Important Facts About France
France is known to be one of the most student-friendly countries.
It stood 5th on the list of the countries with the best educational systems – 2021 Best Countries Report published by the World Population Review. The US, the UK, Germany, and Canada are four countries preceding France on this list!
Most French institutions provide a waiver on the English language proficiency test, GRE, GMAT and other tests.
Tuition fees in France is considered one of the lowest compared to other countries.
International students in France can avail benefits/discounts while travelling, shopping and using healthcare.
Why Study in the France?
France offers an immersive academic experience to students and is known as the centre of philosophy, culture, and arts. The country is home to some 3500 study institutions offering courses in much-in-demand subjects like technology, economics and business, culinary studies, hospitality, fashion, and tourism. French universities extend immense support to international students and offers a warm and friendly environment for them to sustain and flourish.
France offers a vibrant student life beyond academics. Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or go hiking in the French Alps.
While English is spoken in some study-abroad destinations, fluency in French offers a significant advantage in integrating into the culture and potentially landing a job after graduation.
Gain professional experience with globally recognized brands like L'Oreal, AXA, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes.
France houses esteemed universities recognized worldwide. Pursue your academic goals at prestigious institutions.
French universities offer various opportunities to delve into the rich French culture, from joining clubs and associations to interacting with local students.
Education System in the France
Higher education offered by research universities and universities of applied sciences.
France follows the LMD system (Licence-Master-Doctorat), aligned with the European Bologna Process for standardized qualifications across Europe.
The LMD system awards degrees based on semesters and credits (ECTS - European Credits Transfer System) transferable to other European countries.
A three-year program equivalent to a bachelor's degree, requiring 180 ECTS credits.
A two-year program requiring 120 ECTS credits.
Awarded after completing 16 semesters and earning 480 ECTS credits (usually takes a minimum of three years after the master's program).
Intakes in the France
There are two key intakes in France – September Intake and January Intake. Let’s look at the timeline of these intakes.
This is the primary intake in France and is also known as Fall Intake. Most French Universities offer plenty of courses in this intake.Â
This is the secondary intake in France and is also known as Spring Intake.Â
Types of Educational Institute in the France
Public institutions offering technical, economic, and professional degrees. Students with a completed international baccalaureate can enroll in LMD programs.
Specialized public and private universities offering prestigious degrees in business education, scientific research, and engineering. Admission is highly competitive.
Public and private institutes offering licenses and master's degrees in specific fields like social work, architecture, art, and tourism.
Top Courses to pursue in the France for Indian Students
Pursue courses like Finance, International Finance, and Sustainable Finance. Top universities include HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, and ESCP Business School.
Explore popular choices like Fashion Marketing, Luxury and Fashion Management, and Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Design. Top universities include Institut Francais de la Mode, ESMOD International, and ENSAD.
Consider courses in Management, Marketing, and International Business. Top universities include HEC Paris, ESCP Business School, and Emlyon Business School.
Explore in-demand fields like Information Technology, Data Science, and Computer Science. Top universities include Universite Paris-Saclay, Universite de Lille, and Universite de Cergy-Pontoise.
Pursue your passion with courses like Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and Vine and Wine Science. Top universities include Le Cordon Bleu- Paris, L’atelier des Chefs, and Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse.
Admission Process to Study in the France for Indian Students
Make a list of colleges and courses you wish to pursue.
For some universities, you can apply directly on their website or via a common application.
Carefully check entry requirements: standardised tests, such as the GRE or GMAT, are required for some graduate courses.
Apply to at least five to seven different institutions in order to increase your chances of being admitted.
Submit the motivation letter to the program.
You may receive an appointment for the academic interview from Campus France.
You can attend the video interview or interview in person.
Carry all required documents during the interview.
Types of Visa's in France
The French Student Visas are broadly classified on the kind of stay expected. Depending on the duration of your visit (or duration of your course), you can apply either to a Short Stay VISA, a temporary long-stay VISA or a long-stay VISA. Here’s a quick look at them.
This is a short-stay student VISA, which is valid for 3 months and is ideal for students planning to take up short language programs in France.
This VISA is issued for 90 days and is valid for entrance exams. A student can apply to their local prefecture for a 1-year renewable, residence permit after clearing the exam.
This is temporary long stay student VISA that is valid for four months up to a year. The students planning to take up courses that may last between 3 and 6 months.
This is a long stay VISA also called the residence permit -VLT-TS, and it stands valid for the entire course duration.
