Studying in France: a guide for international students

Higher education in France

France is home to over 3,500 different institutions – offering higher education studies to over two million students. With a combination of public and private institutions, higher education in France is a double-component system: universities and Grandes Écoles (great schools).

• Universities – publicly-funded, mainstream institutions that offer courses in a wide variety of different areas, from science and medicine to humanities and languages.

• Grandes Écoles – elite institutes that are highly selective and offer advanced professional and technical training in several specialist fields of study. In total, there are roughly 250 Grandes Ecoles in France, representing fewer than 5% of the student population.

Overall, 30 French institutions appeared in the QS World University Rankings 2022, which shows that France is able to compete with the best – especially in Europe. The list of higher education institutions in France is vast, so we will summarise some of the best-regarded options below. According to Times Higher Education, the top five universities are all based in Paris:

• Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris

• Sorbonne University

• Université Paris-Saclay

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris

• Université Paris Cité

Outside of Paris, some of the stand-out candidates for studying in France include:

• Aix-Marseille University

• University of Bordeaux

• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

• Montpellier University

French courses explained

If you want to study in France, you will have a variety of different course options to choose from, depending on what stage you are at in the education system. The following courses are available to both domestic and international students.

Undergraduate degrees

In France, undergraduate (Licence) degrees typically take three years to complete and are available in a huge variety of different subjects. In order to apply, you will need to hold an equivalent of a French Baccalaureate qualification (A-Level in the UK) and meet the criteria for the course you want to study at that particular university.

In terms of the French academic year, it usually runs from September/October until the end of June – depending on factors like exams and individual course commitments. An academic year is split into two semesters, with a two-week holiday over Christmas and approximately two months off over the summer.

If at this stage you’re an international student wondering if you can study in English, the answer is yes. We will go into more detail about this further down in the article or you can visit Campus France for a full list of courses taught in English.

Masters degrees

Postgraduate studies in France can be less intensive than some other Master's courses you find around the world. Why? They tend to be split into four semesters across two academic years. However, this will obviously all depend on the degree you choose and the university you attend. In terms of how the courses are delivered, this is as you’d find at other universities around the world.

Other Master’s degrees you can choose from include Specialised Master's and Master’s of Business Administration degrees – both of which are more prestigious and competitive.

The Campus France Masters Catalogue is an excellent tool for looking at the full complement of programmes available in France.

PhDs

The time it takes to complete a PhD in France varies depending on your chosen course. On average, they last around three to four years, but some can last up to six. You’ll need a Master’s or equivalent qualification (or be studying one at the time of application) before you can apply for a PhD. However, your Master’s degree doesn’t need to have been completed in France and many courses are offered in English.

Aside from the usual requirements associated with a PhD course, you’ll also receive 150 hours of additional training in several key areas to accompany your studies. The deadline for PhD applications at universities is 31st January each year, but Grandes Écoles will set their own application windows, so make sure you keep a lookout.

Student exchanges

The final course we will discuss in this guide is signing up for a student exchange programme. This option could act like an amuse-bouche, giving you a taste of studying in France, or just be a nice way of supplementing your studies at home and enjoying a valuable life experience abroad.

If you do consider this option and you’re from the UK, we recommend looking at the Turing Scheme. This is a global programme that provides funding for studying, working and living abroad.

Course fees

Studying in France isn’t free, but when you choose to do so you’ll enjoy relatively low tuition fees because the French government subsidies higher education. In this section, we will look at tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year, as stated by Campus France.

EU Students

European students (nationals of a member country of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Andorra or Switzerland)

• €170 per year for Bachelor degrees

• €243 per year for Master’s degrees

• €380 per year for PhD degrees

Depending on their status, some non-EU students can pay registration fees identical to those paid by French and EU students. See more information here.

Non-EU-students

You will need to pay different registration fees if:

• you are enrolling for the first time for a Bachelor's or Master's degree for the start of the academic year

• you are within a higher education establishment that falls inside the scope of the MESRI

• you are not permanently settled in France.

The state will then cover two-thirds of the cost. This means that the total registration fee required to pay will be:

• €2,770 per year for a Bachelor's degree

• €3,770 per year for a Master's degree.

If you enrol in a PhD degree, the French government will assume most of the cost of your education until you complete your degree programme – €380. For more detailed information about tuition fees as a non-EU student, visit Campus France.

Private universities, Grandes Écoles and certain specific courses will be subject to higher fees, so make sure you thoroughly check how much your chosen course will cost. For example, Grandes Écoles tend to set their own fees, which means you’ll need to contact them directly or visit their respective website.

Important note: when it comes to sitting down and assessing whether you can afford to apply to study in France or not, make sure you factor in living costs. Tuition fees may be lower in France than in many countries, but living costs are usually rather high in comparison. How much you will need to budget will obviously depend on factors like the city you’re studying in and lifestyle choices. Take time to know exactly what you can afford before you apply.

Funding to study in France

For international students, this is an important step. Fortunately, there are a variety of helpful options that can help fund your dream. Examples include:

• The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) – offers grants to international students.

• The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) – provides needs-based finance to anyone who will have lived in France for at least five years by the time they complete their course.

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme – established by the MEAE, enabling French higher education institutions to attract top students from abroad to enrol in their Master's and PhD programmes.

To find out more about the above funding opportunities, you can either check out their respective websites, contact the international department at the French university you wish to attend, or reach out to the French embassy in your home nation.

It is also worth seeing what each university can offer, in terms of scholarships and grants, as they are likely to differ. Alternatively, the Campus France Scholarship Directory has an extensive list of other funding options that might be available to you.

