Study In France: A Guide For International Students

Are you looking for your next European study destination? If yes, you should definitely decide to study abroad in France!

Studying in France is more economical for international students.

The country offers an excellent environment for all international students.It has fantastic quality of education, lectures and research opportunities.

France is one of the major centers of culture, cuisine and literature. All these reasons make it an exciting destination for international students across the world.

Before you make your move to France, take a look at this Study in France: A Guide For International Students.

Find out all you need to know to make a successful move to France. Bonne chance!

Study In France: A Guide For International Students – About France

France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe.

It is the largest country in the European Union, covering a total area of 551,695 square kilometers.

France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches.

Paris, its capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower.

France has long provided a geographic, economic, and linguistic bridge joining northern and southern Europe.

It is Europe’s most important agricultural producer and one of the world’s leading industrial powers.

Culturally, France is a country with a long history as well as rich artistic, philosophical and scientific tradition. It is seen as one of the major centers of culture, cuisine and literature.

The top tourist attractions in France include:

Eiffel Tower (Paris)
Chateau de Versailles (Versailles)
Mont Saint Michel (Normandy)
The Cote d’Azure
The Louvre (Paris)
Mont Blanc (Western Europe’s largest mountain)

Cost Of Studying & Living In France

The overall living costs in France depend on your lifestyle, but, most of all, they depend on your chosen location, mainly the French city you live in.

Check the average budget you would need for each large city in France

1.Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence)

2.Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month

3.Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between 800 – 1,000 EUR

4.For the rest of France, you can manage with smaller amounts (at least 650 EUR

University Tuition Fees In France

First of all let’s look at Tuition fees at public universities:

Tuition fees at public universities in France have variable prices, depending on your chosen study level.

1.For Bachelor’s programmes, the average tuition fees are around 170 EUR per year.

2. Engineering degrees have higher tuition fees of around 620 EUR per academic year.

3. The average tuition fees for Medicine studies can reach up to 450 EUR per year.

4. The average fees for a Master’s degree are around 260 EUR/year and for a PhD 396 EUR/year;

you should expect higher fees for certain specialized degrees.

Private universities:

Tuition fees start at 1,500 EUR and can go over 20,000 EUR per year

At business schools, regardless of the degree level, fees range between 5,000 and 30,000 EUR a year.

Let’s also look at some affordable universities in France:

1.University of Orleans – tuition fees: 170 – 601 EUR/year

2.University of Strasbourg – tuition fees: 184 – 610 EUR/year

3.Grenoble INP Institute of Engineering Univ. Grenoble Alpes – tuition fees: 122 – 470 EUR/year

4.University of Burgundy – tuition fees: 170 – 601 EUR/year

Read Also: The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide

Cost Of Living In France

Your monthly food costs will depend on whether you shop at an out-of-town supermarket chain such as Carrefour or at a local grocer.which can be more expensive.

Outdoor markets provide fresher pickings and bargains can be had if you head over towards closing time, at around 1 p.m.

In the aspect of rent,If you’re renting an apartment, you will have to pay for the maintenance of the building and other facilities.

Utility costs will also depend on the size of your property, as well as the climate.

To give you an idea of how much you might spend in a month, here are the costs for running an apartment for two people in US $:

Rent – $800 to $1,200
Electricity – $48
Groceries (incl. wine) – $600
Landline rental fee (excluding call costs) – $21
Gas for heating/stove – $59
Internet – $32
Transportation (car maintenance plus diesel/petrol) – $175
Cell Phone plan (excl. phone handset itself) – $20
Regular purchases of coffee/croissants/baguettes – $80
Ticket for the movies – $19
Health insurance top up (hospital-only plan) – $29
Lunch for two with wine five times a month – $200

Monthly Total:

$2,083 to $2,483

Visa Requirements To Study In France

Do take note that there are differences between EU and Non-EU citizens who want to study in France.

EU citizens can study a degree in France provided they are studying in France for more than three (3) months, enrolled at an accredited university or an institution, have proof of funds for the duration of their stay, and have health insurance coverage.

Meanwhile, Non-EU students need to apply for an extended-stay student visa, with residency permit (VLS-TS).

To obtain this visa, you have to complete an application form as well provide the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) the following:

Passport photos
Proof of your qualifications
A copy of your birth certificate, as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of both of your parents.
A police certificate attesting that you do not have a serious criminal record
Proof you can speak French (if your course is in French)
Proof you have sufficient financial means.

Upon arrival, the VLS-TS holder must mail the following to the OFII: the official form received from the consulate that issued the visa and a copy of passport pages showing the visa holder’s identity and the stamp indicating entry into France (or into the Schengen area).

You will need to contact OFII as they may request that you undertake a medical examination.

The VLS-TS is valid for one year and can be renewed if necessary.

Read More: Free Study Guides For The CCRN

Frequently Asked Questions

1.How much bank balance is required for a French student visa?

Proof of funds

France student visa financial requirements include expenditures during the period of study in France. The funds needed in your bank account are tuition fees for the first semester at your university and a minimum of 615 EUR for the first-month.

2. How long does it take for a French student visa to be approved?

Visa applications are generally processed within 15 days. This period can be extended up to 45 days in particular cases if the examination of the application justifies it.

3. What is the age limit for a French student visa?

You must be over 18 years of age; You must have already chosen your training course or studies. For more comprehensive information about the courses and diploma preparations on offer, please visit: Campus France ; You must be accepted by a higher education establishment.