Study in France

Want to study abroad or as a part of study exchange program in Europe? Want to enjoy the stay in France and explore the country. Then you have landed on the right page. Find here the detailed information about France, the life style, the education system, and how Indian students can apply for visa process to study in France. Know about the prestigious universities in France, the French life style and the admission procedure for Indian students to study in France.

Introduction to France


France is a country located in Western Europe. It is the third largest country in area in Europe. The capital of France is the largest city Paris. Known for the art and learning center in the world, it has produced famous artists who have composed masterpieces. The Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame are the famous landmarks of Paris. Millions of tourists visit this place every year. One of the largest museums in the world the Louvre is in Paris. There are snow capped Alps in the southeastern part of the country and sunny beaches and steep cliffs along the Mediterranean Sea coast. The Alps Mountains forms the border between the France and the Italy.
There are many historic castles (chateaus) in the wooded Loire Valley of northern western France. The countryside is beautiful with vineyards, apple orchards and dairy farms and the Atlantic sea coast is dotted with peaceful fishing villages.

Brief history of France


France is marked by colorful historic events. Around 2000 years ago Julius Caesar conquered France with his Roman soldiers. Later it was invaded by the Franks and Germanic tribes when the Roman Empire fell. Hence the name France named for the Franks. The King of Franks Charlemagne built a huge kingdom in A.D 800's. France was the first country to overthrow its king during the French revolution and made its nation a republic. France became a battleground for the Allied armies and the invading German forces during World War 1 and II. During French revolution a young officer Napoleon Bonaparte rose through the rank of the army and became a general. He overthrew the revolutionary French government and took control of France. Most of the Europe was captured by Napoleon Bonaparte and later defeated He was an efficient administrator and he revised the French law. During his period he conquered the most parts of western and central Europe.

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About France

People live a high standard of living in France. After the II world War the French economy was modernized and the production and trade developed under the new national plans. France became a prosperous nation with increased production. The businesses are owned by people and certain businesses by the government. The service industries employ major workers and the industries play a vital role in Paris. The business, personal services and community forms the important service industry which includes the healthcare, financial services, transportation and communication. France is one of the sophisticated military and commercial airplanes manufacturers. It also produces number of products that includes production of high quality glass, fibers medicines and cosmetics. France is a leader in designing new machines and produces machine tools and robotic machines. France is a major exporter of farm products and specializes in large scale production of chickens and hogs. Many areas of northern France are famous for Apple orchards of Normandy. France grows crops beans, carrots, cauliflower, flowers and melons in abundance. The important mineral of France is Iron ore and deposits of bauxite are found in southeastern France.

  • Education in France

  • Children from the ages 6 to 16 must go the school in France. Children attend public and private schools. The schools are functioned by the Roman Catholic Church. The nursery schools are free for kids 2 to 6 and reading is taught to these children. Elementary schools are attended by children in the age group of 6 and 11. The children enter college after five years of elementary schooling, and the college is a four year school. Students can choose a vocational high school which offers job training in business, crafts, farming and industry or general high school which offers three year course. The high prepares the students to enter into universities. The specialized areas of study offered are mathematics, social sciences, economics, experimental sciences, philosophy and technology. The program ends with a difficult baccalaureate examination. There are about 75 universities; each university has their own courses and methods of teaching. Apart from these universities there is higher education of schools called grandes ecoles which prepares students for high ranking careers in the civil and military services. The Bastille Day is marked by parades, fireworks and dances are performed by artists.


  • Art and Culture

  • Three are magnificent museums in France, the famous Lourve in Paris, old castles and palaces which includes the Palace of Versailles built by the King Louis XIV. The museums in France are the best in the world. The Orsay museum in Paris hosts beautiful paintings from 1800s an 1900s which includes impressionist works. The scientific exhibits are found in the Museum of Man in Paris. One of the largest libraries, The Bibliotheque Nationale de France in Europe is located in France. The public libraries are located in all major cities of France. Many artists, architects writers and composers have been pioneers among the cultural heads of Europe.

