Studying in France: The Ultimate Guide for International Students!

For students from around the world, France is a tempting destination for a higher education study abroad experience. It is considered a very student-friendly place, thanks to the quality of the education system itself, as well as its welcoming student life, affordable healthcare, and protected housing laws. Overall, studying in France is an excellent choice for international students. 

 

How does the French higher education system work?

 

Students from abroad should familiarize themselves with the three cycles or levels of studies in the French higher education system. There are:

• First cycle studies, known as the Licence and equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree;
• Second cycle studies, equivalent to a Master’s degree;
• and Third cycle studies, or Doctorat (Doctorate or Ph.D.). 

 

Studying in France means that you have a choice among three types of French higher education institutions: universities, Grandes écoles, and specialized schools. French universities are public institutions that offer academic, technical and professional degrees to students who have graduated from high school, offering programs across science, literature, languages, arts, humanities, medicine and sports. 

 

The most competitive and selective among the options, Grandes écoles accept students based on exam results and interviews. They offer single-degree programs in fields like engineering, business, architecture, etc. Specialized schools in France may be public or private and they prepare students for professional careers in fields like art, social work, or tourism. These institutions grant degrees and certificates that may or may not be recognized by the State.

 

How can international students apply to French degrees?

 

The application process for international students who wish to study in France varies depending on where you are from, and also which type of institution you are aiming for.

 

EU students applying to study in France apply directly to the university of their choice, just like French citizens. You simply choose your program and upload your documents to a national registration platform called Parcoursup. 

 

For Non-EU students applying to study in France, you must use a specific application process called Études en France on Campus France, which includes university applications and visa requests. First-year non-EU students must obtain a pre-registration admission certificate DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable) from the Campus France website, which also features a French language exam. Applicants must have a B2 level. You don’t need a DAP if you’re applying to the 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor’s program or a master’s program, or if you have European or an International Baccalaureate or a scholarship from the French government.

 

The Études en France application process includes:

1. registering on the platform,
2. submitting the application package,
3. paying the application fee,
4. and attending the interview.

Students applying for undergraduate programs can apply to a maximum of three universities, and students going for master's degrees can apply to a maximum of seven.

 

 

Application timeline

 

The timeline for applying to French institutions is the following:

• Applications open: The application process via Etudes en France starts either in October or January. Parcoursup applications begin from January to April.
• DAP pre-registration certificate: Apply from October till mid-December.
• Application evaluation: January to March.
• Acceptance: You’ll get a response from from April and need to make your decision by the end of May.

 

Required documents for application

 

Before studying in France, check any specific requirements for the program or programs you are applying to. You will likely need the following documents in order to apply to universities in France:

• Passport or ID
• Passport-size photographs
• DAP certificate (for 1st-year Non-EU students)
• Generalized exam results, like GRE, GMAT, or LSAT if required
• Motivation letter
• Proof of language proficiency: in English (TOEFL or IELTS) or French (DELF/DALF or TCF)
• Previous transcript(s) and high school diploma
• Recommendation letter (not mandatory, but recommended)
• CV (for master's and Ph.D.)
• Proof of financial means (minimum of €800 monthly)
• Copy of birth certificate
• Other university-specific documents

 

What is the cost of tuition fees in France?

 

Costs of tuition in France depend on various factors, including whether the program is private or public, and also on the status of the student, i.e., whether they are from the EU or not, or if they have special status. The French government subsidizes higher education, so even for international students studying in France, tuition fees are relatively low in public higher education institutions.

 

Tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are:

 

For European students, the French government pays most of the cost of the degree program in a public institution of higher education. Tuition fees are:

• €170 per year at the licence (bachelor) level;
• €243 per year at the master level;
• and €601 per year in a school of engineering (this depends on the school).

 

For non EU-students who wish to study abroad in France, you may be required to pay differentiated registration fees if you are enrolling for the 1st time for a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or for an engineering programme, for the start of the 2023/2024 academic year. If you are not permanently settled in France, the state covers two thirds of the cost of your training and the total cost of your tuition will be:

• €2,770 per year at the licence (bachelor) level
• and €3,770 per year at the master level.

 

Tuition in private institutions, and particularly in private business schools, is generally much higher than in public institutions, ranging from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. It is important to check the website of the institution for its current tuition rates.

 

Why study abroad in France?

 

Student life in France

 

Studying abroad in France offers a very similar student life to that of other European countries like Germany or Spain, but perhaps a bit different from student life in the US. In France, campuses or campus areas are usually full of students, with activity options in sports or the arts, though college-level sports are not as popular as they are in America. The most common social activity for students in France is going out for drinks; in areas around universities there are often affordable bars and pubs where students hang out.

 

The cost of living for international students studying in France will depend on where they end up (i.e., in a big city like Paris, or somewhere smaller, like Toulouse for example) and their overall lifestyle. For a detailed look at student costs, check out our dedicated article.

 

Pros and cons of studying in France

 

Some of the challenges to studying in France include language barriers or requirements. Most application processes include proof of a certain level of French language proficiency, and possibly English proficiency as well, depending on the program. The application processes, including those that include student visa application, are also quite rigorous in terms of specific deadlines and required documentation. Campus France provides essential resources for students who wish to study abroad in France.

 

Studying in France is a great idea for international students. Overall, the costs of education and of living are moderate, while the quality of education is quite high, making it an affordable and attractive destination. National healthcare and strong tenants’ rights are beneficial to students, no matter where they are from. Students in France tend to enjoy a rich social life with plenty of opportunities for cultural activities and exploration.

 

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