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Are you considering studying in FRANCE? Studying abroad in Europe is every student’s dream, and France is one of the top destinations for students planning to move abroad. France is among the most popular destinations for studying abroad. The number of international students in France has been growing steadily over the years.
From 2014 to 2023, the numbers have increased by nearly 50%. Here are the top advantages France offers that draw students from all over the world. Not only does the country offer interesting history, incredible cuisine and beautiful landmarks, but it is also the home of many leading universities and international companies (such as L’Oréal). French also happens to be the third most common language in the business world. Famous alumni from French universities include novelist Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, wife of American president John F Kennedy, and fashion designer Christian Dior.
Country Information – Benefits to be in FRANCE
Studying in France, Visiting France or moving for work to France, France is synonymous with elegance and romance. Its famous city, Paris, home of the Eiffel Tower, is known throughout the world as the city of love. Fashion designers and lovers flock during the busy months of the Paris Fashion Week. However, besides the famous tourist attraction and the chic streets surrounding it, France also draws millions and millions of visitors to its other cities which are also equally beautiful in their ways.But besides the charm of this country, which also brings people to France is its reputation as one of the global centers for art, science, architecture, and philosophy. It’s no wonder why some people are smitten and keeps coming back to irresistible France. A few reasons to study in France include: Affordable yet quality education, globally recognised degrees, Numerous study grants and loans, Cheap cost of living compared to other cities.
Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities
Student have lots of institutions to choose from for education in France. A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in France.
- Top Class Universities: The universities in France rank among the best in the world but are still less expensive than their counterparts overseas. Not only are you paying lower than other students in another country, but you will also get a globally-recognised degree and will be sought after by numerous companies worldwide.
- Study Grants & Loans: There are numerous study grants and loans available when you choose to study in France. In fact, the French government offsets some of the costs of attending university in the country – that is why a lot of students prefer to attend universities in France. Because of that, the cost of living in France is relatively cheaper than the equally popular countries, too.
- Higher Education in France: France is slowly becoming a top destination for international students due to the affordable tuition fees and living costs, especially if one chooses to live in smaller cities. And while Paris has some of the top universities in France – École Normale Supérieure, Paris, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, CentraleSupélec – Lyon, which is in the south, has École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. Other notable schools located outside Paris include Université Grenoble-Alpes (Grenoble) and Université de Strasbourg (Strasbourg).
- Part-Time Job Opportunities: As per the France Law, international students are allowed to work part-time. As a student in France, you can do a part-time job for 120 full days of a year or up to 20 hours a week. More than 60% of international students in France do part-time jobs while studying. The part-time job not only helps in adding to your financial leverage but also to your work experience that helps to increase the chances of your future employability.
- Learning the French Language: Starting from surviving in a different culture and country to thriving in it, there are many reasons that learning French is beneficial to you if you are planning to study in France. French is one of the most spoken native languages in the European continent. France is one of the most powerful economies of the world with its businesses spread worldwide over the globe. Thus, by learning to speak the French language, you place yourself in an advantageous position both in terms of living in France and also getting an excellent job inside and out of France.
- Pathway to Studying in France: The length of your study depends on the path you wish to take. Here’s a basic duration of study in France. Pathway to study in the France: License Degree 3 years, Master’s Degree 5 years, Doctorate Degree 8 years.
- Top Institutions in France: The higher education institutions in France is considered one of the best educational systems in the world.
