Around 12% of France’s 2.5 million students each year come from outside of the country, giving campus life an uniquely global feel. International students have a wealth of options when looking for the university to study their ideal course. With 72 universities, 25 multi-institute campuses, 271 doctoral schools, and 220 business and management schools among its more than 3,500 public and private learning institutions, France has a wide range of educational opportunities. It also includes a tons of specialised universities, including 22 schools of architecture and over 227 engineering schools.
Reasons Why You Should Study In France
Reasons Why You Should Study In France
The diversity of the cultures present in France makes for an excellent intercultural study experience. Students value the well-developed cities’ aesthetic appeal and the wide range of social opportunities. In comparison to the rest of Europe, French culture and urban life generally left a better impression. Even the smaller cities provided options for enjoyable student activities.
Regarding opportunities to explore the nation and its surrounds, students expressed their satisfaction with the proximity of France to other European nations and significant cities. Unlike many other regions in Europe, students in France rarely complain about the weather. What is it like to study in France? Here is the answer.
A High-Quality Higher Education System
France’s prowess in higher education and research can not be over emphasised. The Times Higher Education rating, the Financial Times ranking, the QS ranking, the Shanghai ranking, and the European Union’s U-Multirank all place numerous French institutions and Grandes Ecoles in the top five.
France is a popular study abroad destination among international students and this is as result of the outstanding accomplishments of French scholars. In Mathematics, France is ranked second in the world. It has also produced 62 Nobel Prize winners.
Research
Research and development are finest in France. The nation spends a significant amount of money on research and development, placing it sixth in the world. The premier scientific organisation in the world is this nation’s Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). The percentage of international students choosing to study medicine and other engineering-related fields in France is 42%.
Learn French
French is among the most spoken languages in the world. French is the official language in 29 different countries with 276 million speakers worldwide. This places it as the third most often used business language, and students who learn how to write and speak French will greatly increase their chances of getting a fantastic career after graduation. French-speaking growing economies in Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Belgium are all in need of bilingual graduates for a variety of jobs. The level of English is also quite high, particularly on most university campuses.
IELTS-free Study
IELTS is a recognised and acknowledged test of English proficiency that is needed for international entrance. IELTS scores are now taken into account for admission and student visas by practically all international colleges. However, there are some other countries, like France, that permit foreign students to enrol at her universities without having taken the IELTS test.
The primary drivers of immigration to France is the country’s educational system, vibrant student culture, and excellent educational opportunities. By enabling IELTS-free study in France, France has streamlined the admission process for international students. IELTS is not a requirement for international students to apply for even study visas in France.
Which universities in France are available to overseas students without IELTS? To aid you in better understanding the procedure, this blog contains all the necessary details. You can attend several of these universities in France without having to take the IELTS exam;
- EPITA Toulouse Business School of Engineering and Computer Science
- The American Business School of France
- English Institute Study (ISC) Paris
- School of Business in Neoma
- Business school Skema
To study in France without IELTS, there are a number of alternatives for those who want to enrol in colleges without taking the IELTS exam. For the application process and student visa in France, the following options are acceptable.
- Other English language tests
- University interview English language institute studies
- Transcripts of academic work
- Acceptance letter from university
Other English language tests
There are several English language competence exams available in addition to IELTS. The TOEFL, PTE Academic, and C1 Advanced exams are the most popular and widely acknowledged ones. The results may be submitted when requesting a student visa for France.
Student Interview
In order to assess candidates’ English language proficiency, the majority of universities arrange an interview. If the interview goes well and the university administrators are satisfied with your English proficiency, this will be accepted in lieu of the English proficiency test.
Transcripts
The ELP (English language proficiency) tests have frequently been accepted by French universities in place of IELTS for students with outstanding academic results. To successfully navigate such admissions processes, it is crucial to achieve high results in your prior coursework.
University Admission Letter
The majority of French universities that don’t require IELTS will admit international students who have an acceptance letter from their preferred institution. This acceptance letter is helpful for students who want to apply for a student visa.
A Rich Cultural Experience
International students studying in France can immerse themselves in its diverse cultural setting. Students who live in or near Paris have the opportunity to visit famous places like the Eiffel Tower or view works by European master painters displayed in the Louvre Museum. You can also have coffee at Left Bank cafe before strolling the streets that great thinkers and writers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, and Samuel Beckett once walked. Then there is the delectable French cuisine and drink to enjoy, which includes mouthwatering wines, mouthwatering cheeses, buttery croissants, and traditional dishes like Coq Au Vin and Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Now, it’s important to note that while many individuals would only think of Paris when they think of French culture, France as a whole has a lot to offer! Cities with unique cultural histories like Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille are also worth checking out. Also, spending time in the countryside can be a wonderful way to experience France from a different perspective. Overall, learning about French culture can come in many different forms, but it will undoubtedly be a great trip!
