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Education System in France
France offers many higher education programs for international students, including options taught fully in English. There are about 2.5 million students in French higher education, and roughly 12% of them are international. Students study across all fields and levels, from foundation studies to doctoral research.
Over 3,500 public and private higher education institutions operate in France: 72 universities, 25 multi-institute campuses, 271 doctoral schools, 227 engineering schools (with the official “ingénieur” title), 220 business/management schools, 45 public art schools, 22 architecture schools, and about 3,000 private schools and institutes.
System Overview
- Schools (up to 15 years old): Compulsory education builds core academic foundations.
- Higher Education: Students choose vocational or non-vocational diplomas after secondary studies.
- Universities: Public institutions awarding academic, technical, and professional degrees to students with a baccalauréat (or foreign equivalent). Degrees follow the LMD framework—Licence (Bachelor), Master, Doctorat.
- Specialized Schools: Public or private institutions preparing students for sectors like art, architecture, social work, tourism—often awarding Licence/Master degrees.
- Grandes Écoles: Elite public and private schools offering rigorous, specialized programs (often three years) in areas like business, public administration, or engineering. Admission is competitive and typically follows a two-year preparatory course (classes préparatoires or prépas). Graduates usually earn a Master’s-level degree.
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Academic Excellence in France
Some of France’s secondary schools host classes préparatoires (CPG) — intensive seminars to prepare students for Grandes Écoles entrance exams.
Universities
Public institutions with broad academic choices and research opportunities across Licence, Master, and Doctorat cycles.
Specialized Schools
Focused training for defined professions (art, architecture, social services, tourism), with applied learning and industry links.
Grandes Écoles
Highly selective schools providing advanced, specialized programs and strong employer networks.
AFTER YOU GRADUATE
- After you complete your studies in Europe like bachelor's, master's, and P.hD then may apply for a post-study work visa as well. The duration of the work visa might depend on the level of education you have completed in the UK.
- If you have completed bachelor's or masters in UK then you will get up to 2 years of post-study work visa and if PhD or a doctoral degree has been completed then the post-study work visa may go up to 3 years or more.
Admission Procedure
- The admission procedure for the study in Europe process involves a few steps. The very first is to look for the country you want to study in Europe. You have to look for a country that matches and fulfills your goals and aspirations. Once you finalize the country you want to study in then comes the part of selecting which university you want to study in. After selecting the university which matches your budget, course, and eligibility you then have to apply for admission.
- If the university accepts your admission you will receive an admission letter or the offer letter. Upon accepting the offer letter you agree with the terms and conditions of the university and then you proceed with the further steps. You might have to through an interview as well by the university. Once you are fully accepted by the university you have to submit all the documents required and pay the tuition fees. After the tuition fee payment then you have to apply for a UK student visa and wait for the outcome of the visa application.
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Helpful Tips
- Prepare transcripts, language proof (if required), CV, statement of purpose, and references.
- Mind application deadlines; competitive programs fill fast.
- Keep certified translations where needed.
Scholarships
- Government-Funded: Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence, Erasmus+, The Chateaubriand Fellowship.
- Non-Government: AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants, Fulbright Scholarship, Civil Society Leadership Award.
Costs
Post-Education Opportunities
- After completing your degree, you may receive permission to stay and look for work for up to one year. During this period, you can accept temporary roles (typically up to about 60% of full-time hours) while you search for a job in your field. If you secure qualifying employment (e.g., at or above a defined salary threshold), your stay authorization may be extended.
France Study Visa Consultants
- GIEC Global provides guidance as study in France consultants and France education consultants. If you are in Australia and seeking support, our team can help with university selection, applications, visa documentation, and pre-departure steps. France offers diverse student cities—Lille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Nice, Grenoble, Lyon, and of course Paris. Many programs (400+ across Bachelor’s and Master’s) are available in English, so French is not always required.
France Visa Consultants
- Visa needs depend on your nationality and length of stay. Many students may visit France without a tourist visa for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. For stays longer than 90 days, book an appointment with the French consulate and prepare the required documents. Our team at GIEC Global can guide you through the process and document checklist.
Typical Document Checklist (Student Visa)
- Two copies of the visa application form (download online).
- Passport with at least two blank pages; validity typically extending 90+ days beyond your planned return.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Flight and accommodation details (or initial arrangements).
- Valid travel/medical insurance for the Schengen area.
- Financial proof (bank statements/receipts) showing you can cover living costs.
- Proof of residence in France (host details, rental, or campus housing) and identity documentation.
- A short-stay visa fee is currently around 97.10 AUD (indicative). Processing is usually ~15 days but may extend to 30–60 days in specific or busy periods.
Financial Requirements & Living
Living in France can be affordable, especially outside central Paris. You will find a mix of public transport, student discounts, and budget-friendly housing options. Students from India and Bangladesh also frequently apply; GIEC Global assists students from multiple countries with course and visa support.
