France is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Among its major advantages are the high quality of education, the remarkably low tuition fees, and the enjoyable French way of life.
The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe, and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and University of Paris-Sud.
There are also many great options to study for an MBA in France: The country is home to many of the best-ranked elite business schools in Europe. Among them are HEC Paris, Instead, ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad), and Edhec Business School, to name but a few.
Tuition fees at public universities in France are very affordable, as they are subsidized by the government. Private universities can charge whatever tuition fees they would like to, as they are not affected by the government.
If you are from an EU/EEA country (including Switzerland and Andorra), you will pay very little for a bachelors, masters and doctoral degree at a public university in France. These fees tend to be in the form of a registration fee, and range from €170 to €601 per year, depending on your level of study.
If you are from any other country you will be required to pay what is referred to as a differentiated registration fee. This will be €2,770 for a bachelors degree and €3,770 for a masters degree. As a non-EU/EEA student you will pay the same as EU/EEA students for doctoral degrees.
At private universities and Grandes Écoles, EU/EEA students will find that they are commonly charged the same tuition fees as domestic French students. International students from outside of the EU/EEA will be required to pay higher tuition fees.
Your living costs will depend on where you choose to study and live in France. Bigger cities such as Paris will be more expensive than the smaller cities. On average, you should budget between €800 and €2,000 per month for accommodation, groceries, travel and other necessities. Many places offer generous student discounts when you can show a valid student identification card. You can also register for an International Student Identity Card, which is valid worldwide and acts as proof that you are a student, and allows you access to discounts.
Another cost that you need to consider as an international student is health insurance. The health system is France is universal health care, meaning the the cost of accessing healthcare is financed by national health insurance. As an international student you will need to either take out a valid health insurance or register with French social security. Your university will be able to provide you with more information about this.
The standard of living in France is remarkably high, and one thing is certain: Studying in France is going to be a great, life-changing experience for you.
France caters to every taste - and that does not only mean wine and cheese enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bustling urban environment, quiet mountains, or the relaxed atmosphere on the Mediterranean shore, you will find a fitting destination for yourself. Paris offers a unique metropolitan vibe in a charming environment. Marseille and Montpellier are directly off the Mediterranean coast; summer beaches included. Rennes or Nantes are close to the rougher Atlantic coasts. And from Grenoble or Lyon, the Alps are within reach.
There are two ways to apply to universities in France as an international student. These are applying directly to each university you are interested in, or using a centralised application system called Parcoursup. You will have to pay an application fee for each university regardless of the process you choose.
Common admission requirements for a bachelors or masters degree in France include:You might be required to have any documents translated into French, depending on the university you are applying to
The French language is also one of the larger hurdles if you plan to stay after your graduation from a Bachelor's or Master's degree in France. To find a job, you will almost inevitably need to be fluent or at least near-fluent in French. Other than that, when compared to other countries in Europe, it is relatively easy for international students to start their career in France after graduation.
