Higher education in France for international students

France is the leading country among best destinations for educational tourism. France attracts international students with high-quality educational services, a wide range of schools and colleges, exciting cultural programs. SMAPSE offers TOP-70 prestigious schools and universities in France where international students can get advanced and in=demand higher education. French schools and universities provide a wide range of Bachelor's and Master's programs that will help build successful international career. 

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

France boasts a long-standing tradition of excellence in education. Whether situated in major cities like Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, or Cannes, or in quieter provincial settings, universities in France offer high-quality courses. With a faculty comprising qualified teachers dedicated to the holistic development of students, the focus is not just on academics but also on nurturing responsible, critical thinkers.

Simplified Admission Process

One of the advantages of higher education in France is its relatively straightforward admission system. Students can usually gain admission directly after high school without the need for entrance exams. Additionally, France recognizes diplomas from foreign universities, facilitating easier admission to postgraduate programs.

Higher Education in France Fees: A Range of Options

France offers both public and private universities, each with a different fee structure. Public universities are largely tuition-free, charging only a nominal annual fee of around 300 euros. Private universities, while more expensive, provide added benefits like smaller class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities. Thus, the cost of higher education in France varies depending on your choice of institution.

Innovative Teaching Approaches

Universities in France adopt modern teaching methods, often employing discussion-based lectures that encourage active participation and dialog between students and teachers. This interactive style fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Graduates of higher education institutions in France have excellent career prospects. French university diplomas are highly regarded by European employers, allowing many graduates to find employment easily or proceed to further studies in specialized graduate programs. Fields such as fashion, design, tourism, and management are particularly in demand.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

The higher education system in France aligns with the Bologna system but retains national nomenclature. Degrees are classified into License (Bachelor's), Master (Master's), and Doctorat (Doctoral) levels.

English-Taught Programs in France

Studying in English is feasible in France, with approximately 800 academic programs, primarily in engineering, science, management, and business, available entirely in English. However, programs in the humanities, arts, and design are more commonly taught in French.

Affordability and Quality: The Best of Both Worlds

For international students, the cost of higher education in France is generally lower than in other top-tier European countries like the UK, Switzerland, and Germany. Despite the affordability, academic programs meet the high educational standards prevalent in Europe.

It's worth noting that France has a high attrition rate, with only 23% of students completing their degrees on the first attempt. This statistic reflects the rigorous academic expectations and stringent knowledge assessment methods employed by French universities.

Work and Scholarship Opportunities

Students are permitted to work part-time up to 20 hours per week and can apply for scholarship programs, provided they maintain good academic standing. A notable 87% of university graduates find employment within the first year of completing their degree, particularly those in the fields of medicine, sciences, and technology.

Master's degrees in France are highly popular among international students for several reasons:

• They focus more on practical aspects compared to undergraduate programs, making students job-ready.

• Local students view Master's degrees not as an optional addition but as an essential next step in their educational journey.

• A wide array of Master's programs are available in English.

Master's programs are divided into research and applied streams, each lasting two years. The primary emphasis is on independent work and lectures, culminating in a comprehensive thesis at the end of each academic year.

Gaining admission to universities in France is relatively uncomplicated. There are no entrance tests, and scholarships are often available. Strict admission guidelines set by the Ministry of Education help international applicants minimize errors when submitting their documents, streamlining the process.

By offering a combination of quality education, a range of fees, and a plethora of opportunities post-graduation, France stands as an attractive destination for international students seeking higher education.

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