Before starting preparations to study in France, you need to know about the admission cycle of the France Universities so that you can have general information about the beginning of the application process for higher studies in 2024
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Why Study in France?
France is one of the premier destinations for international students including Indians because of its rich heritage, multicultural environment, presence of the world’s top universities that promote research and innovation as well as acceptance of French degrees that give direct access to more than 500 companies present in India. On average, France welcomes around 3500-4000 Indian students every year.
There are around 35 France universities in the QS World University ranking 2024 which shows the reliability of the global community of students and academicians in France for pursuing higher studies.
France is the world’s fifth developed economy and has over 30 companies of the world’s most 500 powerful companies. In Academics, France has produced over 15 noble laureates in literature, 13 in physics and 3 in economics. The education system in France represents 20% of the investment in the total budget.
Intakes in France Universities 2024
Before starting preparations to study in France, you need to know about the admission cycle of the French institutes so that you can have general information about the beginning of the application process for higher studies.
| Type of Intakes | Application cycle | Commencement of Semester |
|---|---|---|
| September/Fall intake (Rentrée d'Automne) | March-August | September |
| January/Spring intake (Rentrée d'Hiver) | September-December | January |
Fall intake is the primary intake that most of the students consider better to commence their studies in France because it is the start of the academic calendar in the country. Spring intake is less common and small in comparison to fall intake because it is offered by some universities. Students opt for this in case they have missed deadlines or need more time for preparations.
Study in France: Levels of Programs
France has approximately 3000 public and private universities around the country which receive 75% of foreign students every year for post-secondary education. Students choose from a variety of courses such as Science, Engineering, Arts, Commerce, Physical Education etc. to accomplish their aims in life. Like every other country, France has also divided its higher education system into three levels. (three-tier system).
Bachelor’s Degree-
It is also known as a licence whose duration is 3 years.
Master’s Degree-
The duration of the Master’s degree or post-graduation program in France is 3 years.
Doctorate-
The duration of the doctorate program is 3 years in France
Application Process in Universities in France 2024
Who does not want admission to good and top universities to pursue their dreams? However, choosing the right program at the right university is a somewhat difficult task if you have not planned your calendar appropriately.
In France, since the academic year gives two intake options, there is ample time given to aspiring foreign students to plan and execute their preparation schedule accordingly so that they can land at the right place at the right time. The application procedures in bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs may vary regardless of the intake you are choosing to study.
What is Etudes en France?
Campus France is the public nodal agency of France which provides assistance and guidance to foreign nationals who want to study in France. Since India is one such country which is affected by ‘Etudes en France’ and listed in Campus France, Indian students can visit its official website to start processing the application for bachelor’s degree courses in France.
Campus France is the centralised body which receives applications and forwards them to chosen institutes. International students can also seek Campus France to set up the visa process. From entrance to enrollment, Campus France is the reliable and one-stop portal for international students.
Documents Checklist
International students wishing to pursue degree programs in France should arrange and prepare their documents before applying for their desired course on Campus France since they have to submit the following documents during making application process:
- All previous educational transcripts
- Scores of all the tests like – GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
- If you are enrolling in a French-taught course, you need the certificate for DELF or DALF.
- Letter of Recommendation: A minimum of two LORs is essential for a university application since it gives admissions committees important information about the potential, skills, and character of an applicant.
- LOR is usually provided by instructors, mentors, or supervisors who have a close working relationship with the candidate in a previous college or workplace.
- Statement of Purpose: SOP includes the purpose and motivations which drive you to choose France as your career destination. It can be two/three pages long.
- CV/Resume
- Passport size photographs
- Work Experience certificate (if applicable)
- Passport
The eligibility criteria for different courses in one or more universities might differ.
Application Process in French Universities
Public Universities provide admission to Bachelor’s as well as Master’s degree courses through Campus France. For the doctorate program, applications can be made through the university directly. On the other hand, private institutions provide admission to international students on their own in any level of program.