  • Land and the Climate

  • There are wide differences in geography of France showing land showing flat or rolling plains, hills and mountains. There are 10 main regions in France that includes the Brittany-Normandy, the Northern France Plains, the Northeastern plateaus, the Rhine Valley, the Aquitanian Lowlands, the Central Highlands, the French Alps and Jura Mountains, the Pyrenees Mountains, the Mediterranean Lowlands and Rhone-Saone Valley and Corsica. The climate varies in different regions of France, which are related to the distance of the land from the Atlantic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea. The rainy climate is seen in coastal regions with cool winters and mild summers. Snow falls occurs in the Alps and the Jura mountains during heavy winters and the mountainous regions receive rain in forms of snow.

  • Politics and Economy

  • The conservation party is the Union for a Popular Movement that supports polices and favors a strong national government and an independent foreign policy. The conservative political party is the National front which opposes immigration and favors the death penalty. The political parties nominate women candidates in most elections from 2001 when the new was adopted to increase the number their number in political area. Each department has courts that deal with civil and criminal cases. The appointment of judges is made by the justice minister.

  • Literature

  • French writers were famous for their poetry in the medieval period. The troubadours wrote the love songs which are popular and some poets wrote long poems and fictional works called romances. The masterpiece of Western literature includes the satirical Gargantua and Pantagruel. The popular prose writers include the two philosophers Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal. The drama forms the greatest expression of French classical literature. The period of intellectual achievement was referred to as the Enlightenment during 1600s and 1700s period which was dominated by the philosophical literature. Rousseau was an important figure of Romanticism who introduced true and passionate love to the French novel. The nature description, lyrical and prose style was popularized by Rousseau. One of the most famous French sculptor's works is the Auguste Rodin's The Thinker which exhibits the human figure in deep thinking with emotional intensity. The finest French sculpture is found as decorations in Gothic cathedrals which were created during medieval period. The cathedrals are found in Paris, in cities of Amiens, Chartres, Reims and Rouen which are fine examples. During French Renaissance the fine architecture evolved in castles called chateaux. The first French operas were written by the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully.

  • Transport
  • .
    The highway system in France consists of many multiline expressways. The government owns the railroad system and provides services for both passenger and freight. Between Paris and Lyon runs the high-speed electric train which began operating in 1981. Throughout France high-speed trains run linking the France to cities of other countries. The world's busiest airports are the Charles de Gaulle and the Orly airports near Paris. Throughout France Ships and barges operates on rivers and canals.Marseille, Le Havre and Dunkerque has the busiest seaports.

    Quick Facts

  • The capital of France is Paris and the official language is French

  • The National Anthem of France is “La Marseillaise"

  • The main religion is Christianity

  • The head of the government is the Prime Minister

  • The Parliamentary democracy is the form of government in France

  • The high court is the Court of Cassation

  • The French Flag is the tricolor

  • The National motto is liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

  • The unit of money is euro

  • The worlds longest highway tunnels link France and Italy

  • July 14 is celebrated as the Bastille Day, it's France's national holiday.



  • Why study in France


    France is the second most popular destination for international students to study. The second most spoken language in Europe is French. France has most prestigious education systems in the world. It provides high standard of education for students seeking undergraduate and post graduate courses and training programs. There are number of universities and educational institutions that offer world class education for students around the world. The country provides the best education that students need and helps them to enjoy their country. France is the destination for receiving amazing education that suits one's schedule. France welcomes with open arms for study and provides education on varied subjects. France exhibits diversity of cultures and thus makes the international students to feel at home. France consists of 3500 institutions offering higher education in all disciplines. It provides grants and loans for students who qualify for financial funds. The popular courses the students can choose in France are Master of Business Administration programmes, Masters in Management and Organization, Masters in Political Science, Masters in Biotechnology and Masters in Fashion and luxury goods.
    France appeals to students as the tuitions fees are lower compared to other European countries and provides chance to explore the country's amazing sights. Studying in France makes the student's best choice for their life and offers so much to explore and experience. It has best restaurants, art venues and galleries to visit. The wonder of Eiffel Tower is a splendid experience in Paris. The places of France are breathtaking and beautiful to enjoy at any time of the year. The universities offer specialized learning of your choice of areas and also to learn the language French.

