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France

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Study in France

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France is one of the most popular European destinations for many reasons. It’s the most beautiful city in the world. The fashion and art industries are flourishing. The country is rich in culture. But the most important reason why France is the most preferred international destination for foreign students is its education programs. France offers several affordable study programmes for international students. These programs are of the same quality and credibility as those of other major western countries.

France, the Study Destination for Students 2023:

Last year On 19 November Prime Minister of France launched the “Choose France” national plan. The government wants to make France more attractive to international students and to increase the visibility of French Higher education system abroad. Moreover, students who arrive in France at the beginning of the 2021 academic year to complete their degree program at graduate or undergraduate level, French government will continue to pay 2/3rd of the real cost of your education. Your tuition for 2023 will be as follows:

  • €2,770 annually  at the licence (bachelor) level
  • €3,770 annually at the master level
  • €3,770 annually at the doctoral level

Thus France has now become a hub of international courses .Moreover, the latest, techno-integrated curriculum is taught at French universities. France is the world’s fourth-richest country and is designated as the 4th best study abroad destination in the world to study in 2018 by QS Ranking.

Why Students Choose France:

Primarily the number of international students visiting France started growing at the end of 1998.This is because the French government has introduced an effective support policy to invite international students to study in French educational institutions. Currently, the low cost tuition fee is the main charm to study in France.

Besides the 4th highly ranked position in Qs ranking and low cost study programs, the French visa policy becomes quite lenient for education seeking visitors. In fact, the government of France allows the students to re apply and fight back if their visa is rejected in the first application process.

France enrolled more than 300,000 foreign students in 2016.This figure indicates a 12% increase over 5 years

The establishment of Campus France is another mile stone in the French international students’ facilitation. This Agency works for the promotion of higher education international student services, and international mobility.  The agency helps and participates in education fairs to raise the significance of French higher education in foreign countries.

Another treat that France is offering in education is the number of courses taught in English. English taught courses have been increased five-times since 2004, and is still growing ahead. Surprisingly, France has given so much support to the international students that a foreign student can apply in multiple universities with one single on-line application.

France exceptional courses are not just offered in medicine, business or engineering fields, yet, this cultural destination offers exceptional courses in contemporary courses like fashion design, hotel management, tourism and social sciences

French Latest Scholarship Offers for Students 2023:

French Government is also offering various scholarship programs plus enough financial grants to attract foreign students towards French institutions of higher education. For 2023, French Government has announced many scholarships for Students in almost all levels of degree programs including bachelors, masters and PhD’s in the fields Professional sciences, of Social Science, Business and Architecture. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) at French Embassy co-operates with the Government of France to establish effective prospects of education in France for students. In this regard many scholarship programs are enrolling students in French universities. For example,  Eiffel scholarships. The fields of studies offering Eiffel scholarships include law/political sciences, economics and management and engineering sciences at Masters’ level; whereas, sciences, economics and management, and law/political sciences for the Doctorate/PhD level.

According to a general survey almost all international students (more than 90%) who have completed their studies in France are satisfied with the quality and recognition of the study program. However above 75of the foreign students can easily afford cost of education.

Reputed French Universities in France for International Students 2023

France is the destination which resides some of the most highly ranked universities. France also rests the oldest institution; the first French University, University of Paris is established more than 800 years ago.  Basically, in France 83 public universities are funded by the French government, offering excellent education at an affordable price. Around 33 undergraduate programs are English-taught. There are around 500 undergraduate or masters’ level courses offered by French universities. Paris is the 2nd Best student city to study in 2018. The most prestigious European universities located in France are Ecole Normale Superieure and Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech.

Besides the government funded universities, France also offers admission to foreign students in The Grandes Écoles. Grandes Ecoles are higher education institutes that are run under private administrations .These institutions compete with the IV league international universities. They are in fact prestigiously selective and elite class institutions of France.

Work While Studying:

International students can part time work for a maximum of 20 hours a week off campus. French government now allows foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year. In France the minimum salary is € 8.71 per hour.

After Study Prospects:

International students can now prolong their stay after completion of their study course. In addition, from March 2023, foreign graduates with a French master’s degree can apply for a residence visa to look for work or a business in France. During this stay students can find a job. After completing the master’s degree the student can apply for his residence permit. This permit authorizes the pass-out to join any kind of salaried job -to a limit of 60% of the officially permitted number of working hours. You can gain the employee status if the employer is satisfied with your work. Moreover, after spending some years in France the pass-out students can also apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Click here

Miscellaneous Reasons to Study in France

Some reasons other than the educational prospects to study in France include the humble French people and their classy manners. France is the destination known for its historic architecture and culture. Every other scene is beautiful in France. Not only the metropolitan cities but the suburbs speak beauty. students will definitely enjoy the temperate climate most of the year. Our students, who are afraid of extreme temperatures, can now experience the weather of France.

