There are diverse opportunities in France for international students to match tastes of a variety and levels of achievement. There are several academic programs in diverse disciplines that suit us, in the English language medium well. There is flexibility as in the program structure in universities.
The French government has for checking a system and confirming that the educational institutions in France maintain quality in the content and delivery of programs. The institutions are broadly divided into universities and specialized schools. The universities are public institutions. You can join them after your bachelors degree. The specialized schools train you for professional practice to the up highest levels in areas such as engineering, fine arts, and management. Some of the specialized schools are public and others are private. The fees in the private schools are, in general, higher than those in the public sector.
The LMD system
The degrees awarded in the French higher education system are based on the European ladder of LMD Bachelor's degree (License), Masters, and Doctorat (Doctorate). Degrees are awarded based on the successful completion of a specified number of semesters or years of study, expressed in credits as defined by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS):
Licence - 6 semesters 80 ECTS (baccalaureate + 3 years)
Master - 10 semesters 300 ECTS (baccalaureate + 5 years)
Doctorate (PhD) - 16 semesters (baccalaureate + 8 years)
+9 years - State diploma of doctor of medicine
+6 years - State diploma of doctor of dental surgery n/ Pharmacy
+5 years – 300 ECTS Research Master / Professional Master / Graduate engineer / Graduate of school of business and management
+3 years - 180 ECTS – Licence (Bachelor) / (Professional Bachelor)
+2 years - University diploma in technology / Higher technical certificate
The baccalaureate mentioned above is comparable to A level of secondary schools.
Queries regarding admisison, you can enquire with CampusFrance, an agency responsible for promoting French higher education.
You will find programs taught in English, but learning basic french will be an added advantage.
Nearly 2000 students every year go to France for higher studies. Roughly 60% of Indian students go for management and 30% for engineering. Usually you depart in the month of September and application procedure has to be initiated in January.
CampusFrance usually organise pre-departure orientation programs for enlightening the students on various aspects of the French environment.
Procedure for VISA is :
2) An NOC (No Objection Certificate) has to be obtained from French official in the visa interview.
3) Bring the necessary documents for VISA interview like Admission Letter, Proof of Funds available for tuition fees and other expenses, etc
The Grand Ecoles (meaning Elite Schools) form a system that works in parallel with the universities. They target very bright students who can enter by passing a highly competitive test.The schools are much smaller and have more money and facilities.
The 'n+i' Network offers two master's degrees :
1) A two-year Master's program (n+) in Technology with management. The studies take place in an engineering Grand Ecole.
2) A Master program (i) more specialised in two years or less
The 'n+i' Network also offers PhD programs to students who have a Master level of attainment.
The tuition fees in France are moderate. Annual tuition fee in a public university is between Euros 125 and 700, depending on the program. International students pay the same fees as French citizens. You may need 600 to 800 each month to cover the cost of food, transportation and housing. Students below 28 yrs age are covered by social security system for health insurance. 28 yrs or older must obtain individual coverage.
Certain French companies give scholarships upto Euros 10,000 to meritorious Indian Students for Master's degree in France. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers additional benefits.
