With its capital Paris and a large variety of landscapes, France is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Yet it also offers wide-ranging possibilities for studies to international students. In 2020 U-Multirank presents comparative data on 54 French higher education institutions.
Other than most EU member states, France’s HEI landscape is divided into four parts: around 250 grandes écoles (usually small, public or private institution with very selective admission), more than 80 public universities, institutes of technology, and a number of schools specializing in arts, music, and architecture.
During the last years, there were many merges of French institutions into clusters, called PRES (pôles de recherche et de l’enseignement supérieures). They bring together local universities, research institutes, and specialized schools. Sometimes students have to enroll and degrees are awarded by the PRES, sometimes by individual institutions.
Following the Bologna process, the degree-structure is three-tiered: the license (three years, equivalent to a bachelor degree), the master (additional two years) and doctorate degrees (usually another three years). Furthermore, there is a degree for the medical professions, a ‘state license’, the Diplôme d´Etat.
Here we highlight the overall performance of French universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The below table shows the national breakdown of French universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), or below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture of the country’s strengths and areas for improvement.
French institutions perform better than the average of the global U-Multirank sample especially in international orientation, teaching & learning and knowledge transfer.
Higher Education Institutions are relatively free in their decision on the height of the tuition fees they charge. Given this, you will need to check with the Higher Education Institution of your choice in order to establish the individual level of tuition fees.
In France approximately 64 % of students pay fees. Tuition fees are determined on the basis of the kind of degree and subject/programme you wish to pursue as well as the private or public character of a Higher Education Institution. The average rates for tuition vary from about 170 EUR per term to 2,770 EUR per term for the licence (Bachelor) level and 3,770€ per year at the master level. You can find further information here.
Source: Eurydice
Reference year(s): 2020/2021
In this section we highlight the fees for studying in [insert country name]. The fees are shown in the national currency and address all fee types: tuition, enrolment (part- or full-time, etc.), certification, or other administrative costs. Students that are exempt from fees are also described, as well as information on international student fees if they differ.
Source: Eurydice - National Student Fees and Support Systems in European Higher Education – 2020/21.
In this section we highlight the financial support system implemented in [insert country name]. The types of support covered in this section include: grants, loans, tax benefits for students' parents (or students themselves) and family allowances. How these terms are defined, are outlined below:
As an EU/EEA/Swiss applicant, you will also supply the Higher Education Institution of your choice with your national secondary school/university entrance exam diploma. Furthermore, some Higher Education Institutions will ask you to write an essay as part of your application.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants are required to submit their national secondary school/university entrance exam diploma along with copies of their visa, passport, passport-sized picture and birth certificate. Moreover, you are asked to prove that you possess enough means to support yourself for the duration of your studies.
No matter the reason, paying high tuition fees can be a source of stress for many. However, there are many options for financing your studies, including the use of scholarships. There are various scholarship opportunities available for international students looking to study in France. Depending on your country of origin and the level of studies, there are different options for funding. To explore what scholarship options are available, check this scholarship database.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need to obtain a visa. All non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens must supply documentation on the reasons for their stay, how they plan to support themselves for the duration of their stay in the country as well as their accommodation arrangements. You must be in possession of the visa at the French border. Given this, you should apply for it at the respective French embassy or the respective consulate in your country of origin or residence. You can find further information here.
Here you can find the current French country report.
15.00 €
6.00 €
1.60 €
10.00 €
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