Study in France: Your Gateway To European Universities

If you happen to attend a college in Paris, you would not want to miss the wonders of the Eiffel Tower, breathtaking in beauty and fun. It is a place for students, as well as individuals of all ages. France is absolutely elegant in every imaginable way – something that you would never want to miss. Packed with the culture of art, fashion, museum and wine, the chance to study in France will certainly be even more appealing than it may have been before. Whether you choose to begin your learning in the capital city or prefer to go closer to the northern or southern borders, every university offers a different area of specialised learning. Let us find out what makes France an ideal destination for higher education.

Study in France

Are you aware that in 2019, around 10,000 Indians chose France for higher studies? As a student planning to study in France, is it quite imperative for you to know the benefits of taking our higher education abroad? How would you feel if you were told that France has a lot more than just an amazing educational system in the world!

Why Study in France?

No matter what part of the country you go, you will be surprised to know that almost every French university offers world-class education to students far and wide. Besides this, you have the opportunity to attend classes both full-time and part-time. You can apply for as many as 20 universities in a single application! France has more than 3,500 institutions of higher education which include 77 publicly-funded universities for all degree courses, Schools of Architecture, Grandes Ecoles (Great Schools) offering 5-year diplomas (equivalent to a master’s degree) in scientific, business and arts, more than 3,000 schools for specialised courses in Culinary Arts, Hotel Management, Social Work and Tourism.

Students aspiring to be a part of the french university will find there a good number of financial opportunities like scholarship, loans and grants to make it easier for them to attend universities. It is important to know that the tuition costs in the country are comparatively lower than in other areas. Your higher education in France is packed with exceptional institutions and excellent learning capabilities within the country. Another factor which adds on to your experience is the easy costs of living in France. It is quite affordable for students to survive in France than in a country like the USA – be it housing, food or even entertainment. 

French Education System

France is quite strict when it comes to following the highest educational standards. French people take their education very seriously, with plenty of money spent on building education infrastructure. In fact, engineers, doctors, military leaders, etc. all turn to the prime education system in France to gain their knowledge of the industry. You should note that the academic year in the country starts in mid-September and stretches up to the end of June in the progressive year.

The school system is neatly divided into primary level (école), middle school (collège) and high school (lycée) roughly similar to the prevalent educational arrangement in India. After graduating from high school, students can choose to pursue higher education through various diploma routes as well. As a matter of fact, most of the educational institutions in France are public and therefore focus on providing quality education at an affordable cost. Two of the positive characteristics that you will find while you study in France are small tutorial sizes and heavy instructor intervention. This means you have enough time to learn, ask questions and seek help. No matter what course you are planning to pursue, rest assured that France has the education you are looking for. To know more, read our blog on the French Education System.

Top 10 Universities in France

France has many renowned higher learning institutions scattered around the country – no matter what subjects you wish to study or degree you want to earn. We have listed some of the best universities to study in France.

• Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University)
• Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech)
• Sorbonne University
• CentraleSupélec
• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
• Sciences Po Paris
• TELECOM ParisTech
• Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
• Université de Paris (University of Paris)
• Université Paris-Sud 11

Want to get admission to your dream university abroad? Then, Register Here!

Studying in English or French?

Of course, when you are attending a college to study in France, you do have the option of learning in English or French. And if you are interested in understanding the culture of the country as well as forming new bonds, utilizing a French course is a great option. French is the second most spoken language in Europe and being able to speak and understand it, adds so much significance to your life. To know in-depth about the language that classes are taught in, you can talk to the expert at the college that you are planning to attend. 

Note: If you are taking up courses in French, you may have to prove your language proficiency by taking an exam like DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) and TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français), TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français).

Popular Courses to Study in France

There are literally thousands of industries in which France excels and students can easily earn a degree no matter what type of career they are interested in. Some of the popular fields of education include Nuclear, Space and Aviation, Economics, Languages, Teaching, Art, History, Medicine, Science and Law. French universities aim to deliver the best of learning opportunities to students. They are quite aware of these domains and ensure that they teach students beyond the realms of basic education.

If you are looking forward to studying in France, take a look at popular courses offered by the country:

Undergraduate Studies

In order to start your bachelor’s education in France, you must complete your 10+2 or a high school diploma or equivalent from a recognised board of education. And if you wish to study in France, you should be prepared with your application well ahead of time and submit it no less than 2 months in advance of the commencement for your desired courses. Students have the opportunity to begin their undergraduate studies in the following disciplines:

• Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Psychology
• International Business Administration
• Finance
• International Finance
• International Economics
• Communication Technology
• Information Technology
• Geography
• Art History
• International and Comparative Politics
• Sociology
• Literary Studies
• Film Studies
• Global Communications
• Creative Arts
• Linguistics
• French Studies
• European and Mediterranean Cultures

Postgraduate Studies

France has a global reputation for offering excellent postgraduate study programs. And, international students learn so much to excel in their future endeavours. Postgraduate studies in France fall into the following 3 categories:

Earning a postgraduate degree in France may vary – diplomas can be earned within a duration of 4 years, while degree programs need 1 to 2 years to complete. The application process is very similar to bachelor’s studies. Additionally, to pursue management courses students need to have a valid GMAT score and GRE is important to pursue MS in France.