France is the generator of most renowned fashion brands in the world like Givenchy, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior etc.

Another great thing to study in France is its proximity with great European With so many neighbors. Students who visit France can dig out prospects to visit the neighboring destinations in future. These countries include Germany, Norway and Spain.

Not just French fries but many other French cuisines have exceptional flavors. Previously, Halal food availability was a great factor to dine out. Now many Halal Asian restaurants are operating in France to cater Muslim Students.

France’s transportation system is effective, affordable and efficient, and extensive. Therefore, you can travel anywhere easily as an international student.

France is among the European nation which renders smooth positive linear growth in economy and industry, therefore large prospects of jobs are available for foreign students.

Medical Insurance for France Study Visa

In France health care is important. Here are some health care facts of France.

  • For 1000 citizen in France there are more then 1 Doctor.
  • The average human life in France is 84
  • France health care is financed partialy by state and indiviuals.

And the average cost of health insurance is 40 EUR/ Month.But the price depend and vary on the package or policy you choose

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Universities

Studying abroad is a bankable future investment. To avail what it offers, making right choice is imperative. According to a survey conducted by Campus France, 64% students out of 14,245 international students chose France as best study destination over UK, Germany and the US. The features making France as best study abroad destination are enlisted below:

 

Low Average Tuition Fee for Foreign Students:

The French Government has subsidized tuition fee for foreign students. The average per annum fee for EU residents and non-EU residents is as low as 200 EUR. The cost also fluctuates depending on the course or programme you have chosen. 

 

Foreign Students Enjoy Same Privileges as French Students: 

A foreign policy initiated by French Government in 1998, allowed same subsidies and benefits to foreign students as French students. That means subsidies on living cost, public transport, social insurance, and student’s discounts on health care facilities. 

 

Study Visitor Visa of 5 Years Allowed for Master and Phd Students:

Whether you want to search for a job or are deciding on settling in France, you will have a 5 years visa after completion of Master or Phd degree in France. 

 

World’s Best Educational Institutes of France 2021 for International Students : 

Short term diplomas, master or PhD degrees all offered by French educational institutes are top rated. French educational institutions are offering a variety of courses and various scholarships programmes are run by French Government to accommodate international and French students.  France comes 3rd in terms of world’s best educational system, after UK and the US. 

 

Employment Options for International Students 2021 in France:

France is gaining popularity among international students because of wide and accessible employment options. Where countries like UK and US have made attaining of work permit difficult for international students. France gives work permit of at least 24 months to international students. Besides French Universities have close collaboration with businesses and firms. You might even gain a job position while studying.

 

Geographical Position:

Having a French visa gives you a pass to travel anywhere in Europe. After attaining your degree you can settle anywhere in Europe

Applying in French Universities demands some attentive strategies. If you are planning to study abroad in France, and want to get admission in a French institution, you should proceed by keeping each and every formality in consideration.

Pre Admission Planning:

  • Remember that the European students, Schengen countries residents and students from those countries that come under Campus France category can easily get a French student visa than a non -European citizen. 

  • For more professional advice you can take help from a reliable consultant listed at our site. You can also search authorized websites or visit the French embassy to get the correct details o admission requirements 

  • Plan your budget   before applying in any university or scholarship in France and pick the institution which is affordable for you.

Choose the appropriate program:

Once you are determined to take admission in a French university, it’s better to pick those study fields which are relevant to the subjects you have studied before or the career option you want to adopt in future. Check the advantages and disadvantages of selecting that field and then research for the admission prospects. Don’t forget to calculate the cost for each and every process leading to Admission in a French institution.

Pick the right institution:

Once you are determined about the field of study, it’s time to select the best institution. Apply in more than one institution to avoid rejection risk. Don’t just go for high-ranked university instead explore affordable good institutions with an accredited degree program

Academic Year and Degree Programs:

French academic year is divided into two semesters. It generally starts in September and lasts until June. 

