FRANCE
France is one of Europe’s largest countries. It is bordered by 6 different countries: Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the southeast and Spain to the southwest. The United Kingdom borders France via the English Channel. The country is considered to be the gateway to Europe as there are several large international airports (two of these can be found in Paris), ferry terminals and the French rail service.
INTRODUCTION
There are several educational institutions throughout the country, whether you are interested in learning in Paris or prefer to go closer to the northern or southern borders. Each of the universities offers a different area of specialized learning, so you should base your choice on the area of study that interests you most. Additionally, you will find that some schools offer their courses in English, while others teach in French. This is another decision that must be made in advance. You will find that all of these institutions offer you some very exciting benefits and challenges of attending, but the degree that is earned always worth this in the end. There are certainly myriad reasons why attending a college in France is appealing to those from around the world. These include the lowest tuition costs, the chance to explore this amazing country and the benefit of receiving some of the most prestigious education and training from top instructors, but you can be certain that the benefits extend far beyond those that are listed above. No matter who you are or what you want to learn, attending a university in France is one of the best decisions that you will ever make in your entire life.
SCOPE OF STUDYING IN FRANCE
Studying in France has many benefits of its own. Some of the scopes of studying in France are listed below;
France is high on the list of best places in the world to attend university. Individuals of all ages can attend any of the fabulous colleges and universities in the country and expect to earn a great education. France is home to some of the best universities in the world, and the country leads the way in a number of industries. When it is a wonderful education that is desired, it is France that more people look for.
There are so many reasons why people choose France for study.
- France is the 3rd most popular destination for higher education
- France has outstanding educational opportunities
- Scholarships are awarded for excellent student records
- Attractive and affordable tuition rates
- Best teaching methods compare to other destination (industrial based teaching)
- Two intakes per year (some of the institutes running only one intake)
- Easy admission process – We can get quick revert from university
- Excellent job opportunities
- Accommodation are arranged by university (on campus accommodation) or student can choose to live outside.
- Affordable living expenses
- Excellent career opportunities
- Quality higher education adapted to students’ needs
- Outstanding research and development opportunities
- France is a world-class economic power
- France is home to leading international corporations: Airbus, Total, Orange, LVMH, L’Oréal, Dionne…
- Young talent is valued in innovation and entrepreneurship sectors
- French lifestyle: Paris is the #1 student city! (QS Best Student Cities, 2014)
- French is the third most common business language
- 9 out of 10 international students recommend France as a study destination
- Schengen country.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Before you can work on earning a degree in any subject in France, you first need to apply for admissions at the college or university of your choice. While we’ve briefly covered this information earlier in the guide, here we will talk more thoroughly so you know just what to do to begin an education in one of the best countries.
Although applying at a university in France is almost the same as applying for a college in any other country, there are a few differences that are important for you to recognize. It is important that, whether you are a European local or an international student, you complete the application process in its entirety, as well as submit all of the required and requested documentation at the time of submission. When you do this it will show you are ready to attend college as well as speed up the process.
Anyone who wants to attend college in France must complete the application process. The application is reviewed by the college once it is received to determine whether or not the applicant is a good fit for the institution. Often, a college will look at backgrounds, so it is important that this should be free of any questionable incidents.
NON EU APPLICANTS
First, an application to the school that you wish to attend should be completed. Since you are not in the country it is pretty difficult to attain an application from the school; however, we will help you in that.
Transcripts must be provided from all institutions that you have attended in the past. This includes both high school transcripts as well as those from any colleges that you may have attended in the past.
International students wishing to attend a university in France must also provide a copy of their passport as well as a photograph of passport size to the school in which they are applying for admission into.
Some colleges require that essays be written. If this is a part of the application process, ensure that you write the essay to the best of your ability as it is a critical part of your acceptance or denial into the college. You are required to complete the essay on a various topic, although you should always do research. State facts in your essay and prove that you can write well thought out information. This will do well in your favor when you want to get into a college.
You will also be required to submit proof of English proficiency. This can be obtained through a PTE/IELTS/TOEFL test. This test can be completed online, on the computer or through a printed exam sent via postal mail. You should complete this test well in advance of applying for college. The results of this exam should be submitted along with your application. Do keep in mind that there is a cost to take this exam.
A copy of your birth certificate is needed when you apply to a French university, as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of both of your parents. This is something that all international students are required to have regardless of their country of origin.
As with those who want to apply to college that already live in Europe, some colleges may require that applicants complete additional steps in order to be considered for admission. It is vital that you follow all of the requested procedures from the college that you want to attend to ensure that you are submitting all of the information they require for admission.
It is also a requirement of French law to provide proof that you have enough money to cover all of the expenses you will incur while attending college. They want to make sure that you attend college and can live comfortably. It is just not worth it to come to the country and be unable to stay due to a lack of finances. With this requirement in place you can find yourself more prepared as well as there for the long haul, and since you are trying to earn a degree this is just what you want.
