Study In France
OVERVIEW
- Quality Education is offered, with very less hassle
- One of the most developed countries in Europe, with a free-minded atmosphere
- Sixth largest economy
- World’s 3rd leading host country for higher education
- Low fees
- Part time job opportunities
- Work permits and other opportunities after internships
- Accommodation is handled 40% to 50% by the French government, hence ease of settling in
- Low transportation expenses
- Free French language courses by the Government
- European Union Visa obtainable
Education System
- Higher education is thus provided by two main types of institution: universities, and “grandesécoles”. Higher education in France is organized in three levels or grades which correspond to those of other European countries, facilitating international mobility:
- Grandesécoles admit the graduates of the level Baccalauréat + 2 years of validated study (or sometimes directly after the Baccalauréat)
- Universities admit all graduates of the Baccalauréat. Universities have defined number of European credits (ECTS). A student accumulates these credits which are generally transferable between paths. A License is awarded once 180 ECTS have been obtained. A Master is awarded once 120 additional credits have been obtained
Entry Criteria
- Requirement for Undergraduate studies (first cycle)/Bachelor’s degree at a university or equivalent is to have passed the university entrance exam in their home country. In addition, if students are applying for a study programme at an institute of technology, they should be ready to undertake a personal interview
- Requirement for Master’s studies (second cycle) is to be in possession of a relevant bachelor’s or equivalent degree diploma.
- Requirements for studies at French Grandesécoles: Students seeking to study at a French Grandesécole must hold a baccalauréat or equivalent diploma and they are ranked according to the results obtained at very competitive entrance examinations.
Test Required
- IELTS with a score band of 6.0 is required for admission in France
- Some Universities don’t require an IELTS, but will contact an admission interview through skype or telephone
Visa Process
- This process applies to most international students coming to France (except for students from Algeria whose immigration procedure is subject to a special system). This visa is normally for one year and renewable for longer study programmes.
- All students have to demonstrate that they have an offer of admission from a French institution, sufficient subsistence funds (equivalent to the French bursary levels of around €615/month) as well as the appropriate linguistic skills to succeed in their studies.
- Students should register online on www.campusfrance.org. Once they register online and fill the “CampusFrance form”, the file number (Example IN123456) should be mailed to the nearest CampusFrance office for verification of the entries. Once approved, students should obtain an appointment with a CampusFrance Education Advisor.
- Request an appointment from the CampusFrance office for the academic interview with the Education Advisor, for which students will have to appear in person and furnish ALL mandatory documents (originals + one set of photocopies along with fee ). The set of photocopies will be attested against the originals and returned to students at the end of the interview
- Students should then take an appointment with the French Consulate. As soon as student receives an appointment for the academic interview from the CampusFrance office, they may request an appointment for the consular interview at the French Consulate through VFS France and the visa application is forwarded to the Consulate General of France for final approval. The duration of the entire process varies from two weeks to a month depending on the time of year.
- Note: The CampusFrance interview and Consulate appointment are two distinct procedures. CampusFrance is not in charge of the visa and therefore cannot be held responsible for its issuance or refusal.
Post Study Options
Students who have earned at least a master’s degree or the equivalent may apply for a one-time (nonrenewable) temporary residency authorization (APS, autorisationprovisoire de séjour) valid for 12 months beyond the date of expiration of the student’s residency permit.