In this article, you will learn how to apply to study at a university in France as an international student through scholarship by yourself.
France is one of the most amazing destinations for international students to study through scholarships in any of the universities.
The major advantages are the high quality of education, they are low tuition fees, and the enjoyable France way of life.
When made up your mind, you want to apply for a college in France, there will be an application form to fill out. The faster you apply, you speed up the process of the admissions committee evaluating you and deciding if you’re a good fit for the school.
Read also: Study in New Zealand Without IELTS | New Zealand Scholarships 2022
As an international student, the France college application process may be different depending on your nationality.
We have a short guide for you to learn how to apply to Universities in France.
For European Students
Before applying for admission in France university as an international student from a different EU country, you will need these:
- High school transcripts (or relevant equivalent)
- Completed university application
- ID photo or driver’s license
- Essay (if asked)
- English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.)
- Apply for financial aid program (if the University provides one)
- Application fee (if asked)
- Any other required document depending on the University
Non-European Students
If you are not from an EU country when applying for college in France, you will usually need:
- High school and college transcripts (If you didn’t attend a college then just the high school ones will be enough)
- Completed university application
- Copy of passport
- A passport-sized photo
- Essay (if asked)
- English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.)
- Copy of birth certificate
- Certified translation of the birthplace of your parents
- Proof that you can support yourself financially
- Any other required document depending on the University
- After admission: A French Student Visa
Entry requirements for French Universities
The moment you choose a program in a University in France you want to apply to, you will start the application process immediately.
Note that each university is different, while some universities for example may ask about your GRE, GMAT, or LSAT for admission. these are internationally used tests that ensure that applicants are prepared for the challenges of advanced study. There are general entry requirements that you might definitely face when applying to a French University.
General Entry Requirements
Most French universities will ask for the following documents for admission:
- Campus France authorization
- A copy of your passport
- Passport-sized photo of yourself
- Copies of transcripts and graduation diplomas
- A copy of your European health card (for EU students)
- Application fee (if required)
- Civil liability certificate
- Your cover letter
- French and/or English proof of language proficiency
- Proof that you have the financial resources to fund your stay in France
Universities in France
To study at a university in France, you need to find out the list of the unversities to apply for.
- Audencia Business School Burgundy School
- of Business (BSB) Centrale Nantes CIFE ECAM
- Lyon École Polytechnique EDHEC Business School
- emlyon Business School EPITA EURECOM Grenoble
- Ecole de Management Grenoble Institute of
- Technology IÉSEG School of Management Institut
- Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace
- International Space University Ipag Business
- School KEDGE Business School Lille 1
- University – Science and Technology ParisTech
- PSB Paris School of Business Rennes School of
- Business Sciences Po SKEMA Business School TBS
- Business School Toulouse 1 Capitole University
- Université de Bourgogne Université de Paris
- The Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
- Université Paris-Saclay University of Bordeaux
- UPMC University Pierre and Marie Curie
MA Entry Information
If you know you wish to apply for an MA program in France university then don’t forget the following guide:
- Masters in France is usually 2 years in duration
- French Masters degrees are organized into “teaching units” (TU) to focus on different topics within a wilder subject area (practical workshops, theoretical discussion, and independent project work)
- Dissertation (or a similar extended research project)
- There are two types of Masters: Specialized Masters and MBA programs
- Specialized Masters – is sometimes used to refer to advanced programs awarded by Grandes Écoles.
- Four semesters long
- Competitive applications
- Highly intensive
- MBA programs – originally developed in America but France was the first country to offer these in Europe. French business schools tend to be one of the most competitive to get into.
Ph.D. Programs
The majority of PhDs in France are conducted as a part of a program within doctoral schools, there are 266 in total. They collaborate with research laboratories and centers to provide doctoral training for Ph.D. candidates.
Read also: How to apply to the University of Bradford As an International students
A ‘doctorate’ in duration is six semesters for a standard 3-year Ph.D., resulting in two teachings (or research) semesters per year.
What you need to enroll for a doctorate:
- Find a thesis topic and thesis supervisor
- You should look for a Doctorate during the second year of your Master’s
- Check with your doctoral school for information if you need funding or not
Tuition fees for French Universities
The entry requirements as well as tuition fees are different but depending on the University. Most Universities may not ask for a high fee or SAT results but most may do. On average, this is how much you may likely have to pay for the tuition fees in a French University depend on your degree.
- Bachelor’s degree: 2,770 euros per year.
- Master’s degree: 3,770 euros per year.
- Ph.D.’s degree: 2,770 380 per year.
France Student Visa to Study at a University in France
If you are not a European student, you will need to follow the steps to obtain a student visa:
- An acceptance letter from an accredited institution in France. This should be on official headed paper, with details of your program of study and the start and end dates of study.
- Proof that you’re able to fund yourself while staying in France. The current amount required is €615 per month, which can be shown with a bank statement, a guarantor’s letter, or a notice of funding from a loan, scholarship, or grant.
- Proof of return ticket home. Often this is in the form of the actual ticket or reservation showing the date of departure, but can be a handwritten statement of intent, including intended departure dates.
- Proof of medical insurance (minimum cover €30,000)
- Proof of accommodation. Can be shown in the form of student housing confirmation or a certificate of board and lodging or ‘attestation Accueil (if you’re living with friends or relatives).
- Proof of proficiency in French, if you are studying a French-language course.
Find out more
- Universities in France,
- Scholarship in France Universities,
- Study in France costs,
- Study in France in English,
- Requirements to Study in France
- campus France
Speaking French
Even when studying in France in English, you should not miss the opportunity to learn French. Not only because you will learn a beautiful language that enables you to speak to around 270 million people in almost 30 countries; but also because you will need some French in your everyday life. While many locals in France speak solid English, they simply prefer their native tongue and will appreciate it when foreigners make the effort. Even if that effort is limited to something different.
Working in France after graduation
The French language is also one of the larger hurdles if you plan to stay after your graduation with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in France. To find work, you will almost inevitably need to be fluent or at least near-fluent in French. Other than that, when compared to other countries in Europe, it is relatively easy for international students to start their careers in France after graduation.