Are you interested in studying in France? France is recognized around the world for its quality education in the arts and sciences.
Who hasn’t heard of the Sorbonne and its history? Who hasn’t discussed the impact of the French Revolution on modern culture or watched with admiration the velocity of the TGV (train a grande vitesse) – one of France’s latest technological creations?
Besides academics, students are also attracted to the French culture and lifestyle this beautiful country offers.
If you are trying to decide whether France is the right place for your university studies, you should take a look at the following guide.
Let’s explore the different types of educational institutions in France, tuition fees, cost of living, French university application requirements, visas, and work permits. Let’s take a look…
Table of Contents
- French Universities vs. French Specialized Schools
- Schools of Management in France
- Schools of Engineering in France
- Selecting and Applying to an Academic Program
- Studying in France: Location and Costs
- Student Visa to Study in France
- Working in France
French Universities vs. French Specialized Schools
Universities offer degree programs in all disciplines and fields – academic, research, and professional.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, French universities enrolled over 365,000 international students from several countries including Morocco, China, Italy, Senegal, and countries in different regions.
Since most universities in France are public institutions, enrollment is open to any student holding a French baccalauréate or an equivalent diploma that allows you to begin university study in your home country (eg. High school diploma, Secondary school diploma, Bachillerato, etc).
Students with advanced French proficiency (TEF, TCF, or DELF/DALF test scores) are given preference, however, some universities offer French language courses for international students who have not achieved advanced proficiency.
Specialized schools can be public or private, but the main difference between these and universities is that specialized schools are selective in their admissions and enroll far fewer students than universities. They usually train students for careers in engineering, management, art, architecture, and other fields.
Grandes écoles are specialized schools that are very selective. Many offer management and engineering programs that prepare their graduates for competitive industries. These programs are very prestigious and highly regarded in France and around the world.
Schools of Management in France
France has about 230 private schools of business and management. Many of which are affiliated with chambers of commerce and industry.
International students who have completed two years of postsecondary education may apply for admission, sit for the entrance examination, and in 3 years earn a business degree. Graduates may then apply for a top MBA or specialized master’s degree.
Among the best-known schools of business and management are:
- The École des Hautes Études Commerciales, known as HEC
- The École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP Business School)
- The École Supérieure nationale de Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC)
- The École des Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord (EDHEC)
- The École de Management de Lyon (EM Lyon), and
- INSEAD.
The MBA in France
MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs are very popular in France. In fact, some of the top international business schools are located in this country.
Additionally, many French MBA programs are taught in English. Classes tend to include students of many nationalities, and admission is very selective and usually includes TOEFL and GMAT exams for English-based programs. Some programs may also require interviews.
You may also like: Study in France in English: Top English-Taught French Universities
Schools of Engineering in France
Looking for an Engineering degree? France has about 240 engineering schools public and private.
All grant the diplôme d’ingénieur, a master’s level degree that takes 5 years to complete. Each school has its specialties, and each school also has different application requirements.
However, these usually include an application file, an entrance exam, and an interview.
Additionally, students with up to 4 years of university education may apply as transfer students.
Master’s Degrees in Engineering
Many schools offer a 1-year mastère spécialisé in engineering. Admissions requirements for this program include a diplôme d’ingénieur or 5 years of postsecondary education.
About 20 schools offer the diplôme d’ingénieur de spécialisation. Students with 5 years of postsecondary education may earn this specialized degree in 1 year.
Students with 4 years may earn it in 2. Because these programs can often accommodate holders of 4-year degrees, they are very popular among international students.
Ph.D. and Doctorate in Engineering
Students may earn a doctorate in engineering after 3 years of successful work in the laboratory of an engineering school, often in cooperation with industry.
Selecting and Applying to an Academic Program
You can easily search for an academic program by visiting EduFrance Search.
Once you have selected a few suitable programs, you will need to complete an application. This can be done, in most cases, via CampusFrance or by directly contacting the school.
Admission requirements are different for each program and institution, however, most admission decisions are made in June, a few months before the academic year starts in September.
You may also want to read: Top 10 Universities in Europe
Studying in France: Location and Costs
The location of your program is one of the most important factors in selecting your program of study.
Average living expenses in France amount to 1,000 Euros per month. However, you must keep in mind that the cost of living in Paris is much higher than the cost in other regions.
There are so many regions in France, and you can choose to live near the Mediterranean Sea in Nice, or in the quiet peaceful town of Lille – an hour from Paris. CampusFrance, the leading promoter of higher studies in France, says:
“Paris does not have a monopoly on high-quality education. Be advised that it is now almost impossible to find inexpensive lodgings in Paris. Throughout the country, one finds institutions of high renown in all fields. And not just universities; in fact, most schools of business and many top engineering schools are located outside Paris.“
The average tuition for university programs depends on the student’s nationality and academic level.
For French and EU/EEA students, the French government pays most of the cost of the program, however, registration fees are required. The following registration fees for French and EU/EEA students are in effect for the academic year 2021/2022:
- €170 per year at the licence (bachelor) level
- €243 per year at the master level
- €601 per year in a school of engineering (except for certain programs requiring €2500)
- €380 per year at the doctoral level
For international students, the French government covers 2/3 of the total costs. Current tuition costs for international students include:
- €2,770 per year at the licence (bachelor) level
- €3,770 per year at the master level
- €380 per year at the doctoral level
Business schools and private universities charge different rates, therefore you are encouraged to contact these schools directly for information on their programs.
Student Visa to Study in France
Students admitted by an institution will receive a letter that will enable them to apply for a student visa at the French consulate in their countries. (Nationals of a European Union member country do not need a visa).
Students from outside Europe who are planning to study in France for more than 6 months must obtain a student visa.
CampusFrance offers these 3 very important pieces of advice:
1 – A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or any other country of the European Union.
2 – If you plan to complete two programs in succession (such as a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for your visa so that your visa will be valid for the duration of your period of study. French visas cannot be extended in France.
3 – International students of all nationalities (except European Union nationals) residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residency permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France.
Working in France
International students can work in France if they have a residency permit and are enrolled in an institution that participates in the student health plan of the French social protection system (Sécurité Sociale).
French law allows international students to work up to 964 hours per year (60% of the maximum working hours permitted). Keep in mind that the minimum hourly wage in France is 10.03 Euros gross before any taxes.
The French labor law states the following: “As a condition of employment, individuals who are not French citizens must hold a valid work permit.”
Students wishing to work for pay must obtain temporary employment authorization. (Students from the European Economic Zone are exempt from this requirement.) Contact CampusFrance or your international students office for more information.
To learn more about studying in France, check out CampusFrance or visit a French Alliance education office in your region.
