Designed by leapto Thursday 2 January 2025

France

studying, working, living in France

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Studying in the UK

Life in France

Advantages of Living in France

  1. French Government Scholarships

    The French government offers several scholarship programs to attract talented international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Some notable French government scholarships include:

    • Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: This prestigious scholarship is for master's and PhD students and covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, and other expenses. It's highly competitive and focuses on students with outstanding academic records.
    • Charpak Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically for Indian students and support undergraduate and master's programs in France. The scholarship includes tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, and health insurance coverage.
    • BGF (Mobility Grant) Scholarships: These scholarships are for African and Middle Eastern students, providing financial support for master's and PhD studies in various fields.
    • Emile Boutmy Scholarships: Awarded by Sciences Po to international undergraduate or graduate students. This merit-based scholarship can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.

    For more information about government scholarships in France, visit:

    https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/studying-in-france/finance-your-studies-scholarships/

  2. Corporate and Private Scholarships

    Several French companies and private organizations offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships are often tied to specific fields of study or related research projects. For example, if you're studying engineering, you might find scholarships from engineering companies.

  3. Part-time Work Opportunities

    International students in France are allowed to work part-time during their studies. Part-time work can help cover some living expenses and reduce financial pressure. However, it's important to balance work with your academic responsibilities to ensure your educational success.

  4. High-Quality Education

    The French education system is known for its high standards and rigorous academic programs. The country is home to some of the world's top universities and Grandes Écoles, offering a wide range of courses and degrees.

  5. Tuition Fees

    While tuition at private institutions can be high, public universities in France offer affordable education. In some cases, tuition is even free for EU students. International students can expect reasonable fees that make higher education accessible.

Disadvantages of Studying in France

  1. Learning a New Language

    One of the biggest challenges for international students in France is the language barrier. While some programs are taught in English, daily life including grocery shopping, banking, and social interactions often requires French proficiency. Learning the language can be time-consuming and challenging.

  2. Cost of Living

    The cost of living in France can be relatively high, especially in major cities like Paris. Housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities can add up quickly. It's essential to budget wisely and explore cost-saving options like university housing or student discounts.

  3. Finding Employment

    While job opportunities exist, finding work in France, especially if you're not fluent in French, can be challenging. It may take time to find a job in your field, and you might initially need to accept part-time or entry-level positions.

  4. Limited English Proficiency in Some Areas

    While major cities and tourist destinations have English-speaking populations, you may encounter limited English proficiency in more rural areas. This can make everyday tasks or accessing services challenging.

Choose Your Field of Study

This is likely the most important and perhaps most difficult step. Your choice of study will define your life and career. Imagine your future and consider the wide range of fields France offers. Do you want to study fashion management in one of the world's fashion capitals or graduate with a business degree from a Grande école? The choice is yours!

Apply for a French Student Visa

  1. Prepare Required Documents

    Start gathering the necessary documents as soon as possible. This process takes time. Pay attention to specific requirements based on your nationality, academic level, and chosen university. Remember that you may need to translate original documents into French. The French embassy in your country can provide this service. Most applications for French universities include:

    • Completed and signed application form by official authorities
    • Campus France authorization
    • Civil liability certificate
    • Passport photo
    • Passport
    • High school transcripts
    • Motivation letter (if required by university)
    • Proof of English or French proficiency depending on program
    • Proof of application fee payment

    For non-EU students, you may be asked to provide additional documents like birth certificates, proof of financial support for studies, and after acceptance, a French student visa. Please note that each program may request additional documents, so make sure you have enough time to check what's required from you.

  2. Check Admission Requirements

    Depending on your goals, nationality, and academic level, there are specific admission requirements you should pay special attention to when preparing your application for French universities. Plan ahead, choose your desired universities and programs. Contact the French embassy in your country or connect with the universities you plan to apply to, along with available support services like Campus France, to find answers to any questions you may have.

Required Documents for French Student Visa for Non-EU/EEA Nationals

If you're an international student planning to study for a master's degree in France, you'll need to apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS). You must then validate this visa within the first three months of arrival and obtain a residence permit.

The VLS-TS visa allows you to stay and study in France for four months to one year. If you're studying for a two-year master's program, you can apply for a multi-year residence permit (*carte de séjour pluriannuelle*).

You can apply for this visa in one of two ways:

  • Through the EEF process at Campus France: If your country has a Campus France office, you can apply directly through their website. You'll need to pay a €50 processing fee with your application.
  • Through the French consulate: If your country doesn't have a Campus France office, you can contact the French consulate or embassy and apply through a process called Demande d'Admission Préalable (DAP) with a visa fee of €99.

    • Financial Documents Required for French Student Visa

    You must be able to prove you can financially support yourself during your stay in France. The French government estimates a student needs €615 per month. You can show these financial resources by providing a bank statement (from your account or parents') or proof of scholarship, grant, or loan.

    Arriving in France

    After receiving your French student visa and preparing all necessary documents, pack your bags and board your flight to France. This is just the beginning of your adventure. You're about to live and study in one of the world's most advanced, modern, and romantic countries!

    Post-Graduation Work Opportunities in France

    1. EU Graduates

      Students from the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland can stay in France after graduation to look for work without needing a visa or residence permit. They're allowed to stay as long as they wish.

    2. Non-EU Graduates

      As a non-EU student, you have three options to stay and work in France after graduation:

      You must have a job offer or employment contract from a French employer or company paying at least one and a half times the French minimum wage (€2,220 gross per month in 2017).

      If you're from a country with a bilateral agreement with France, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (APS - Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour). Eligible countries include: *Senegal, Gabon, Benin, Tunisia, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Lebanon, and India*. This residence permit allows foreign students to stay in France for 12 months after completing their studies and work, and is non-renewable. During this one-year period, they can look for work or prepare to establish their own company in their professional field.

      If you're not from the above-mentioned countries, you must apply for a residence card called Job Search/Company Creation. This card was specifically created for individuals who have graduated with a French higher education degree. This residence permit also allows you to stay in France for 12 months to complete your professional training and gain your first work experience or create a company in your field of study. The main difference between this permit and the APS is the requirement for health insurance and the ability to work in any field without time restrictions (instead of 964 hours with APS).

      Depending on your country of origin, you'll need to follow a different process and provide additional documents when applying for a work permit/student visa in France. You can find more information on the official Campus France website:

      https://www.campusfrance.org/en/how-to-find-work-France

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      Current number of students and graduates abroad on the Leapto platform: