Janice Lozano
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 412,000 foreign students enrolled in higher education in 2022-2023. The country boasts a growing academic reputation, world-renowned universities, and a welcoming attitude towards international students. France offers a wide range of degree courses in most subjects at bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels, with English-taught courses also available. The application process for French universities is straightforward, with support services such as Campus France providing guidance on enrolment requirements, visa applications, and scholarship opportunities. International students should be prepared for potential language tests, additional documentation requests, and higher living costs compared to tuition fees. France provides a diverse and multicultural student experience, with Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Nice among the attractive study destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic year | September/October to May/June |
| Semester breaks | Two weeks at Christmas, two months in summer |
| Courses | Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate levels |
| Application requirements | French Baccalaureate qualification (A-Level in the UK) or equivalent |
| Language requirements | TOEFL® test or other English-language tests |
| Tuition fees | Lower than in many countries |
| Living costs | High in comparison to tuition fees |
| Student visa | Required for stays longer than six months |
| Residence permit | Required for stays longer than six months |
| Health insurance | European Health Insurance Card for EU/EEA citizens; national health insurance for non-EU citizens |
| Scholarships | Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, French government scholarships and internships, tuition fee exemptions |
| International student population | Approximately 358,000 in 2020, with over 412,000 foreign students in 2022-2023 |
| Popular destinations | Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Grenoble |
| University types | Public, private, secular, non-secular, and grandes écoles |
| Grandes écoles | Elite institutions with high admission requirements, offering specialised education |
| Recognition of studies | Part of the Bologna Process, ensuring recognition and transferability of studies throughout Europe |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements and deadlines
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 412,000 foreign students enrolled in higher education in 2022-2023. The country offers a wide range of degree courses in most subjects at bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. The university calendar year in France usually begins in September or October and ends in May or June. It is divided into two semesters.
Application Requirements:
International students must hold an equivalent qualification to the French Baccalaureate (A-Level in the UK) and meet the criteria for their chosen course. Most applications to French universities include a completed application form signed by official authorities. Non-European students might need to provide additional documents such as a birth certificate, proof of financial support, and a French student visa after admission. International students may also need to provide evidence of their English-language abilities, with the TOEFL® test being preferred by many French schools.
Each university determines the minimum grade or mark for language tests, so it is important to check which tests are accepted and the expected grades. If you plan to study for more than six months in France, you will need to apply for a residence permit at French local authorities ("Préfecture") and prove you have sufficient funds.
Application Deadlines:
Application deadlines vary depending on the degree type and other factors, with some universities accepting applications after the deadline based on available spaces. For fall admission, deadlines are typically around January 17th or April 1st, while spring admission has a deadline of September 15th. It is important to note that institutions inform students of their admission decisions between June 15th and September 15th for programs beginning in October.
Scholarships:
France offers various scholarships and internships for international students. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme attracts top international students to enrol in Master's and PhD programmes. Additionally, embassies granted 14,000 tuition fee exemptions for non-European students in 2019, mainly to students from North and sub-Saharan Africa. Schools and universities also offer tuition fee exemptions based on their international strategies, provided that international students do not exceed 10% of enrolled students.
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Scholarships and tuition fees
Tuition fees in public institutions in France are low because the state subsidizes a large share of the costs. While the actual cost of education is comparable to other countries (around €10,000 per year), the French government covers much of this amount, making higher education more accessible. For French and EU/EEA/Swiss students, the state continues to cover most of the education costs at public institutions. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the tuition fees for EU/EEA/Swiss students were €175 per year for undergraduate (Licence) studies.
Tuition fees at private institutions, particularly business schools, are significantly higher than in public institutions. Generally, they can range from €6,000 to €18,000 per year. The private nature of an institution means it was not created by the state, so the level of public funding it receives can vary.
There are several scholarships and grants available for international students in France. The Campus France website provides a searchable platform called Campus Bourses, where students can find scholarships offered by the French and foreign states, regional authorities, companies, foundations, and institutes of higher education. Scholarships are also available for students who do not have the resources to study in France. In 2019, over 10,000 French government scholarships and internships were granted by embassies, entitling recipients to free tuition in France. Applications can be submitted through the relevant embassy department or the student's Campus France profile.
Erasmus+ is a European programme that offers mobility scholarships for students to study in France and other European countries. The Erasmus Mundus joint Master's programme awards scholarships to the world's best students for one or two years, regardless of their field of studies. To receive this scholarship, students must take their master's programme in at least two countries participating in the programme.
There are also scholarships specifically for US students, such as the Gilman-France Scholarship, which is a partnership between the French Embassy and the Gilman Scholarship Program. The Fulbright France scholarship is another option, providing various scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to pursue study in French institutions.