Degree programs in France are divided between:

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degree or License (3 years)

  • Postgraduate: Master (2 years), Doctorate 3-4 yrs. PhD program 

Intakes for Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate Program)

Browse the educational sites to check admission announcements from French universities. Generally, Universities in France open admission twice a year. According to the latest 2023 announcement the admission pattern as follows:

Admission Calendar:

  • Fall admission begins by 1 February and will continue till 1 April. However, in some specific cases, admission may continue after this date if the seats are still vacant.

  • spring admission initiates by September 15, and the closing date is again based the available seats

  • Applications for Parcoursup program commence from 22nd January to 13th March

  • You will need to submit a preliminary application at your local French embassy in Parcoursup program before applying to one or more French universities.

Parcoursup  is an online  application designed by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in 2018.Parcoursup now replaces the former Admission Post-Bac (APB) system. 

Eligibility Criteria of French Universities 2023

  • To take admission in a French university undergraduate program, you need to have graduated from High School. It means the students have to pass his/her intermediate/A-level/ grade 12 exams with good grades 

  • The student will then apply on the Parcoursup website for taking admission in the first year of a 3-year Licence (Bachelor’s) degree at public and private French universities. 

  • Students who want to apply to the second or third year for the completion of Bachelor’s(Undergraduate) License (L2, L3) program do not apply at Parcoursup, rather they directly contact the international student’s office at the chosen university. 

  • Consider that different procedures apply depending on the student’s nationality and high-school/intermediate College leaving certificate. Moreover, the criteria also depend upon the study program the candidate wants to study.

Step by Step Application Process:

 

Applying for DAP

Previously, Non-EU students have to pass the compulsory Preliminary Admission (“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP) exam taking admission or visa. You can apply for DAP at the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in Pakistan. Students applying in a scholarship program from the French government or a French organization are exempted from this test. Since 2018, Parcoursup program takes over the international admission responsibility, therefore you have to check for DAP eligibility at Parcoursup website .

  1. Students applying after their intermediate classes in first year undergraduate program have to follow the policies of Parcoursup Admission.

  2. They have to apply at the Parcoursup website or directly to the institutes  online application 

  3. The universities have set up their entrance exams. Prospective students have to pass those tests.

Language Criteria:

  1. Pakistani students who want to study in France, obviously look for English taught programs in French universities, therefore, they are required to pass some English language proficiency tests: TOEIC, IELTS or TOEFL

  2. However, most of the undergraduate  programs are offered in French therefore those who are interested in French medium courses have to pass French Language Test like: DELF DALF or TCF 

Required Documents

After filling the online admission form, gather the required documents to attach with the application.

 The requirements for documents vary with institutions but as a general rule, the following documents are required. 

  • Valid Passport  and  ID card 

  • Specified sized photos 

  • University specific entrance exam score

  • French and/or English Language proficiency certificate 

  • All transcripts issued by previous home country institutions.

  • Co/extra- curricular certificates, diplomas and internship certificates with their French translation

  • Registration fee 

  • Social security deposits

  • Financial eligibility proof (with a minimum of 800 euros per month)

  • A civil certificate

  • Proof o valid health insurance plan

  • In some cases, the institution might demand a cover letter and  Resume with the details of your certifications and experience

  • letter of recommendations: universities ask for two-three letter of recommendations to verify that your teachers and professors recognize you and acknowledge your personal traits and academic proficiencies

  • Personal Statement: It is a precise essay reflecting the writing proficiency of the student as well as it demonstrates why the student has chosen the institute to pursue his study. 

Further Process

  • Once the documents are collected, the application along with all attached documents and bank drafts are submitted at the university website before the announced deadline.

  • The French University or respective college will then assess your submitted documents and if they approved everything, the university will then send the “Admission Confirmation Email” 

  • After receiving this confirmation, the student will apply for the French visa and residence permit before leaving his country. The University confirmation email will help the student to get Student visa to study in France. 

Intakes for the Master’s Degree (Post-graduate Program)

  • France offers Masters program in almost all discipline. Every institution has its own admission criteria but the general structure as follows:

Academic Calendar:

  • French academic year starts either from September or October and ends in June or July. French Masters degrees are completed in two years. However, the closing date for applications to most of the Masters Degree programs in French universities is January 31st.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or ‘Licence’) holders from International countries are eligible to apply for admission onto a Masters degree. However every university sets its own criteria and decision making policies regarding Master’s admission.

  • The general procedure of application is same as o the undergraduate or Bachelor’s program. However, the following things are added in the eligibility criteria

  • An interview is generally conducted with the applicant  

  • Subject specific Admissions tests scores are required for example satisfying scores in standardized admissions test like GRE or GMAT. 

