Study in France

Key Highlights:

Education System in France:

The French education system consists of three stages: primary education, secondary education, and higher education.

Primary education is mandatory for children from the age of 6 and consists of five years of study.

• Secondary education is divided into two stages: 
• collège (middle school) is four years of study for students aged 11-15.

lycée (high school) is for the final three years of secondary education.After high school, students can choose to pursue either vocational or academic diplomas.

• Vocational diplomas include DUT (diplôme universitaire de technologie) and BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur), which are two-year technology-oriented degrees.
• Academic diplomas are offered by universities, Grandes écoles, and specialised schools. 
• Grandes écoles are selective public and private institutions that offer a more specialised three-year course of study. Specialised schools train students for professional careers in specific fields.

Higher education system in France also follows the LMD framework: license, master, doctorate.

• A license is a three-year course of study equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
• A master is a two-year course of study equivalent to a graduate degree. 
• Students with a master's degree can pursue a doctorate, which is a minimum three-year course of study leading to a doctoral degree.

Credit System 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.

Best Courses to Study in France:

There are many popular courses to study in France for international students:

Top Universities to Study in France:

Here is a list of some of the best universities in France for Indian students:

Intakes Available in France:

In France, the academic year typically runs from September to June, with two main intakes available for international students:

1. Fall intake: This intake begins in September and is the main intake for most programs. Applications for fall intake usually open in November or December of the previous year and close around January or February of the intake year.
2. Spring intake: This intake begins in January and is less common than the fall intake. Applications for spring intake usually open in May or June of the previous year and close around September or October of the intake year.

Cost of Study in France:

The following is a list of universities along with the cost of studying in France for Indian students:

Cost of Living in France:

As an international student in France, you will be responsible for covering various expenses, including education, housing, transportation, and healthcare. The cost of living in France can vary depending on your chosen lifestyle and the city you decide to reside in. For example, living in Paris can be significantly more expensive, with an average monthly expenditure of €1,200 and €1,800, than living in smaller French cities such as Lille, Nantes, Grenoble, Rouen, and Montpellier, where the average monthly spending is €800 and €1,000.

Expenses Incurred to Study in France

Best Student Cities 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.

Admission Requirements to Study in France:

Below are the requirements to study in France for Indian students.

• To study in France, international students need to submit various documents such as academic transcripts, funding statements and proof, certificates and internships, statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, admission form, application fee, passport, and passport-size photographs.
• Indian students planning to pursue postgraduate courses in French universities must possess an undergraduate degree in the relevant field from a recognized board with a minimum of 70% marks and no study gap till graduation.
• An essential academic requirement for Indian students is to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP), a formal document explaining their reasons for choosing France, French universities, and a particular course. It should also include the student's career goals and achievements.
• English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS are mandatory for admission, and students need to submit two-three letters of recommendation (LOR) with their application.
• Students aiming for courses in management, science, information technology, and engineering must appear for GRE and GMAT examinations.

Admission Process for French Universities:

The admission process for France universities involves several steps:

1. Finding a correct area of study:
   Selecting your area of study is a crucial step that will shape your future career. France offers numerous degree programs in various fields, from fashion management in its fashion capitals to business degrees from the prestigious Grandes Ecoles. Consider your goals and envision yourself in the future to decide which program is right for you.
2. Admission requirements:
   It's important to familiarise yourself with the admission requirements for your chosen universities, taking into account your nationality and academic background. Research your options and reach out to universities or support services like Campus France for guidance and answers to any questions you may have.
3. Gathering required documents:
   Collecting the necessary documents can be a time-consuming process, so start as early as possible. Remember to consider any special requirements based on your nationality, study level, and university of choice. You may also need to translate your documents into French. Required documents typically include an application form, Campus France authorization, civil liability certificate, ID photos, passport, high school transcripts, and proof of language proficiency. Non-European students may need to provide additional documents like birth certificates and financial support proof.
4. Submitting your application:
   The application process may vary depending on your program and level of study. European nationals applying to the first year of a Bachelor's program should use the Parcoursup platform. Otherwise, contact your chosen universities directly. Non-European students must complete the Preliminary Admission (Demande d'Admission Préalable - DAP) and apply online through Campus France.
5. Obtain a French student visa:
   Once you've been accepted, you'll need to pay your tuition fees and apply for a French student visa. Determine which type of visa you need based on your length of stay and nationality, and carefully review the guidelines. Contact the French embassy for assistance if needed.
6. Get ready to study in France:
   Congratulations, you're now officially a student in France! Pack your bags and make your way to one of the most sophisticated, modern, and romantic countries in the world.

Documents Required to Study in France:

To apply for a French student visa, you need:

● Academic transcripts

● National identity proof

● Passport

● Statement of Purpose

● Letter of Recommendation

● Test scores

● Application fees acknowledgement slip

● Financial proof

● Scholarship documents

Student Visa Requirements for France:

To apply for a student visa to France, you must:

• Over 18 years old and have already chosen a course of study.
• Be accepted by a French higher education institution.
• Have a valid travel document with at least two blank pages and validity that exceeds your intended stay.
• Provide an ID photograph and proof of legal residency if not a national of your country of residence.
• Have a certificate of pre-registration or registration from your institution.
• Show proof of the last completed degree, if applicable.
• Demonstrate proof of funds for tuition and living. Aspirants must show a minimum balance €7,380 (or €615 a month) for a year of living expenses in France.
• Provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or sworn statement/undertaking from your host.
• Pay a fee of €99 (about INR 9000).

Exams Required to Study in France

If you want to study in France as an international student, you will generally need to provide proof of your proficiency in French and/or English. Depending on the language of instruction of your program and your level of language proficiency, you may need to take one of several language exams.

For French language proficiency, the most commonly accepted exams are the DELF and DALF exams. These are official French language proficiency tests that are recognized by French universities and other institutions. The DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) is designed for students at a beginner to intermediate level, while the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) is intended for students at an advanced level.

For English language proficiency, the most commonly accepted exam is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). However, some universities may also accept other English language proficiency tests, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the Cambridge English exams.

Scholarships for Higher Studies in France for Indian Students:

Indian students can apply for scholarship programs in France based on their academic merit and test scores. These programs offer partial to full waivers on tuition fees and financial assistance for living expenses. Below are some of the prominent scholarships for Indian students in France:

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in France:

After completing a master's degree, a level 1 degree, or a professional license in France, international students can apply for a temporary residence permit (non-renewable), which allows them to work part-time while searching for a full-time job. Undergraduate students can apply for a post-study work visa for up to one year after graduation. Once they secure a permanent job, they must apply for a work permit and change their status from student to employee to work full time. Students can contact Campus France to receive the updated list of approved professions for international students in France.

During the extended year, students can also consider applying for an auto-entrepreneur visa to start their own business related to their studies or a "talent passport" visa for specialised graduates in the creative arts, which lasts for four years. However, they must prove the viability of the business or their talents. It is important to note that everyone who works in France must pay towards social security, which is about 20% of their salary. Therefore, international students must factor in these payments when considering their potential earnings. 

French degrees in business, aviation, engineering, tourism, and many more hold high value worldwide. Comparatively, affordable tuition fees make the nation one of the most popular study destinations. As an international student in France, you can work part-time up to 20 hours a week.
France also features in the list of top 10 biggest economies in the world. The low unemployment rate, despite the pandemic, showcases the country’s economic resilience.