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Student visas and permits
If you're planning to study in France as an international student, there are a few things you should know about visas and permits. Firstly, if you're a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you will need to apply for a student visa. On the other hand, if you're from the EU, you won't need a visa, just a valid passport or alternative travel ID document.
The Campus France website is a great resource for international students and provides information on visa applications. It's important to start gathering the necessary documents as early as possible, as this can be a time-consuming step. You may need to provide translations of your original documents into French. The French Embassy in your home country can assist with this.
In addition to the visa, if you plan to study in France for more than six months, you will need to apply for a residence permit from the French local authorities ("Préfecture"). As part of this process, you will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
It's worth noting that tuition fees for international students in France can vary. Private universities and certain specific courses may have higher fees, so it's important to check with your chosen institution. Living costs in France can also be high, so it's crucial to create a budget and factor in these expenses when planning your studies in France.
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Housing and living costs
The cost of living in France varies significantly depending on the city. Paris is the most expensive city, with monthly costs ranging from €1,200 to €1,800. Other large cities like Lyon and Bordeaux are cheaper, with monthly costs ranging from €500 to €1,000. Smaller cities like Toulouse, Lille, and Metz offer a more affordable lifestyle, with monthly costs as low as €400.
Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for students in France. On-campus student residences, known as CROUS, are a popular and affordable option, with rooms costing around €200 per month outside of Paris and €400 in the capital. Private student residences are also available but are more expensive. Renting a private studio apartment can cost around €800 per month in Paris and €400 in other cities. Sharing an apartment is a more economical option, with rents ranging from €400 to €700 per month, or €800 in Paris. Living with a host family is another option, with costs ranging from €200 to €800 per month.
Monthly grocery expenses in France typically range from €150 to €400, depending on your location and spending habits. Dining out in cafés or bistros is relatively affordable, with meals costing between €10 and €15 at inexpensive restaurants and €25 to €40 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant. Coffee at a café typically costs between €2 and €4. Students can also take advantage of CROUS restaurants, which offer meals for less than €5.
Transportation costs can be mitigated by using monthly public transport passes, which offer student discounts and cost between €30 and €75. Bicycle rental is another affordable option, with the Vélib programme in Paris offering weekly rentals for €10. Health insurance is another necessary expense, costing between €20 and €50 per month, and internet connection costs around €26 per month.
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Academic year structure
France is a popular destination for international students, attracting around 300,000 each year. The country offers diverse programmes, affordable education, and a rich culture and history. The French higher education system is divided into three stages: primary, secondary, and higher education, all administered by the French Ministry of Education. The university calendar year in France typically begins in September or October and ends in May or June. The academic year is divided into two semesters, with the first semester ending before the new year and the second semester commencing in the new year.
France follows the Bologna process, which means that entry requirements for bachelor's and master's degree courses are similar to those of other European universities. For a bachelor's degree, students are expected to have achieved the equivalent of a school-leaving certificate. For a master's degree, a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related subject is usually required. Postgraduate students will be asked to take exams, with a higher minimum score than for undergraduates. For non-European students, additional documents such as birth certificates and proof of financial support may be required. International students from outside the EEA will also need to apply for a student visa and may need to pass the Preliminary Admission ("demande d'admission préalable" - DAP).
The French education system follows the three-cycle LMD system: Licence, Master, and Doctorat. A Licence degree typically takes three years to complete and is known as a bachelor's degree in other countries. Obtaining a Master's degree typically takes two years, and a Doctorat takes a total of eight years of education (License + Master + Doctorate degrees). Research degrees, such as a PhD, typically take between three and six years to complete.
Tuition fees in France are often lower than in other parts of Europe. For international students outside the EEA, fees are €2,770 per year for a bachelor's degree, €3,770 for a postgraduate degree, and €380 per year for PhDs. However, private engineering, business, or management universities can cost up to €30,000 for international students. There are various scholarships available for international students, such as the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, which are offered to students from both EU and non-EU countries.
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Frequently asked questions
The application process for French universities is not demanding. You will need to hold an equivalent of a French Baccalaureate qualification (A-Level in the UK) and meet the criteria for the course you want to study. You can contact the French Embassy in your home country or the universities you aim to apply to for more information.
For non-European students, you might be asked to provide additional documents such as your birth certificate, proof of financial support for your studies, and, after admission, your French student visa. You will also need to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your time in France.
France has a growing academic reputation and is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students. In 2019, over 10,000 French government scholarships and internships were granted by embassies. There are also tuition fee exemptions available to non-European students.
France offers a welcoming attitude to international students, high-quality university education, and low tuition fees. The country is also a member of the Bologna Process, which ensures that your studies will be recognised and easily transferable throughout Europe. The cost of living in France is high, so it is important to create a budget in advance.
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