• Neoma Business School
• Toulouse Business School
• College De Paris
• ESCP Europe
• ESSEC Business School
• HEC Paris
• INSEAD
• Paris School of Business (PSB)
• Montpellier Business School
• IPAG
• INSEEC Business School
• La Rochelle B School
• Dijon Burgundy School of Business
• Grenoble Ecole de Management
• ESC PAU
• EM Normandie
• EM Strasbourg
• Telecom Ecole de Management
• The American Business School of Paris
• The Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM)
• Ecole Privée des Sciences Informatiques (EPSI)
• International Business School (ICD)
• IDARC Business School
• Mines Telecom
• ISC Paris Business School
• ESSCA School of Management

And Many More.

French universities enroll 1.5 million students annually, with approximately 10% of them being international. The extensive range of educational programs in France caters to diverse needs, making it easy to find a program that aligns with individual preferences. These universities offer a multitude of academic, technical, and professional degree programs spanning various fields.

France follows the three-level higher education system, consistent with the Bologna system adopted by 29 European countries, promoting international mobility. Undergraduate degrees, equivalent to a Bachelor’s, include the ‘Licence’ and ‘Licence Professionnelle.’ Postgraduate studies comprise Master’s and Doctorate (PhD) courses. The country employs a credit-based system, where each study module is assigned a specific number of ECTS (European credits), typically transferable between courses. A ‘Licence’ requires 180 ECTS, while a Master’s qualification necessitates an additional 120 ECTS.

Many French universities are public institutions, ensuring affordable fees and widespread access to education. Additionally, smaller specialized private institutions exist in France. These institutions are more selective, focusing on vocational or professional disciplines like engineering or architecture. Among these, the prestigious Grandes Écoles stand out, producing graduates who often secure influential positions. Admission to Grandes Écoles requires completing two years of validated study post-Baccalauréat (the academic qualification for French secondary education students) or its equivalent, a prerequisite not mandated by public universities.

Education in France is subsidized by the government, resulting in comparatively low tuition fees. On average, pursuing a Licence degree at a public university costs approximately 200 EUR per year for both EU and non-EU students. However, specific program choices can lead to variations in costs. For instance, studying medicine incurs an annual fee of around 450 EUR, while engineering programs may cost approximately 620 EUR. Master’s and Ph.D. programs in France tend to be more expensive, with average fees of 260 EUR and 396 EUR per year, respectively. Private institutions, including selective schools and Grandes Écoles, can have tuition fees ranging from 250 to 20,000 EUR per year.

International students have the opportunity to apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, offered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which can provide financial support. Additionally, some universities extend scholarships to international students based on outstanding academic merit, particularly for Master’s and Ph.D. programs, with values reaching up to 10,000 EUR.

While students from the EU/EEA only require a valid passport for entry into France, international students must apply for a visa and/or residence permit to initiate their studies. The type of visa depends on the duration of the stay, whether for a short course, a full-fledged degree, or an ongoing research project. The available types of visas/residence permits include:

1. Short Stay Student Visa: This visa is valid for a maximum of three months, suitable for students engaging in short-term courses like a French language program. Although it is free to obtain, it cannot be renewed, and a separate residence permit is not required.

2. Temporary Long Stay Visa: This visa permits a stay of up to six months, is non-renewable, and does not necessitate a residence permit application.

3. Long Stay Visa: Appropriate for those enrolling in a university degree or a course lasting more than six months, this visa is valid for the study duration and serves as a residence permit. After the first year, it is automatically renewed, contingent on the student proving continued enrollment. To obtain this visa, applicants must provide academic background information, demonstrate proficiency in either French or English, prove financial adequacy for living, and pay a specified fee.

4. Extended Stay Research Scholar Visa: Geared toward individuals participating in research or teaching at the university level, this visa requires confirmation of institutional affiliation, detailing the work and duration. This documentation, endorsed by the local prefecture, must accompany the visa application submitted to the French consulate in the home country.

As a major global player in arts, design, science, and technology, France stands out as Europe’s most innovative nation. It holds the third position globally in innovation and has been the home to numerous Nobel Laureates, Fields Medal winners, artists, and intellectuals. Currently, around 4,000 students from India choose France as their study destination, with the country aspiring to attract 10,000 Indian students by 2019.

Contrary to the perception that English-speaking countries like the US and UK are the preferred study destinations, it’s important to note that language is not a barrier in France. Students from India and around the world can pursue their studies in English or French at various institutions. Opting for French-language programs in state colleges allows students, including those from India, to benefit from free tuition. They only need to cover expenses for food, accommodation, and lodging, making the cost of living in France affordable for Indian students.

Upon completing postgraduate studies, Indian students in France have the option of a stay-back period. This offers them an advantage in terms of job opportunities within France. Moreover, approximately a thousand French companies actively seek skilled professionals in India, including well-known names such as Capgemini, Safran, Saint-Gobain, Renault, and Orange. In fact, Capgemini has a larger workforce in India than in France.

The France Alumni network serves as a valuable connection, linking former students with each other and with French organizations, fostering ongoing collaboration between India and France. As emerging professionals who have undergone French education, these students can serve as cultural ambassadors and contribute to the strengthening of ties between the two nations.

1. Internship Inclusions: It’s crucial to note that certain courses may include an integrated internship, during which students are typically not allowed to engage in part-time work. It is advisable to confirm the university’s policy on part-time work within such programs.

2. Work Eligibility for International Students (Non-EU): International students, including those from countries like India outside the European Union, can work up to a maximum of 964 hours per year, provided the university has no objections. The student must hold a valid residency permit, and there’s no need for separate temporary employment authorization.

3. Universality of Work Opportunities: All students in France, irrespective of their academic level (including first-year university students and language program participants), are eligible to work during their studies.

4. Minimum Wage and Earnings: The minimum wage regulation applies to all working students, with an hourly rate of €9.76 (pre-tax), translating to around €7.61 per hour after deductions. Students can earn approximately €7900 per year, which is slightly above INR 6 lakhs annually. While this may not fully cover the high cost of living, it serves as a useful allowance.

5. University Employment Opportunities: Students have the option to seek employment at the university where they are enrolled or at other higher education institutions. University employment typically involves a one-year contract covering the period from September 1 to August 31, with a maximum of 670 part-time hours between September 1 and June 30 and up to 300 full-time hours between July 1 and August 31.