If you want to study in a country that is diverse and has an excellent academic reputation, France is the country for you. It is one of the most popular study destinations, making it perfect for international students. The country offers an excellent environment for all international students. It has fantastic quality of education, lectures and research opportunities.
Why Study in France?
To put it simply, the French higher education system is one of the best in the world. It is also one of the most accessible ones. With low tuition fees, studying in France is more economical for international students. French universities are near the top of renowned university rankings each year. Their institutions offer an education that easily competes with other countries.
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France is particularly a good choice for those wanting to study business related subjects. The country is a hub for international business and management education, and has lots of business schools in the worldwide rankings.
France has 71 public universities and they are all funded by the national government, offering excellent education at a very affordable price to all students, domestic or international. There are also a number of private universities (grandes écoles). The academic year begins in September or October and ends in May or June, depending on the program and institution. There are two semesters, divided by a break following final examinations at the end of the first semester. There are two main types of courses offered at French universities: large lecture courses, where the professor speaks and students take notes, and sections & labs, designed for smaller groups of students where the material covered in lectures is explored in greater detail. Usually, attendance in sections & labs is mandatory. Some career-oriented programs also require internships and practical training.
When it comes to degrees, French universities use a format popular throughout EU: licence, master, doctorate. Licence refers to undergraduate studies and it lasts for 6 semesters (3 years), with 180 ECTS earned. Master studies last for an additional 4 semesters (2 years), for a total of 5 years of study and 300 ECTS earned. Doctorate can be obtained after the additional 6 semesters (3 years). Find out what the ECTS is from Anna, our study abroad expert. It’s also important to know that every university has an internship referral system and a career services office. This means you will always know of the most recent internship and job opportunities available to you.
Common Student Questions
Q. Can I study in France for free?
A. Many public French universities offer their programmes at very affordable prices, most of the time domestic and international students will pay the same tuition rate. Private universities are allowed to set their own tuition fees, so can charge more for their courses. For more information about fees to study in France, see our Costs of Studying and Living in France section.
Q. Can I study in France as an international student?
A. France is an excellent choice for any international student. It is a welcoming country with an interesting and diverse culture. It also has many specialist schools that are internationally renowned, such as fashion schools and business schools. As an international student, you will need to obtain a visa in order to study in France. For more information about this, take a look at our French Student Visas section.
Q. Can I study in France without knowing French?
A. It is possible to study in France without knowing French. Many French universities offer their courses in English as well as French. If your first language is not English, you will need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. Most French universities accept an IELTS or TOEFL certification.
About France
France is a beautiful country with a long history of higher education. Located in Western Europe, it occupies a geographically diverse area from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Sea and the English Channel. This gives France stunning natural beauties you may wish to explore. Culturally, France is a country with a long history as well as rich artistic, philosophical and scientific tradition. France is one of the major centres of culture, cuisine and literature. All these reasons make it an exciting destination for international students across the world.
The top tourist attractions in France include:
Eiffel Tower (Paris)
Chateau de Versailles (Versailles)
Mont Saint Michel (Normandy)
The Cote d’Azure
The Louvre (Paris)
Mont Blanc (Western Europe’s largest mountain)
Cost of Studying & Living in France
Study Costs
France uses the Euro (€) for its currency. Tuition rates at public institutions are set by the government and they are very affordable. In fact, tuition rates at France’s public institutions of higher education are identical for domestic and international students.
Tuition costs are set every year. In 2017, average annual tuition costs for undergraduate studies were less than €200 (under US$250). For master’s studies, the rates are around €259 (around US$305) and for doctoral studies it’s around €393 (US$460). Students are often required to pay certain administration fees which raise tuition costs slightly. Despite these fees, studying in France remains one of the most affordable options for international students who seek a quality higher education.
These rates apply to public institutions only. If you wish to study at a private institution, the rates tend to be much higher and go up to €10,000 (US$12,000) per year.
There are also certain scholarships and mobility schemes available for those who wish to study abroad in France. Some of the most popular ones include grants from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, funding made by National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), awards from regional councils, Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus programs.
Living Costs
Unlike tuition rates, costs of living in France tend to be higher than neighbouring countries. Luckily, students are often eligible to subsidised rates at restaurants and transportation. There is also specialised housing for students which is available to international students who wish to study in France. Costs of living are lower in smaller towns, so this is something to keep in mind when deciding on where to study.