Living in France

For those aspiring to study in France, it is quite obvious for them to be exposed to the amazing French culture and wonderfully interactive environment bringing students from around the world. It is certainly a new experience filled with fun and adventure. Universities in France organise shows, fests, hold conferences, seminars and host sports activities like cricket, rugby, football, track and field, etc. There are beautiful museums offering everything from history, science to modern art of the country. France has more than 2,000 cinemas, special shows and concerts, besides numerous social parties and clubs for students to join. Wireless internet access is provided at no cost because of which you can stay connected to your loved ones back home. As we have already discussed, Most importantly, students have the chance to stay connected to India with the help of wireless internet access provided at no cost! As we have already discussed a lot about the prominence of French education, it is essentially up to you as to how you make the most of each day in the country.

Let us understand some of the important factors to keep in mind before you begin something new and exciting:

Accommodation in France

Your stay in the country is something you should be carefully planning before you even pack your bags. Despite, France having various housing options available for international students, not all of them are created in the same way. Take a look at a few of the options given below:

• Extended Stay Hotels: These are more affordable than hotels and offer weekly and monthly rates. In fact, these make you feel like home and allow you to move freely.
• Apartments and Townhouses: The cost of these rental accommodations may vary as per the city that you are in, while these are best for those attending college for a few months or long-term. 
• Roommates: This not only gives you the opportunity to cut back on some of the money that you spend on rent, utilities and other services.
• Social Housings: Although the process for admission into such facilities is often lengthy and difficult, you can still consider it. Your concerned university will provide you with the details of such a program.

Cost is an important factor when choosing a house you’ll utilise in France and always look for a place that is near your university. 

Costs of Living and Attending College in France

The French government expects you to be able to support yourself while you attend college. As an international student, you are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week while you continue to study in France. Besides the costs of tuition, students need to be aware of various factors that affect the money that is spent to study in France – like the costs of food, entertainment, renting accommodation, supplies and miscellaneous fees. It is estimated that the average international student will need to have around INR 6 to 8 lakhs to survive while attending a French university. The average tuition fee may vary from about INR 6 to 15 lakh per year depending upon the course and the university. However, if you’re looking for colleges at a lower cost, it is recommended to compare your options before you apply. If you’re going out for a period of more than 3 months, it is a great idea to open a savings account with a French bank as it can help you build interest on all of the money that you are depositing. Besides, you can keep track of how much money you have and use it wisely. 

You can opt for financial funds likely to be offered through the French state assistance fund for families or CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) that can help you cover some of the cost of living, besides your study in France. Are you searching for obtaining financial assistance to help cover the costs of attending college, then talk to us at Leverage Edu. We can help you in the right direction for applications and procedure concerning the assistance.

Health and Medical Insurance

Considering the health of international students planning to study in France, the French government offers a health care program for them. Even though factors like age, country of origin and duration of the course plays a crucial role, students are required to have health insurance either public or private. To be eligible for the national health insurance programs, you must be:

1. Below 28 years by October, 1 of the current academic year.
2. Enrolled in a course for a period of at least 4 months.

You can also obtain private medical insurance if you are older than 28 years and staying for less than 4 months. However, this will not cover you fully and you will need to take our complimentary coverage to fill in any gaps. Thus, it is a good idea to compare the different insurance companies before you seek private insurance. You are likely to find a policy that fits well with your budget.

Erasmus + 

This is a European programme allowing students and interns below the age of 30 years, with or without qualification a chance to develop new skills abroad. Every year 30,000 people, that are a part of this programme, study in France making it the 4th most popular destination. For more information click on the link.

Application to Study in France

The first step towards getting a degree in your field of interest is to apply for admission at the university of your choice. Only once you complete your application process, the concerned college will review your application whether you are a good fit for the school or not. 

How Do You Apply at a University?

If you are interested in pursuing higher education in France, here is an application guide for non-EU applicants planning to study in France. 

1. Complete your application to the school you wish to attend. You can download an application from the university’s official website or request in person from the university to wish to attend.
2. To study abroad, you need to submit academic transcripts from all institutions you have attended since secondary school.
3. You need to provide a copy of their passport as well as their passport-sized photograph. However, if you are attending the university for more than 3 months, then you have to apply for a visa proof as well.
4. Some colleges require that essays and SOPs be written to the best of your ability.
5. Submit the proof of English-language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
6. A copy of birth certificate as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of parents.
7. In order to prove your capability to cover all the abroad expenses, proof of income is mandatory.

