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| university of sorbon-paris |
So, you want to study in France?
The very thought can conjure up images of lecture halls where Durkheim
or Sartre once probed society and the meaning of life, dank sheds in
which Marie Curie discovered Radium, or cafés in which Camus once
plotted his works of absurdism.
France certainly has a strong intellectual tradition, and whether it’s
to improve your French, for the richness of cultural activities, or just
to try something different, there are a range of options for
international students.
When it comes to the practical side, there are frustrations, but it’s
doable, and well worth the effort. We’ve put together this guide to help
you through the process.
Applying to a university and visas
How you go about choosing a university program in France will depend on where you’re from.
Anyone from an EU or European Economic Area member state won’t need a
visa to study, and can apply directly to the university or graduate
school of their choice.
Otherwise, you’ll need a student visa. You can get one either at a French consulate or via
Campus France.
Campus France is an online portal run by the French government that
assists students in their university applications, from choosing a
university up to visa processing.
They have a number of regional offices around the world and can also provide extensive information on degree programs.
France recently simplified the notoriously tedious process of applying
for a Carte de Séjour, or residency permit, for non-EU nationals.
During your first year of studies, you only need to show your visa as
proof of your residency status. However, you still need to register with
the
immigration office
within 30 days of arrival and undertake a medical examination to
validate your visa. From your second year of studies onwards, you will
need to apply for a Carte de Séjour.
Read about How to apply to study in france
Language level
Many universities now offer either bilingual programs or programs
taught entirely in English, which is of particular appeal for those
wanting to learn or improve their French while specialising in another
academic discipline.
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However, if you decide to undertake a degree program taught in French,
you will need to have at least an intermediate level of French. Many
universities require the B2 (intermediate) certificate in the Diplôme
d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) or sometimes the C1 (advanced)
certificate, (the Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française or DALF),
depending on the course.
The French higher education system
France used to have a complicated system of degrees and diplomas, but as part of the
Bologna process
degrees are being standardised into Licence, Master and Doctorat
levels, which correspond to Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees,
requiring three, two, and three years respectively to complete.
The large majority of higher education institutions in France are
state-funded, meaning there is only a nominal tuition fee of around
€200-€400 per year, depending on the level of studies.
Many business schools, however, are privately owned, and tuition fees for non-EU students can exceed €15,000 per year.
Under the French higher education system, anyone who has obtained their
baccalauréat, or secondary school certificate, is entitled to enrol at a
public university, but there are often competitive exams at the end of
first year for a limited number of places in second year.
There is also a parallel system of elite, selective institutions known
as grandes écoles, which have no real equivalent in the English-speaking
world, but can be compared to graduate schools.
Unlike public universities, they have highly selective entry
examinations, and are often semi-private, meaning they can charge much
higher fees.
The French academic year corresponds roughly with most other northern hemisphere academic calendars.
The autumn semester usually begins in late September, followed by a spring semester starting in early February.
In addition to holidays around Christmas and New Year, some
universities may have a spring break and holidays around All Saints’ Day
(November 1st) and Easter.
Exams are normally at the end of each semester, and there are usually
three months of holidays in summer, running from the beginning of July
to the end of September.
Cost of living and housing
The cost of living in France is similar to other countries in Europe,
but Paris, which is the most popular destination for students, can be
very expensive, and it can be extremely difficult to find housing. There
is often a crazy scramble for accommodation just before the beginning
of each academic year in early October.
dormitories representing a number of different nationalities.
The Fondation des Etats-Unis and the Maison des Etudiants Canadiens
cater to American and Canadian students, while the Collège
Franco-Britannique caters for British and Commonwealth citizens.
Those whose nationalities are not represented can make a general
application to the CIUP. Be warned, however, that places are limited -
and many students apply up to a year in advance to secure a spot.
Only students in their third year of university and beyond can apply, and the maximum stay is two years.
Universities outside Paris (and even those located in the suburbs
around Paris) often have subsidised student accommodation, either
on-campus or nearby. You can also find more information about living in
dormitories funded by the national student welfare office, the
CNOUS.
Financial aid and working
The French government offers a large number scholarships each year to
international students. These are normally advertised on the websites of
French embassies and consulates around the world. Campus France also
has a search engine for scholarships and grants
Students whose universities are part of the Erasmus program can apply
for the scheme through their universities. While the scheme is largely
limited to universities in the EU, there are a number of non-EU
universities who are also involved.
Means-based rental assistance is available to anyone with a valid
French visa or Carte de Séjour (residency permit), including non-EU
citizens, and are managed by the
Caisses d'Allocations Familiales (CAF).
Students are legally allowed to work up to 19.5 hours per week during the semester, and full-time during the holiday period.
Non-EU citizens no longer need to apply for a separate work permit, and
can work as long as they hold a valid student visa or residency card,
except for Algerian students, who are covered under a separate
agreement.
Students who have completed a Master’s are also eligible to apply for a
six-month temporary work permit to allow them to find a job after their
studies, but this provision was recently tightened and many applications
were refused.
Student life
French universities tend not to have the same level of student activity
that collegiate universities in the English-speaking world do.
Yet there are many extra-curricular activities and social events
organised by student unions, or bureau(x) des étudiants (BDE).
As the fourth most popular study destination in the world, and with 12
percent of the student population hailing from abroad, there is often a
dynamic cultural diversity on French campuses.
Most universities make an active effort to welcome them; with
international students’ offices, student associations and buddy programs
to help ease the transition for international students.
There are many benefits extended to students in France including
generous discounts for food, entertainment and transportation.
Eligibility criteria can vary. Some benefits are only available to
student card holders, while others are available to anyone under the age
of 26.
Many public museums in Paris, for example, have free entry for EU residents under the age of 26.
Other benefits require the purchase of a student card; for example, the 12-25 rail card issued by the national rail company,
SNCF,
is valid for one year and costs €50. It offers up to a 60% discount on
rail travel throughout France. In 2011, the offer was extended to those
up to 30 years of age.
Bon courage with your studies.
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