Study in France

France is your study abroad destination if you wish to study in a diversified country with a strong academic reputation. It is one of the most popular study locations in the world, making it ideal for international students.

In France, there are now around 250,000 international students. The country provides a wonderful atmosphere, excellent higher education, lecturing, and research possibilities to the international students.

Why Choose France

• The best higher education system to study overseas.
• Easily accessible
• Low tuition fees
• More economical for international students
• Hub for management education and international business

Scholarships

• DreamStudies’ study abroad scholarship
• French Ministry of Higher Education and Research Grants
• Funding by National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS),
• Erasmus Mundus programs.

Student visa for France

No visa is required for EU nationals, as well as nationals of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Applicants from outside the EU will require a visa, which will include a residence permit (VLS-TS). It has a one-year validity and has to be renewed for the duration of your study period.

Documents required to apply:

• Completed application form
• Recently taken passport-sized photos 
• Documents to prove your academic qualifications. 
• A Police clearance certificate 
• Proof that you can speak French (if your course is in French) 
• Proof that you have sufficient financial resources

Once you arrive in France:

• You will need to contact OFII (the French Office of Immigration and Integration)
• You may have to undergo medical testing.
• If you are studying in French, you must demonstrate your proficiency bypassing one of the following recognized tests: TCF DAP, DALF, DELF, or CEFR.
• If your course is taught in English, you must demonstrate your English language proficiency. 

Study Cost in France

Students should have around €7,400 per year in their bank accounts to prove they can support themselves without working. 

1. Tuition fee 

The fee at public universities is quite low. Students from outside Europe would have to pay about 3,000 to 4,000 euros a year at public universities, whilst citizens and permanent residents of EEA nations and Switzerland would be able to study tuition-free. Private institutions often demand higher tuition, up to 20,000 euros per year.

2.  Accommodation costs

The average monthly cost of university accommodation is approx. €120. A single studio apartment ranges between €457 and €542. Another alternative for overseas students is to stay in a homestay, which costs approx. €200- €800 a month. International students can also take advantage of specialized student housing when studying in France.

• Students can apply for a scholarship from their local Caisse d'Allocation Familiale (CAF). It's free to apply, and if you're approved, you might earn up to 35% of your monthly rent back.

3. Student visa fees

4. Living expenses

Approx. living costs per month may include when studying in France:

• Electricity, gas, internet – €60
• Study materials – €50
• Travelcard or transport pass – €70
• Return train ticket – €25
• Groceries – €250
• Eating out – €12
• Gym membership – €38

5. Health support and Insurance

You do not need to purchase health insurance if you have an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card). You'll be able to get healthcare in the same places and for the same price as locals.

If you are a foreigner not belonging to the European Economic Area, you will need to acquire health insurance that costs between €20- €50 monthly when studying in Europe.

6. Transportation.

Subsidized pricing at restaurants and public transport are available for students.

7. Taxes

The education system in France

Universities in France

France has one of the greatest higher education systems in Europe. French universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world. 

• Well-known universities:
  • École Normale Supérieure
  • École Polytechnique
  • Pierre and Marie Curie University
  • University of Paris-Sud.
• Some universities to study MBA:
  • HEC Paris
  • Instead
  • ESCP Europe
  • EDHEC Business School

Language courses in France

Language courses are easily flexible. There are classes for people of various language skill levels when studying abroad. 

Programs and Intakes

Depending on the course and school, the academic year begins in September or October and finishes in May or June. There are two semesters, separated by a break after the first semester's final examinations.

• Undergraduate: Bachelor's degree /License (3 years)
• Postgraduate: Master (2 years)