Work Permit After Study
Compared to undergraduate students, who are only eligible to obtain a residence permit upon obtaining a paid employment, postgraduate students are subject to slightly more lenient post-study work visa regulations in France. In contrast, postgraduate students are entitled to apply for and receive a temporary residence permit for a period of between one and two years. If the person cannot obtain a permanent work in the same location after these two years are over, they must leave France.
In addition, master’s and PhD students receive a 5-year post-study guest visa to maintain their ties to France in the event that they decide to relocate or return home. There are many jobs available in the country, being the capital of fashion, a centre for management and business education, and a popular tourist site, and the nation offers a wide range of employment opportunities after graduation.
Low Tuition
The currency of France is the (Euro €). The government sets relatively reasonable tuition costs for public colleges. In fact, the cost of attending public higher education institutions in France is the same for both domestic and foreign students.
Each year, the price of tuition is set. Approximately €200 (under US$250) was spent on tuition annually on average for undergraduate studies in 2017. The costs are approximately €259 (roughly US$305) for master’s degrees and approximately €393 (almost US$460) for doctoral degrees. Certain administrative fees are frequently charged to students, which marginally increases the cost of tuition. Despite these costs, studying in France is still among the most cheapest options for foreign students looking for a top-notch higher education.
Only student in public institutions enjoy these low costs. The costs might reach €10,000 (US$12,000) per year if you choose to attend a private college, where tuition is higher.
Those who want to study abroad in France can also take advantage of some scholarships and mobility programs. The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), awards from regional councils, Erasmus, and Erasmus Mundus programs are some of the most well-known sources of funding for higher education and research in France.
Courses In English
I can bet that you weren’t aware of this. Before now, learning French is a must for studying in France, and this is why many international students overlook the country. However, English is now being used in French colleges to guide students regardless of their native tongues. There are about 1500 English-taught French programs available in France.
Today, many postgraduate courses are offered in English at French universities. Though, the minimum score necessary for admission to any of these programs in France are higher than in other European nations. 
Reasons Why You Should Study In France
France Has Numerous Scholarships For International Students.
A few colleges, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the French consulate in your country all provide scholarships for international students. Some universities award scholarships worth 10,000 EUR each academic year to deserving students who meet the requirements for academic performance and are under 30 years old when accepted.
For students enrolling in master’s (1,181 EUR/month) and doctoral (1,400 EUR/month) programs, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants scholarships through The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program.
The majority of scholarships are given to students under the age of 28 who demonstrate financial need. The need-based grant’s annual payout ranges from 1,606 to 4,600 EUR and is determined by the evaluation of social criteria. The merit-based grant’s price tag is between 1,800 and 6,100 EUR. Those who qualify for a grant also get a discount on their medical insurance.
Many French institutions charge what are known as “National fees,” which can be as little as €200 per year, despite the fact that some have begun to charge higher tuition but when compared to other countries, it is incredibly inexpensive. Despite many scholarships accessible to students from the government, universities that provide scholarships include;
Paris Saclay University
International Master’s degrees are offered by Université Paris Saclay. Exceptional international students can enrol in a master’s degree at Université Paris Saclay with the aid of this merit-based scholarship in order to continue their study in France.
Scholarship duration: One to two years of study.
Scholarship Value: Selected candidates will earn 10,000 euros annually.
Target Audience: International students enrolled in programs at Université Paris Saclay.
Number of scholarships: 160
Other Benefits: Successful applicants will additionally get a travel and VISA fee allowance of up to 1,000 euros. According to their place of origin, the scholarship recipient may also be entitled to a maximum of €1,000 in travel and visa costs. Moreover, laureates will only receive their scholarships and travel reimbursements once they have arrived in France. They must certify their enrolment at the university as well.
University of Rennes
Five international students will be chosen based on academic achievement to receive a host scholarships from the Rennes 1 Foundation every academic year. This scholarship is for master’s students. The University’s goals are to encourage exceptional research and an international outreach.
University of Toulouse
Numerous awards, grants, fellowships, and scholarships are available from the Toulouse Graduate School. The amount can be anywhere from $500 per semester and $34,000 per year. In addition to travel grants and work stipends, certain academic departments also provide nationally competitive scholarships.
Conclusion
Due to the exceptional quality of its educational system, its research, and the career prospects it provides, France enjoys a stellar academic reputation that, there are over 3,58,000 foreign students enrolled in higher education programs in French universities. Students consider it to be a location where academic and social opportunities abound, therefore the number of international students is steadily growing. According to statistics, around 10% of students enrolled in French universities are from other countries. France’s higher education system is one of the best and most open in the world.