- After Study Opportunities in France: Fortunately, students from EU member countries can work in France without restrictions. However, the case is not the same as those who are non-members. Good news is there are ways to stay and work in France after studying there. You can apply for a temporary residence authorization (APS, authorization provisoire de séjour) valid for 12 months beyond the date of expiration of the student’s residency permit, and non-renewable. This allows you to work in France as long as you have one of the following degrees:
List of Top France Universities:
- Normal Superior School
- University of Aix-Marseilles
- University of Bordeaux
- Pierre and Marie Curie University
- Paris-Sud University
- University of Montpellier
- Claude Bernard University Lyon 1
- Grenoble Alpes University
- Polytechnic School
- Paris Diderot University
- Paris Descartes University
- University of Strasbourg
- University of Lille
- University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis
- University of Lorraine
- University of Nantes
- Normal Superior School of Lyon
- University of Burgundy
- University of Poitiers
- University of Caen Normandy
- Paul Sabatier University – Toulouse III
- Francois Rabelais University
- Central School of Lyon
- National Graduate School of Engineering, Paris
- University of Franche-Comte
- University of Rouen Normandie
- University of Savoy Mont Blanc
- University of Orleans
- University of Angers
- Paris Dauphine University
- University of Clermont Auvergne
- University of Picardie Jules Verne
- Paris Institute of Political Studies
- National Institute for Applied Sciences, Lyon
- TELECOM ParisTech
- University of Rheims Champagne-Ardenne
- University of Limoges
- HEC School of Management
- University of Western Brittany
- Sorbonne University
- CentraleSupélec
- Grenoble Institute of Technology
- University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour
- Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University
- ESSEC Business School Paris
- National School of Bridges and Roads
- School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences
- Normal Superior School of Paris-Saclay
- Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences
- National Advanced School of Engineering
- University of Technology of Compiegne
- University of Perpignan Via Domitia
- Jean Monnet University
- Upper Alsace University
- Cergy-Pontoise University
- Eurecom
- University of Reunion
- Paris West University Nanterre La Defense
- ESCP Europe
- Paris-Est Creteil Val-de-Marne University
- EMLYON Business School
- University of Avignon and the Vaucluse
- University of Rennes 1
- Central School of Nantes
- EDHEC Business School
- University of Toulon
- University of La Rochelle
- Pantheon-Assas Paris II University
- University of Evry-Val d’Essonne
- New Sorbonne University – Paris III
- Paris 13 University
- University of Southern Brittany
- Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France
- Artois University
- University of Technology of Belfort-Montbeliard
- Paul Valery University, Montpellier 3
- Agrocampus Ouest
- University of Technology of Troyes
- University Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallee
- University of the Littoral Opal Coast
- School of Industrial Physics and Chemistry of the City of Paris
- National Veterinary School of Alfort
- University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
- EHESP School of Public Health
- Kedge Business School
- National School of Civil Aviation
- University of Le Havre
- Grenoble Graduate School of Business
- National School of Library and Information Science
- Lille Catholic University
- SKEMA Business School
- Jean Moulin University Lyon 3
- University of Corsica Pascal Paoli
- National Institute for Applied Sciences, Toulouse
- National School of Statistics and Economic Administration
- University of Paris 8
- University of Maine – France
- Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space
- Montpellier SupAgro
- National Graduate School of Engineering – Saint Etienne
Language Tests or Language requirements
Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in France? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you. If your first language is not English, you’ll need to show excellent language proficiency to apply to a French university.
When you apply for a university in France, you have to provide proof of: French language proficiency – if you apply for French-taught degrees (accepted tests are: DELF/DALF or TCF). English language proficiency – if you apply for English-taught degrees (accepted tests are: PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo or C1 Advanced)
If you have an acceptance letter from a French university, the French consulate won’t require additional language requirements for your study visa.
- IELTS: IELTS is a commonly accepted English test all over the world. The IELTS Academic is accepted by several French universities as a confirmation of English skills. It is required by French institutions for bachelor’s or master’s programs. Moreover, it is widely accepted worldwide and by French institutions as proof of English language skills. IELTS consists of four parts. The minimum score required is 6.0 but in a few cases 5.5 is acceptable.
- TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is accepted by most France universities and colleges. It is a standardized test offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). However, different academic institutions accept different TOEFL scores. TOEFL scores are only valid for 2 years and this English test consists of four sections in which 120 marks are equally distributed. In general, the minimum value for the TOEFL Test in France is 570 (paper) or 90 (web-based).
- PTE: PTE is accepted by German universities too. You can use your score to follow your university and university applications quickly. PTE Academic enables you to ensure that the fairest score is achieved wherever you take the test. The minimum accepted PTE score is usually 65 across universities in France.
- DUOLINGO: Duolingo is accepted for visas in France. The DET has been made a permanent offering as a current minimum English language standard for France study visas. For a second-level and foundation level or preparatory English course, test takers must have a minimum score of 70.
- CET: CET or Cambridge English Test is also an English proficiency test accepted in France. CET is a CEFR examination offered by Cambridge University. However, the Cambridge certificates assess language proficiency at the following levels:
- C1 Advanced: CEA which stands for Cambridge English Advanced is a type of certificate that shows that you possess advanced skills in the English Language. And you can live, study and work in a country whose native language is English.