Let’s have a detailed discussion on the steps needed to be taken before entering your dream university.
Research and Evaluate
The basic process of applying to some universities is to first evaluate the field of interest you have, skills you possess and subject knowledge you carry. Through this, you will have an idea in what field or subject area you can excel in case you haven’t decided on your career
Shortlisting
Based upon this, explore the available courses and universities that offer them. Visit their respective websites and go through details of the course including curriculum, fee structure and other benefits like scholarships and scope of the chosen course. Shortlist 8-10 universities which are supposed to fulfil your career aspirations.
Application Process (Candidature)
- Visit the Etudes en France website and create an account.
- Check your email for password generation.
- Note down the Campus France registration number.
- Now visit the official website of Campus France and log in.
- You can also take the help of Campus France to explore the programs available in their catalogue
- Submit your details like personal details, academic records and motivation for the programs.
- The local advisor of Campus France will review your application and schedule the date for an interview.
- Pay the processing fees of Rs.18,000 through online mode on the website https://payment.ifindia.in/
The Interview
- The candidate is required to appear in the interview, virtually or physically depending upon the local situation.
- Carry your complete original documents along with one set of photocopies and fee receipts.
- After the interview, the original documents will be returned along with the interview completion certificate.
Visa Process
- After qualifying for the interview, universities will start contacting you based on the recommendation given by the Campus France Advisor.
- Go through the online portal of the universities and check their calendar for the given intake.
- The enrollment process in different universities might differ. Go through their websites for further details.
- Complete the process of admission and collect the acceptance letter.
- Start your Visa application through the online portal of the French Government https://france-visas.gouv.fr/
The whole application process from entrance to enrollment might take 9-10 months to complete fully. Keeping this fact in mind, the international student wish to pursue degree courses in France should initiate the process as earliest as possible in any given intake.
Also read- Study Visa for France
Top Universities in France 2024
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|
| PSL University Paris | 24 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 38 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 71 |
| Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon | 184 |
Top Courses in France 2024
| Top Courses | Average Tuition Fees | Job Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | €30,000-90,000 (27 Lakhs-90 Lakhs INR approx) | Account Manager Business Developer Sales Executive |
| Engineering | €20,000-30,000 (19 Lakhs-27 Lakhs INR approx) | Software Developer Civil Enginner Mechanical Engineer |
| Computer Science | €10,000-25,000 (9 Lakhs-22 Lakhs INR approx) | AI Expert Application Analyst Cyber Security Analyst |
| Fashion Designing | €9,000-18,000 (8 Lakhs-18 Lakhs INR approx) | Product Designer Stock Associate Design Manager |
| Hotel Management | €6,000-10,000 (5 Lakhs-9 Lakhs INR approx) | Hotel Manager Chef Sous Chef |
| Data Science | €10,000-40,000 (9 Lakhs-36 Lakhs INR approx) | Data Scientist Prompt Engineer Data Scientist |
| Medicine | €18,000-40,000 (18 Lakhs-36 Lakhs INR approx) | Doctor Psychologist Surgeon |
| Film and Media | €40,000-100,000 (36 Lakhs-90 Lakhs INR approx) | Video Editor Animator Motion Design |
| Finance | €12,000-30,000 (8 Lakhs-27 Lakhs INR approx) | Accountant Financial Advisor Financial analyst |
Conclusion
To sum up, France is the leading study destination in Europe, having modern infrastructure and a top-class education system. To begin study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, foreign students can use the centralised facility of the Government of France whereas enrolling in doctorate programs needs the direct involvement of the university individually. Private institutions in France offer admission on their own at any level. Students are needed to start preparing for admission in any intakes, before 9-10 months because of high competition for admission in French public universities.
FAQs
Can an International student work along with his/her study in France?
Is the French language necessary to get admission to universities in France?
What is the costs of living in France?
Also read- Study in Europe
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
