to Settle in France from India

What are the  Best Cities to Study and Live in France

L'Étudiant, a French educational news website, has recently released its 2022-2023 edition of the best cities in France for students. The ranking compared 45 cities with over 8,000 students, which represents more than 2.5 million students throughout the country. 

The ranking is based on five main criteria: education, student life, attractiveness, living environment, and employment. In this list, students can discover the best cities in France for studying based on 151 factors.

Job Opportunities in France for International Students

Jobs in France for international students are abundant, especially in part-time roles during studies. Part-Time Jobs in France allow students to work up to 20 hours per week. From the variety of job opportunities available to students here are some of the common ones.

• English Tutor: €20.11
• Research Assistant: €14
• Babysitter: €12.24
• Bartender: €11
• Retail Worker: €12.55

Why Choose upGrad Abroad to pursue your education in France

upGrad Abroad offers expert guidance to students aiming to study in France. We assist with university applications, visa processes, scholarships, and personalized career counseling. With upGrad Abroad, you can access exclusive services that simplify your educational journey, ensuring a smooth transition into your international education experience.