- C2 Proficiency: CEP, Cambridge English Proficiency certificate proves that you have expert level skills in the English language.
VISA types and Its Understandings
A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in France for the duration of their studies. A student who is not a citizen of France but wants to study in France requires a France Student Visa to fulfil this purpose. Any foreign student who enrols on a course lasting three months or more in France will require a student visa.
There are different types of visas meant for people intending to pursue educational activities in France:
Type of Student Visa for France
- Short Stay Student Visa: – If you are not a national of a European Economic Area country (European Union country and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or of Switzerland, and depending on your nationality, you must obtain a student visa to study in France even if your stay is less than 3 months. There are two types of short stay visa: the “short stay for studies” (court séjour pour études) visa and the “student in competition” (étudiant concours) visa, which should be requested if you are convoked by a French institute for an exam or interview. Note that nationals from certain non-European countries are not required to have a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days. Check the article “The student visa short stay” for more information on this subject.
- Long Stay Student Visa: – If you are not a national of a European Economic Area country (European Union country and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or of Switzerland, you must request a student long stay visa to study, conduct research or do an internship in France for more than 3 months. There are two types of long-term visas: (1) Long Term Visa used as Residence Permit (VLS-TS): This visa allows you to remain in France for one year without needing to request a residency permit. You will still have to have your visa approved on arrival. Depending on the nature of your stay, there are three types of long stay visas: (a) the student VLS-TS for studies at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level; (b) the Talent passport VLS-TS for a doctorate and beyond; (c) the internship VLS-TS to do an internship in France as part of the programme you are enrolled in your country of residence. (2) Temporary Long-Term Visa (VLS-T): With the VLS-T, you can stay in France for 1 year, and you don’t need to validate it at your arrival. It cannot be renewed, and it doesn’t grant the rights than the VLS-TS.
- Working Holiday Visa:– In the framework of a reciprocal agreement with several countries, France grants Working Holiday visas (vacances-travail). Reserved for young people aged 18 to 30, they let you spend one year in France to learn about the country without studying here. They let you work in France to round out your resources during the year.
- Provisional Residency Permit: – If you are not a national of a European Economic Area country (European Union country and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or of Switzerland, the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS – Provisional Residency Permit) allows you to remain one year in France after you graduate. It is reserved for holders of a professional Bachelor’s, a Master’s-level degree and all graduates who are starting a company.
- Travel Visa or Schengen Visa: – If you are not a national of a European Economic Area country (European Union country and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) or of Switzerland, you can request a travel visa at the end of your studies. Reserved for holders of a Master’s-level degree from a French higher education institute, it allows you to regularly return to France if you reside in another country after your studies in France.
Admission & VISA Application Process
Admission process explained in a simplified way
- Apply for a school in France
- Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Submit Visa Application & Book Biometric at VAC
- Attend Visa Interview
- Visa Approve or Decline
1. Apply for a school in France
- Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. Applications to different courses and universities in France can be made through APPLICATION PROCEDURE- “Candidature” by following the steps. Enrol for your desired course in the college of your choice and get the ACADEMIC Interview. This will be conducted online and keep all your academic document with you during the interview. You will be informed about the interview clearance and get the Letter of Acceptance.
2. Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Now that you have been admitted and you receive a document called Letter of Acceptance from the institution’s international student office. You will be instructed to pay some fees to confirm your admission to the institution. Pay the fees from your bank account for safer transactions and then get Final Offer Letter from the college.
- You should have done your medical test for getting the Final Letter of Acceptance from institution. It’s not mandatory until informed but it is advised to get medical done.
3. Submit Visa Application & Book your Biometric at VAC
- The next step is to submit your Visa application. Go to the French Embassy or Consulate in your country. Locate the France Embassy in your country and go there to submit your application. If there is no French Embassy in your country, then go to the Visa Application Centre to which the French authorities have outsourced the visa applications. Review all the required documents. Before you go to your appointment, make sure you have all the documents ready. You can find specific document requirements for your country on the official websites of French Embassies.
4. Attend Visa Interview
- Now is the time to wait for reply from High Commission and based on your application, biometric and details you will be asked to submit documents (if required). Or else a short interview may or may not be conducted.
- Prepare for the visa interview.Make sure you prepare for the French student visa interview by looking up common interview questions online. In addition, you should have the visa application fee payment confirmation with you at the time of the interview.
