Studying in France
20 questions about studying in France
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1. Why study in France ?
For the quality of the educational system: Internationally recognized diplomas, degrees, and certificates; 400 internationally renowned institutions of higher education and research; a system of accreditation that ensures quality education.
France devotes almost 20 percent of its annual national budget to education–about 6,000 Euros per student! Domestic and international students are treated equally at French institutions of higher education.
For scientific, industrial, and economic know-how: France is the source of technological marvels such as the high-speed train, the smart card, the Ariane rocket, and Airbus planes. France is also the world's fourth largest economy, home to world-class manufacturing groups such as Renault, Michelin, L'Oréal, Total, France Telecom, and Carrefour, and many thousands of promising start-ups and thriving smaller businesses.
For the quality of French life : a superb system of public transportation, modern and affordable health care, cities in which you feel safe and secure.
For culture and savoir-vivre: France has a long and rich cultural heritage, and a lively cultural scene featuring festivals, theater, fashion, and good eating. France produces 120 - 150 films a year, and Paris has the world's highest density of cinemas.
For the language: French – the official language of almost 200 million people – opens doors in 47 countries on 5 continents.
2. How much does it cost ?
Studying in France is relatively inexpensive because the government funds a significant share of the cost. Annual tuition in a public university is between 126 and 692 Euros, depending on the program. A meal in a university restaurant costs less than 3 Euros. Costs in private institutions are higher.
Remember, international students are treated just like French students.
3. What about the cost of living in France ?
Most students need 600 to 800 Euros each month to cover the costs of food, transportation, and housing. The amount you will need depends on where in France you live and on what type of housing you select.
4. Are grants and scholarships available ?
Applications for the study grants offered by the French government are made through the cultural service of the French embassy in the country in which you reside.
Applicants are assessed according to the terms of binational agreements. Most grants are made for graduate study, usually at the doctoral level. The length of grants varies by program. Review of applications begins in March for programs beginning in the fall of the same year, so applications should be submitted as early as possible.
Scholarship students receive administrative assistance from the Centre National des Oeuvres Universitaires (CNOUS).
5. May I work in France ?
International students may work half-time as long as they are registered at an institution approved by the French social security system. Even first-year students and students coming to France for the first time have the right to work half-time.
6. How will I find housing in France ?
Look for housing on the private market, a task complicated by the requirements of property owners. Let CampusFrance take care of the details. Several housing plans are available for international students enrolling at French institutions through CampusFrance.
7. What visa status will I have as a student ?
International students coming from countries outside the European Union must obtain a long-term student visa from a French consulate.
Upon arrival in France, international students must first register with their educational institution and then obtain a student residency permit from the local authorities.
8. Health insurance is mandatory. Why ?
France's system of social protection is one of the world's best. The system covers all or part of the health-care costs of insured parties.
Students under the age of 28 are covered by social security when they register with an approved educational institution. Students 28 and older must obtain individual coverage.
9. Do I have to be able to speak French ?
Although the CampusFrance catalog does contain programs taught in English (mostly management and engineering programs) and some taught in Spanish, a knowledge of French will enable you to benefit more fully from your stay and to get more out of life in France.
If your French isn't as good as you'd like, take some courses in France or in your home country.
10. Where can I learn French in France ?
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes a catalog of programs in French as a foreign language–including specialized French in various disciplines–for students at all levels. More
11. And if I want to learn French in my own country ?
The Alliance Française is a network of 1,000 groups in more than 140 countries. The groups in the United States have a web site.
France's cultural and development-assistance offices abroad may be able to suggest other learning opportunities.
12. What exactly is involved in learning French as a foreign language ?
"Le Français Langue Etrangère" (FLE) is a method of learning French that is perfect for international students.
13. Will I fit in and find the right place in the French educational system ?
CampusFrance's postsecondary programs at all levels are appropriate for international students. Fill out the accompanying CampusFrance application form the programs that interest you. It's that easy.
If you don't find the answer in the catalog, our advisers can help you identify just what you need from among the 6,000 degree programs in the French higher education system.
14. Have equivalences between established between French degrees and degrees in other countries ?
France recognizes no formal equivalences between its postsecondary degrees and degrees in other countries. Each French institution makes its own admission decisions based on the applicant's background and the demands of the program.
To enter the French university system, international students must show that they are eligible to enroll in a university program in their country of residence.
15. What can CampusFrance do for me ?
CampusFrance can assist at every stage of your stay in France–helping you analyze your study plans, choose and apply to programs, and improve your French.
You can count on CampusFrance:
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For help with administrative and regulatory matters–banking, residency permit, social benefits and assistance
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For help finding a room with a French family (in Paris), or a room or studio apartment in a university residence hall (outside Paris)
16. How do I get help with applications ?
The accuracy of our advice will depend on the information you give us. So before asking an CampusFrance adviser to help you apply to a program, think about your goals and preferences. If possible, indicate the reference number of the program(s) that interest you and describe your background. Ask specific, focused questions.
17. How can I contact CampusFrance ?
It's easy to get in touch with CampusFrance. Contact one of our many local offices around the world. Come to an international student fair. Or send us an e-mail message detailing your educational objectives.
18. When is the best time to apply for an CampusFrance program, and how do I do it ?
For summer university programs, download the appropriate application form. Applications are generally accepted between February and April.
Full program descriptions, application forms, and terms are available in our catalog. Begin the application process a year before you intend to arrive in France.
The academic year begins in September and ends in June. It is divided into two semesters. Some institutions allow students to begin programs in February, at the start of the second semester.
CampusFrance recommends that you begin your planning a year before you would like to begin studying in France.
19. Where can I get the CampusFrance catalog ?
CampusFrance's catalog is continually growing and changing, so we do not produce a printed edition. Check our Web site, or contact an CampusFrance local office near you.
20. Can I take distance-learning courses in French ?
CampusFrance does not offer distance learning, but the Centre Nationale d'Etudes à Distance (CNED), funded by the French government, offers an extensive range of distance-learning programs.
© CampusFrance 2005