In France, education is one of the important areas of domestic policy. Every year more than 20% of the state budget is spent on educational needs. Foreign students in France can study at public universities on a par with the French. The tuition fee may be symbolic. Becominga student in France, a foreigner receives all the benefits provided for this category of people, which are many in the country. Another advantage of studying in French universities is the receipt of diplomas, which are quoted in many countries of the world. Specialists who have received humanitarian, technical, medical, any other direction in France, are highly valued in the international labor market.
- Territory - 550 thousand square meters. Km
- Population - 61.9 million people
- Language - French
- Capital - Paris (about 10 million people)
- Currency - Euro (EUR)
Higher education in the country
France is known for scientific achievements in the technical and humanitarian fields. The country is famous for the strongest mathematical school. Based on the latter, the production of software for various types of objects is actively and successfully developed. In the scientific world, France is one of the leaders in the field of advanced research of physical phenomena, the human genome, and the cosmos. The country's science does not stand still. In the humanitarian fields, the successes of scientists are also significant. Priority directions of activity in this sphere are economics, sociology, history. All the achievements of science in France have made possible an effective training system that implies adherence to traditions and at the same time is open innovation.
Today, the country's universities train students on a multi-level system, traditional for the EU countries. It includes bachelor's, master's, doctor's degrees. France is one of the initiators of the creation of a common European educational space, the specific features of which were defined in Bologna. The project for students is advantageous primarily for the opportunity to participate in exchange programs, to receive an education corresponding to international standards, and diplomas, degrees recognized by the European community.
French higher education traditionally begins with baccalaureate. Students who have completed the program receive a license of 3. Then follows the master's program. After the first year of study, students receive a Master 1 degree, later Master 2. The result of the second year of study becomes specialization (professional direction - Professionnel, scientific - Recherche).
After wishing to continue their studies, they can apply for a doctorate course. Today, this level of the highest professional level in France is being reformed. The essence of the reforms is reduced to a gradual transition to training programs, following which the degree of PhD is recognized, which is recognized by the scientific world community.
The educational process in France has a number of features. Here students independently make curricula, supplement the compulsory course subjects with elective. Theoretical preparation (in most cases) is organized on a lecture basis. Exams are given in writing. The knowledge of university students is assessed on a 20-point scale.
Applicants who have completed a full secondary education, passed the language exam (DALF , TCF) can enter French universities. Testing can be done both in France and in Russia (in St. Petersburg, Moscow, several regional centers). You can study in French universities in English. Some schools offer a wide range of English-language and / or bilingual programs, from undergraduate to MBA. Most often students study entrepreneurship, management, communications and electronics, advertising, logistics. The list of specialties is constantly expanding.
In Grandes Ecoles in France, the reception is carried out after passing the entrance examinations. The admission also provides for two-year preliminary preparation of students. A three-year training program is offered in higher schools. It is available only to the best applicants, who have received high examination scores. Not enrolled in the Grandes Ecoles the French and foreigners can be admitted to one of the universities of the country for the third year.
The universities of France
The main link of the French education system are universities. Today in the country there are 87. The second in the rating are Grandes Ecoles. These educational institutions have no analogues in the world. They are one of the main features of the pedagogical system. Grandes Ecoles are prestigious educational institutions of a predominantly private nature. But there are also state higher schools in the country, for example the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, known as the "school of presidents". Diplomas Grandes Ecoles are listed on a par with university. Students who received them, can work on the profile, devote themselves to scientific work. Specialists who received diplomas in higher schools in France are highly valued in the European labor market. In universities and higher schools, students are offered training programs covering the most popular areas of activity. In addition, there are rare courses at universities. One of these is the management training program for sales of luxury goods.
The third link in the French education system is specialized private and public schools. Their prerogative is the training of personnel in the fields of civil aviation, architecture, industrial design, and a number of others. Specialized schools in France also include creative universities (fine arts, dramatic art, etc.).
When choosing a university (higher school), the French and foreigners are guided not so much by the ratings, location of educational institutions, as by their so-called unofficial specialization. For example, the University of Montpellier is known for its quality teaching of medicine, natural sciences. And in Strasbourg, it is better to study history, law. The courses are read by highly qualified teachers. International cooperation allows higher schools and universities of the country to invite foreign specialists. In France lectures are read by teachers from the USA, Canada, Asia, Europe.
Prices for tuition, accommodation
At the French state university, a foreigner, like a citizen of the country, can study for 150 - 700 € a year. In private schools, the cost of training can cost 5 - 10 thousand € per academic year. Master's English-language programs cost foreign students 5-18 thousand €.
Residents can live in hostels of universities, higher schools, in rented apartments, apartments. If there are no places in the residence of the institution, students are offered a subsidy to pay for their own rented housing. In addition, students receive transportation benefits, discounts on various entertainment programs (for example, movie tickets). Meals foreigners can organize themselves. The programs of the boarding house / half board are offered at university canteens.
The cost of living depends on the location of the university. The most expensive will be renting a house in Paris. Here the room can cost 1000 € / month. In the regions, you can rent an apartment for 300 - 600 €. In the state hostel for housing will have to pay 140 - 400 €. Private residences are more expensive. The room here can be rented for 400 - 700 €. Monthly expenses for food are on average 150 - 300 €. Compulsory annual health insurance is available for 189 €. The acquisition of textbooks will also require certain costs. On average, they are 50 - 150 €.
Scholarships for foreigners
One of the features of French education is the possibility of receiving scholarships by foreign students. Scholarship government programs are issued without regard for citizenship and nationality. The students become the scholarship recipient automatically upon admission to state universities.
For students in France, so-called "scholarships for life" are provided, which allow to cover the costs of living, food. They are provided under the agreement of the two countries on cooperation. The total annual financial support for students is € 2 million. A total of 250 scholarships are awarded each year. Bachelor and Master students can apply for them. It is not difficult to become a fellowship. Enough confirmation of enrollment in a university and passing a language test.
Special scholarships are also given to students who come to France for exchange (with the cooperation of Russian and French universities), excellent students in management, economics, law, engineering, management, and political science. Postgraduates working on joint Russian-French projects can also apply for financial support. The scholarship is issued for 3 years and covers the costs of living in France for 6 months a year. To receive a scholarship, the candidate must present an agreement on writing a dissertation, conducting research, signed by the Russian and French scientific adviser.
In France, there are other scholarship programs. One of the known is the Copernicus. She assumes the support of the student during 7 months of study in the French higher school and 5 months of practice at one of the enterprises of the country. The program for students of engineering, economic specialties is oriented. The main requirements for obtaining support are age up to 30 years and excellent knowledge of French.
Special scholarships are provided for students of medical faculties. They allow you to cover the cost of a 4 - 6-month internship in clinics in Paris. In order to receive a scholarship, it is necessary to submit an individual project of practice to the commission.
Political scholars are allowed to reduce the costs of studying at the Institute Sciences-Po in Paris, allowing a scholarship named F.Abera. Scholarships established by French entrepreneurs are provided for students of engineering departments of all universities of the country.
Work and study
Sub-work in France during the study is available to students who are not scholars. At the same time, employment has a number of legal subtleties. First of all, a student wishing to work while studying must obtain a permit in the Department of Labor and Employment. After that, you will have to follow the rules of work load. A foreign student is allowed to work 19.5 hours a week (on a vacation - a full day).
You can find a job in France yourself and with the help of specialists from CNOUS (the center of university, school services). There are regional branches of the organization in every French city where universities operate.
Visa
Every adult student, regardless of the fact of enrolling in a French university, should, if desired, go to study in France. After you pay a registration fee. Then the entrant / student will have to pass an interview with a representative of Campus France in his region. After that, documents for obtaining a visa are submitted in the standard order.
The procedure at the French Embassy takes several days. The student submits to the visa department a package of documents, including confirmation of enrollment in a university (higher school), a questionnaire, a certificate of payment for training or a source of funding (income, grant, scholarship).
