Graduate Study in France: Guide for International Students

In a 2017 survey conducted by Study in France, a national agency which promotes French higher education overseas, the quality of training was among the most-cited reasons for choosing to study in France, along with opportunities to improve French language proficiency and interest in French culture. Overall, 64 percent of 14,245 surveyed international students chose France as the second most attractive country to study in, while 92 percent who did choose to study in France would recommend it. 

The same survey reflected the increasing impact of global politics on the changing perceptions of international students – 76 percent of respondents chose the US as an attractive country to study in prior to the presidential election, and 54 percent chose the UK before Brexit.

France is home to some of the most highly regarded business schools in Europe, and is also one of the world’s major business hubs – adding to its appeal for students with an interest in the “FAME” (finance, accounting, management and economics) group of subjects. The world’s fifth largest economy, France is the headquarters for global leaders in sectors including cosmetics, electronics, automotive and aerospace. The “La Défense” area of Paris remains Europe’s largest purpose-built business district, and as of 2013 France had more Global 500 company headquarters than any other country in Europe (fourth in the world, behind the US, China and Japan).

Significant as the French economy may be, the country’s culture is arguably just as globally pervasive and influential – and many of those attracted to graduate study in France will be largely motivated by the prospect of immersion in the French language, lifestyle and cuisine. As well as being a useful language for anyone seeking an international career, French also holds an appeal beyond the purely functional, regularly topping lists of the world’s most beautiful languages. More widely, the French “art de vivre” (art of living) holds a special place in the hearts of many.

This appeal is reflected in international tourism figures. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, France welcomed over 82 million overseas visitors in 2016, substantially more than any other country (the US and Spain came second, with over 75 million). Attempting to list all the reasons for the country’s popularity would take too long; suffice to say its attractions include some of Europe’s most popular ski slopes, acclaimed art galleries, historic monuments, celebrated foods and wines, and picturesque landscapes that range from dramatic cliffs to sun-trap beaches, and from peaceful vineyards to awe-inspiring mountain ranges.

Those who choose to study in France have the opportunity not only to visit some of the country’s most famous urban and rural sites, but also to immerse themselves in daily French life and culture.

As mentioned earlier, France represents a relatively affordable option for international students, thanks to low tuition fees. At public universities, fees are set nationally. For 2018-19, the annual fee for a master’s program is €243 (approx. US$282), while a doctoral program costs €380 (~US$441). At private institutions, fees are usually higher; according to Campus France, the typical range is between €3,000 and €10,000 per year (approx. US$3,500-11,600).

Funding options available to international students include grants via the EU’s Erasmus+ program, grants from the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (including the Eiffel Scholarships for master’s and PhD students), awards from individual universities and funding provided via regional councils, usually in partnership with public research agencies such as the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). More scholarships to study in France can be found here.

Doctoral students can also apply for a contrat doctoral, which means they legally become an employee of the university, receiving a regular salary in return for research and teaching work. This is around €1,400 per month, and can be higher for those who take on additional tasks.

The application process varies depending on your nationality and the type of institution and program you are applying for. Those from certain countries (listed on the Campus France website) are required to apply using the online CEF procedure. Those from countries not covered by this system should apply directly to each institution. Depending on the language in which the program is taught, students may be asked to submit proof of proficiency in either French or English, either through evidence of having completed an earlier degree in the relevant language, or by taking a language test such as the DELF, DALF, IELTS or TOEFL.

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This article was originally published in January 2015. It was updated in August 2018.