5. VISA Approve or Decline
- The processing time for a French student visa can usually take up to 25 days. However, it also depends on the French Embassy as well as the country you’re applying from. In some instances, it may also take up to 6-12 weeks, with the longest processing time being 3 months.
- After the interview, they can either approve or decline your visa depending on your performance and how well you comply with the visa application process. Once you’ve completed all of the steps above and have received approval for an international student visa to France, your embassy will return your passport to you with your new visa in it.
Applying for Student Visa?
Understand the procedure and then only start the visa application process. You are expected to apply three months in advance of your trip. It takes about four to eight weeks to get your visa if you do not forget to submit any documents or have to re-submit them. Here are the steps for applying for your France student visa:
Eligibility Criteria for France Student Visa: To be eligible for a visa to study in France you must fulfil the following conditions:
- You must have a completed university application.
- You must provide proof of identity – A valid passport & 1 MRP photo.
- You must provide evidence of being enrolled in an eligible educational program in an authorized educational institution that is accredited by and registered.
- You should be accepted into your course or University degree and have paid your fees or have proof of scholarship.
- You need to submit proof of health, a medical report – medical examination and X-ray.
- You must show proof that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, travel and living costs in France as well as for your return transportation.
- In case you have dependents, such as a spouse and children, you must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support their living costs, regardless of whether they intend to accompany you to France or not.
- You must possess appropriate English language proficiency, as is required for your course of study.
- Proof that you can fund the expenses of studying in France (tuition and living costs). That can be a bank account in Travellers Cheque, or Fundings through education loan.
- You must be of good character and meet the mental health criteria. You must provide evidence of not having a criminal record.
- Additional documents can be required by the visa officer upon the visa interview.
- Be cautious about your passport validity- it needs to be valid for your entire period of stay, including the expected extended period.
- Bear in mind that an incomplete visa application can be refused.
- Don’t take anyone with you to the Embassy or Consulate during a visa interview.
- Every applicant is authorised to take legal actions against the embassy or consulate decision on her/his visa application.
- In case of visa rejection, the applicant gets informed about the main reason for a rejection.
- Make sure for your trip to France to be scheduled early enough so you will have the needed time in a disposition to enrol in university.
- Original documents can be required upon arrival at the airport.
- France study visa is not automatically given – so you have to wait for up to 4 MONTHS to get a response from the Embassy or Consulate and there is no guarantee you will be granted a visa.
- The application form can be downloaded freely on the website of the Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Passport remains at the Embassy/Consulate during the entire process of visa proceeding.
- Visa appointments should be made only through the online system. (not by phone, e-mail, fax or in-person)
- Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal.
Dos and Don’ts for France Student Visa Application: You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for France student visa.
Dos
- Apply for a student visa at least 5 weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course
- Remember that if you are applying online, you can only apply for your visa a maximum of 180 days before your course starts
- Fill up your visa application form carefully with all accurate details
- Submit all the required supporting documents along with your visa application form
Don’ts
- Do not present false documents for your visa
- Do not provide any false information
- Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your visa application
Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to study in France? France remains the most preferred among most international students when it comes to popular study-abroad destination options. However, proof of clear available funds is required to pursue studies in France to cover tuition and living expenses.
- How much are the tuition fees in France?
- How to prove funds for France?
- How much does student accommodation costs in France?
- How much does it cost to live in France?
- What financial support is available to international students in France?
- How much are the TUITION FEES in France?
- France is one of the most popular destinations for university study but, like the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, it is not much expensive.
- The entry requirements as well as tuition fees differ depending on the University. For example, some Universities might not ask for a high fee or SAT results but some might. On average, here’s how much you might have to pay for tuition in a French University based on your degree. Bachelor’s degree: 8,770 euros per year. Master’s degree: 10,770 euros per year. PhD’s degree: 12,770 per year.
- How to prove FUNDS for France?
- In order to pursue your studies in France, proof of sufficient funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove to fund with the following:
- It serves as a guarantee that you can afford the cost of studying in France. Since January 2023 you are expected to demonstrate funds of €934 per month / €11,208 per year.
- Proof of the amount must be provided for visa applications submitted as of September 1st, 2021. Acceptable forms of proof include proof of parental income, an allocated amount on a blocked account, or proof of receipt of a recognised scholarship. For further information please contact the French Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Student loan documentation or the sale of a large asset, but documentation of the sources of funds must be provided.
