Discover Opportunities in France
Explore a world of opportunities with our carefully selected partner universities in France. We have chosen institutions renowned for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and welcoming environment for international students. Browse through our featured universities to find the perfect fit for your academic goals and personal aspirations. Let us guide you through the selection process and support you in achieving a fulfilling educational experience in France.
France is not only the world’s leading tourist destination, but it is also a highly sought-after choice for international students, thanks to its high-quality education, prestigious institutions, and affordable tuition fees.
According to Campus France, the 2022/23 academic year saw approximately 412,000 international students enrolled in higher education institutions across the country, highlighting the many advantages of studying in France.
The French higher education system is renowned for its teaching excellence, with many universities achieving impressive rankings globally. One of the major attractions is the relatively low cost of education, as the French government subsidizes tuition fees. However, it’s important to note that different regulations apply to European Union (EU) and non-EU students.
Studying in France also presents a fantastic opportunity to learn French, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Additionally, with borders shared with Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, and the principalities of Andorra and Monaco, you’ll have access to other major European cities right at your doorstep.
Outside of your academic commitments, you’ll have ample time to explore vibrant student cities like Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Toulouse. In the capital, you can visit iconic museums, art galleries, and landmarks such as the Musée du Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
French Universities
France boasts over 3,500 public and private higher education institutions, including:
- Universities: Catering to nearly 75% of international students, these publicly funded institutions offer a wide range of courses in fields such as science, sports, humanities, and medicine.
- Specialist Institutions: These include schools focused on business and management, engineering, architecture, and the arts.
- Grandes Écoles: These prestigious institutions are generally smaller than universities and are known for nurturing the talents of exceptional students. They are highly selective, with candidates typically required to complete a two-year preparatory program and pass an entrance exam.
In the QS World University Rankings 2024, 35 French institutions are represented, with four making it into the top 100:
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (Université PSL) – 24th
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris – 38th
- Sorbonne University – 59th
- Université Paris-Saclay – 71st
Degree Courses in France
Undergraduate degrees in France, known as Licence degrees, typically take three years to complete and are equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree. These programs cover a wide range of subjects, including global communications, international economics, art history, and sociology.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, and practical lab work, with assessments primarily consisting of coursework, assignments, and exams. If you do not hold a French Baccalaureate qualification (equivalent to A-levels), it’s important to contact your chosen institution for specific entry requirements and application procedures.
The French academic year generally runs from September or October to the end of June and is divided into two semesters, featuring a two-week Christmas break and a summer holiday of at least two months (July and August). To explore all degree courses taught in English, visit Campus France.
Master’s Degrees
Postgraduate degrees in France are usually structured over four semesters across two academic years. This extended duration often makes French Master’s programs less intensive compared to those in the UK.
Courses are delivered through workshops, discussions, and independent project work, culminating in a final extended research project or dissertation. France also offers specialized Master’s degrees and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, which have stricter entry requirements and focus heavily on advanced professional training. Use the Campus France Master’s catalogue to search for available Master’s programs.
PhDs
Completing a PhD in France typically takes around three to four years, although some programs may extend to six years. You will need to submit a thesis under the supervision of a director, whom you must contact and gain approval from before commencing your studies.
Once your thesis is completed, you will be required to present it publicly before it is assessed by two rapporteurs. As part of your PhD studies, you will also receive an additional 150 hours of training in areas such as business creation, research, and communication.
To apply for a PhD, you must hold a Master’s degree or be in the process of completing one at the time of application. Submit a research proposal to your chosen doctoral school or check university websites for advertised project assistant positions. Many programs are offered in English, so you typically do not need to demonstrate proficiency in French. You can find Doctoral programs using the Campus France directory of Doctoral schools.
Student Exchanges
If you’re interested in experiencing life in France, consider participating in a student exchange program while continuing your studies in your home country. If you’re a UK student, consult your faculty or student exchange office to see if they offer exchange programs in France. For example, Manchester Metropolitan University provides exchange opportunities for arts, humanities, and business students.