International students will have several choices for accommodation in France. You could live in university accommodation for around €120 per month. The demand for these is very high, however. Selection is based on social criteria and given to exchange or scholarship students. Renting a private studio apartment will cost around €457-€542. Homestay is another option for international students. This will cost around €200-€800 per month depending on the location. Homestay also includes at least one meal per day provided.
Students have the option to apply for a grant from their local Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF). It is free to apply for, and if you are eligible you can get up to 35% of your rent back monthly.
Other living costs may include:
Electricity, gas, internet – €60 per month
Study materials – €50 per month
Travel card or transport pass – €70 per month
Return train ticket – €25 (in advance)
Groceries – €250 per month
Eating out – €12 on average
Gym membership – €38 per month
Many galleries and museums are free to people under the age of 26. France is one of the best countries for student discounts, so it is always worth asking about this when you go out.
Funding to study in France
As an international student hoping to study in France, there are is a variety of funding assistance options available to you. You may be eligible for a grant offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, or another kind of scholarship offered by the French government.
If you are not eligible for this type of grant or scholarship, you may be able to access funding assistance from your home government, or your institution of choice. For more information about what assistance you can apply for, as well as requirements and what details you need to provide, contact your institution.
Find out more about funding your studies in our Funding and Scholarships for International Students advice article.
How to Apply
The way in which you should apply as an international student differs depending on what kind of course you are applying for, as well as what level of study you are undertaking. If you are applying to a Grandes Écoles, you will need to contact them directly. If you are applying for a Licence degree, you will use the Parcoursup application platform. If you are applying to study at Masters level, you will need to contact the institution directly like French students do.
For more information about how you will need to apply, what the requirements are, and any deadlines that need to be met, you should get in touch with your institution of choice. In general, you will likely need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds, can understand the tuition language to a high enough standard, and have health insurance (if you are not an EU/EEA citizen).
Want to study abroad but not sure on how to begin? Take a look at our advice article on Deciding to study abroad: The first steps.
French Student Visas
If you wish to study in France, it’s important to inform yourself about all the possible visa requirements. French government regulates these issues and regulations depend on your citizenship.
For EU citizens and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, no visa is required.
Applicants from outside the EU: You will need to obtain a visa, which includes a residence permit (VLS-TS). It is valid for one year and can be renewed later if necessary. In order to obtain this visa you have to complete an application form as well provide OFII (the French Office of Immigration and Integration) passport photos, proof of your qualifications, a police certificate attesting that you don’t have a serious criminal record, proof you can speak French (if your course is in French) and proof that you have sufficient financial means. Once you arrive in France you will need to contact OFII (you may need to take a medical examination).
If you are from a country inside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and a holder of an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) then you do not need to get health insurance. You will be able to access healthcare at the same places and same cost as local residents. If you are from a country outside of the EEA, you will need to purchase health insurance for your stay in France. This will cost around €20-€50 per month, depending on the cover.
International students will have to prove that they can financially support their studies. You should have around €7,400 per year in order to prove they can support themselves without working. However, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, so there are opportunities to earn more money.
Language
Many French people speak languages other than their own. However, for effective communication and studying in France, you should know French. International students who are fluent in French have a much easier time with their studies and everyday life. If you feel your French is not good enough, there are many language courses available for the students who wish to perfect their language skills. Socialising with locals and making an effort to speak French is a good way to improve your language ability.
At the same time, you can study and communicate in English. However, international students are still encouraged to learn French and improve their language skills. Don’t take this as an obstacle but a challenge. Any sort of fluency in French will look great on a CV or resume!
In the event of your course being taught in French, you will need to prove that you are sufficiently fluent by taking one of the approved tests: TCF DAP (Test de Connaissance du Français, Demande d’Admission Préalable), DALF (diplôme approfondi de langue française) or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). In case your course is in English, you should prove English language proficiency.
Cities
Many cities in France are homes to universities and other institutions of higher education. French cities are beautiful and atmospheric, so they provide unique experience to all international students.
Paris
It is easy to see why Paris is called the city of love. If nothing else, you’ll fall in love with the food and culture available. As a student, you’ll be studying in a culturally wealthy city, enhancing yourself both inside and outside of lectures. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and offers many opportunities to have a great time.