- Proof you paid for tuition and housing. Travellers’ cheque, your international bank account also can be an added document.
- How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in France?
- If you think the high costs of living in France, particularly in major cities, is too much to handle, keep in mind that France also boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world.
- French housingis notoriously expensive if you go for the typical metropolitan apartment. When you go from a one-bedroom apartment to a place with multiple bedrooms, the prices rise even more. Residents can reduce their cost of living in Paris, however, by moving to a less metropolitan area or living in the Parisian suburbs.
- For a one-bedroom apartment in France , get ready to pay up to €1,750 a month, or more than double that if you want a three-bedroom apartment.
- Lyon is much cheaper in terms of accommodation, with prices at around €600–€1,200per month for a central one-bedroom apartment, or €1,100–€2,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Marseille is roughly the same as Lyon, with one-bedroom apartments starting at around €600 a month and three-bedroom properties starting at €1,200.
- How much does it cost to LIVE in France?
- The expenses that arise in the course of leading a normal life, i.e., for accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, are called living costs.
- Paris has basic utility costs similar to the rest of Europe, totalling an average of around €180a month for an apartment of 85 square meters. Basic utilities in this case refer to water, heating, electricity, and garbage collection.
- In smaller cities in the south of France, utility bills can be much cheaper thanks to the mild weather all year round. For more information, read about utilities in France.
- age easily with this sum.
- Electricity: The cost of electricity in France is not high in comparison to EU standards. The average cost of electricity in France is around €0.2086 per KWh, lower than the EU average of €0.2525.
- Telecommunications: The cost of internetin France is also relative, with basic packages starting from around €20–40 per month. As of 2022, taxpayers do not need to pay for an annual television license to access public broadcasting.
- Healthcare costs in France: One positive aspect of the cost of living in France is subsidized healthcare. Everyone living in France for longer than three months is eligible for state health insurance, including internationals. This insurance, Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa), is funded by the French social security system, meaning about 8% of most employees’ pay packets go towards it, with another 13% paid by employers.
- Groceries in France: There are many factors affecting grocery spending. Buying from specialty shops instead of French supermarkets such as Auchan will increase the cost of living in France. French households spend on average, around €300 on food a month including groceries and eating out, however, this varies depending on the city. Here are some examples of how much food items might cost you in France: 1 litre of milk: €1.15; 500g loaf of fresh white bread: €1.99; 1kg rice: €2.18; 12 eggs: €3.53; 1kg local cheese: €16.39; 1kg apples: €3.04
- Cost of dining out in France: France is synonymous with amazing cuisine. Some of the best chefs in the world are French or were trained in France, and the diversity of places you can go to eat is amazing (not to mention the array of delicious food in France). A meal for two at a good restaurant generally costs around €60, which includes three courses. As an international comparison, a McDonald’s meal costs about €10.
- Beer, wine, and spirits in France: Of course, when it comes to alcoholic drinks, France is best known for its wine. A bottle of mid-range wine in the supermarket will cost you €5–15. Meanwhile, half a litre of domestic beer will set you back about €2, while a 33cl imported bottle costs about €2.50. Spirits, just like wine, can vary hugely in price depending on the brand. Here are some examples of prices for spirits from Carrefour supermarket:
- Transport costs in France: Though the cost of living in Paris is higher than that of rural France, one of the benefits of living in a well-developed, metropolitan city is the extensive public transport system in France. Expats living in Paris, and most other major cities in France, will find they won’t need a car at all.
- Clothing in France: Costs for clothing in France are in line with neighbouring European countries. When it comes to high street brands, you’ll likely spend around €35 for a summer dress from a chain store, about €80 for a pair of good quality jeans, and €83 on average for a pair of mid-range running shoes.
- What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in France?
- Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. In France, there are 2 main ways that students can fund their studies–scholarships and financial aid. There are a few scholarships that students can apply for which can help towards living expenses and tuition fees. However, these are often reserved for Erasmus exchange students and some selective business, engineering and medical students who come from former French-speaking countries or colonies.
- Scholarships: A scholarship is a type of non-repayable financial support that EU and international students can apply for if they meet specific requirements – these requirements will differ depending on the scholarship you’re applying to.
- The Émile Boutmy Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to non-European first-time applicants. It has several formats and can offer a grant ranging from €3,600 to €13,000 for the three years of an undergraduate programme. It also provides €12,200 per year for a master’s programme.
