Destination

Visa Process

Requirements

• Valid passport
• Acceptance letter from a French institution
• Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €615 per month)
• Proof of health insurance (if not covered under EU insurance)
• Academic transcripts and qualifications
• French or English language proficiency proof (as required by the program)
• A filled-out visa application form and recent passport-sized photos

Education System

France’s higher education system includes Universities and Grandes Écoles:

• Universities: Offer a wide range of academic programs and degrees in arts, sciences, business, and more.
• Grandes Écoles: Prestigious institutions that focus on specific fields like engineering, business, and public administration and are more selective in admissions.

Degrees follow the Licence-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system, which aligns with the European Bologna Process, allowing students to transfer credits easily across European institutions.

Cost of Education

• Public Universities: For international students, tuition fees range from €170 for bachelor’s programs to €380 for doctoral programs. Some engineering programs may cost around €600 per year.
• Private Institutions/Grandes Écoles: Tuition fees are higher, generally €3,000-10,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
• Living Costs: Living expenses vary by city but typically range from €800-1,200 per month.

Academic Information

The academic year in France generally runs from September to June, with breaks during the winter and summer. Classes are a mix of lectures, tutorials, and lab sessions, focusing on interactive and intensive learning. Some programs require an internship component, adding practical experience.

Admission Procedure

• Research Programs: Explore options on Campus France or university websites and identify programs that match your interests and qualifications.
• Application Submission: Submit applications directly to universities or through Campus France if you’re applying from outside the EU.
• Acceptance and Enrollment: Once accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter that you’ll need for your visa application.
• Language Proficiency: Some programs require French proficiency (DELF/DALF exams) or English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).

Scholarship

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance for students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs.
• Campus France Charpak Scholarship: For Indian students, covering tuition and living costs.
• Erasmus+: Provides funding for students from EU and partner countries.
• University-Specific Scholarships: Many French institutions offer merit-based scholarships to international students, such as the Emile Boutmy Scholarship at Sciences Po.

Accommodations

• CROUS Student Residences: Affordable options managed by the French government, with rent starting around €200-400 per month.
• Private Student Residences: Offer more amenities, but rent is generally higher at €400-800 per month.
• Shared Apartments or Studio Apartments: Rent varies by location, but expect to pay between €400-1,000 per month.

The average monthly expense for rent, food, transportation, and entertainment is around €800-1,200.

Working Prospects

Student visa holders can work part-time (up to 964 hours per year, or approximately 20 hours per week) during their studies. Many students work in cafes, restaurants, or tutoring, gaining valuable experience and earning some income. Upon graduation, students can apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), allowing them to stay in France for up to one year while seeking employment.