  • Certified  Academic transcripts of your bachelor degree examinations  

  • Valid evidence of language proficiency

  • Three letters of recommendations

  • Personal Statement

  • Evidence showing the financial resources needed to spend while studying in France. The French government demands that students should have access to at least €600 month. In fact, it is the amount paid to French students by government grants.

Intakes for Post Graduate Doctoral (PhD Program) in French Universities 2023

A doctorate program in France is a third-cycle degree. It is completed after a Masters (second-cycle qualification) and students who pursue research studies take admission in the PhD program

Academic Calendar

A PhD course in France runs for 3-4 years for a full-time student. It runs on six semesters that includes two teaching/ research) semesters per year.

  • The autumn semester starts in late September and runs till January 

  • The spring semester starts in early February and runs till June.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students applying for a PhD program should have a Masters degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

Students who are enroll in Masters degree program and will have graduated prior to the doctoral program start date can also apply.

Language Criteria

Most PhD programs in France are in French, therefore, every institutes has its set language requirements policies. Some ask international students to submit a thesis abstract in French as a component o final assessment.

Candidates have to pass a French proficiency test 

It is better to learn basic levels of French, even if your PhD is delivered in English. 

Documents Required:

  • Copies of your degree certified from authorized officials with original stamps.

  • French translated transcripts approved by a lawyer.

  • In some cases you have to submit a Research proposal 

  • Two academic references

Grandes Écoles

These are the private yet elite French higher education institutions almost equal to the Ivy League or Russell Group universities in the USA and UK.

This program does not comply with the Government program and includes more specific institutes like high-class publically-funded universities (Écoles Normales Supérieures) and high profiles business and engineering schools (Grandes Écoles de Commerce and Grandes Écoles d’Ingénieurs). These institutions have their set admission criteria which can be accessed at their official websites

Studying in a European country is never cheap. You have to spend enough amounts due to a higher difference in currency rates. The student, therefore, has to plan his/her budget beforehand. The earlier you save your money while studying in France; the more you get comfortable in future years. Just take an in -depth review of expenses before leaving your country to study in France. Besides the academic and living expenses, there are many hidden charges for which you should have enough money to spend in France. 

Pre-Departure Costs

Registration Fee:

Though many universities in France do not apply any registration fee, yet there are some institutions that charge a minimum amount to process your application. The registration Fees is generally mentioned in the universities admission page.

Expenses of Language Proficiency Course and Test:

As French is the major medium of teaching in most of these universities, therefore, an Asian student has to qualify a French proficiency course prior getting the admission. This became very necessary if the student is enrolled in a French taught program. A comprehensive French course in Pakistan costs between 20k-30k. However, the original complete French proficiency test with all sections called TEF is around 60thousand PRs .Moreover, if you are enrolled in English taught program then you have to show scores of English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If the student can prepare the test himself then only examination fee is estimated. Many students join some institute to practice their English proficiency course. This course enrollment cost around 29 thousand. Plus the examination fees for IELTS or TOEFL is also applied. Presently it cost around 30 thousand PRs. to attend an IELT test while the cost for the TOEFL test also cost around 25-28K.

Visa Fee of France Student isa for Students 2023:

To apply for a French student visa, the student has to pay a visa fee. This is a non- refundable amount. Most of the students have to attend the French university for 3-4 years to complete their degree program. Thus, they need a long stay visa with a residence permit.  This visa will cost you 99 Euro which is equal to 15,749.57 PRs. other short- stay visa categories normally charge around 60 Euros as visa application fees. 

Air Fare:

There are many airlines which commute between Pakistan and France. The airfare is not fixed for every airline. On an average, the flight to Paris costs you between 75K-1 MPRs.

Personal Costs: 

In addition to the above mentioned pre-departure costs, a student needs some money to buy his personal stuff to take abroad including clothes, accessories, baggage. Keep these things in mind and make a budget for your personal expenditures. 

Study Costs Upon Arrival in France

Tuition Fees at Public Universities:

Pakistan belongs to a non -European country, therefore, tuition charges for the non-EU nations are officially applied. From September 2023 French educational administrators have revised the tuition fees for international students. The current tuition costs in French public universities are as follows. 

  • for Bachelor’s (Licence) programs, 2,770 Euros per year

  • for Master’s programs,3,770 Euros per year

  • for Doctorate (PhD) programs,3,770 Euros per year

The cost of tuition at private universities is quite high as compared to public institutions .They can even cost around 20,000 Euros per year. The private institutes include Grand Ecoles and business institutions.