Paris is a major cultural center, with many attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and world-famous galleries such as the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Students will have a chance to experience Paris to the fullest: it’s nightlife, picturesque streets and lovely cafes. Being the capital, Paris also benefits from excellent universities and institutions, many of which specialise in particular subjects. Living in Paris provides an excellent opportunity for all international students who wish to study at a prestigious institution while experiencing the city in all its beauty.
Find out more about Universities in Paris.
Lyon
Lyon is located near France’s border with Italy and Switzerland. This beautiful medieval city is known as the culinary capital of France. It is also the most affordable city for students. The city has stunning architecture all visitors admire, particularly as Lyon’s well-preserved architecture has gained UNESCO World Heritage Status. International students who like nature and winter sports will like the proximity of the French Alps.
The city is known as one of France’s main financial centres and in addition to many interesting sites, Lyon has a lot to offer for those who seek higher education. It has 4 major universities: Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Université Lumière Lyon and Université Jean Moulin Lyon.
Lille
Lille is located in the north-west of France, and it serves as a great base for exploring the rest of the country as well as countries of Northern Europe. Lille was once known as one of the main industrial centres of France. In the recent years, the city has expanded its cultural scene and commercial aspects. If you wish to study in France, consider Lille: it offers many advantages of living in a smaller town. It has plenty of opportunities for education and it serves as a good base for international students. At the same time, it is not as busy or expensive as some of the larger cities, such as Paris.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a famous port city in the south-western France. This is a capital of the wine industry and a home to the world’s greatest wine fair, Vinexpo. The city has a long history of wine production: Bordeaux wine has been produced in this region since the 8th century. The city is also known for its remarkable architecture, and the old part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Bordeaux is known as the City of Art and History and it’s home to one of Europe’s largest 18th century architectural urban areas.
Bordeaux offers plenty of opportunities for international students seeking higher education. The famous University of Bordeaux was originally created in the 15th century. Today, it has a student body of about 70,000 and it’s divided into 4 sectors: 1 for Maths, Physical sciences and Technologies, 2 for Medicine and Life sciences, 3 for Liberal Arts, Languages, Humanities and History and 4 for Law, Economy and Management. There is also the Institute of Political Sciences of Bordeaux.
Toulouse
Sitting on the banks of the River Garonne, Toulouse is the fourth-largest city in France. Nicknamed la Ville Rose (‘the Pink City’), the city has a unique architecture made up of pinkish terracotta bricks. Toulouse boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Canal du Midi, and the Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe.
Located in the city are several higher education institutions. The University of Toulouse is one of the oldest in Europe, and was founded in 1229. You will also find Toulouse Business School, Toulouse School of Economics, and INSA Toulouse in the city, among many others.
France is not only a great destination for foodies. The country is also a popular destination for students. After all, France is internationally renowned for the high quality of its universities. This article will inform you about everything you need to know about studying in France.
Universities in France
France has three different types of universities where you can study:
Universités,
Instituts Universitaires de Technologie and
Grandes Écoles.
The state Universités (universities) are essentially comparable to the universities in Germany and offer a very wide range of courses.
In addition to the Universités, there are the Instituts Universitaires de Technologie (University Institutes of Technology). These are independent divisions of the state universities, which often offer courses leading to professional qualifications.
The third group consists of the Grandes Écoles (Elite Schools). They usually specialize in a few disciplines, at which executives are trained.
In addition to the three types of universities mentioned above, there are also a number of specialized universities for art, music, and architecture. Similarly to the situation in Germany, you can also study at a large number of private universities in France.
The Higher Education System in France
The higher education system in France is comparable to that in Germany. There are degree programs called "Licence", which usually last three years. They are comparable to the German bachelor's degree.
Based on this, you can take a master's program, which lasts two years. There are two different types of master's degrees in France: the Master Recherche and the Master Professionel. While the Master Recherche is a theoretical course, the Master Professionel is more practice-oriented.
After completing a master's degree, you can take a doctoral program, which lasts another three years. You complete it with the Doctorat, which is equivalent to the German Doktortitel.
The academic year in France begins in early October and ends in mid-May.
Admission to Study in France
The prerequisite for studying in France is the general qualification for university entrance in your home country, for example, the Abitur in Germany. If you want to enroll as a first-year student for a bachelor's degree program in France, you must register on an online platform (Parcoursup). If you want to start your studies in the winter semester (autumn), you have to apply between January and March.
If you are already advanced in your Bachelor's program or if you want to do a Master's program in France, you have to apply directly to the university of your choice. The application deadlines differ from university to university. You should, therefore, always enquire with the universities in advance.
