Why Study in France
Great Educational System
The French educational system has been awarded various titles mainly for bachelor, master’s, and PhD degree programs. The country spends a great amount of money on research and development projects. French universities promote a strict educational system that ensures a great learning experience. France is majorly preferred for MS and MBA programs by international students.
Good Number of International Student
France stands at the 8th rank in the world and 5th in Europe in World’s top study destination. There are about 2,50,000 international students pursuing degree programs in France. When it comes to experiencing a new lifestyle and culture France stands at the 3rd rank globally.
Welcoming Environment
The idea of studying away from our homeland can fill our brains with second thoughts, primarily because of the fear of not knowing anyone there. However, if you have chosen France for pursuing a degree program then you must stop worrying about the fear of not knowing anyone there. This is because all the national and international students in French universities provide a very friendly and welcoming environment to all the freshers. In fact, if we talk about France, you must know that the country is known for its welcoming and friendly gestures towards foreigners.
You can Study in English
If the fear of not knowing French is stopping you from choosing France to pursue a degree program then you must stop worrying. This is because there are a number of top degree programs in France that are now taught in English. Traditionally there were a good number of English taught MS degree programs available in France but now along with MS courses there are plenty of English taught Bachelor’s courses also.
Great Student Life
France offers a remarkably high standard of student life. If you are planning to study in France then you must know that along with having a globally recognized degree you would have a life changing experience. Along with an urban and charming French environment, you would also have exposure to quiet mountains and a relaxing atmosphere.
Language requirements
Do take note that for international students, you must submit IELTS/TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency. Further, a student must also be able to speak or have sufficient knowledge of the French language.
A word of Caution: According to campusfrance.org, “the inability to speak French, or insufficient knowledge of the language, are the primary causes of failure among international students, especially in the humanities and law.”
FYI… To apply to the more competitive Grandes Écoles, students must have a baccalaureate or equivalent diploma. You must appear for Concours, a competitive exam held in France. To take this test, you have to apply and obtain a special three-month competitive exam visa (Étudiant Concours visa). If you successfully pass the exam, you can get a residence permit valid for a year and can be renewed after.
Visa requirements
Do take note that there are differences between EU and Non-EU citizens who want to study in France.
EU citizens can study a degree in France provided they are studying in France for more than three (3) months, enrolled at an accredited university or an institution, have proof of funds for the duration of their stay, and have health insurance coverage.
Meanwhile, Non-EU students need to apply for an extended-stay student visa, with residency permit (VLS-TS). To obtain this visa, you have to complete an application form as well provide the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) the following:
* Passport photos
* Proof of your qualifications
* A copy of your birth certificate, as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of both of your parents.
* A police certificate attesting that you do not have a serious criminal record
* Proof you can speak French (if your course is in French)
* Proof you have sufficient financial means.
Upon arrival, the VLS-TS holder must mail the following to the OFII: the official form received from the consulate that issued the visa and a copy of passport pages showing the visa holders identity and the stamp indicating entry into France (or into the Schengen area). You will need to contact OFII as they may request that you undertake a medical examination.
The VLS-TS is valid for one year and can be renewed if necessary.
Visa requirements
Do take note that there are differences between EU and Non-EU citizens who want to study in France.
EU citizens can study a degree in France provided they are studying in France for more than three (3) months, enrolled at an accredited university or an institution, have proof of funds for the duration of their stay, and have health insurance coverage.
Meanwhile, Non-EU students need to apply for an extended-stay student visa, with residency permit (VLS-TS). To obtain this visa, you have to complete an application form as well provide the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) the following:
* Passport photos
* Proof of your qualifications
* A copy of your birth certificate, as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of both of your parents.
* A police certificate attesting that you do not have a serious criminal record
* Proof you can speak French (if your course is in French)
* Proof you have sufficient financial means.
Upon arrival, the VLS-TS holder must mail the following to the OFII: the official form received from the consulate that issued the visa and a copy of passport pages showing the visa holders identity and the stamp indicating entry into France (or into the Schengen area). You will need to contact OFII as they may request that you undertake a medical examination.
The VLS-TS is valid for one year and can be renewed if necessary.
Scholarships for Indian students to study in France
Following is the list of the most renowned scholarships in France for international students:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarships
- Ile-de-France Masters Scholarships
- École Normale Supérieure International Selection
- Ampere Scholarships of Excellence at ENS de Lyon
- Université de Lyon Masters Scholarships
- Grenoble Institute of Technology Foundation Scholarships
- Emily Boutmy Scholarships at Sciences Po University
- INSEAD MBA Scholarships
Top courses to study in France for International students
There are a number of top universities in France that offer a number of top courses. If you want to pursue your degree program in France you must know that following are some top courses that you can consider pursuing in France:
* Study MBA in France
* Study Engineering in France
* Study Pure Science in France
* Study Linguistics in France
* Study Philosophy in France