Study in France 2024: Know Top Universities, Courses and Admission cycle

Study in France - France is one of the highly sought study abroad destinations in terms of higher education by many International students. With the rising interest of students all over the world to study in France, the classroom trends to teach in English have widely increased in the past years. Many international students choose to study in France which is made possible by the addition of international courses in the English language. Many top universities in the world like Université PSL, and Institute Polytechnique de Paris, are located in France. The additional advantage of pursuing studies in France is the low tuition fee when compared to other top destinations like Canada, USA, UK, etc. These factors are some of the some of the top reasons to study in France for international students. Read the complete article to learn about the eligibility, admission process, visa requirements, and scholarship availability details related to study in France.
TOP EXAMS: IELTS | TOEFL | GRE | GMAT
Country Guide: UK | Ireland | Australia | Canada

This Story also Contains

1. Why Study in France?
2. Brief Things to Know Before Study in France
3. Study in France - The education
4. The Admission Cycle to Study in France
5. The Application Process to Study in France
6. Eligibility Criteria to Study in France
7. Study in France - Documents required
8. Study in France- Study and living cost
9. Study in France- Student visa and its types
10. France Universities for International Students
11. Top Courses in France
12. France scholarships for international students
13. Education loans to Study in France
14. Study in France without IELTS
15. Top cities in France preferred by students

Why Study in France?

France provides high-quality education and the best career opportunities for students after their study period. The country's rich cultural heritage and its great architecture attract many students from all around the world. There is a wide range of UG courses available to study in France for Indian students after 12th. Most Indians prefer to study subjects like arts, and fashion in the France countries which adds great value to their career development. The country's excellence in terms of advanced technology and science research inspires many students to choose the study in France country.

Brief Things to Know Before Study in France

Every year more than 3 lakh International students travel to pursue studies in France. More than 3, 500 educational Institutes are located in the country. Universities here accept International students to study in France without IELTS 2024, by accepting alternative tests like PTE or TOEFL, etc. There are abundant opportunities for the students in the research and development sectors, which are the reasons why study in France is highly rated. France ranks as 67th country according to the Global Peace Index making it safer for international students. Going below know about the education systems, courses, France intake into universities details for to know more details of studying in France.

Study in France - The education

The education system in France comprises vocational diplomas, universities in France, Grandes écoles, and specialized schools. The details of each are provided below.

Vocational diplomas

Under study in France, we have two-year degrees with a focus on technology including the DUT (diplôme universitaire de technologie) and BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur). While universities offer the DUT, high schools only offer the BTS. You must complete one more qualifying year of study after your DUT or BTS in order to acquire a license professionally.

University in France

There are public universities in France that award baccalaureate or a degree with a foreign equivalent in addition to academic, technical, and professional degrees to students.

The Grandes écoles

These are exclusive governmental and commercial universities in France that provide more specialized programs to study in subjects like commerce, public administration, or engineering. Students must have earned a baccalaureate before taking this exam, and they frequently completed a two-year preparatory course (cours préparatoires or prépas). Students receive a master's degree upon graduation from a Grande école (master).

Specialized schools for studies in France

These are educational facilities, either public or private, that train students in specialized subjects. They provide master’s degrees and licenses.

The Admission Cycle to Study in France

There are more than 3500 universities in France, including the world’s first university, the Sorbonne in Paris which was established in the 13th Century. Many Indian students opt to study in France. Let us understand the admission cycle for France intake 2024.

For the September intake

All the pre-preparation required for applying to the September intake to study in France for Indian students and other international students is given in months-wise order.

March to April

1. Students should start early by choosing the universities they want to apply to and visiting their respective websites to get information pertaining to the documents required, the application process, and various deadlines.

2. Students should become familiar with loan options and scholarships to fund their studies in France.

3. Students should also start working on their admission application. It is also recommended to research accommodation options and keep a backup in case of a student residence hall.

April to June

1. Students should start preparing for the required standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, TCF, or IELTS and take them around June to have buffer time for retaking the test. These will vary depending on the course and university.

2. To study in France, register for language exams at least a month before the test date as it is very hard to study in France without an IELTS score.