Tuition Fees in France
You have to pay tuition fees to study at a French university. Unlike in many other countries, however, the fees in France are not set by the universities themselves, but by the government. They are, therefore, the same at all state universities.
In addition, tuition fees in France are very low by international standards. For a Bachelor's program, you pay 175 EUR per year. A master's program costs 240 EUR and a doctoral program 360 euros per year. For medical and engineering studies, you can expect to pay fees of up to 500 euros.
Studying at a private university in France can be considerably more expensive. There, tuition fees can be up to 15,000 EUR. The fees at the Grandes Écoles are also considerably higher than at the state universities.
Pros & cons of Studying in France
Studying in France offers you three main advantages: Firstly, the country has numerous very good and internationally respected universities. Secondly, tuition fees are very low by international standards. And thirdly, many of the French university cities such as Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Montpellier are among the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The biggest disadvantage of studying in France is the relatively high cost of living. Especially in the large and popular cities, first and foremost Paris, housing is very expensive.
France is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Among its major advantages are the high quality of education, the remarkably low tuition fees, and the enjoyable French way of life.
Universities in France
The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe, and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and University of Paris-Sud.
There are also many great options to study for an MBA in France: The country is home to many of the best-ranked elite business schools in Europe. Among them are HEC Paris, Insead, ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad), and Edhec Business School, to name but a few.
Tuition fees in France
Not only do you get a world-class education in France - the tuition fees at public universities are relatively modest. Citizens and permanent residents of EEA countries and Switzerland can study tuition-free (except for an immatriculation charge of around 200 euros per year), whereas students from outside Europe will have to pay around 3,000 to 4,000 euros per year at public universities. Private universities usually charge more, up to 20,000 euros annually. Read our detailed guide to tuition fees in France to learn all the details.
Student life
The standard of living in France is remarkably high, and one thing is certain: Studying in France is going to be a great, life-changing experience for you.
France caters to every taste - and that does not only mean wine and cheese enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bustling urban environment, quiet mountains, or the relaxed atmosphere on the Mediterranean shore, you will find a fitting destination for yourself. Paris offers a unique metropolitan vibe in a charming environment. Marseille and Montpellier are directly off the Mediterranean coast; summer beaches included. Rennes or Nantes are close to the rougher Atlantic coasts. And from Grenoble or Lyon, the Alps are within reach.
Speaking French
Even when studying in France in English, you should not miss the opportunity to learn French. Not only because you will learn a beautiful language that enables you to speak to around 270 million people in almost 30 countries; but also because you will need some French in your everyday life. While many locals in France speak solid English, they simply prefer their native tongue, and will appreciate when foreigners make the effort. Even if that effort is limited to something like “je ne comprends pas” - “I do not understand”.
Working in France after graduation
The French language is also one of the larger hurdles if you plan to stay after your graduation from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in France. To find a job, you will almost inevitably need to be fluent or at least near-fluent in French. Other than that, when compared to other countries in Europe, it is relatively easy for international students to start their career in France after graduation.
Getting there and around
If you study in Paris, fear not: There are direct flights to Paris from virtually anywhere in the world. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the busiest airport in continental Europe; the second-largest local airport is Paris Orly. From there, many domestic flight or train connections are available, so you can easily reach every corner of France.
If you plan to explore Europe while you study in France, you will be pleasantly surprised. The country is conveniently located for short trips; it borders on Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain, and the United Kingdom is only a stone’s throw across the Channel.
Universities in France
- Audencia Business School
- Burgundy School of Business (BSB)
- Centrale Nantes
- CIFE
- ECAM LaSalle
- École Polytechnique
- EDHEC Business School
- emlyon Business School
- EPITA
- ESC Clermont
- ESCP Business School
- ESSEC Business School
- EURECOM
- Grenoble Ecole de Management
- Grenoble Institute of Technology
- HEC Paris
- IÉSEG School of Management
- INSEAD
- Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace
- International Space University
- Ipag Business School
- KEDGE Business School
- Lille 1 University - Science and Technology
- Neoma Business School
- ParisTech
- PSB Paris School of Business
- Rennes School of Business
- Sciences Po
- SKEMA Business School
- TBS Education
- Toulouse 1 Capitole University
- Université de Bourgogne
- Université de Paris
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
- Université Paris-Saclay
- University of Bordeaux
- UPMC University Pierre and Marie Curie
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