Bachelor's degree in France: tuition fees for foreign students

Undergraduate is the first step in a student's academic career. Many international students choose France to start university education and obtain a bachelor's degree, this country ranks first among non-English-speaking countries in terms of the number of students from abroad.

Due to the high standards of European education and the relatively low cost of education, France attracts promising students. Here, universities offer both free and paid programs, there are programs not only in French, but also in English. Some universities and business schools have dual degree programs where you can get two different degrees at the same time.

Advantages of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in France

• Wide range of educational programs. France has an ancient history of university education, so it is rich in both traditional educational courses (various humanitarian areas) and relevant today - IT, marketing, engineering sciences.
• An ever-increasing number of programs in English. Both public and private universities are increasing the number of English-language programs to attract international students, making education in France more affordable.
• Research potential. Higher institutions invest a huge amount of different resources in the development of research programs. This applies both to practical issues (laboratories, educational centers, equipment) and to attracting famous scientists from different countries.
• Affordable tuition fees. In state universities, a student can study for free (except for the mandatory fee), but even in private organizations, tuition fees are relatively low if we compare with other major educational centers in the world: Great Britain, USA, Canada.
• Opportunity to learn French. Even when choosing an English-language program, a student has the possibility of constant study of French, which is the official language of more than 30 countries of the world.
• Interesting history and rich cultural heritage. The history, culture, architecture of this country do not leave indifferent even the indigenous people of France.

Undergraduate programs in France for foreign students

The duration of study in undergraduate programs is three years. In the first two years, the student studies general subjects and receives a foundation for his future specialization. The third year of study is devoted to the chosen specialty and deepening of professional knowledge.

The French are quite loyal to the age of applicants.

Higher education institutions offer the following programs:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Bachelor of Arts
2. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Bachelor of Laws
3. Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Bachelor of Science
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Bachelor of Business Administration.

The process of studying at the bachelor's degree is built according to the usual system: lectures, seminars, group and individual works, writing research and term papers. Mostly study groups are small, which contributes to a more individual and thorough work with each student.

Popular programs in France for foreign students

• Art, design and architecture
• Business & Management
• Science and mathematics
• Journalism and contemporary media
• Engineering & Technology
• Tourism and hotel business.

Best universities for undergraduate studies in France

Throughout the country there are a huge number of well-established and authoritative higher education institutions. France is the center of fashion, design and haute cuisine, so a large number of students come here for these specialties.

1. Istituto Marangoni Paris (an institute with which such fashion houses as Fendi, Valentino Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Chanel, Gucci Versace cooperate) - from 24 900 € / year
2. École Polytechnique – from 38 000€/year
3. University of Strasbourg – from 205$/year
4. TBS Business School – from 10 400€/year
5. Ecole Ferrières - Hôtellerie Gastronomie Luxe– from 19 000€/year
6. La Rochelle Business School – from 7900€/year
7. American University of Paris – from 16 748€/semester
8. ESSCA School of Management – from 10 500€/year
9. LISAA School of Art and Design Paris– from 9290€/year
10. Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School – from 38 950€/3 years.

Admission requirements to bachelor's programs in France

• Age from 18 years (in some universities students of 17+ years are allowed)
• Certificate of passing the exam on the level of proficiency in the language in which the course is conducted
• Certificate of secondary education (certificate of academic performance, if the documents are submitted at the time of study)
• Portfolio (optional).

In some universities, there may be additional requirements that need to be clarified on the website of the university or with a consultant.

The deadlines for submitting documents in universities may vary slightly from year to year, but on average, the reception of documents opens in December / January,and ends in May.

Documents required for Bachelor's programs in France

• A copy of the certificate of secondary education (certificate of academic performance, if the documents are submitted in the process of studying at school)
• Copy of passport (birth certificate if under 18 years old)
• Motivation letter
• Application for admission
• Proof of language proficiency
• Letters of recommendation of teachers
• Interview.

Language requirements for undergraduate applicants

• IELTS – from 5.5
• TOEFL (iBT) — 80+
• DELF/DALF (French) — B2.

Long-term student visa to France

To obtain a long-term student visa (for a stay of more than 90 days), you must collect the following package of documents:

1. Visa application
2. Photos (3 pcs.)
3. 2 questionnaires
4. Passport
5. OFII Form
6. Campus France Mandatory Fee Receipt
7. Certificate of enrollment (or pre-enrollment) in the university
8. Certificate of tuition fees
9. Bank statement of availability of funds
10. Proof of residence.

Cost of undergraduate studies in France

In France, you can study for a bachelor's degree course both for a fee and for free. State universities offer free places with payment of a mandatory registration fee of ~2770 € \ year. The cost of programs in private educational institutions differs and depends on several factors: the chosen direction, the rating of the university, the level of education, the language, etc. For example:

Scholarships and discounts for foreign students in France

The cost of studying for a bachelor's course in France is relatively low if we compare with Canada, great Britain, the United States, etc. The French government actively attracts foreign students, encouraging them with various grants and scholarships.

Examples of scholarships for undergraduate programs in France

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarships. The scholarship for international students on the bachelor's course is to fully finance education - you only need to choose a university and submit a free application.
2. Erasmus+ is the largest scholarship provider in the EU and provides grants to cover living expenses when participating in the exchange system in a European country.
3. AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships offers a variety of scholarships available to international students wishing to study in France that meet certain academic requirements.
4. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship from Sciences Po University is designed for non-European students wishing to pursue a bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. degree in France.
5. École Normale Supérieure International Selection.  Each year, ENS organizes an international selection that allows thirty of the most promising international students – both in the natural sciences and humanities – to complete a two- or three-year course at ENS. They receive a monthly stipend of 1000 euros for 2-3 years.

Employment prospects after graduation in France

Despite the fact that France itself has a high unemployment rate, such education is valued throughout Europe and beyond. Undergraduate graduates who want to continue their education easily enter the master's program.