France

Study In France

France is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Among its major advantages are the high quality of education, the remarkably low tuition fees, and the enjoyable French way of life.

The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and the University of Paris-Sud. There are also many great options to study for an MBA in France: The country is home to many of the best-ranked elite business schools in Europe. Among them are HEC Paris, Insead, ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad), and Edhec Business School, to name but a few.

Education System

Elementary Education

In France, education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. Elementary school (enseignement élémentaire) begins at age 6 and lasts for 5 years. It is divded into two cycles: the basic learning cycle (two years) and the consolidation cycle (three years). Elementary education focuses on French, mathematics, reading and writing, social sciences, science and the introduction of a first foreign language.

Secondary Education

Following elementary school, students enroll in secondary school. Secondary education is divided into two levels: lower secondary (enseignement secondaire du premier cycle) and upper secondary (enseignement secondaire du deuxième cycle).

Higher Education

After the lycée, students choose to pursue either a vocational diploma or an academic diploma.

Vocational diplomas:

The DUT (diplôme universitaire de technologie) and BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur) are two-year technology-oriented degrees. BTS courses are offered by high schools, whereas DUT are awarded by universities. A DUT or BTS may be followed by one additional qualifying year of study, leading to a licence professionnelle.

Academic diplomas:

There are three types of higher education institutions in France: universities, Grandes écoles, and specialized schools.

Universities are public institutions that offer academic, technical, and professional degrees to any student who has obtained a baccalauréat or its foreign equivalent. University study leads to degrees in many fields. Degrees are awarded at three different levels of achievement, called cycles, within a framework referred to as licence, master, doctorat (LMD), which is described in the following section.

The Grandes écoles are selective public and private institutions. They are similar to universities, but typically offer a more specialized three-year course of study, in subjects such as business, public administration, or engineering. Students are admitted to the Grandes écoles based on their scores on a competitive exam. Before taking this exam, students must have obtained a baccalauréat, and they often have taken a two-year preparatory course (cours préparatoires or prépas). Students graduate from a Grande école with a master’s degree (master).

Specialized schools are public or private institutions that train students for professional careers in specific fields, such as art, architecture, social work, or tourism. They offer licence and master degrees

Cost Of Studying

Not only do you get a world-class education in France – the tuition fees at public universities are relatively modest. Citizens and permanent residents of EEA countries and Switzerland can study tuition-free (except for an immatriculation charge of around 200 euros per year), whereas students from outside Europe will have to pay around 3,000 to 4,000 euros per year at public universities. Private universities usually charge more, up to 20,000 euros annually.

The standard of living in France is remarkably high, and one thing is certain: Studying in France is going to be a great, life-changing experience for you. France caters to every taste – and that does not only mean wine and cheese enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bustling urban environment, quiet mountains, or the relaxed atmosphere on the Mediterranean shore, you will find a fitting destination for yourself. Paris offers a unique metropolitan vibe in a charming environment. Marseille and Montpellier are directly off the Mediterranean coast; summer beaches included. Rennes or Nantes are close to the rougher Atlantic coasts. And from Grenoble or Lyon, the Alps are within reach.

Prerequisites

Students seeking to study first cycle (undergraduate) degree at universities and institutes of technology in France must hold a French bachelor or equivalent and have passed the university entrance exam in their home country. In addition, if you are applying for a study program at an institute of technology, you should be ready to take a personal interview

If you are applying for a master’s program at university at France, you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor’s or equivalent degree diploma If you are applying for doctoral studies at university in France, you are required to be in possession of a relevant master’s degree

Admission Process

Since the language of instruction at French universities and colleges is French, you are required to prove your command over the language. International students are required to appear for French language tests.

For each course, a minimum academic record of 70% and above in Standard XII will be required. Foundations and Diploma programmes are available for students who have secured around 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree programme.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purpose, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.

Most of the colleges in France accept online applications. You will have to visit each college’s website to apply. In most cases you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and stages through this account. Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.

Visa Requirements

Submission of Visa application and collection of passports can be done only by the applicant himself or through a travel agency authorized by the Embassy of France, New Delhi.

Key Industry Sectors

France is the largest agricultural power in the European Union, accounting for one-fourth of the EU’s total agricultural production. Nevertheless, the agricultural sector only represents a very small part of the country’s GDP (1.6%) and employs 2.4% of the population. French agricultural activities receive significant subsidies, especially from the European Union. Wheat, corn, meats and wine are France’s main agricultural products.

France’s manufacturing industry is highly diversified; however, the country is currently undergoing a de-industrialisation process, which has resulted in the outsourcing of many activities. Industry represents more than 17.1% of GDP and employs a fifth of the active workforce. The key industrial sectors in France are telecommunications, electronics, automobile, aerospace and weapons.

The tertiary sector represents around 70.2% of the French GDP and employs 77.7% of the active workforce. France is the leading tourist destination in the world with 91 million foreign visitors in 2019, another consecutive record year after 2018 which registered 89.3 million international tourists. The discovery of the cultural and gastronomic heritage of France and shopping are the main activities popular with foreign tourists. According to COFACE, after increasing 7.1 % in 2018, tourist arrivals decreased by 1.1% in the first three quarters of 2019 (including a 10% decrease from the United Kingdom) due to less favourable global economic conditions.

Part-Time Jobs

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Post-Study Work