France Study Guide for International Students
How to Apply to Study at a French University
It goes without saying that you must complete the application in its entirety if you choose to apply to a college in France. The quicker you complete this, the quicker the admissions committee can assess you and determine whether you’re a suitable fit for the institution. Depending on your nationality, the application process may vary for you as an international student. This Website will show you how to apply to colleges in France.
For Students in Europe
As an international applicant from another EU nation seeking admission to a French university, you will often need:
- Filled out a college application
- Driver’s license or ID with a photo
- High school diplomas (or relevant equivalent)
- Essay (if asked)
- Results for English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo etc.)
- Make a financial aid application (if the University provides one)
- Application fee (if asked)
- Any other paperwork that could be required by the university
For International Students
When applying to colleges in France if you aren’t from an EU nation, you need:
- Filled out a college application
- Transcripts from high school and from college (you only need the high school ones if you didn’t go to college).
- passport photocopy
- A picture the size of a passport (if asked)
- Results for English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo etc.)
- Birth certificate copy
- Certified translation of your parents’ places of birth
- Evidence that you are financially capable
- Any other paperwork that could be required by the university
- Upon admission a student visa for France
French university entrance requirements
Once you have decided on a program at a French university to which you want to apply, the application process can start. We should be aware that each university has distinct requirements. For instance, some universities may need the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT for admission. These are internationally recognized exams that guarantee applicants are ready for the rigors of graduate school. In order to apply to a French university, you may have to meet the following general entry requirements.
General Requirements for Entry
For entrance, most French colleges will require the following paperwork:
- A permit from Campus France
- Copy of a passport
- A photo of yourself the size of a passport
- Copies of one’s transcripts and diplomas
- A copy of your health card from Europe (for EU students)
- Application fee (if required)
- A statement of civil responsibility
- A resume letter
- Language proof in French and/or English
- Evidence that you have the means to support your stay in France
Entry Information for MA
Keep the following in mind when applying for an MA degree at a French university:
- French master’s programs typically last two years.
- The “teaching units” (TU) for French master’s degrees are structured to concentrate on various themes within a more broad subject area (practical workshops, theoretical discussion, and independent project-work)
- Dissertation (or a similar extended research project)
- Masters come in two varieties: specialized MBA and master’s degree programs The term “specialized Masters” is occasionally used to describe the advanced degrees given out by Grandes Écoles.Four semesters, competitive applications, and a highly intensive schedule.
- France was the first country in Europe to offer MBA programs, which were initially designed in America. One of the most difficult to get into are French business schools.
PhD program
There are 266 doctorate schools in France, and the majority of PhDs are completed as a part of a program within one of these schools. To provide doctoral training for PhD applicants, they work with research labs and centers. For a typical 3-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, or two semesters of teaching (or research).
- To enroll in a doctoral program, select a thesis topic and a thesis adviser.
- In the second year of your Master’s program, you should start looking for a doctorate.
- If you want to know if you require financial assistance, contact your PhD program.
Fees for attending French universities
Depending on the university, different courses have different entry criteria and tuition costs. For instance, some universities might not require a high application cost or SAT scores, while others would. Depending on your degree, you can be required to pay the following amount in tuition at a French university.
- 2,770 euros each year for a bachelor’s degree.
- 3,770 euros per year for master’s degrees.
- PhD degree: $2,770,380 annually.