Visa and Entry Requirements

As an Indian student wanting to study in France, you need to have a valid passport and a visa to enter a new country. Discussed below are the types of visa available:

Short Stay Visa (Less than 90 days) 

• These are governed by the EU regulations and allows you to stay up to 3 months in the 26-country Schengen zone. Holders of this Short Stay Visa are authorised to enter France for the purpose of appearing for an entrance examination or interview at the French university.
• And, if you’re successful, you may appeal for a 1-year renewable residence permit in France without having to return back to India.

All the students who wish to study in France for a period exceeding 6 months, have to apply for a long-stay visa for studies.

Long Stay Visa (Longer than 3 months or 90 days)

• Register online and submit documents like academic records, language skills, cover letter, SOP, LOR, valid passport, proof of funding, proof of accommodation, medical insurance and flight ticket.
• The French embassy will review your application and provide you with an appointment date.
• You will be called for the academic interview with the advisor. Do not forget to carry originals and one set of photocopies.
• At the interview, you will be asked the reason for choosing France and the specific institution
• Then you will be required to make a VFS-France account and submit the necessary documents.
• Verify and confirm your Long-Stay Visa and Residence Permit (VLS-TS). In case you wish to stay beyond the validity of your visa, then you’ll have to apply for a residence permit at the prefecture of your place of residence. This has to be done 2 months prior to expiry.

Students Going for Internship in France

An internship agreement or Convention de Stage is important for students going for an internship in France. It is a contract between the intern, intern’s home institution in India and the employer (either the host university or the company). Acting as supplemental workplace insurance, the document includes the dates of the internship, tasks and objectives that the internship is relevant to the course of study, besides information on the institution in France and the police department. In case the internship is for a period of more than 3 months, then you’ll have to get a stamp from the labour authority in the host country.

Study in France Scholarship

• Charpak Scholarship
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
• Shikhar Thales Scholarship programme
• Bahman Samandari Scholarship Programme
• Amba- Dalmia Scholarship Programme 
• École Normale Supérieure International Selection
• Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon
• Emile Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po University
• Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
• Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation Scholarships
• INSEAD MBA Scholarships

Study in France for Indian Students After 12th

For all the students who are planning to study in France after class 12th, the process of pursuing the studies of your choice in the country is quite simple. France is a hub of many leading universities, thus you are required to thoroughly go through the list of universities as well as the courses offered by them. Universities in France usually offer intakes in the months of September and June. Once you have found the UG course of your choice, you can look out for the academic requirements of it. Do not forget to check whether the program is taught in English or French. 

On average, an Indian student would require a minimum 60- 70% in 10+2 examinations. As per the medium of your course, you will be asked to qualify entrance exams for DELF, DALF, TEF, etc. If you have chosen French. On the other hand, if you have chosen English as your study medium, scores for exams like IELTS, TOEFL etc are required. Once you pass by the step of academic requirements, the next step would be to follow up for the visa. Listed below are there documents that you may need for the visa application- 

Study in France without IELTS

You can easily pursue a course in France without qualifying the IELTS exam. Listed below are the universities in which you can apply without IELTS score-

• American Business School, Paris
• EBS Paris
• EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
• ESAIP School of Engineers
• ESC Rennes School of Business, France
• ESGCI, Paris
• ESLSCA Business School
• IESA International
• INSEEC Business School
• ISC Paris
• NEOMA Business School
• Paris School of Business
• SKEMA Business School
• Toulouse Business School

Can I Study in France for Free?

Yes, you can study in France for free! Yes, you read it right. Gone are the days when studying abroad used to cause a hole in the pocket. With an abundance of scholarships, grants and loans available you can absolutely study for free in France or your other dream destination. Get in touch with Leverage Edu experts and find the best match scholarship for you! 

Study in France: Your Final Checklist

There isn’t any doubt that you will be all excited to study in France. But being in a hurry that you leave things unprepared is not a good idea! Put in that extra effort to double-check things and keep your documents in place. This will surely help you start your journey with much ease. 

• Have you submitted your application?
• Have you arranged for accommodation and housing?
• Do you have the finances to study in France?
• Will you be working part-time?
• What is the availability of transportation in and around France?
• Are your passport and visa ready?
• Have you packed your suitcase?
• Do you have all the necessary information about the country and city?

It is not easy for your parents to send you off to college that is thousands of miles away. Therefore you should be spending your last few days in India enjoying the company of your people. Consider yourself to be lucky with the opportunity to study in France while experience new life and culture. Book your 30 minutes free career counselling with Leverage Edu and join one of the top European universities!

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