    Admission Process in France

    Students can apply directly to some universities on their websites. Students who want to pursue the study in France must complete the application process which will be reviewed by the colleges. First obtain the application from the college website that you wish to attend. Fill in the details on the application completely lest the application gets rejected. Check thoroughly the application before submitting. You need to provide a copy of photo or driver's license with application. Some colleges ask you to write an essay on a topic of required word length. Do research and prepare the essay. Take English language test to prove your proficiency in English.

    After receiving the acceptance letter, the institutions inform the students about the admission between June15-Sep15. The programmes begin in October and students get one month's time to prepare arrangements for departure to France. You need to apply for student visa, if the course is for more than 6 months you need to apply for residence permit at French local authorities. Proof of sufficient funds need to be submitted along with national health insurance offered in France.
    Standardized tests GRE/GMAT/LSAT are required for admission for most of undergraduate and post graduate courses in France. Choose three different institutions for your study to get chances of admission. You need to apply for preliminary admission application called TCF which consists of 60 minutes long writing tasks that includes three exercises. The students can apply through online application system. You can track your visa application progress also.

    Student Visa Application Process

    Students who wish to study in France need to submit proof that they have a visa to enter the country. The visa application should be completed without any blanks. Care to be taken to submit all the required documents before planning to leave. Visa application process takes two months.
    1. France short stay visa is issued for business trips or for family trips and for tourisms. This visa is also issued for individuals who enter into France for internships, conferences, short training programs, corporate meetings and other activities. Short stay visa is required for changing airports for continued travel and waiting for transfer flight at hotel.
    2. Long stay visa is issued for training course more than three month up to six months, if the stay exceeds more than 90 days. Visa must be applied in advance for long stay and also for a residence permit. This visa enables to move around Schengen area outside France for about 90 days.

    Student Visa Application Process


    Education forms the most important element of socio-economic, environmental development of the country. The country hosts many scientific events and international students need to incorporate their lives into country's all aspects.

    Student Visa Application Process


    Education forms the most important element of socio-economic, environmental development of the country. The country hosts many scientific events and international students need to incorporate their lives into country's all aspects.

    Documents required for Visa


    1. A valid passport recognized by French authorities which must not be older than 10years. It must e valid for three months for planned stay in France.
    2. The visa application form should be completed duly and signed by the candidate and the candidate's parents or the guardian.
    3. Recent, identical color photos with uncolored background, with forward faced, head to chin (3.5x4.5) format to be provided.

    Documents to be produced on arrival at France


    1. A valid visa
    2.A valid passport
    3. A proof of accommodation where you stay.
    4. Proofs of financial funds and purpose of the stay.
    5. Your return ticket and the documents providing the details of profession or the course study.

    Lifestyle

    The population of people is fairly distributed evenly in the mainland of France. The densely populated urban areas are the Paris. French people in urban areas and in cities they live in apartments. The old buildings are prestigious and are occupied by Parisians. The public traffic is protected by strict zoning regulations to provide high quality of life for the residents. The city living is expensive, poor people live outside the city in housing complexes. The second choice for living is the suburb of Paris for many middle class people. People move to the city for recreational and cultural activities by mass transit systems. France has been an agricultural society and is familiar with the methods of farming. Rural people enjoy the same comforts as the city dwellers owning the luxuries such as the television, washing machine and car. Cooking is considered as an art in France, many delicious sauces and popular appetizers are created by French chefs. A French meal starts with an appetizer or soup, a green salad and followed by the main course, then fresh fruit or cheese, crusty French bread. French people eat light breakfast with coffee, drink wine at lunch and dinner. Indian, Mexican, Thai/ Italian dishes are offered in the restaurants and the ethnic cooking is becoming popular in the country. There are number of side cafes that provide pleasant places for French people to eat or drink with friends. Bicycle race is the greatest national sporting event in France. The popular team sport of France is the soccer; many other sports that France enjoys are rugby, skating, swimming, skiing, fishing, basketball and tennis. Every year The French people receive paid vacation, thousands of special camps and resorts organize varied activities for children and adults. Festivals in vacation are common which features music, parades, theater and dancing. The festivals and holidays are associated with Roman Catholic Church.