May to June

1. Students should shortlist the colleges and start applying to them to study in France. Statement of Purpose, required by almost all universities, is a great way for students to talk about their strengths and reasons for studying in France.

2. Students should start contacting their professors/teachers/employers/direct managers for the required references to study in France. These references are important and might be checked by the university.

3. Students should search and start applying for scholarships, which may require additional documents and transcripts for students studying in France from India.

July to August

1. Students should not delay replying to college emails in order to take their application forward to study in France. Appear for personal/video interviews and the tests of the university, if applicable.

2. After receiving acceptance letters, students should make the decision to study in France as soon as possible. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm admission to the university.

August to September

1. Students should start applying for student loans after getting their acceptance letter to study in France.

2. Gather paperwork for a France student visa and students should apply keeping in mind the time taken for France study visa processing. Candidates should keep in mind France student visa requirements.

January intake in France 2024

While the fall intakes in France is the primary one for studying in France, if you are targeting the January France intake, now is the time to start!

1. Start now with shortlisting your choice of course and university. Understand the specific cities and costs. Visit the universities’ websites and their requirements to study in France for Indian students.

2. During July- August of the previous year, appear for the exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.

3. Start applying to colleges during August - September of the previous year.

4. Start receiving acceptance letters and be well prepared for interviews during September - October of the previous year.

5. Start preparing your France visa application and education loan during October - November of the previous year.

6. Book the flight tickets. Gather your important documents and get ready to fly during November- December of the earlier year.

Also read

• Intakes in the UK

• Intakes in the USA

The Application Process to Study in France

Following are the details to be considered while applying to the universities in France -

1. Some specific universities in France can be applied to directly through their websites.

2. Check the requirements to study in France for international students. The standardised tests like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, etc are the few exams for studying in France.

3. Applying to at least three different institutes is a good idea as it increases your chance of getting admission.

4. Students from outside the EU/EEA must successfully complete the Preliminary Admission Requirement (also known as the DAP). At the French embassy in your home country's Culture and Cooperation Service, submit a DAP application.

For application at technological universities, grandes écoles, and other specialised schools

1. For Parcoursup's initial admittance, you must submit an online application.

2. Your choice will be based on the results of your "Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles" (CPGE) (Preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles) exams.

3. Additionally, a face-to-face interview will be required.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in France

Higher education in France is different from other countries of the world as interested students have to choose from different types of higher education institutes: Universities and Competitive Institutes (Grandes Ecoles) to study in France 2024.

Eligibility for entry into University in France

1. Students interested in study in France bachelor's at French universities need to have an equivalent degree to the French baccalaureate. If students are interested in studying in France, they need to give a personal interview.

2. For students applying for a master's in a French university, they should have a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree diploma to study in France 2024.

3. Students applying for the doctoral program to study in France need to have a master’s degree or relevant diploma.

Eligibility for Grandes Ecoles

1. To enter French Grandes Ecoles, students are required to have a baccalaureate or equivalent diploma.

2. Students are ranked on the basis of results obtained from competitive entrance examinations. These examinations are conducted at the end of a two-year preparation program known as CGPE.

Study in France - Documents required

Students applying for universities in France can consider the general documents as a checklist to be carried out before travelling to France for studying purposes.

1. Visa application form for studying in France.

2. Document verifying the applicant’s age over 18 years.

3. 2 passport-size photos.

4. A valid passport and copies of your previous visas if any.

5. Official Letter of Acceptance from a French university.

6. Proof of funds for covering all expenses during the period of study.

7. Flight ticket along with the date of departure.

8. Medical insurance can cost around 30,000 Euros yearly.

9. Documents proving the arrangement for accommodation during your studies.

10. French proficiency certificate in case you have enrolled in a course taught in French.

11. Payment of visa fees proof.

12. Proof of civil status, if required.

Best countries to study abroad

• Study in Dubai
• Study in Australia
• Study in Germany
• Study in Canada

Study in France- Study and living cost

All the costs related to study and living incurred by students during the study period in France are listed below. If you are a citizen or already a permanent resident of a country within the EEA, you will be charged less.

