If you want to study in a country that is diverse and has an excellent academic reputation, France is the country for you. It is one of the most popular study destinations, making it perfect for international students. The country offers an excellent environment for all international students. It has fantastic quality of education, lectures and research opportunities.
To put it simply, the French higher education system is one of the best in the world. It is also one of the most accessible ones. With low tuition fees, studying in France is more economical for international students. French universities are near the top of renowned university rankings each year. Their institutions offer an education that easily competes with other countries.
France is particularly a good choice for those wanting to study business related subjects. The country is a hub for international business and management education, and has lots of business schools in the worldwide rankings.
France has 71 public universities and they are all funded by the national government, offering excellent education at a very affordable price to all students, domestic or international. There are also a number of private universities (grandes écoles). The academic year begins in September or October and ends in May or June, depending on the program and institution. There are two semesters, divided by a break following final examinations at the end of the first semester. There are two main types of courses offered at French universities: large lecture courses, where the professor speaks and students take notes, and sections & labs, designed for smaller groups of students where the material covered in lectures is explored in greater detail. Usually, attendance in sections & labs is mandatory. Some career-oriented programs also require internships and practical training.
When it comes to degrees, French universities use a format popular throughout EU: licence, master, doctorate. Licence refers to undergraduate studies and it lasts for 6 semesters (3 years), with 180 ECTS earned. Master studies last for an additional 4 semesters (2 years), for a total of 5 years of study and 300 ECTS earned. Doctorate can be obtained after the additional 6 semesters (3 years).
See all universities in France or browse universities by city: Paris, Lyon, Montpellier.
As an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa in order to move to France for their studies. For more information about this, see our France Student Visa Guide.
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Can I study in France for free?
Many public French universities offer their programmes at very affordable prices, most of the time domestic and international students will pay the same tuition rate. Private universities are allowed to set their own tuition fees, so can charge more for their courses.
Can I study in France as an international student?
France is an excellent choice for any international student. It is a welcoming country with an interesting and diverse culture. It also has many specialist schools that are internationally renowned, such as fashion schools and business schools. As an international student, you will need to obtain a visa in order to study in France. For more information about this, take a look at our French Student Visas article.
Can I study in France without knowing French?
It is possible to study in France without knowing French. Many French universities offer their courses in English as well as French. If your first language is not English, you will need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. Most French universities accept an IELTS or TOEFL certification.
| Capital City | Paris |
|---|---|
| Currency | EUR, Euro |
| Language(s) | French |
| Universities on StudyLink | 47 universities |
| Major Student Cities | Lyon, Montpellier, Lille, Bordeaux, Toulouse |
Many French people speak languages other than their own. However, for effective communication and studying in France, you should know French. International students who are fluent in French have a much easier time with their studies and everyday life. If you feel your French is not good enough, there are many language courses available for the students who wish to perfect their language skills. Socialising with locals and making an effort to speak French is a good way to improve your language ability.
At the same time, you can study and communicate in English. However, international students are still encouraged to learn French and improve their language skills. Don’t take this as an obstacle but a challenge. Any sort of fluency in French will look great on a CV or resume!
In the event of your course being taught in French, you will need to prove that you are sufficiently fluent by taking one of the approved tests: TCF DAP (Test de Connaissance du Français, Demande d’Admission Préalable), DALF (diplôme approfondi de langue française) or CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). In case your course is in English, you should prove English language proficiency.
Audencia Business School, Nantes
EIT Manufacturing, Paris
emlyon business school, Lyon
Montpellier Business School, Montpellier
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