France

Why study in France

To put it simply, the French higher education system is one of the best in the world. It is also one of the most accessible ones. With low tuition fees, studying in France is more economical for international students. French universities are near the top of renowned university rankings each year. Their institutions offer an education that easily competes with other countries.

France is particularly a good choice for those wanting to study business related subjects. The country is a hub for international business and management education, and has lots of business schools in the worldwide rankings.

France has 71 public universities and they are all funded by the national government, offering excellent education at a very affordable price to all students, domestic or international. There are also a number of private universities (grandes écoles). The academic year begins in September or October and ends in May or June, depending on the program and institution. There are two semesters, divided by a break following final examinations at the end of the first semester. There are two main types of courses offered at French universities: large lecture courses, where the professor speaks and students take notes, and sections & labs, designed for smaller groups of students where the material covered in lectures is explored in greater detail. Usually, attendance in sections & labs is mandatory. Some career-oriented programs also require internships and practical training.

When it comes to degrees, French universities use a format popular throughout EU: licence, master, doctorate. Licence refers to undergraduate studies and it lasts for 6 semesters (3 years), with 180 ECTS earned. Master studies last for an additional 4 semesters (2 years), for a total of 5 years of study and 300 ECTS earned. Doctorate can be obtained after the additional 6 semesters (3 years).

French universities to consider for your studies

Here are some top French universities you should consider for your study abroad adventure:

• INSA Lyon
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• ESCP Business School
• Emlyon Business School
• École Polytechnique
• Montpellier Business School
• HEC Paris School of Management

How to apply

1. For some universities, you can apply directly on their website.
2. Carefully check entry requirements: standardised tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT are required for some undergraduate and graduate courses.
3. Apply to at least three different institutions in order to increase your chances of being admitted.
4. Non-EU/EEA students will be required to pass the compulsory Preliminary Admission ("demande d’admission préalable" - DAP). Apply for DAP at the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your home country.

Exemptions from DAP

• Children of diplomats posted in France and who themselves currently live in France
• Candidates coming from a partner university with a cooperation agreement (special procedures apply)
• Students with a scholarship from the French government, or a French organisation
• Candidates holding a French, International, European, French-German, French-Italian or a French-Spanish baccalaureate

Language requirements for universities in France

Most degrees are taught in French, but you will find numerous study programmes taught in English, particularly at Master and PhD levels. Academic institutions in France accept the following language tests:

For French proficiency

• DELF or DALF
• TCF

Exemptions from the requirement to demonstrate proficiency in the French language:

• Holders of the French baccalauréat, the international or European baccalauréat, and the Franco-German baccalauréat
• International recipients of scholarships from the French government, international organisations, or foreign governments whose grants are administered by an approved French entity
• Nationals of states where French is the official language
• Students graduating from bilingual programmes, in which French was one of the languages

For English proficiency

• PTE Academic
• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Duolingo

Each university determines the minimum grade or mark for language tests. Always check which tests are accepted by your university and what's the minimum passing grade they expect from international students.

Required university application documents

• Prior admission or pre-registration certificate provided by the university
• Campus France authorization
• Passport or ID card (valid for the duration of your stay)
• ID/passport-type photos
• Copies of graduation diplomas and their French translation
• Registration fee
• Social security registration (free)
• A civil liability certificate
• Students from the EU: a copy of your European health insurance card
• Resume (only in some cases, and only for postgraduate degrees)
• Cover letter
• French and/or English Language certificate (depending on tuition language of chosen degree)
• Transcript of records
• Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating you graduated)
• Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 EUR per month)

University application deadlines in France

Application for French universities are available twice a year and these are the deadlines:

• For the fall admission: January 17th or April 1st, depending on degree type and other factors (in some cases, after this date as well, based on the available spaces)
• For the spring admission: September 15th, and after this date, based on the available spaces
• Applications for Post-Bac (Parcoursup): from January 22nd to March 13th
• Applications for TCF during DAP process: from November until January 22nd

Find Masters in France

Final steps after receiving your acceptance letter

1. Institutions inform students of their admission decisions between June 15 and September 15 for programmes beginning in October. Thus, you will only have around a month to prepare all the arrangements for your departure to France.
2. If you're a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you will have to apply for a student visa.
3. If you plan to study more than six months in France, you will have to apply for a residence permit at French local authorities ("Préfecture").
4. You will have to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself. 

If you are from the EU/EEA, you can use the European health insurance card. If you are non-EU, you are eligible for the national health insurance offered in France. You must register on the website to benefit from French social security and health spending repayments.

Besides medical costs, you might want your insurance to cover other things too. To make sure students have access to the best insurance out there, Studyportals found a reliable partner in Aon. You can easily get advise and insight in costs based on your personal needs:  

Once you arrive in France, register in person at your university. You must pay about 90 EUR as a contribution to campus and students life.

Explore more than 80 000 Master's programmes from all around the world with Studyportals.