Study In France

France stands the fifth-largest economy in the world and represents one-fifth of Europe’s gross domestic product (GDP). The main contributor to the nation’s economy is the services sector that contributes 70% of GDP followed by manufacturing. France stands one of the global leading manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, railway, cosmetics, and luxury goods, while they are also primary exports of the country. To add a valuable contribution to its production, France have the highest number of science graduates in entire Europe. It is prominent in tourism as France is the most visited country in the world. France largely trades with Germany accounting for 17% of exports and 19% of imports to the country. The former Sarkozy government had an unpopular reform agenda and that resulted in a huge government deficit which is now getting restored by the current Hollande government.

France enjoys mild summers and cool winters except for the Mediterranean which experiences hot summers and mild winters. If you are looking for warmth and sunshine then go to the south of France where the Provence and Languedoc regions receive mild winters and blisteringly hot summers. Paris has cool and fairly rainy winters, summers being hotter than other regions. The eastern regions of Alsace-Lorraine and the regions closer to the Alps, Massif Central and Pyrenees are a lot colder.

France is one of the oldest countries on Earth which is, therefore, recognized for its historical culture, cuisine, philosophy, music, art, fashion, literature, sports, and film. After World War II, Paris evolved as one of the world’s great centers of intellectual creativity. The lifestyle of France suits the nerves and affordable. The students prefer to join French universities not just for the sake of studying but also to experience the vivid culture. French is the most commonly spoken language in the country and if you learn their language it becomes easier for you to become a part of society.

The higher education system in France is one of the best in the world and the most accessible ones. The tuition fee is comparatively less whereas the education offered is comparatively of the same standard as other countries. France is a good choice to study business and management as it has lots of business schools ranked worldwide. Altogether, there are 71 public universities funded by the government along with affordable private universities. The academic year in France more likely begins from September and lasts till May or June. The courses are offered in two different ways – large lecture courses, where the professor conducts the classroom learning and in small groups students are then asked to explore labs and sections. Attendance in sections and labs is mandatory which also helps in earning internships in the later course of time.

Transport in France is affordable but the trains are unreliable and expensive. You can save it on the tariff if you book the train fare in advance. There are apps that can help you with booking a train ticket at cheaper deals. The railway card – Carte Jeune, is a worthwhile investment for students to travel locally. There is also a shared car service or covoiturage network which is popular in entire Europe. Throughout France, there are flights connected and people prefer flying long distances as they can save on their time.

• Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris
• Sorbonne University
• École Polytechnique
• University of Paris
• Télécom Paris
• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
• Paris-Sud University
• École des Ponts ParisTech
• Aix-Marseille University
• Grenoble Alpes University

To join the French university, you need to have gained similar academic performance as that of other countries and also GRE, GMAT or LSAT certification. If you are a non-native speaker of French, you need to qualify in the test of language proficiency, which is called as the ‘demande d’admission préalable’ or DAP. You can apply to take this at the French embassy in your home country. Those applying to the Grandes Écoles are selected based on the results obtained at the end of a two-year preparatory course called ‘Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles’.

Depending on the course that you have selected, the tuition fees at universities / Colleges in France varies. The average tuition fee for the bachelor’s program is 9000 EUR per annum whereas for master’s program is 11000 EUR approximately. The tuition fee for professional degree courses is higher like for engineering & Medicine. Besides the tuition fee, the students also have to contribute to campus and related expenses .

If you have a student residence permit in France, you are entitled to an auxiliary work of 964 hours throughout the year which is equivalent to 60% of the legal work year. The income generates is an auxiliary income. You are no longer to produce Autorisation Provisoire de Travail (APT – Temporary work permit) when you are a student except otherwise if you are defined by the Franco-Algerian agreement.