Studying in France and abroad is the dream of many students seeking a new academic and cultural experience. France is one of the most prominent educational destinations for international students due to its advanced higher education and rich cultural environment. French universities are distinguished by their academic quality and the variety of study programs available to students in various disciplines. From literature and art to science and engineering, France offers students a world-class education.
But before you take your first steps
toward studying in France, there are several requirements and criteria that
must be met, both in terms of university admission and obtaining a student visa
and residence permit.
Admission Requirements for French Universities
The university system in France is
characterized by its wide diversity, comprising public universities, private
institutes, and graduate schools that prepare students for various disciplines.
Public universities in France offer education at relatively low costs compared
to other countries, while private schools may be more expensive, but they often
focus on applied education and support students with programs that directly
prepare them for the job market.
In France, university degrees are classified into three main levels:
Bachelor's (Licence): This degree takes three years after secondary education.
Master's (Master's): This requires two years after a bachelor's degree.
Doctorate (Doctorat): This requires three to five years after a master's degree.
Required Qualifications
To be accepted into a French university, you must submit several academic documents and certificates proving your qualifications. The required qualifications vary depending on the level of education (bachelor's, master's, doctorate). In general, you will need to submit:
Secondary school diploma (baccalaureate) or equivalent: This certificate is required for admission to bachelor's programs. For master's programs, you must submit your bachelor's degree.
Official copies of previous diplomas: All diplomas must be certified and translated into French if they are not issued in that language.
Transcript: This shows your academic grades from previous levels.
Letter of motivation (Lettre de motivation): This explains your reasons for choosing to study in France and your desired major.
Language requirements for studying in France
One of the most important
requirements for studying in France is proficiency in the French language. Most
university programs in France are taught in French, meaning international
students need a sufficient level of the language to be able to follow classes.
French universities typically require proof of language proficiency through a
recognized certificate.
To demonstrate your proficiency in
French, there are several internationally accepted tests. The most important of
these are:
DELF/DALF: These are two internationally recognized tests used to assess French language proficiency. The test is divided into levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced).
TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français): Another recognized test used to assess language proficiency. It can also be used for immigration purposes to France.
Language level requirements vary
depending on the field you wish to study. For example, some academic programs
may require a B2 level or higher on the DELF test, while master's and doctoral
programs require a C1 or C2 level.
You can read our article on steps to learning French for free, where we have provided free online resources to help you learn.
Visa Requirements and Study in France
To study in France, you must obtain a special student visa. This visa is
known as a “VLS-TS” (Temporary Long-Term Visa with Residence Permit). This visa
is granted to international students who intend to study for more than six
months in France.
To obtain a visa, you must follow the following steps:
Apply to a French university: Before applying for a visa, you must have received formal acceptance from a French university or educational institution.
Open a Campus France file: This step is necessary for students from some countries. You need to create an account on the Campus France platform to submit your study file and attend an interview.
Submit a visa application: After receiving university acceptance and opening a Campus France file, you can apply for a study visa at the French embassy or consulate in your country.
Embassy interview: You may be asked to attend an in-person interview at the embassy to explain your motivation and study plans.
Payment of fees: There are certain fees associated with the visa application that must be paid.
Documents Required for Visa Application
When applying for a student visa, you will need to submit a set of
documents, including:
Visa application form: The visa form must be completed correctly.
Passport photo: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Recent passport photos: Meet biometric image standards.
Proof of acceptance into a French university: Official acceptance letter from the university.
Proof of financial means: Shows that you can cover the costs of studying and living in France (approximately €615 per month).
Health insurance: Covers healthcare costs during your stay.
Study costs in France
Study costs in France vary greatly depending on the type of educational
institution (public or private). Public universities in France offer education
at relatively low costs thanks to government support. Registration fees for
international students at public universities are typically as follows:
Bachelor's: approximately €170 per year.
Master's: approximately €243 per year.
PhD: approximately €380 per year.
Private universities and institutes charge significantly higher fees,
ranging from €3,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the major and institution.
How to Get Scholarships
Fortunately, there are many scholarships available to international
students wishing to study in France. These scholarships can be partially or
fully funded, covering tuition fees and living expenses. Some of the most
important scholarship programs are:
Eiffel Excellence Program: Designed for international students wishing
to pursue master's or doctoral studies in France.
French Government Scholarships: Offered through French embassies in
various countries.
Erasmus+ Scholarships: Available to students wishing to study in Europe
in general.
Accommodation Conditions and Support for International Students in France
Finding suitable accommodation is one of the challenges faced by international
students in France. There are several options available for student housing:
Courthouses (Courthouses): The French government operates student housing specifically for international students at affordable rates, starting at around €150 per month.
Private Apartments: Some students choose to rent a private apartment, but this option can be more expensive, with rents ranging from €400 to €1,000 per month depending on the city.
Shared Housing: Students can share housing with fellow students to reduce costs.
Health Insurance and Legal Residency
All international students are required to register with the French
social security system. If you are an international student under 28 years of age, you can register with the French health
insurance system free of charge. This covers a large portion of healthcare
costs in France, and you must also obtain private health insurance to cover the
remaining costs.
Once you arrive in France, you must register with the local authorities
and obtain a residence permit. This is necessary to confirm your legal
residency in the country.
Working While Studying in France
International students in France are allowed to work part-time during
their studies. This is a good way to cover part of their living costs. Students
can work up to 964 hours per
year, which is equivalent to approximately 20 hours
per week.
Employment laws for international students in France are relatively
flexible, with students allowed to work up to 20
hours per week during their studies. During academic breaks, students
can work full-time. The minimum wage in France (SMIC) is around €10
per hour, meaning part-time work can provide additional income to cover
some living expenses.
Tips for International Students in France
Moving to France to study requires you to adapt to a new environment and
a different cultural system. Here are some tips that may help:
Learn French: Even if your studies are in English, it's best to learn the basics to make your daily life easier.
Respect the local culture: French culture celebrates etiquette and formality, so be sure to respect local customs.
Time management: The French academic system requires you to organize your time well, especially since many courses are self-study.
French culture and integration tips
Integrating into French society requires patience and open-mindedness.
Some tips that may help you integrate quickly include:
Participate in student activities: French universities offer a variety of activities that help you connect with your peers and learn about French culture.
Utilize public transportation: French cities have a well-developed public transportation network that makes it easy to get around different areas. Make sure to use your student card to get discounts on transportation tickets.