Average tuition fees for international students

Please note that the above study costs are for public universities. The cost of studies in private universities generally ranges from 3,000 to 20,000 euros per year.

Cost of Living

While studying in France, one of the most important aspects other than the studies is the cost of living in France for international students. The details of the study in France cost regarding the living expenses are given below.

1. If you are living in Paris, you will spend 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month - which includes the accommodation options in France, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence.

2. If you choose Nice, you will end up spending between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month.

3. For Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, or Toulouse, your living cost will be between 800 – 1,000 EUR.

4. For the rest of France, you will be able to manage around 650 EUR per month.

Study in France- Student visa and its types

While applying for a France student visa, two visa options are prevalent for prospective students seeking to pursue studies in France which are:

1. Short stay visa: The short stay student visa for France is applicable for candidates seeking to study in France 2024 for a training or course that does not exceed 3 months in duration.

2. Long stay visa: The long stay student visa for France is issued to students seeking education in France for a period longer than 3 or 6 months. This visa is considered equivalent to a residence permit and is generally subject to further formalities upon the candidate’s arrival in France.

Generally, students seeking to pursue education in France are eligible for a long-stay visa for a complete degree program at any French institution.

Visa Cycle Details

France Universities for International Students

QS World University Ranking puts many universities in France amongst the best in the world. Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) and Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris stay on top of all the major universities. Five of the top 100 student-friendly cities in the world are in France making it an attractive destination for international students looking to study in France 2024. Paris has approximately 18 universities that cater to students from France as well as abroad. French universities also feature among the top global universities for a number of subjects, making France a top destination for students to pursue studies in France. There are both affordable universities in France and high range which are in the top university list available for the students.

Top 10 Universities to Study in France

Top Courses in France

Studying in France gives students the option to do a number of top courses. Most Indians choose to pursue art, fashion, and business-related courses to study in France. A few of the top courses to study in France include:

• Engineering
• MBA
• Hotel Management
• Engineering
• Finance
• Data Science
• Luxury Brand Management
• Film Studies
• Fashion Designing
• Computer Science

France scholarships for international students

Some of the popular scholarships in France for International students listed below for students who want to study in France are -

1. Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

2. Excellence Major Scholarships

3. Erasmus+ Program- Erasmus Mundus scholarship

4. Science Po Emily Boutmy Scholarships in France

5. Universite Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship

6. Universite Grenoble Alpes Master’s Scholarships

7. HEC Paris Scholarships

8. IESEG’s International Scholarships Program

9. INSEAD MBA Scholarships

Education loans to Study in France

Many Indian private banks and government banks provide education loans for students to study in France for Indian students. These student's education loans cover the expenses like university fee, accommodation charges, and other living expenses. Generally, the loan amount provided by the banks is up to 75 lakhs and the interest rates are around - 10 to 12 %. Candidates can repay the loan once after the completion of the course duration. Know about the list of top education loan providers in India to study abroad in a country like France.

The list of few banks that provide education loan to study in France is -

• Axis Bankthat
• ICIC Bank
• HDFC Credila
• Incred

Study in France without IELTS

Students can study at many French public and private universities without IELTS test results. One can also get scholarships at universities in France without IELTS. An ideal way to start is to study the degrees offered by French universities in the desired field. Once you have a few shortlisted universities, check that university's website for English language test and eligibility requirements. There will be mention of an IELTS exemption if the university is open to such applications. Take a look at some French universities that don't have IELTS and are accepting student applications.

• American Business School, Paris
• EBS Paris
• EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
• ESAIP School of Engineers
• ESC Rennes School of Business, France
• ESGCI, Paris
• ESLSCA Business School
• IESA International
• INSEEC Business School
• ISC Paris
• NEOMA Business School
• Paris School of Business
• SKEMA Business School
• Toulouse Business School

Top cities in France preferred by students

Every year, many students from all over the world come to France to study at the university level. However, they are often confused about which city to choose to reside. Without a doubt, Paris is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world and apart from that, it is also one of the best student cities. Apart from Paris, some other best cities in France for students are Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Grenoble, Lille, Nice, Nantes, etc.