French Education -
A Must for Your Future

About the country

The official name of France is French republic. The capital of France is Paris, one of the prime tourist destinations in the world. France is located in West Europe and is bound by Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany to the north and northeast, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast, Spain and Andorra to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. France covers an area of 549,183 Sq Km with an estimated population of 59,047,000. The official language is French. Other languages and/or dialects spoken are Provencal, Breton, Corsican, German, Dutch and Basque. However, most French universities have now adopted English as medium of instruction so that international students do not face problems.

Why study in France

There are various reasons as to why a student prefers studying in France. Apart from the scenic beauty, rich historic past and cultural diversity, France houses some of the oldest universities in the world. Education is also very affordable in France. Core and visiting faculties from all over the world maintain world-class quality. Modern and innovative teaching methods make students more & more competitive. Besides that, French universities are now increasingly using English as the medium of instruction so that overseas students do not face problems in pursuing their courses. Overseas students get a warm welcome from the French people, which makes life easier for them.

French Education System

Higher education in France offers two main options:

Competitive Institutes (Grandes Ecoles): Entry to these institutes is highly selective. Specialization is available in engineering, commerce, civil services and teaching. The duration of the courses varies from 3-5 years. Many of them offer a 1-year MBA degree/diploma.

State Universities: Any student who has completed secondary school can qualify in the State Universities. Two categories of courses are offered: General and Professional courses.

• General Courses: These are divided into 3 cycles. Each cycle leads to a national degree.
  
  The 1st cycle is of 2 years for undergraduate studies.
  The 2nd cycle is of 2-3 years of graduate studies.
  The 3rd cycle is of 1-3 years of postgraduate studies.

• Professional Courses: These are offered at the IUP's (Institut Universitaire Professionnalise). It consists of 3-year technological courses with 6 months vocational training and practice in an international firm. The duration of the medical courses is 7 years. Other fields like architecture, agriculture, public administration etc. are offered in specialized schools.

Entry requirements:

The requirements again vary for universities and courses. Usually the selection depends on the recognition of the degrees/diplomas held and the recommendation of an education committee attached to the university.

Universities and Institutions

Among the best and the oldest Universities & Institutions in France are:· The University of Paris

• OThe University of Toulouse
• The University of Montpellier
• Université Nice Sophia Antipolis
• Université Aix-Marseille
• Université de Corse Pascal Paoli
• Université de Bourgogne
• Université de Franche-Comté
• Université St-Etienne Jean Monnet
• Université du Littoral
• Université Clermont-Ferrand
• Université du Maine

Apart from these universities there are many institutes, which are a part of "Grand Ecole" Confederation, which means that admission to these institutes is based on competitive examination.
A few of them are:

• EAP: Ecole europeenne des affaires
• EDHEC: Ecole de hautes etudes commerciales du nord
• EM LYON: Ecole de management de Lyon
• HEC: Ecole des hautes etudes commerciales
• ESC Lille: Ecole superieure de commerce de Lille
• ESC Marseille-Province: Ecole superieure de commerce de Marseille-Province
• ESC Clermont: Ecole superieure de commerce de Clermont-Ferrand
• And many more…
  

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

The Tuition fees vary from course to course and also from university to university. The tuition fee at the university usually varies from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 36,000 per annum for a national degree. The tuition fee at a Grand Ecole is approx. Rs. 26,000 for public school and Rs.1,90,000 to Rs.7,60,000 for private (Engineering & Business schools). There are various scholarships available for financing studies in France.

The estimated living expenses per month are about Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000 including accommodation, food, transportation and pocket money. The compulsory medical insurance costs approximately Rs.6,000 to Rs.30,000 per annum depending upon the student's age.

Part Time Work

The student needs to apply for a special authorization before taking any paid work in France and will be allowed to work part time (20 hours per week) during the university year and full time during the vacation.

Further Information

To obtain Application Forms, Prospectuses and more information about Visa requirements and job opportunities, we suggest you to REGISTER WITH US. Our services are Absolutely Free.