Study in France - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships

Over the years, France has become a favourable destination to study for international students. Some of the benefits of studying in France include witnessing a different culture and society and allowing one to become the best version of themselves from within, studying at top-class universities, and the affordable cost of studying, etc. According to Campus France, the number of international students registered in France rose by 8% in 2021-22 and went over 400,000. In other news, France is all set to welcome 20,000 Indian students by 2025, therefore, creating opportunities for new businesses, start-ups and innovation. In 2019, 10,000 Indian students decided to pursue higher studies in France.

Why Study in France?

France is gradually becoming a top destination for international students who want to pursue their higher education. Some of the reasons to study in France are:

• World-class universities: France is home to some of the top colleges and universities in the world. While deciding to study in a French university, students are assuring themselves of the quality education coupled with practical training. Furthermore, a globally recognized degree after graduating from France will lead to higher job prospects in France.
• A chance to witness multi-cultural society: By choosing to study in France, students shall have a chance to discover a society that is multi-cultural, open, and proud of its history.
• Cost of studying: The cost of studying in France is relatively low when compared with the other study abroad destinations like the UK and the USA. To study at public universities in France, students applying for the bachelor’s courses would have to shell out €2,770 per year and €3,770 at the master’s level. However, the tuition costs in the private institutes, particularly in the private business schools, is relatively higher than in public institutions.
• A country of elegance: France is known to display its high and off-the-rack fashion. Be it Designer boutiques, or department stores, or international stores, there is something for everyone in France.
• Economic powerhouse: France is one of the major economies in the world. As a country, it is traditional, with very high-quality craftsmanship. It is home to international corporations like Airbus, L’Oreal, Orange, Danone, Sanofi, etc.

Study in France: Key Highlights

Education System in France

When it comes to higher education in France, there are various programmes available for foreign students, whether they speak French or not. As per Campus France, French higher education involves 2.5 million students. Out of this, 12% of students are from abroad. In France, there are more than 3,500 public and private institutes of higher education. 

Top Universities in France

In this section, we are going to talk about the top universities in France. In the 2023 edition of QS World University Rankings, with two institutions in the top 50, France has reached the 7th world rank, after the U.S., the UK, and China, among others. This good rank is because of the performance of 32 institutions which for the most part improved their mark, and are situated all over France. On the other hand, in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, a total 42 institutions were ranked, as compared to 39 institutions in 2022.

Top Courses in France

Studying in France is an affordable option for international students. While France is the perfect destination for a few business courses, there are some other courses that have become very popular in recent years. Some of the best courses to study in France are:

• MBA
• Engineering
• Luxury Brand Management
• Film Studies
• Hotel Management
• Fashion Designing
• Computer Science
• Finance
• Data Science
• Medicine

Cost of Studying in France

As the French government subsidizes higher education, the cost of studying in France is comparatively low in public higher institutes. The non-EU students are required to pay the differentiated registration fees. The state shall cover the two-thirds of the cost of your training. The total differentiated registration fee that students have to pay according to Campus France is:

• €2,770 per year at the bachelor level
• €3,770 per year at the master level

Cost of Living in France

The amount a student needs generally depends on where he / she resides in France, what programme he / she takes, and the accommodation. According to Campus France, most students need 600 Euros to 800 Euros each month in order to cover their costs of transportation, food, and housing. It is definitely expensive to live in France, but one can cut short the expenses by going to a public institution and living with roommates.

In all, the cost of living in France is more affordable outside the capital, but if you live by yourself and go to a private school, then the expenses can quickly add up. This all depends on various factors, and considering each one of them can help you live well while studying in France. Keeping in mind all the factors, the average monthly student budget is around 1000 Euros in Paris and 800 Euros elsewhere.

France Student Visa

Different types of France student visas are available to study in France. Schengen short-stay visa lets students enter and remain in France in the Schengen area for a maximum period of 90 days. The Temporary long-term visa lasts for 4-12 months and students can attend higher education course.

On the other hand, the long-stay visa is valid as residence permit for students. This visa allows students to stay in France for 4-12 months in order to pursue higher education studies. However, if students want to stay in France in order to continue their studies but their VLS-TS visa is about to expire soon, then they can apply for its renewal. With this visa, students can work 964 hours per year.

Admission Requirements to study in French Universities

In many universities and colleges of French, the medium of instruction is French. Hence, it is advised to appear for some of the French language tests. For undergraduate programs, a 10+2 certificate from a recognized board is required and a proof of English language proficiency test score.

On the other hand, to study a postgraduate course in France, students must have an undergraduate degree, scores of GMAT / GRE, English language proficiency test scores, work experience (if applicable). In case, students want to take admission into PhD courses, they must have a master’s degree or equivalent.