Student visas

EU student visas

Do you need a visa to study in France? If you’re from the EU, the short and simple answer is no. In fact, all you will need is:

• a valid passport or alternative travel ID document

• proof that you have been accepted onto your university course

• health insurance (unless you are from a country inside of the European Economic Area and a holder of a European Health Insurance Card)

• evidence that you can financially support yourself.

Non-EU student visas

However, if you are a non-EU student, you will need a visa to study in France. Short-term Shengen visas are available and allowances will be made for sitting entrance exams, but if you plan on studying in France for longer than six months then you will need a visa. This comes in the form of a VLS-TS, which is valid for a year and can be renewed at a later date if required.

To be granted the visa, you will need to complete an application form and provide the French Office of Immigration and Integration with:

• passport photos

• proof of your qualifications

• evidence that you do not have a serious criminal record

• proof that you can speak French (if your course is in French)

• evidence that you can financially support yourself.

The French government’s France-Visas web page contains all of the important information you will need for getting a visa.

How to apply to study in France

How you apply to study in France as an international student depends on the course you are applying for, the level of study you are undertaking, and your EU status. This will ultimately determine your requirements.

For example, if you are applying to a Grandes Écoles, then you will need to contact them directly. This is because they have their own deadlines and you will likely need to sit admission tests.

In terms of universities, if applying for an undergraduate – or Licence – degree, then you will need to apply using Parcoursup. This is the national online platform that is used to enrol. If, however, you are applying for a Master's degree, you will need to apply directly to the institution – like all French students have to.

For more details about how to study abroad in France and what you need to apply, we recommend getting in touch with your institution of choice, as they will be able to provide more information. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach, so be sure to do your research. As mentioned previously in this guide, Campus France is an excellent source, including full information about the application process.

University application documents you will need

It is always worth researching what you will specifically need to apply for, as the exact documents will differ depending on your EU status, home country, chosen course and university and more. However, here is a quick list of documented requirements to study in France for international students to guide you:

• admission or pre-registration certificate from the university

• Campus France authorisation

• passport or ID card

• passport photos

• registration fee

• copies of graduation certificates (depending on the course) and their French translation

• social security registration (free)

• a civil liability certificate

• your European Health Insurance Card if you’re from the EU

• CV (for postgraduate degrees)

• cover letter

• French and/or English language certificate (depending on course language)

• proof of funds.

University application deadlines

At the time of writing, these were the deadlines set by French universities. Make sure you check if any information has changed before you start your application.

EU students

• Mid-January – registration opens

• Mid-March – deadline to select academic choices

• Early April – deadline to complete your application and finalise choices.

Non-EU students

• 1st October – registrations open

• 15th December – deadline to submit applications

• End of March – universities should’ve responded to receiving your application.

Whether you are an EU or non-EU student, you can expect to hear whether you have been accepted in mid-May.

Language requirements

You do not need to know French to study in France, as there are hundreds of courses that are taught in English. However, while it is not essential for English-speaking courses, we certainly suggest knowing the basics before you arrive.

A bit of French under your belt will not only help you to effectively communicate during your studies, but it will also be hugely valuable for socialising outside of classes. As an English student studying in France, knowing the language will help you enormously day-to-day and allow you to make the most out of your experience.

Rather than learning before you arrive, another option is to take language courses alongside your studies. Learning while you are in France allows you to practice more readily and improve your language ability quicker.

If the course you want to enrol in is being taught in French, then you will need to prove you are sufficiently fluent by taking an approved test. The Ministry of National Education and Youth offers a wide range of certifications – consisting of diplomas and tests. These certifications are distributed throughout the world, which is great news for international students. These certifications include:

• Initial diploma in French language (DILF)

• Diploma in French language studies (DELF)

• Advanced diploma in French language (DALF)

• Test of knowledge of French (TCF)

Any tests that you may need to do can be carried out at examination centres in the UK and around the rest of the world.

WorldRemit is here to help you study in France

You now have all the information you need to pack your bags and go study in France. However, you might need other useful information to move abroad or keep track of your finance whilst being in France. Don't worry, WorldRemit is here to help you out ! Check out our blog for more resources and guides to living abroad or visit our website to see how your family may be able to send money to support you or how you may be able to support family back home.

Sign up to WorldRemit

Studying in France: FAQs

Is it cheaper to study in France?

The true cost of higher education in France is the same as in most other countries around Europe and the rest of the world. However, tuition fees are lower for public higher education institutions because the French government subsidises them. This means that you are likely to spend less on your education, depending on your home country’s fees.

Is studying in France free for international students?

No, studying in France is not free for international students. However, like with French residents, the government will also subsidise your tuition fees if you meet the right criteria. Take a look at our course fees section in this guide for more detailed information.

Can UK citizens study in France?

UK citizens can study in France, but the terms for doing so have unfortunately changed since the UK left the EU. This has made the application process slightly more complex. UK residents will have to follow the same steps as other non-EU nationals. However, if you were living in France and lawfully a resident there before 1st January 2021, then you have the same right to access education in France as citizens from other EU member states.

Are French universities hard to get into?

Like many countries in Europe, being able to study in France as an international student is not always easy. There is a lot of competition for places, but like in any other country in the world, it all depends on the course and university you choose. In most cases, you will need to hold a French Baccalaureate qualification (A-Level) or equivalent and meet the criteria for that particular course.

What are the monthly costs of living in France for students?

Living costs in France are quite high, but you can still live relatively comfortably as a student. You will need between €800 and €1,400 per month to live in France as a student, but this will depend on the city you are living in. For example, if you are in Paris then you will need to budget for the upper end of that estimate. The figure above takes housing, food, transport and general leisure activities into consideration.

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.