The Turing Scheme enables thousands of students from schools, colleges, and universities to gain valuable study and work experience overseas. Check if your university is involved in this program.
Alternatively, you could enroll in a short program to learn French while immersing yourself in the culture. Explore available opportunities at Campus France – Programmes.
Course Fees
Tuition fees at public universities in France are relatively low due to government subsidies for higher education. For the 2023/24 academic year, average annual tuition fees for EU nationals, EEA members, and students from Andorra and Switzerland are as follows:
- €170 (£145) for Bachelor’s/Licence degrees
- €243 (£207) for Master’s degrees
- €380 (£324) for PhD degrees
Non-EU students, including those from the UK, face differentiated registration fees, but the state covers two-thirds of the cost for those applying to study their first Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The maximum registration fees for non-EU students in 2023/24 are:
- €2,770 (£2,367) per year for Bachelor’s degrees
- €3,770 (£3,222) per year for Master’s degrees
At the Doctorate level, the French government covers most costs for non-EU students, so the fee remains €380 (£324) per year. Private universities, Grandes Écoles, and specific subject courses may have higher fees, so it’s best to contact institutions directly for precise figures.
Business and MBA programs typically incur significantly higher fees; for instance, the HEC Paris MBA costs €98,000 (£83,760) for the September 2024 and January 2025 intakes.
Funding to Study in France
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) offers grants to international students through its embassies, while the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) provides needs-based financial assistance to those who have lived in France for at least five years by the end of their course.
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, established by MEAE, aims to attract international students to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in France.
You can explore additional funding options through Campus France’s scholarship directory for various levels of study. Many French universities also offer their own scholarships and grants, so it’s advisable to contact your institution directly to discover what financial support is available to you.
While tuition fees are generally low in France, it’s essential to consider living costs, which can be quite high. You will need between €800 (£683) and €1,300 (£1,110) per month for expenses such as housing, food, transport, and leisure activities, with the higher end reflecting the cost of living in Paris. Additionally, there is a small fee of €91 (£77) to join your student union.
As an international student, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself before commencing any employment in France.
Student Visas
Whether you need a visa to study in France depends on your nationality.
- EU/EEA nationals do not require a visa to study in France.
- Non-EU/EEA nationals (including UK citizens) must apply for a visa and obtain a residence permit.
The VLS-TS long stay visa allows you to study in France for four months to a year. If your course extends beyond this duration, you can apply for a multi-annual residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle).
It’s important to research which visa type suits your situation best. For more information on available visas and the application process, visit France-Visas.
How to Apply
If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s (Licence) degree, you will use the national online platform Parcoursup (in French) to enroll. Registrations typically close in late March or early April for courses starting in the autumn.
The application process for a Master’s degree varies depending on your nationality:
- EU nationals apply directly to the institution.
- Students from the 69 countries participating in the Études en France procedure apply via the Études en France online platform.
- All other students should contact their chosen institution for guidance on how to apply.
Be prepared to provide transcripts of your previous qualifications, proof of language proficiency if required, a CV, and a cover letter. You may also be invited to an interview or required to take an entrance exam.
Grandes Écoles often set their own deadlines and admissions tests, so you’ll need to reach out to them directly for specific information. Due to their elite status and smaller class sizes, the application process for Grandes Écoles is typically more competitive than for standard institutions.
For further details on how your circumstances might affect the application process, visit Campus France.
Language Requirements
Numerous courses in France are taught in English, so learning French is not a strict prerequisite for studying in the country. However, if you are enrolling in a French-taught course and French is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency by taking a recognized language test. The most commonly accepted tests are the DELF and DALF, awarded by the French Ministry of National Education.
Even if your course is in English, having a solid understanding of French can be beneficial for navigating daily life during your stay. Many institutions offer language courses that can be taken alongside your main studies, or you can use online platforms like RFI Savoirs to learn.
If needed, you can prove your proficiency in English through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Comparison to UK Qualifications
Higher education qualifications obtained in other European countries are generally recognized by French institutions. Similarly, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications earned in France should be internationally recognized, including by employers in the UK.