Top Cities in France Preferred by Students

Every year, a number of students from across the world visit France to pursue their higher education. But, they often remain confused as to which city to choose in order to reside in France. Undoubtedly, Paris is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and apart from this, it is one of the top student cities. In the QS best student cities 2023 rankings, Paris is placed at the 8^th position. Besides, Paris, some of the other top cities in France for students are Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Grenoble, Lille, Nice, Nantes, etc.

Scholarships to Study in France

Merit and need-based scholarships to study in France are available for international students. Students with strong academic records, good scores in standardized exams and extra-curricular achievements will be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. In order to make the perfect use of these opportunities, make sure to apply before the deadline.

Students can apply for the scholarships that are offered by French higher education institutes such as Rennes Business School, EDHEC Business School, Emile-Boutmy Scholarships by Science Po. Apart from this, as per Campus France, more than 500 French Government scholarships are provided to meritorious Indian students who want to pursue higher education in France.

Education Loan for Studying in France

In order to cover the tuition fees, cost of living, and other expenses in France, students can apply for an educational loan. As a result, the banks provide educational loan to study in France.

In order to get quick approval for a student loan, it is advised to keep all the documents ready beforehand and meet all the eligibility conditions. Some of the expenses that an educational loan covers are fees payable, accommodation charges, exam, laboratory and library fees, expenses like books, equipment like computer, uniforms, caution deposit, other expenses need to complete the course such as project work, study tours, or thesis. 

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in France

Every foreign student has the right to work while studying in France. Note that the students who are not European Union nationals must have a student resident permit. According to the French Law, foreign students can work up to 964 hours per year. While working in France, whether a student or not, a minimum wage is guaranteed by law. At preseent, the minimum wage is €7.61 per hour.

Post-Study Work Permit in France

Non-European students after graduating need to be holding an employment offer or work contract in order to stay in France. They should also be paid or about to be paid minimum 1.5 times the minimum wage. In case you do not have an offer in hand, you should ask for an Autorisation Povisoire de Sejour (APS - temporary resident permit) which you can use till the time you're finding a job. The validity for the same is 12 months and it cannot be renewed. In order to be considered eligible for this you need to have a bachelor's or a master's level degree or should be about to start your own venture.

As a measure to strengthen ties between India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the extension of the French Post-Study work visa for Indian students. Those who have moved to France in order to pursue a master’s degree from India will now be able to obtain a five-year long-term post-study visa. Earlier they could obtain only a two-year work visa before this decision was taken.  

Job Prospects in France (ROI)

Students who will be opting to study abroad have a persistent thought in their minds and that is, the return on their investments. Students want the most for their money invested. The cost of studying abroad is huge and a possibility of a high return on investment is a major factor that students consider when deciding to stay abroad.

According to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, the three sectors that dominate its employment in France are health & social care, wholesale & retail trade and manufacturing. France is expected to perform better in the coming years, with a stronger growth of both employment and working age population.

Popular Job Sectors in France

The real GDP of France is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2022 to 0.6% in 2023 – as reported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As per the Economic Survey in November 2021, the French economy has rebounded quickly following the COVID-19 crisis. The top job sectors in France include:

• Engineering – Automobile, Aerospace, Mechanical, Metallurgy
• Management
• Tourism / Hospitality and Luxury
• Energy Management
• Teaching

Frequently sought jobs in France

• Doctor / Physician
• Lawyers
• Pilot
• Healthcare professionals
• Bank manager
• College professor
• IT Professionals

France is home to multi-national companies like:

Average Salary in France – By Job

Study in France FAQs

Q. Can students work in France?

A. Every foreign student has the right to work in France, while studying. French law allow students to work up to 964 hours per year. With this, students are also given a minimum wage. The minimum wage is €10.25, as of January 2021. 

Q. Is France good for international students?

A. France, as a study-abroad destination, is an excellent choice for any international student. This is because, it is a welcoming country with an interesting and diverse culture. It also has many schools that are internationally renowned, like business and fashion schools. 

Q. Is studying in France expensive?

A. The cost of studying in France is among the lowest in the world. The government subsidizes the tuition fees in higher public institutions. The tuition fees for international students enrolled in public higher education institutes is €2,770 per year at the bachelor’s level and €3,770 per year at the master’s level.  

Q. Can I live in France without knowing French?

A. France is one of the friendliest, most open and most welcoming countries in the world. However, it is advised to know some basic French language terminologies to survive better. But, there are some courses that are available in English. It is better to have a knowledge of the language as this will help you with practical matters like buying groceries, paying bills, understanding directions and instructions, etc. 

Q. List some of the courses that are popular in France. 

A. Some of the most popular courses in France for international students include Economics and Business, Fashion, Hospitality, Technology and Tourism.