To study in France is definitely one of the wisest decision any intending international student looking to study abroad can make.
Studying abroad in France has shown to be both satisfactory, according to a poll by QS Best Student Cities in 2014, and beneficial. A lovely atmosphere that isn’t commonplace in most of Europe is an added plus to having an education in France.
If you are looking to study in Europe, then France should be your go-to destination as shown by various responders in polls held about the conduciveness of studying in France.
French universities rank nicely in lists of top universities in the world. Also, the French experience is never forgotten; the various sights and cuisine of France would ensure that.
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Why Study in France?
Deciding to study in France won’t only offer you an opportunity to receive a quality education, but also position you as a likely employee in a reputable brand.
There is also a chance to get to learn French. French is the third most used language in businesses worldwide, and having it in your arsenal isn’t such a bad idea.
With a range of multiple disciplines to pick from, having an education in France ranks low on decisions you might regret.
Study in France
France might have appealed to you as a student. But, a student looking to study in a place has to understand how the place operates. The same applies to getting an education in France.
To understand this, we have to look at several factors, the first of which is the educational system in place in France.
The French Educational System
The education system in France is known globally to be good and competitive. This is a result of the French government investing heavily into its educational structure.
A student looking to study in France, will no doubts have to understand how the educational system operates in France.
With a literacy rate of 99%, education is considered an important part of the French community.
The French education policies have education starting as early as the age of three. The individual then rises from each echelon of the French educational framework, till he/she gains mastery.
Primary Education
Primary education is widely considered in France as a person’s first contact with formal education. But, some children are enrolled on schools as early as the age of three.
Martenelle(Kindergarten) and pre-martenelle(Day Care) offer a chance for children as young as three years old to start their process of education in France.
Some may opt not to enroll their children that early in schools, but, formal education must begin for a child by the age of six.
Primary education usually takes a span of five years, and in most cases, it is from the age of six to eleven years. It is similar to the primary education structure employed in the U.S.A.
Primary education called Ecole primaire or Ecole èlèmantaire in French offers an individual a solid base for subsequent education.
Secondary Education
Secondary education begins as soon as a person completes primary education.
Secondary education is grouped into two stages in France. The first is called collège, and the second is called lycèe.
Students spend four years(from the ages of 11-15) in collège. They receive a brevet des collèges upon its completion.
Further studies in France continue with the advancement of the student into a lycèe. The students continue their last three years of education in the lycèe(15-13), at the end of which, a baccalauréat (bac) is awarded.
However, a preparatory study is needed to sit for a baccalaurét qualification examination.
Tertiary Education
After graduating from a lycèe, a person can opt for either a vocational diploma or an academic diploma.
Vocational Diploma
A person can opt for a vocational diploma at the end of their secondary education.
A diplôme Universitaire de technologies(DUT) or brevet de technicien supérieur(BTS) are both technology-oriented and can be picked up by anyone with an interest in acquiring a vocational diploma.
DUT courses are offered by universities and after the completion of the required period of training, DUT is awarded. BTS courses are however offered by high schools.
DUT and BTS can be followed by an extra year of qualifying study. At the end of the year, and upon completion of requirements, a licence professionnelle is awarded.
Academic Diploma
To study in France and gain an academic diploma, an individual has to choose from three picks; universities, grades écoles, and specialized schools.
Universities are publicly owned institutions. They offer academic, professional, and technical courses to those who have baccalaurét, or in the case of an international student, it’s equivalent.
They offer degrees at the completion of their students’ academic requirements.
Their degrees are awarded in three cycles; license, master, and doctorat.
The license is gotten after three years of study and is equivalent to the bachelor’s degree.
The master is the French equivalent of a masters degree, and it is broken into two; a master professionnel for a professional degree and a master reserche leading to a doctorat.
A doctorat is open for students who have already acquired a master reserche. It involves an additional three years of coursework. It is equivalent to a doctorate. A doctorat is required of doctors, who have received a state diploma which is called diplomat d’Etat de docteur en médecine.
Grand Ècoles are selected institutions that might be private or public that offer more specialised courses than universities over the course of a three-year study period. Students graduate from the Grand Ècoles with a master.
Specialised schools offer to train students in specific career fields such as art, social work, or architecture. They offer a license or master at the end of the training period.
Requirements to Study in France
Academic Requirements
- Valid copies of all academic transcripts from the secondary school level.
- Academic references
- Statement of Purpose(SOP)
- Resume/CV
- Portfolio(For design courses)
- GMAT, GRE, or other relevant tests.
- Proof of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Visa Requirements
Three types of visas are available for international students looking to get an education in France. They include;
- Visa de court sèjour pour exudes, which is ideal for those going for a short course, as it allows only three months of stay.
- Visa de long séjour temporaire pour exudes, which allows for six months or less. It is still ideal for short-term courses
- Visa de long sèjour exudes, which lasts for 3 years or more. It is ideal for international students looking to take a long-term course in France.
Tuition Requirements
Tuition in France is significantly less than those in other parts of Europe. A rough overview of the costs include;
- License courses cost an average of $2,564 per annum
- Master courses cost an average of $4, 258 per annum
- Doctorat courses cost an average of $430 per annum.
The cost of living in France can roughly be estimated to be around $900 to $1800 per month. Also, learning the French language will allow you to adapt to the country easily, and is a requirement for a doctorat.
Top Universities in France to Study
These are some of the top universities in France according to Masters Portal:
- Sorbonne University
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- Paris-Saclay University
- University of Paris
- PSL Research University
- École des Ponts ParisTech
- Aix-Marseille University
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
- University of Bordeaux
- University of Montpellier.
Benefits of Studying in France
France holds a lot of benefits for international students who would choose it as an educational destination. These include;
- For the second year running, France ranks second in the employability rating published by Times Higher Education. This places it above countries such as UK and Germany.
- The diversity in French culture offers international students the chance to explore its rich history and create formidable and long-lasting bonds with the country and others.
- The cost of tuition is significantly less than its counterparts in Europe and the US.
- Getting and utilizing the opportunity to learn the use of French can bolster an individual’s chances at business, as French is the third most used language in business.
- An assortment of top companies has their headquarters in France. An opportunity to land a top job after schooling.
- France cities have just the right atmosphere for students. The weather also makes it a lovely experience.
You will find very little to hate about studying in France, but there is one bit you might not fancy about studying in France. French lecturers have been accused of being boring and conservative; they are less likely to tolerate an argument from their students.
If you are someone who likes to exchange views and corrections with your lecturers, France might not be the place for you.
Conclusion on Studying Abroad in France
France is a lovely country. Its tuition cost isn’t out of the roof. It offers students the opportunity to get world-class education without incurring crippling debts.
The cuisine and bubbly lifestyle in France might be a bonus for someone studying in France. Education in France is something anyone shouldn’t be too scared of trying.
All in all, I believe a lot of people would look back fondly on their education in France.
