The beautiful and sophisticated France is home to around 300,000 international students from EU and non-EU nations each year. One of the primary reasons for the success of France is that the universities offer considerably lower tuition charges compared to other European countries.
If you are also thinking that you will be going to universities and colleges in France, you might want to know more about applying to French institutions.
French universities are worth considering to pursue your studies.
Here are some of the best French universities to consider studying abroad:
- INSA Lyon
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- ESCP Business School
- emlyon Business School
- Ecole Polytechnique
- Montpellier Business School
- HEC Paris School of Management
How do I apply
- For certain universities, You may apply directly through their institution’s website.
- Be sure to check the entry requirements Tests that are standardized, like GRE, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, are needed for specific graduate and undergraduate courses.
- You must apply to three different institutions to increase your acceptance odds.
- Students outside the EU/EEA will pass the mandatory Preliminary Admission (“demande of admission before admission” DAP). Apply for DAP by contacting the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French Embassy in your country of residence.
The exemptions to DAP
- Kids of diplomats stationed in France and who reside in France
- Candidates from a partner school that has a cooperation contract (special rules apply)
- Students who receive an award of a scholarship through the French government or a French organization
- Candidates who have a French, International, European French-German, French Italian, or a French-Spanish Baccalaureate
How to apply for a French university program
The process for applying will differ based on your country of residence.
- European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) students can directly apply to the university the same way as French students.
- Students who are not EU/EEA citizens should apply via an online application system known as CEF, which is now known as the “Studying in France procedure’. This system allows you can apply for your visa online and keep track of the process on your request.
- Suppose you currently reside in Europe but don’t possess European citizenship. In that case, you’ll be required to apply to the French consulate or embassy in the European country in which you are living.
Application for technological universities such as grandes Ecoles, other schools with specialized programs
- Apply via an online application to be considered for admission in the preliminary stage at the Parcoursup Parcoursup, which starts in 2018 and will replace the admission post-bac (APB) Platform.
- The scores select the applicants they score in very competitive entrance exams, which are conducted after a two-year preparatory program known as “Classes preparatoires for grandes Ecoles” (CPGE, which is a.k.a. classes to prepare in preparation for Grandes Ecoles).
- There will also be an interview with a person.
University requirements regarding language in France
The majority of courses are offered in French. However, you will find a wide range of study courses taught in English, particularly at the Masters and Ph.D. levels. Universities are in France will accept these French language tests:
For French proficiency
- DELF or DALF
- TCF
Exclusivity from the need to prove competence in the French language
- holders of the French Baccalaureat, the international or European Baccalaureat, as well as the Franco-German Baccalaureat
- The recipients from abroad of scholarships provided by The French Government, International organizations, and foreign governments whose awards are managed by an authorized French institution
- State-wide residents of states where French is the official language.
- Students who graduate from bilingual programs where French is one of the languages.
For English proficiency
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
Every university sets an acceptable grade mark required for a test of language. Make sure you know the tests approved by your school and the minimum pass mark they require for international applicants.
University application documents that are required
- Pre-registration or prior admission document issued to the school
- Campus France authorization
- Card or Passport (valid for the period the duration of your visit)
- ID/passport-type photos
- Copies of graduation certificates along with the diplomas’ French translation
- Registration fee
- Social security registration (free)
- Civil liability certificates
- Students from outside the EU. A copy of your European health insurance card
- Resume (only in some instances but only in the case of postgraduate degree)
- Cover letter
- French or English Language certificate (depending on the chosen language of tuition)
- Record Transcript
- Copy of your diploma (if not there, a document stating you have graduated)
- A proof that you will be able to pay for your stay in France (with at least 800 EUR per month)
Application deadlines for universities in France
Applications for French universities are open every year twice, and these are the dates for submission:
- for fall admissions, The dates are January 17 and April 1, based on the type of degree and other variables (in some instances, later than the date depending on the availability of space)
- for spring admissions on September 15 and beyond per the available spaces
- applications for post-bac (Parcoursup) From January 22 until March 13
- applications for TCF during the DAP process From November to January 22
Find out the details regarding the application deadlines at the universities of France.
Final steps following receipt of the acceptance note
- Institutions inform students about their admission decision between June 15 and September 15 for programs that begin in October. Therefore, you’ll get one month to make the necessary arrangements to travel to France.
- If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you must apply for a student visa.
- If you intend to spend longer than six months in France in the future, you’ll have to apply for a residency permit from French Local authorities (“Prefecture”).
- You must show proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses.
This European healthcare insurance card can benefit you if you’re from the EU/EEA area. If you’re not from the EU, you can avail the health insurance coverage offered by the National Health Insurance Agency in France. You have to register on the site to benefit from French social health insurance and reimbursements for health expenditures.
When you arrive in France, make an appointment at the campus of your university. You will be required to pay approximately 90 EUR as a donation for the student life and campus.
