Study in France: Universities, Student Visa, Costs & Scholarships

Study in France

Primary Education:Primary education in France starts at age 6 and lasts until age 11. It includes two cycles: the elementary cycle and the middle cycle.
Secondary Education (École Secondaire):Secondary education is divided into two stages: Collège (middle school) for ages 11-15 and Lycée (high school) for ages 15-18.
After Collège, students take the “Brevet” exam, which is a certificate of general education. At Lycée, students choose different streams (General, Technological, or Vocational) leading to the “Baccalauréat” (Bac), a crucial exam for entry into higher education.
Higher Education: French higher education includes universities, Grandes Écoles, and specialized institutions. Universities offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Higher education in France follows the LMD system (Licence, Master, Doctorate), in line with the European Bologna Process, ensuring the compatibility and recognition of degrees across Europe.

Tuition Fees: Public universities in France offer affordable tuition rates due to government subsidies. For EU/EEA students, the annual tuition fees are approximately €170 for a Bachelor's degree, €243 for a Master's degree, and €380 for a Doctorate.
Non-EU/EEA students generally pay higher fees, ranging from €2,770 per year for a Bachelor's degree to €3,770 per year for a Master's degree. However, many institutions offer scholarships and fee waivers to international students.
Grandes Écoles and private institutions have higher tuition fees, which can range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year or more, depending on the program and institution.
Living Costs: The cost of living in France varies depending on the city. Paris is the most expensive, with monthly living costs ranging from €1,200 to €1,800. In other cities like Lyon, Marseille, or Toulouse, living expenses are lower, averaging €800 to €1,200 per month.
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and leisure activities.

Research and select a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. Consider whether you want to apply to a university, Grande École, or a specialized institution.

Ensure you meet the academic and language proficiency requirements for your chosen program. Most programs will require a recognized secondary school diploma (for undergraduate programs) or a relevant bachelor's degree (for postgraduate programs). Check the specific requirements for international students, as they can vary between institutions and programs.

Most programs in France are taught in French, so proficiency in the language is essential. You may need to provide proof of French language skills through tests like DELF/DALF. For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) may be required.

Applications typically require academic transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and letters of recommendation. For certain programs, you may need to take entrance exams or provide a portfolio of work.

For most undergraduate programs, students apply through the national online platform Parcoursup. For postgraduate programs and Grandes Écoles, applications are usually made directly to the institution via their online application portals.

After receiving an acceptance letter, non-EU/EEA students must apply for a student visa through the French consulate in their home country. The visa application process includes providing proof of acceptance, sufficient financial means, and accommodation arrangements in France.

Once your visa is approved, plan your travel to France, including accommodation and health insurance. Upon arrival, students must register with the local French authorities and may need to undergo a medical examination.