The French Republic is the largest country in the Western Europe. It is surrounded with wide fertile plains and sprawling forests alongside the ancient mountains with the extinct volcanoes. France is known to be one of the oldest nations on earth. The various concepts of culture rich in heritage, food, cuisines, fashion, films, infrastructure and music has made the country a world-wide leader throughout the globe. France is world’s seventh largest economy.
France is one of the most chosen study abroad destination after USA and UK as it has been inviting superabundant number of students every year from all over the world. Especially for Indian students, Study in France is considered to be as a very good opportunity for chance of a lifetime in having a successful career. The public institutes for higher education in France are highly systematic and strictly educational in their approach. There are almost 35 French universities which have been nominated and included in the QS World University Rankings of 2019. There are a few universities which don`t come in the QS list due to the stringent focus on the subject alone but do enjoy the world-wide reputation. France is a best country for students who want to attend a high-quality institution at such an affordable fee, get to learn the internationally beautiful French language and explore the conventionally rich heritage, with the paintings and nation- wide famous art. Study in Paris, the metropolis which is one of the best cities for International students and Lyon which is world`s best student cities.
France spends more per capita on education than many other Western countries and has traditionally had high academic standards. There are more than 400 institutions of higher education and research in four different types.
France’s 83 public universities offer degree programmes in all disciplines and are spread throughout the country. There are three levels of degree:
Degrees can be academic, technical, or professional. To be considered for admission, international students need to demonstrate they have the credentials that would allow them to undertake higher education in their home countries.
Students can live reasonably well on around €800 a month (other than Paris, which is more like €1,200), depending on location and lifestyle. Tuition fees vary considerably €190–€620 per year at public universities and from €1,500 to €20,000 a year at private universities. The average cost of health insurance is around €40–€50 per month.
IELTS: It is the most popular English proficiency test taken by many aspirants wishing to study abroad. IELTS is also known as International English Language Testing System. Almost all the universities in France accept IELTS scores as a proof of English proficiency. The scores of the test are valid for a period of two years. Universities accept IELTS scores in a minimum range of 6 to 7.5 vastly depending on the course and the university you are applying for.
TOEFL: In order to study in French universities, students also take up Test of Foreign Language as a proof of English proficiency. However, many universities only take into consideration TOEFL iBT or TOEFL PBT for a minimum score of 600. Students must have a thorough check as to which university is taking in TOEFL scores.
GMAT: If you`re looking out for admissions in the best business schools of France then aspirants should take up GMAT Graduate Management Aptitude Test for a score of 690 or more. As France hosts a number of eminent business schools, candidates need to aim for a high GMAT score which will help them suit in the best business schools. Programs like MBA, Business Management need good scores.
GRE: GRE is mostly for candidates wanting to enroll in post graduate programs. GRE also known as Graduate Record Examination is a globally accepted exam in which candidates are tested on their verbal and analytical skills. GRE scores are valid for a period of 5 years.
TCF: TCF also known as Test De Connaissance du Francais is a French proficiency test that international students should take up in order to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in French language. Candidates are assessed on the basis of their listening, writing, speaking and reading sections. Students can attend this test as many times as they want provided that there is a gap of 60 days between two consecutive attempts.
Le TEF French Assessment Test: It is a French language assessment test is taken up to check the competency and level of knowledge in French on a scale from 0 to 6. The results are immediate as the test is computer based and electronic version. Students will be assessed on their oral comprehension, reading, writing, etc. in French language. The scores are valid for two years. But there should be a gap of two months following two successive examinations.
If you are an EU national, or national from the EEA, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you do not require a French student visa. Instead, all you will need in order to legally study in France is a valid passport or other valid travel ID. If you are a national from anywhere else in the world, you will need to obtain a student visa for France in order to be able to undertake study.
Every student is granted a specific Long Stay Visa for study purposes in France. However as the country falls within the Schengen area a student has the liberty to visit any of the other Schengen countries as a visitor for a limited period for tourism purpose.
Students are eligible for 2 years of post-study work visa on completion of a Master’s course. Students can work up to 964 hours per year. Typical part time earning is €10 to €12 per hour. Minimum gross wage is €9.76 per hour.
"All international students have the right to work while studying in France as long as they are registered in an institution that participates in the national student health-care plan (and they have a resident permit if not a EU national). The right to work applies to all students, including students who come to France for the first time, registered in the first year of a university program, or registered full-time in a language school."
Popular study destination: France has endured to become a popular study destination is because of its unparalleled history of excellence and national commitment towards higher education along with its cultural and metalinguistic tradition attracts thousands of international students every year. currently, there are almost 6000 Indian students who are pursuing their higher education. Paris is also a center for some of the top world-renowned universities. The country offers a great multicultural environment to study creating a much lively experience.
Limitless choices: France offers students wide range of courses and subjects which are thin on the ground and not easily available. You will find courses such as wine management, entrepreneurship and innovation. These limitless choices of courses will make you overwhelmed as to which course to be chosen.
Top class universities: France proudly boasts about 36 universities in the QS World University Rankings out of which 10 are ranked in the top 10 of 300. France has almost 3500 institutions, having schools of architecture and wide variety of courses. Some of the top universities to consider studying in France are Universite` PSL (Paris, Sciences & Letters), Sorbonne University, Ecole Polytechnique and more.
Affordable tuition fees: The tuition fee in France is usually set by the government and especially public universities and they are quite affordable than any other European countries. There are also many attractive merit scholarships that international students can take up. Another add on benefit to this is students receive discounts on museums, theatres and cinemas. Even libraries are cost effective and many students get free entry.
Country of Research: France is the epicenter of research as the country is known for its outstanding research and opportunities in development of economy. France was ranked as the seventh richest country in the world in 2019. Also, it is a great place to have a kickstart career that you have always been willing to start. The country proudly boasts its approved brands of cosmetics such as Maybelline, L’Oréal and more luxury brands making a mark globally.
Experience a rich culture: Students choosing to study are privileged because, France has a culture rich in every aspect to dwell in. Starting from the various cuisines, visiting the iconic sights such as The Eiffel tower near Paris which is a world-wide tourist destination or to see the famous ancient European paintings hanging in the Louvre Museum. The French foods which is appetizing in itself with varieties of wine, tasty cheese, buttery croissants and many classic dishes. It is home to one of the greatest fashions discovered ever where many big celebrities walk the ramp which is Paris Fashion week.
Subsidized Accommodation by Government: France is the only country in Europe to offer this benefit. All students are eligible on a case to case basis to apply for assistance and receive subsidy on cost of accommodation from 30% to 50% of the rent from the French Government. French classes are provided by many Government organizations for free. Enrolment fees are typically around €5 to €10. Duration remains 2 to 3 hours a day. It is part of the course curriculum for which exams are conducted and students are awarded a certificate for their French knowledge level.
Low Transportation Expenses: A Transportation pass costs around €35 per month for students under 25 years of age, else it is around €45 to €50 per month.
Internship opportunities in Multinational Companies: Most of the courses have inbuilt 4-6 months internships which may be paid or unpaid. Paid internships may come with a stipend of approx. Euros 500 per month.
With so much to offer, no doubts that thousands of international student’s head to France to launch their career and experience the cosmic European culture