The following are the questions often asked about France:
How does France’s higher education system work
France has 83 state-run universities and 250 so-called “grandes écoles”. These institutions serve as a primary educational resource for over 80% of all college-level learners. France is home to some of the world’s finest institutions of higher education in the visual and performing arts, culinary arts, hotel management, journalism, theater, and social work. PRES (short for pôles de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur) clusters are a common organizational structure for universities, research institutions, and specialized schools in France. Each PRES is made up of institutions that work together to conduct research and offer courses, often awarding degrees collectively than individual members.
Which degree programs are available at French universities
French universities follow the Bologna process by providing three degrees: a license (which can be earned in three years), a master’s (which takes an additional two years), and a doctorate (which typically takes an extra three years). There are two types of master’s degrees: research-oriented (for those who want to pursue a doctorate) and professional-oriented (for those who want to immediately enter the workforce).
How do you apply to schools in France
Campus France, an agency of the French government, requires students from 33 countries to apply through the CEF system on their website. This includes visa petitions and applications for higher education. International applicants should submit their materials directly to their chosen schools per the instructions provided on their respective websites.
To attend a French university do you need a visa
Those from the European Union and the European Economic Area can study in France without a visa. Those from outside of France will need to apply for a visa to remain in the country indefinitely (VLS-TS) through the CEF procedure or at the French embassy in their home country. Visa officials are obligated to take applicants’ educational history, preparation, study goals, and French language skills into account when making decisions. The equivalent of a monthly government scholarship is €615 (US$670), thus applicants must demonstrate that they have access to at least that much money each month.
Is a working knowledge of French required
Although French is the language of instruction for most undergraduate programs, many graduate-level courses are available in English. You can find relevant courses in France using QS course finder, and the government organization Campus France maintains a searchable online catalog of English-taught programs.
Students may be required to provide evidence of French or English language proficiency, depending on the program’s medium of instruction. Proof of this can come in the form of a degree in the target language or the results of a language proficiency exam like the DELF, DALF, IELTS, or TOEFL.
What is the cost of living in France
The cost of living in Paris is obviously higher than in the rest of France. Students in Paris are advised by Campus France to set aside €1,000 per month, while students living outside of Paris should budget €800. Nonetheless, the inexpensive tuition costs go a long way toward balancing higher living expenses even in the capital, which is one of the reasons why Paris has been ranked first in the QS Best Student Cities index for the past three years.
Is it possible to work and study in France
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are not limited in their ability to work while attending school. The VLS-TS visa and residency permit allows foreign nationals to work for up to 965 hours a year (corresponding to 60% of a complete working year). This does not include internships required as part of a degree program.
How do you apply for a French government scholarship
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme offers potential support to talented overseas students. This grants a monthly stipend of €1,181 for a master’s degree program lasting 12–36 months, and a stipend of €1,140 for a doctoral program lasting up to 10 months. Other sources of financial aid for international students include the European Union’s Erasmus program, institutional awards, and grants from regional councils in conjunction with public research organizations like France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). Students at the Ph.D. level have the option of pursuing a “contract doctoral”, which turns them into full-fledged university employees in exchange for research and teaching duties. The duration of these contracts is three years, and the starting compensation is at least €1,685 (about $1,830) per month.
Can you work in France once you finish school there
If you want to stay in France after completing your degree and finding a job there, you’ll need to apply for a change of resident status at your local prefecture. Alternatively, overseas students who graduate with a master’s degree or higher may apply to have their student visas extended for an additional year. During this time, people can work up to 60% of the legal work week without submitting an application for full-time employment status unless their earnings surpass 150% of the minimum wage.
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