Education System
The French education system long enjoyed a reputation for having one of the best education systems in the world, with a nationally set curriculum, traditional methods of learning, high academic standards and strict discipline. All educational program in France are regulated by the Ministry of National Education. The head of the ministry is the Minister of National Education, one of the highest-ranking officials in the cabinet. Higher education in France is organized in three levels or grades which correspond to those of other European countries, facilitating international mobility, License and License Professional (bachelor’s degrees), and the Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
France has held its prominent place in subjects like Mathematics, Astrophysics, Biology, Genetics, Physics and other science subjects. The past record of the country in relation to its contribution to science and research field, its achievement is tremendous.
Study Option in France
France offers students a full spectrum of academic and professional opportunities at affordable fees with 73 public universities, more than 200 engineering schools, 150 business and management schools, 20 schools of architecture and 3,000 other specialized institutions. France education system gives you more opportunities in your hand to excel your career graph in various fields such as Nuclear, Space and Aviation, Engineering, Teaching, Linguistics, Art, History, Medicine and Fashion.
Higher Education
- Certificate / Diploma level
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates
- Doctorate or PHD
Language Study
- English Language
- French Language
Others
Living in France
Living in France, cost varies depending on the city and the type of stay, there is wide variety of safe and modern accommodations offered to students, you can choose according to your needs and budget.
- University residence – you’ll most likely be on or near your campus so getting to class should be relatively easy. On other hand, give you option to live with other students and it can be a great way to meet people of different courses.
- Private student buildings – Many Students choose these option (Private, rented accommodation) as they have wanted to live with French students and it is a great way to throw yourself in the deep end and be fully immersed in the language and culture. If you are renting a property, then you have to follow some legal formalities.
- Home stay – French Families offering home-stay accommodation to international students are ensuring them to provide a suitable living environment. Generally, this accommodation is helpful for younger students.
Estimated living costs
The overall living costs in France depend on your lifestyle but most of all; they depend on your chosen location, mainly the French city you live in. The cost of living is higher in Paris than in other French towns.
Accommodation (Monthly) |
• Accommodation (Single, off-campus, shared) | -350-600 Euros |
Other living expenses (Monthly) |
• Basic Utilities | – 100 – 150 Euros |
• Food & Drink | – 120 – 190 Euros |
• Public transit | – 60 – 120 Euros |
• Miscellaneous | – 190 – 350 Euros |
Estimated Annual Cost Of living for France, – 8000 – 15000 Euros. |
Visa in France
France have generally two intakes, first major intake is in September and the other intake is in February. Before initiating the process for study in France, first you need to go through, with application procedure, if the application is successfully done, you will receive a conditional/confirmation offer letter from the institutions which can be used for a long stay student visa. After completing the fees, other formalities and requirements, then onwards you need to go for a visa interview, to verify the financial documents along with the visa documents at the Embassy of France.
For visa application you may require some documents like application form, photos, valid passport, offer letter, proof of financial documents, tickets and accommodation arrangement, medical insurance (minimum cover of EUR 30,000), language proficiency certificate and many more.In addition, student need to remember one thing, the visa process can take up to eight weeks to process, and varies by Consulate. Therefore, you should begin the procedure at least three-four months prior.
Before you leave
Before departing for studies in France there are many things that need to be done.
- Check that every piece of paperwork has been completed.
- Obtain passport and student visa (for non-Europeans).
- Keep emergency contacts numbers.
- Note address & phone number of Institutions and your accommodation.
- Photocopy all important Documents (visa, passport, birth certificate, insurance coverage, travellers cheques, prescription medication, permanent ID/driver’s license, etc) leaving a second copy at home or make a scanned copy of the above information that you can access through your email.
- Set up a France bank account to make your transaction easy.
- Purchase health insurance.
- Prescriptions to support your, use of any required medications.
- Check baggage allowance with your airline.
- Your luggage should be clearly labeled with your name, contact address and the address of your institution.
- Climate will be different from your home country. So, pack your baggage according to that.
- Have enough cash in Euros to get you through the first few days
- Be ready for a cultural transition and learn French.