Introduction to the Country of France

France is one of Europe's largest countries. It is bordered by six countries other nations: Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the southeast and Spain to the southwest. The United Kingdom borders France via the English Channel. The country is considered to be the gateway to Europe as there are several large international airports (two of these can be found in Paris), ferry terminals and the French rail service.

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world. There are many reasons why so many people enjoy visiting the diverse country, including the natural beauty, the amazing climate, outdoor recreational activities such as golf courses, art museums and galleries and so much more. There are many different activities that outline the history of the country which are enjoyable to visitors, especially considering its turbulent past.

Why Study in France?

Whether you are an individual seeking undergraduate studies, postgraduate schooling or something else, an amazing education can easily be found in the country. No matter what region that you go to there are numerous universities and educational institutions offering world-class education for people far and wide. There is a reason that so many people choose to come to France to receive their education and when it is the best education that you require, it is well worth your time to look at the colleges and universities that are available throughout the country.

As a student at one of these institutions you can rest assured that you will receive an amazing education, while also enjoying the many other things that are to be loved in the country. The universities in France offer students the chance to attend their institutions on a full and part time basis, with a number of class schedules and courses available. These courses will all vary by the college, as will the times that you can attend. However, it is quite easy to find something that accommodates your schedule and allows you to go to university in your own time.

France has more than 3,500 institutions of higher education, including the following:

• 77 publicly-funded universities, offering degrees in all disciplines and serving as the primary academic research centres
• A parallel system of GrandesEcolesoffering  scientific, business, art and other specific programs, which offer 5-year diplomas which are equivalent to a Masters degree
• Schools of architecture
• More than 3,000 specialized schools offering degrees in a wide variety of subjects, including hotel management, culinary arts, tourism and social work.

The average cost of attending a French institution is 186 EUR for first year degrees and 255 EUR for a master's degree. These figures are accurate for the 2012-2013 school year. Again the actual amount of tuition cost will vary according to the numerous factors that we've already discussed. These costs are far less than what is found at many other universities and colleges around the world, all for one of the best educations in the world.

Postgraduate Studies in France

France has a good reputation for their excellent postgraduate study programs. Those who want to study in Europe for a postgraduate program often look to France to do this. International students really enjoy the country and thepostgraduate programs that are offered in France really are the best of the best. All of the institutions in France rank highly for their education and anyone who attends such a program in the country will learn so very much, often meaning that they excel in their future endeavours.

Postgraduate programs in France fall into three main categories:

• Taught Masters (MAs/MScs/MEng)
• Research Masters (MRes/ MA by Research)
• Doctorates and PhDs

The government requires that you be able to support yourself while you attend college, so it is important that you have the money that is needed. If you are an international student, the laws in France allow you to work part-time up to 20 hours per week while you study in France.

Scholarship Programme

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme has two branches: - a master's branch, which funds master's courses lasting between 12 and 36 months;

Objectives of the Eiffel Programme

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme was established by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development to enable French higher education establishments to attract top foreign students to enroll in their master's and PhD courses. It helps to shape the future foreign decision-makers of the private and public sectors, in priority areas of study, and encourages applications from emerging countries at master's level, and from emerging and industrialized countries at PhD level.

Areas of study

Eiffel scholarships are available in three main fields: - engineering science at master's level, science in the broadest sense at PhD level (engineering science; exact sciences: mathematics, physics, chemistry and life sciences, nano- and biotechnology, earth sciences, sciences of the universe, environmental sciences, information and communication science and technology); - economics and management; - law and political sciences.

Benefits provided

Master's level The Eiffel scholarship includes a monthly allowance of €1,181 (a maintenance allowance of €1,031 and a monthly stipend of €150). In addition, the following expenses are directly covered: - one international return journey; Page 3 of 6 - social security cover; - cultural activities. Scholarship holders may also receive an additional housing allowance, under certain conditions.

Documents required for study visa

• An enrollment certificate allowing attendance of courses
• Certificate of completion or courses attended
• Financial sustenance

No-objection certificate from school or university

Student Visa FAQ

1. How early should I apply for my Student visa?

You are encouraged to apply for your long stay student visa at the earliest. You can apply for your visa about two months prior to the commencement of your course. Please ensure you get the No Objection Certificate from an Education Attache (Officer) before submitting your application.

2. What documents should I show to prove that I could pay for my education in France?

There are no specific documents that substantiate whether a student is able to pay for his/her education. Bank statements, bank loans and fixed deposits are the most common documents used to show proof of funds. Proof of payment to the University in France must also be attached to your application. However, these are only suggested documents. A visa is not assured if you have any or all of these documents.

Why Study in France?

• France is the most popular non-English speaking destination for international students in the world.
•  fourth most popular overall (behind the USA, UK and Australia).
• A thousand-year academic history of excellence, an on-going national commitment to higher education and an unparalleled linguistic and cultural tradition are some of the reasons international students study in France and for its enduring popularity as a study destination.

Higher Education System in France

• France shares the European LMD degree system - License (6 Semesters, 180 ECTS, similar to a US Bachelors), Master (10 Semesters, 300 ECTS) and Doctorate (16 Semesters) - with credits accumulating and transferring under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 

• France also has over 3,500 institutions of higher education, including the following:
• 77 publicly-funded universities, offering LMD degrees in all disciplines and serving as the primary academic research centers;
• A parallel system of Grandes Ecoles set up to offer scientific, business, art and other specific programs, which offer 5-year diplomas equivalent to a Master degree;
• Schools of architecture;
• Over 3,000 specialized schools offering degrees in a wide variety of subjects, including hotel management, culinary arts, tourism and social work.

Student Life in France / Expected Costs in France

Those students who choose to study in France have always enjoyed a special place in French society, with a network of discounts, financial assistance and designated student facilities that help enhance the standard of living you can eke out of a student budget. Theaters, museums, sporting and cultural events all offer student discounts, plus students live in subsidized university residence halls, privately operated student housing and private sector housing.

International students that also study in France can expect to pay 250 to 700 euro per month for housing, at the high end in Paris and lower outside the capital city. As an international student, you will often have priority on the cheaper university housing that can be hard to get. The French government offsets a large percentage of the costs of studying at any of the public universities in France, keeping tuition low in comparison to the quality of the education.

Those subsidized tuition amounts are the same for French students as they are for international students from anywhere in the world, making studying in France a tremendous international education value. All told, the average monthly student budget is around 1,000 euro in Paris and 800 euro outside of the city.