OVERVIEW

France is one of the more popular international destinations in Western Europe. Most of the country’s borders are by the seas – the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel. France is a secular democratic country with the people being the sovereign rulers. It has always been a global leader in art and culture, and is home to a large number of world heritage sites. France is considered a great power with rising global influence in the economic, military, political and cultural realms. It is a well developed country with its inhabitants experiencing a high standard of living. France has the sixth largest economy in the world with respect to Nominal GDP, and is the fourth wealthiest nation in the world based on aggregate household wealth. France is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a founding member of the European Union as well.

Why Study in France

France has a strong academic foundation that’s well steeped in tradition. The government has invested a lot in bringing up the quality of education being offered in the country. Eleven French universities rank among the top 250 global university rankings and two universities rank in the top 50. Universities in France provide a variety of courses in unique disciplines that students are willing to travel across the world for.

Here are some factors that entice international students to continue their higher education in France:

• French business schools are among the best in the world.
• The capital, Paris was ranked the #1 student city in 2014.
• Variety of courses and disciplines.
• The tuition fee is quite affordable, even for specialized courses.
• Excellent opportunities to participate in innovation and research activities.
• An international hub for Fortune 500 companies.
• English is the medium of instruction in several universities.
• Free French language classes for foreign students.
• Easy access to other European countries.
• All public universities are funded by the government.
• High quality education that’s recognized on a global level.

Courses Offered

Higher education in France is quite flexible, giving students the freedom to pick and choose subjects that complement their career path. There are three types of institutions for higher education in France:

• Public Universities – Government funded courses in all major disciplines that are open to all students who meet basic eligibility criteria.
• Specialized Schools – A combination of public and private institutions that offer professional courses for students who clear a qualifying examination.
• Technical Institutes – Provides vocational training in major streams.

France offers an unparalleled quality of education in both public and private institutions. Some of the courses offered in these universities are:

• Licence Program
• Engineering Program
• Bachelor’s Program
• Master’s Program
• Doctoral Program

Education Requirements

The admission procedure varies from university to university. Some require students to undertake a qualifying exam before they can be considered for admission. In general, applicants would need to have completed their previous education with good grades and meet all the individual course requirements put forth by the respective college.

Cost Of Education

The cost of education is much lower in public universities since they are funded by the government. Specialized courses in private universities would cost a bit more.Students may have to pay additional administrative charges and also budget for study supplies.

Students who have a proven track record of performing well in academics can avail scholarships provided by the universities or independent organizations. The average living costs in France comes up to at least 8000 Euros per year

Application Procedure

The academic year in French universities commences in September or October, and ends in May or June. The major intake of students happens in the month of September.

The generic application procedure for French universities is outlined below:

• Talk to our education consultant and pick a course and university that meets the student’s career goals.
• Apply to the university with all supporting documentation.
• Once admission is confirmed, apply for a student visa at the nearest French Embassy.
• When the visa has been approved, arrange travel and accommodation by coordinating with the university.

The visa is normally valid for only a year. Students will have to be in touch with the French immigration office to get their visa extended as required. Students may also have to undertake a medical examination if required.

Work Rights

If the university where the student is studying is approved by the French social security system, students can take up part time work during the school year. Students are permitted to work for up to 20 hours per week.

Students who’ve successfully completed certain specialized courses are allowed to stay back for up to two years and find advantageous employment opportunities

More About France

France is home to some of the most charming cities in Europe. Well known for its tourism industry, the country has a lot to offer in terms of art and culture. With an estimated population of 67 million people, France is the third most populated country in Europe. The climate is mostly temperate throughout the year but also tends to be tropical or oceanic depending on the geography of specific regions.

The official language is French and is widely used. It is recommended that students have a basic understanding of the French language to communicate well in a social setting. There is no dearth of places to explore and things to do in all the major student cities of France. Students who opt to study in France will certainly have an enriching experience with their academics and a global perspective for life.