- ENS International Selection Scholarships: Each year, École Normale Supérieure selects international students who show promising skills in science or arts and humanities to help fund their master’s degrees. They offer 10 positions in science and 10 in arts and humanities, and each recipient receives a monthly grant of €1,000 for the three years of their programme and are also given a room on the ENS campus.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students: The Erasmus Mundas Scholarships are exclusively given to students from EU and non-EU countries that have been selected to attend an Erasmus Joint Programme at the master’s or doctorate level. The candidates split into two categories: category A – nationals from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein and category B – nationals from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Work Opportunities and Work environment
Currently, France has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in France. As it stands, international students that are authorized to work off campus are currently allowed to do so for less than 20 hours per week, this number might grow to 40 hours per week.
EVERY FOREIGN STUDENT HAS THE RIGHT TO WORK IN FRANCE: All foreign students have the right to work while studying in France. This right applies to all students in France. Students who are not European Union nationals must have a student resident permit. French law allows foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year, or the equivalent of 60% of the maximum working hours permitted. When working in France, whether a student or not, a minimum wage is guaranteed by law. A student working 10 hours a week at minimum wage will earn approximately €82 net.
- Studying and Working at University in France: In France, foreign students are also permitted to work at their host institution or university. These student jobs generally last twelve months, from September 1st to August 31st. Welcoming students at the start of the school year, tutoring, cultural or sporting events, support for students with disabilities, etc. These types of jobs contribute to the sense of community and enhance life at the university. To promote academic success and the vocational integration of students, students’ jobs at the university are scheduled around class times and study times. For the same reason, students working at French universities are not permitted to work more than 670 hours between September 1st and June 30th and not more than 300 hours between July 1st and August 31st.
- Internships while studying in France: Some degree programs require a student to complete an internship. French and foreign students are subject to the same rules: The internship requires an agreement (signed between the institution and the structure hosting the student); If the internship lasts more than two months, the student must be paid compensation of €600.60 per month (January 1, 2021). Internships completed as part of a degree course do not count towards the 964 hours of permitted work/ year.
- Apprenticeships & Professional Training Contracts: An apprenticeship contract is an employment contract of limited or indefinite duration between an employee and an employer. An apprenticeship allows practitioners of a trade or profession (the apprentice)to gain on-the-job training under a journeyperson/employer while studying. Apprenticeships and professional training contracts, previously only accessible to international students who had completed a year of training in France, are now open to first-year students enrolled in a master’s (recognized by the State) or in one of the training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The time it takes to get a visa for France depends on several factors, so there’s no set answer. In general, visas can take anywhere from two weeks to six months or more to process, depending on where you’re applying from.
- If you’re not a European student, here’s what you’ll need 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 d’accueil’(if you’re living with friends or relatives). Proof of proficiency in French, if you are studying a French-language course.
- Studying in English in France, although not the most common thing you hear, is possible. Public Universities in France are some of the most affordable institutions in Europe. Some of them have English-taught programmes where you can get a full French education in English. Most of them will also include teaching you French while you study in English but some like “Sciences Po” have English-only programmes.
- A good way is your network: Ask your flatmates, fellow students, and friends about job
- Art: Art is something that the French know plenty about. Some of the world’s best artists come from the country. An Arts degree can open an exciting world of possibilities and potential while helping you to take on a greater appreciation of the fine arts of the country. If you are creative and want to extend your source of inspiration, choosing this degree could be the best option for you.
- Business: International Business is another popular course taught in France in which you can earn your degree. While studying and getting new skills you will also have multiple opportunities to pick a career. With a business degree, the areas in which you can work in are not limited. Many people make their way to the universities in France when they seek an International Business degree.
- International students with a study visa can work while they are in France for up to 964 hours a year (which is about 60 per cent of a full-time job). Another option that international students have is to work for their university. Most of the university job contracts span from September to August and reduce the working hours during the summer period from July to August.
- After you graduate, if you have a master’s degree or higher, you can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit, which will allow you to continue working 60 per cent of a normal working week to support yourself while you look for full-time employment.
- If you are offered a full-time role that is at least 1.5 times the minimum wage (€10.25 per hour), then you can change your visa status from student to employee and will then be allowed to work full time.
- There are 2 main ways to do this: (1) Start a new study program (2) Apply for a work permit or PGWP before your study permit ends (you can continue to work while you’re waiting for your application results).