- Population: 67,000,000
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- University Students: 1,500,000
- International Students: 350,000 (25%)
- English-taught Programs: 1,100
France is often listed in the top 5 global destinations for international students. With very low tuition fees and over 1,000 English-taught programs it is no wonder that France is so popular. There is a vast amount of cultural wealth and social diversity in France, with countless museums and monuments such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Palace, both a must-see for anyone visiting France.
Universities in France
France boasts over 3,500 public and private educational institutions of higher education that offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate programs. This includes around 100 Universities and Grandes Ecoles and 3,000 specialty schools.
- École Normale Supérieure
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
- École Polytechnique
- EDHEC Business School
- Grenoble Ecole de Management
- Hautes Études Commerciales de Paris
- INSEAD
American Universities in France
- Schiller International University, Paris
- American University Center of Provence, Aix en Provence
- The American Business School Paris
Business Schools in France
- Université Paris Dauphine
- INSEAD Business School
- HEC Paris
- Grenoble Ecole de Management
- ESSEC Business School
- ESCP Europe Business School
- PSB Paris School of Business
- ICN Business School
Hospitality Schools in France
- ESSEC Business School
- Skema Business School
Study in English in France
If your French is not up to scratch or you feel more comfortable to study in English, it will be music to your ears to know that there are over 1,100 programs taught entirely in English, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as short and professional courses.
Tuition Fees in France
Given that higher education is subsidized by the government in France, tuition fees are relatively low.
EU Student Tuition Fees
Students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, choosing to study in France will pay between 170 – 600 EUR per academic year:
- Bachelor programs: 170 EUR
- Master programs: 243 EUR
- PhD programs: 380 EUR
Engineering schools are 601 EUR, except for those at the Ecole Centrale in Lille, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes, and at the Ecole des Mines in Nancy, where tuition fees are 2,500 EUR per year.
Non-EU Student Tuition Fees
- Bachelor programs: 2,770 EUR per academic year
- Master programs: 3,770 EUR per academic year
- PhD programs: 3,770 EUR per academic year
Tuition fees at private higher education institutions range from 3,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR per year. Consult with the University of Business School of your choice to confirm the tuition fees of the program you are interested in.
Scholarships to Study in France
Also, in France, scholarships are prevalent and available from a variety of institutions to a variety of individuals based on selected criteria. The French Ministry of Higher education and Research, for example, provides scholarship aid for international students, based on a social criterion.
As a student from the European Union, you may also be eligible to apply for an Erasmus + scholarship aid.
Costs of Living in France
The cost of living in France, ranges from 800 / 1,800 EUR per month, including student accommodation. Cities such as Paris are at the higher end of the spectrum whereas Lyon, Nantes or Toulouse are at the lower end of the spectrum.
Internships & Company Placements in France
France is not just a popular destination for tourists and international students who want to study abroad but also for young people looking to gain work experience via an internship or company placement known as a stage in French.
If you are a student in France, then you may first want to contact the coordinator of your program, who may be able to assist in finding you a suitable company placement. You can also try your luck online to find an internship depending on the region or the area of study. Some of the most popular French websites that list internships, include AdioStage and Stage.fr.
Although you might be lucky to find an English-speaking company that will employ you, it is wise and advisable to at least be able to speak French on a conversational level.
Working in France
As a foreign student, you are eligible to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.
Applying for a Student Visa to Study in France
Take a moment to revise the information and advice on the official website for French Visa Applications