    Cost of Living for Students

    The fee Costs varies depending on the educational establishments for higher education. The cost varies from few hundred Euros to 10,000 Euros or more/ annum for certain private establishments. You need to focus on money matters too, apart from tuition costs in France. The institutions charge enrolment fees and in addition you are required to pay for utility services such as electricity, food, tests, supplies entertainment, laundry, telephone bill, internet facility etc. The affiliation to student's security system is compulsory. Do research for cost of living in France, the average students will need about 430 Euros/ month to study and survive in the
    Country. Roughly about 5,160 Euros are required per year for expenses. For international students the funds and grants available are less, a student seeking help would get financial aid in France base don the student's merit. Some of the scholarships available for students are Dr. Carlos E Memorial scholarship by International students Abroad Inc, GSE summer scholarship by Global Student Experience, GSE language Department scholarship by Global Student Experience, GSE Academic Scholarship by Global Student Experience, Arcadia University Gilman Scholarship, Chateaubriand Fellowship by University of Illinois.

    The Universities of France


    The four institutions from France rank in Top 100 colleges in the world.
    1. The University of Paris 11
    This university if the largest college in the France located in five suburbs of France Sceaux, Orsay, Chatenay-Malabry, Kremlin-Bicetre andCochan. The universities offer specialized subjects science, pharmacy, medicine, sports science, law and economic sciences.

    2. Univeristy of Strasbourg
    Three universities that merged in 2009 formed the university of Strasbourg and is the largest university in the country. The higher education offers comprehensive study in all fields. 20% of the students are from other countries.

    3. Ecole Normale Superieure Paris
    The university offers courses in research work and consists of 14 academic departments. It awards degrees of doctoral research.

    4. American University of Paris
    This university is a top ranking institution established in 1962. It offers wide range of disciplines for all age group students. The college offers 17 major courses and 36 minor courses.

    5. Paris Tech
    This college is another popular and amazing institution in France that offers 2, 3, and 4 year degree programs. The college provides courses on science and technology. It offers varied activities for students and provides a wide range of financial assistance programs.

    6. Universite Pierre et Marie Curie
    This institution was established in 1971 in France and it is the centre of research studies in the country. The areas of study include modeling and engineering, matter and materials, living earth and environment, life and health. The institution consists of 125 laboratories inside the university.

    Documents for University Admissions in France

    1. A valid passport
    2. France campus authorization
    3. Photocopies of graduation or diploma courses
    4. Registration fee for Bachelor's degree /master's degree or for research work
    5. A civil liability certificate along with social security fees.
    6. A cover letter with a resume.
    7. A European health insurance card.
    8. A copy of English language certificate
    9. Documents showing a valid score of GPA.
    10. Financial funds proof for your stay in France.

    Application Deadlines


    Twice a year, applications are available for French universities.
    1. 1 February- 1 April: fall admission
    2. By September 15: spring admission.
    3. From 22nd January -13trh March: application for post graduation
    4. from November until January 22nd: Application for TCF during Dap process.

    The requirements for studying in France


    To enter France you need to apply for visa and must have a passport valid for three months. Details to be provided to which college you are going to attend in France. The visa application has to be submitted to French embassy in their home country or at the service provider company. The visa application should be submitted during visa interview before travel done with all the required documents. The processing time for visa is different depending on the candidate's visa requirements. To enroll, in higher education program the student must pass an entrance examination that includes all examinations, practical tests, viva and the interview.

    The following are the criteria for study;
  • you need to enroll as a student to study higher education of your choice. You should have completed 18 years of age. You should have chosen your study or the training program

  • You should be accepted for the higher education study.

  • You need to apply for short term visa if the course is for three months. A temporary long stay visa is issued for training for course more than three months or up to six months.

  • one should have travel medical insurance which relates to medical emergency or evacuation during travel. It should cover the entire stay in France.

  • A detailed travel itinerary from their home country to France and back to the home country to be provided.


  • While submitted the visa application the visa application fee must be paid. The visa information sheets are available in French embassy.

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