France is one of the most beautiful and the 4th largest destinations in the world for foreign students to pursue their higher education. Due to its sophisticated and high-quality education system, France attracts more than 3,00,000 international students in the 2021-22 academic year.
Studying in France has become a dream for many students. The main reason behind the popularity of the France International Education Program is that French universities have a low cost of fees when compared to other European countries.
When deciding to study in France you need to fill out the application form in its entirety. As an international student, the application process may vary depending on your nationality. If you are one of those who want to complete their higher studies in France, then this article is for you. Here, we will guide you on how to apply for an international university or college in France in 2024.
Table of Contents
List of Best Universities in France for International Students
Below, we’ve provided the list of top universities in France according to the Times Higher Education 2021 and QS Rankings 2022. Students can check the following list of affordable and best universities in France that can be considered for a study abroad plan.
Sorbonne University
University of Strasbourg
University of Paris
University of Strasbourg
École Polytechnique
University of Bordeaux
Aix-Marseille University
MINES Paris Tech
ENS Paris-Saclay
Insitut Politechnique de Paris
Deadline to apply for International Universities in France
Admission to an international university in France is available twice a year i.e., Fall session admission and Spring session admission.
The intake season for the spring session at all French universities is September. So, the application form would be available from February till May.
For the Fall session, the admissions started in March. So, the deadline for application submission would be from November to January.
Language and other requirements for Admission in France
Language is one of the common problems that most foreigners faced in France. Since the language of course in the universities of France is French, you have to work on your French language skills. Foreign students are needed to appear for French language tests such as DELF or DALF, and TCF.
However, there are some French public universities with English-taught academic courses where you can get a full French education in the English Language. For English proficiency, students have to appear for any of the following exams- IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, Duolingo, and TOEFL iBT.
Note: The language test criteria differ for each university. Make sure you check with the university of your choice about their language test requirements.
Apart from the language test, a minimum educational qualification record of 70% in Standard 12th will be required to apply for admission to French colleges.
Foundations and Diploma courses are available for international students who have achieved a minimum of 60% marks.
Non-EU/EEA students are required to pass the compulsory Preliminary Admission i.e., “demande d’admission préalable” – DAP. Students must apply for DAP at the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in their home country.
The minimum age for students must be 18 years at the time of joining a degree program.
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How to apply
Most of the universities in France accept online applications. All you need to do is visit each college’s website to apply. To apply online, you may have to make an account on the university website to enter your basic details.
After that, submit the scanned images of the required documents, and pay the application fees.
Check the entry requirements carefully such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT are standardized tests required for some academic courses.
Through the University login account, you will get regular updates regarding the application process, important Dates, and stages. Therefore, applicants must refer to the official website of the colleges/universities of their choice to know the application process.
List of documents required while applying for study in France
International students need to produce the following documents while filling out the application form for French universities.
Passport or ID card (valid for the duration of your stay)
Prior admission or pre-registration certificate given by the university
ID/passport-type photos
Copies of academic certificates and their French translation
Campus France authorization
Registration fee
Cover letter
A civil liability certificates
A copy of your European health insurance card (only for students from European countries)
Social Security registration (free)
Resume (only for postgraduate degrees)
French and/or English Language certificate
Transcript of records
Proof that you can fund your accommodation in France (with a minimum of 800 EUR per month)
Where to apply for an International University Course in France
The application process may vary depending on your nationality.
Students of the European Union and European Economic Area are eligible to apply directly to the university, under the same rules and regulations as French students.
For Non-EU/EEA students, an online application system has been designed known as the ‘Studying in France procedure’ which was previously known as CEF. Through this online system, foreign students can apply for their study visas online and can also track their application progress.
Applicants who are already living in Europe but don’t have European citizenship will have to apply through the French embassy.
Tuition Fees in France for International Students
The tuition costs in France will differ depending upon the choice of course, college/university, and the city in which the school is located. The average tuition fees vary from approximately 150 EUR per term to 900 EUR per term.
In the academic year 2017-18, the average tuition fee in Public French universities was €189 per annum for pursuing a UG degree, whereas it is €259 for pursuing a PG degree and €393 for a doctoral programme. For private universities in France, the tuition fee ranges between €500-€600 per annum.
The costs may be lower for European Union students and higher for international students. So, you are required to check with the institute about their academic fees for international students.
FAQs
Most French universities require you to submit the documents like a passport copy, authorization from Campus France, an application fee, a passport-sized photo of you, academic transcripts and graduation certificates, a civil liability certificate, a copy of your EU health card (for EU students), cover letter, etc.
Being an international student in France is not always easy. Like many other countries, there is also a lot of pressure, struggle for places, etc. depending on the course and college you choose.
A student visa can be applied either at a French consulate in the home country or through Campus France.
The amount of money required in your bank account is your first-semester fee at your university. The amount is different for various courses and universities. However, on an average students need to have a minimum of 600 EUR in their bank account for the first month.
The list of top courses to study in Paris includes Hospitality, Fashion studies, Dessert making, Business Management, Marketing, Data Analytics, and Arts.
The minimum age to apply for France student visa is 18 years.
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