Documents
You should provide two sets of application photocopies containing the following documents:
- Long stay application form for the duration of more than 90 days
- Two passport size photographs
- A copy of Passport
- A print out of your Campus France ID number
- Letter of registration from the academic Institution
- Cover letter explaining the study purpose and a CV/Resume
- Proof of funds – tuition fees + a minimum of 615 Euros/month, for the complete academic term
- Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France
- Copy of your round-trip airline ticket (if you are studying for six months or less) or a one-way ticket if you are studying in France for more than six months)
- OFII form (Office Francais de Immigration et de Integration)
- Proof of residency in France such as a lease, electricity bill, title of property etc. for a minimum of three months or a hotel reservation
- Copy of the CV
- Copies of the degree and academic diplomas, certificate
MAJOR UNIVERSITIES IN FRANCE
- Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris
- Sorbonne University
- École Polytechnique
- University of Paris
- Télécom Paris
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
- Paris-Sud University
- École des Ponts ParisTech
- Aix-Marseille University
- Grenoble Alpes University
- Montpellier University
- IMT Atlantique
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
- University of Bordeaux
- Centrales Nantes
- University of Côte d’Azur
- École des Mines de Saint-Étienne
- Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées
- Sciences Po
- University of Strasbourg
COURSES AVAILABLE
There are different types of courses available in France. Some are;
UNDER GRADUATE COURSES
- Medicine
- Geography
- Pharmacology
- Art History
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- European and Mediterranean Cultures
- Communication technology
- Information Technology
- French Studies
- International Business Administration
- Film Studies
- Global Communications
- Finance
- International Finance
- Literary Studies
- Creative Arts
- Psychology
- International Economics
- International and Comparative Politics
POST GRADUATE COURSES
- Taught Masters (MAs/MScs/MEng)
- Research Masters (MRes/ MA by Research)
- Doctorates and PhDs
Taught Masters are postgraduate courses that are in a similar pattern to undergraduate studies, with lectures, seminars and tutorials given. Students are expected to research topics on their own and take and independent approach to their studying.
Research Masters are often seen as pre-requisites to entering a PhD program. Students in these programs must research a particular topic independently and focus on improving the research skills that are possessed to produce a dissertation or final project.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
In order to get a student visa for France as a non-EU citizen, you don’t need to have a fixed amount in your bank account but you must be able to prove you can get at least €615 a month. Along with the costs of tuition in France, you also need to keep in mind the many other factors that affect the money that you will spend while in college. This includes costs of renting accommodation, food, entertainment, supplies, tests and miscellaneous fees. This is money that you absolutely need to budget for in advance. The last thing that you want to do is to get to France and not have the money that you need.
You can easily calculate these costs and determine the true amounts that are needed to attend a college in the country. There are many ways in which this can be done. Take a look on the Internet and learn what the costs of things are in France. If you are coming from the U.S., you can certainly expect the costs of living to be fairly comparable or perhaps even a little less than what you’re used to paying back home. Coming from the United Kingdom, you will soon learn that France is considerably cheaper than back home. This is something that you will enjoy as cash may not always come easy when you are attending college.
Make sure that you take the time to do this as you do not want to arrive on the scene and find yourself in for a shock over the high costs of attending university.
Additionally, it is required that you provide this proof if you are an international student. It is estimated that the average student will need to have around 430 EUR per month to survive while attending school in France. This equals about 5,160 EUR per year. This is a low estimate, however, and you should always plan to have a little more than what is determined that you will need. The average tuition costs for attending a college in France will vary according to the school that you wish to attend, the courses that you are taking, whether you are a resident of the EU or a foreign student and other information. The average rates for tuition vary from about 150 EUR per term to 900 EUR per term. Again this amount varies and is based on a number of factors. If you are looking to attend a college that is low cost it is in your best interest to compare your options before you begin.
There are a number of grants and scholarships available from the French to citizens wishing to continue their education in France. The number of funds, trusts and grants available for international students is much less. There are several different options that are available including French Government grants, grants by the Government of a native country or aid from international and non-Governmental organizations. Financial aid in France can be awarded to a student based on the need for the help or merit.
Although the amount of financial assistance is limited for international students, the cost of attending university in France is considerably lower compared to the costs in other countries. This helps make up for the lack of financial aid assistance that is available.
FUTURE PROSPECT
After completion of a bachelor’s degree in France, no work permit is provided. However, 24 months of work permit is provided by the completion of a master degree from France.
- France is the 3rd most popular destination for higher education
- Triple accredited Institutions (public and private)
- Paid internship opportunities are available for international students
- Post study work visa are granted for the period of 2 years
- Excellent job opportunities
- 90% of the graduates got their jobs during their final year of education
- No English proficiency certificate is required (i.e., IELTS/GRE/GMAT)
- Accommodation are arranged by university (on campus accommodation)
- Scholarships are awarded for excellent student records
- Best teaching methods compare to other destination (industrial based teaching)
- Easy admission process – We can get quick revert from university
- Friendly atmosphere in France
- French language is not mandatory to get in to French institution
- Courses are entirely taught in English
- Low tuition fee (mostly in public universities)
- Two intakes per year (some of the institutes running only one intake)
- Affordable living expenses
- Excellent career opportunities
- Free French language classes are taken in university
- France is located in the heart of Europe (interconnected city)
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