Study in France

It used to be commonly accepted that the French Education system was one of the best in the world. Today, though any such a bold overall affirmation must be open to question, it is still true to say that the French education system is one of the more successful in the world, and that in certain fields it remains a world leader. According to the OECD, France’s education system is average, compared to other developed countries.

Education is compulsory in France from the ages of 6 to 16, but a large majority of children start school well before the minimum age, often as young as two years old, and over 50% of 18-21 year olds in France are still in full-time education, or else following a vocational training course. Some 64% of all school pupils in France complete their secondary education, and take the high-school leaving certificate examinations, known as the baccalauréat or the baccalauréat professionnel. The official target – estimated as necessary for the needs of the nation – is 80%.

There are three main categories of higher education institutions in France: the public universities, thegrandes écoles (which include France’s prestigious schools of business and engineering) and the schools of art and architecture.

Why Study in France?

• Attractive tuition rates in France
• Quality higher education adapted to students’ needs
• Outstanding research and development opportunities
• France is a world-class economic power
• France is home to leading international corporations: Airbus, Total, Orange, LVMH, L’Oréal, Danone…
• Young talent is valued in innovation and entrepreneurship sectors
• French lifestyle: Paris is the #1 student city! (QS Best Student Cities, 2014)
• French is the third most common business language
• France is an appealing destination for students worldwide
• 9 out of 10 international students recommend France as a study destination (Baromètre Campus France, 2013)

Education System in France

France used to have a complicated system of degrees and diplomas, but as part of the Bologna process degrees are being standardised into Licence, Master and Doctorat levels, which correspond to Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees, requiring three, two, and three years respectively to complete.

The large majority of higher education institutions in France are state-funded, meaning there is only a nominal tuition fee of around €200-€400 per year, depending on the level of studies. Many business schools, however, are privately owned, and tuition fees for non-EU students can exceed €15,000 per year. Under the French higher education system, anyone who has obtained their baccalauréat, or secondary school certificate, is entitled to enrol at a public university, but there are often competitive exams at the end of first year for a limited number of places in second year. 

There is also a parallel system of elite, selective institutions known as grandes écoles, which have no real equivalent in the English-speaking world, but can be compared to graduate schools.  Unlike public universities, they have highly selective entry examinations, and are often semi-private, meaning they can charge much higher fees.The French academic year corresponds roughly with most other northern hemisphere academic calendars. The autumn semester usually begins in late September, followed by a spring semester starting in early February. 

In addition to holidays around Christmas and New Year, some universities may have a spring break and holidays around All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and Easter. Exams are normally at the end of each semester, and there are usually three months of holidays in summer, running from the beginning of July to the end of September.

Schools of Art, Design and Architecture

The cost of living in France is similar to other countries in Europe, but Paris, which is the most popular destination for students, can be very expensive, and it can be extremely difficult to find housing. There is often a crazy scramble for accommodation just before the beginning of each academic year in early October. 
The Cite Universitaire Internationale de Paris is a large student residence in the south of Paris with dormitories representing a number of different nationalities. 
The Fondation des Etats-Unis and the Maison des Etudiants Canadiens cater to American and Canadian students, while the Collège Franco-Britannique caters for British and Commonwealth citizens. 
Those whose nationalities are not represented can make a general application to the CIUP. Be warned, however, that places are limited - and many students apply up to a year in advance to secure a spot. Only students in their third year of university and beyond can apply, and the maximum stay is two years.

Universities outside Paris (and even those located in the suburbs around Paris) often have subsidised student accommodation, either on-campus or nearby. You can also find more information about living in dormitories funded by the national student welfare office, the CNOUS.