Latest Scholarships in France for Students 2023:

French Consulates and various universities in France offer exceptional scholarships to eligible students. Most of these scholarship programs are fully funded. These scholarships offer enough funds to cover the studies as well as the other living costs. However, there are some French scholarships that only offer fully funded tuition fee and the student has to bear all the living cost personally.

Living Expenses: 

Besides the study costs, the student has to bear all living expenses including residence, food, transport etc. He needs to buy clothes, stationary and if he owns a vehicle he needs fuel. Thus a minimum of 500 Euro per month is necessary to study in France as an international student. This does not include the tuition cost

Study In France Questions

  • Quality higher education adapted to students’ needs
  • Outstanding research and development opportunities
  • Attractive tuition rates in France
  • Rich culture
  • Wonderful Academic reputation
Undergraduate Postgraduate  
High School CertificatePrior admission or pre-registration certificate provided by the    university
Passed University Entrance TestCampus France authorization.
All Transcripts issued by previous education institutionsPassport or ID card (valid for the duration of your stay)
English Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS, TOFEL)Copies of graduation diplomas and their French translation
Application formResume and Cover letter
French and/or English Language certificate
Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 euros per month)
  • Admission Confirmation Letter from Higher Education Institution
  • Application form
  • Recent Photographs
  • Bank statement (with sufficient fund to cover your tuition fee)
  • Character Certificate
  • Health Insurance
You have only to fulfill two things being accepted in a university and Being able to prove that you have the resources to sustain yourself.
The major admission intake in France is two first in September and second in February.
Civil Society Leadership AwardsUniversity Paris-Saclay International Master’s ScholarshipsAmpère Excellence Scholarships for International StudentsEiffel Scholarships in France for International Students
 French or in English is the major medium.
The new tuition fees for international students, starting September 2023, are 2,770 euros per year for Bachelor’s (Licence) programmes, 3,770 euros per year for Master’s programmes, 3,770 euros per year for Doctorate (Ph.D.) programmes.
  • Public student residence
  • Independent (university) residence
  • Privately rented accommodation
Yes. Many French universities require foreign students to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores as proof of proficiency in English.
Yes, Degree from reputed Pakistani unis are definitely accepted universally.
Cost of Student Visa in France: The cost of applying for a Long-Stay Student Visa is 99 Euros. 

Study In France Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself, is one of the most frequently asked questions that interviewer asked during interview. Actually, normally it is the first question asked by the interviewer. The best way to answer this question is to be brief and informative. You can give your answer by briefly describing:

  • About your background
  • Your potentials and interests
  • By mentioning your past experience
  • By mentioning you academic background and achievements
  • By explaining why you are excited regarding this opportunity of studying abroad

We have mentioned some important point that why France is the best place to study

  • Attractive and affordable tuition fee
  • Quality higher education improved to students’ requirements
  • Exceptional research as well as development opportunities
  • The country is world-class economic power
  • French is the 3rd most common business language
  • France is an attractive destination for the students from all over the world
  • A large, different student body
  • More options of majors and specializations
  • More interacting opportunities to assists land internships as well as jobs

You can give your answer like:“I have chosen this university because I like being part of an assorted student body. The world is a big place, and I think that attending a one of the largest universities will better prepare me for life in the real world.” 

You are needed to provide the complete details here that who is sponsoring your studies. The sponsors of your study can be your family members (parents or guardians), any scholarship programme or your institute. 

I think that while studying abroad I’ll access to an exceptional form of education.Moreover:

  • I will get a chance to experience a complete new, innovative and different state.
  • I will get a chance to develop a deep sense of gratitude for my country.
  • I can learn a different language.
  • I can also find some best employment opportunities for myself
  • I’ll get to meet some new friends
  • I’ll be more responsible
  • I’ll also have the golden opportunity to make my future better.
  • I’ll be more open-minded about my life as a whole.

‘What are you future goals?’ is actually a common interview question that you must be prepared to ask at the time of interview. Answer this question by understanding what your aims are and how you will achieve then in time. You can answer this question as:

  • Continue my studies

I have a plan to continue my studies at university, by registering myself in Masters Course or Doctorate level course. This could lead to a higher income in my particular field, and it will also assist me in strengthen my resume when it comes time to apply for the jobs.

  • Get a job in my respective field of study

After the completion of my studies I’ll be ready to take the leap and will do a full time job. After all I have completed my degree to get some necessary skills. I’ll go back to my country and will look for the best available choices for me or else I’ll stay here and look for the job that best suits me

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