France is home to some of the most popular universities in the world and as per QS Rankings 2022, 5 French universities are ranked among the top 200 in the world. Every year, over 2 million international students enroll in popular courses such as management, MBA, engineering, pure science, and linguistic studies. Students can apply for top universities in France like HEC Paris, Insead and ESCP Europe through January and September intake.

Public universities in France are well-funded by the French government, due to which tuition fees for public universities are free. However, a student planning to study in a private university will be required to spend 20,000 EUR to 30,000 EUR for tuition and additional 12,000 EUR per year for living. After graduation, top recruiters like McDonalds, Louis Vuitton and Hennessy, Credit Agricole offer graduates jobs in France with an average salary package of 49,500 EUR.

Study in France: Top Universities/Colleges

Why Pursue Studies in France?

• France is a popularly known EU country offering top programs in fields like biology and pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy and research, automobile and aviation, food and cuisine, high fashion, art etc.
• MBA program is one of the most popular courses in France and students all over the world enroll in management courses. The cost to pursue an MBA in France is 70,000-85,000 EUR. However, students can easily grab a salary package upto 117,000 EUR.
• Studying in France is quite affordable because public universities like Université PSL, Sorbonne University, and Université Grenoble Alpes charge no tuition fees.
• France has tie-ups with leading international corporations like Airbus, Total, Orange, LVMH, L’Oréal, Danone.
• 15% of French population shows interest in working in startups like Agricool, Indy, Pixpay, iziwork, Luko.

Top Courses in France

More than 25,000 students from diverse countries come to study in France, most commonly for courses in the field of Science, Management and Language. Some of the top courses in France are mentioned below.

MBA in France

Management courses are highly popular among international students. Factors like course curriculum, enrollment, and MBA jobs in France are the reason why most students enroll in management programs. Paris has various top universities like HEC, Sorbonne and Science Po. Apart from Paris, Southern France is also very popular for the same and students can pursue various specializations like Entrepreneurship, project management, strategic management, and general management. Some of the universities offering MBA in France are:

• ESSEC Business School
• Grenoble Graduate School of Business
• HEC Paris
• EDHEC Business School
• ESSEC Business School
• Grenoble Graduate School of Business
• EDHEC Business School
• INSEAD

Engineering in France

Engineering universities in France are highly competitive and follow a stringent admission process. Students planning to study with high-quality standards and practical training can take admission to universities in France. Apart from this, some top recruiters like Airbus, Alcatel, and Alstom in the field of Aviation, telecommunications, and Gas Turbines attract the students for future employment. Engineering universities in France are mentioned below.

• Ecole Polytechnique
• Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA)
• Ecole Centrale de Paris
• Grenoble INP, Grenoble Institute of Technology
• Ecole Centrale de Lyon

Pure Science in France

France is home to some top universities offering courses in Chemistry and Physics. The study involves core aspects of natural phenomena with theories and applications in laboratories. The course curriculum involves subjects like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy. University offering courses in Philosophy are mentioned below.

• University of Paris-Sud
• University of Grenoble Alpes
• Université de Strasbourg
• Ecole Polytechnique

Linguistics in France

France is popular for the French language and language involves linguistic studies. Studying linguistics in France is highly popular as it involves syntax, grammar, pronunciation, and phonetics. Overseas students planning a career in fields like journalism, translation, language research can opt for a degree in Linguistic studies.

• ISIT France
• University of Kent – Paris Campus
• University of Reims

Where to Study in France?

France has almost 38 cities and more than 3,500 universities and colleges. Students planning to study in France, must note the below mentioned table before finalizing their study destination.

Paris

Apart from being a lover’s place, Paris is also known for top universities like Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University. As per QS World Rankings, 12 out of 32 French universities are located in Paris. Students from diverse countries come to Paris and begin their journey of higher education in fields like Business, Science, Fashion and more.

Toulouse

Toulouse in France is another destination after Paris with a reasonable cost of living, great geographical location close to the ocean and mountains. The city is the fourth largest and called Pink City due to pink bricks. The city has the world's universities. as well as Polytechnique, INP Toulouse are some universities located in Toulouse.

Grenoble

It is one of the top destinations for overseas students after Paris in France. The city is extremely beautiful and has access to premier destinations including Paris, Switzerland, and Italy. Hence, a huge number of international students study in Grenoble making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in France.

Intakes in France?

Universities in France offer two intakes for two students, September intake and January intake. The upcoming timeline for both intakes is mentioned below.

Study in France Requirements

Documents required to apply to universities in France are mentioned below. International students must make a note of the same while preparing.

• Valid passport
• Complete application form with passport size photos
• Financial documents
• Statement of Purpose
• Loan documents
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Original and authentic transcripts of schools and/or college
• Scholarship Essay, if applicable
• Other supporting documents as asked by the university

Study in France: Language Requirements

International students planning to study in France are required to submit scores of standardised tests in France. Certain universities accept English language scores whereas some require French language scores.

France Student Visa

All international students seeking their dream education in France must have the correct France student visa to guarantee entry during admission to France. France offers a short-term visa that can continue in 3 months and a long-term visa that allows applicants to stay in the country for 11 months. Those who want to participate in shorter academic sessions are more likely to opt for the short-term visa, and those who have applied for a bachelor's or master's degree receive a long-term visa. The documents required for France Student Visa are mentioned below:

• A valid passport
• Two passport size photographs
• Visa application form
• Official acceptance letter
• Financial Stability
• Proof of medical insurance
• English language proficiency exams

Study in France: Cost

The tuition fees for French higher education universities are subsidized by the government. However, B-schools require fees by students to study. The average cost to study in France is mentioned below,

Tuition Fees for B-Schools in France

The average tuition fees charged by B-Schools to pursue Business programs is tabulated below.

Cost of Living in France

Cost of living in France highly depends on the city and university location. Some cities like Paris have a high standard of living whereas some are quite affordable.

Scholarships to Study in France

International students planning to study in France can avail benefits of scholarships in France. Students can apply for non-government, government and university scholarships as per their need to cut down the high cost of study and living.

• Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence- This particular scholarship is established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. International students within the age of 30 years can apply. Also, students applying to a masters or PhD program in law, economics and management, engineering or political science are eligible for this scholarship.
• AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants and Financial Support- Students can apply for a variety of scholarships under this category with certain academic study in France requirements.
• The Fulbright Scholarship- Students pursuing master's and Phd programs can enroll for Full Bright Scholarship. Benefits can be availed off upto 20 grants.
• The Charpak Scholarship Program- Applicants below the age of 30 years can secure allowance upto 700/month and tuition waivers upto 5,000.
• The Charpak Scholarship Program- Indian Students from low income families can avail fee waivers upto 10,000 EUR with required GPA.

Job Opportunities after Studying in France

France is home to some of the top recruiters like French luxury brand LVMH, McDonalds, Louis Vuitton and Hennessy, Credit Agricole. Students after education can expect an average salary package of 49,500 EUR and highest upto 221,000. Some of the popular job titles with average salary packages are tabulated below.

Location and place of company’s origin also influences the salary offered to students. Some of the top cities in France with average salary packages are tabulated below.

Study in France: Return on Investment

A student before enrolling into any program and choosing any university, looks after the return on investment offered. Hence, to sum up the same you can check below mentioned table with top universities and salary package offered.

No matter which part of the country you travel to, you will be surprised to find that almost all French universities offer top-notch education to students from all over the world. In addition, you have the option of taking courses both full-time and part-time.

FAQs