Most of the bachelor degree programs are available in Fall intake which is also known as major intake. This depends upon university so students are needed to prepare accordingly by keeping desired course and university in their mind.
Both India and France now recognise the educational programs as well as academic credentials of each other’s students.
Table of Contents
Bachelors in France: Why to Pursue It?
Vibrant Culture: France is one of the premier European destinations for international students including Indians to seek undergraduate programs because of its rich heritage, multicultural environment, and presence of the world’s top universities.
Presence of World-Class Universities: There are around 35 top universities in France enlisted in the QS World University ranking 2024 which shows the reliability of the global community of students and academicians for pursuing degrees and other courses in France.
Leading Nation in Research and Innovation: France promotes research and innovation in various disciplines at higher study levels which encourages students to think out of the box and produce creative solutions to real-life problems.
Global Reach: Bachelors degree in France has the acceptance of more than 200 global institutions and industries that assist students in pursuing further higher study, internships and even some entry-level jobs across the globe. On average, France welcomes around 3500-4000 Indian students every year.
Strong Economy: France is the world’s fifth most developed economy and has over 30 companies of the world’s most powerful 500 global companies. It showcases the strength of accreditation and the reliability of the economic policies administered by the French government for the welfare of students and professionals.
Academic Excellence: 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 which ensures that the country is highly committed to imparting qualitative and high-class education to international students.
Bachelors in France: Study Intakes 2024
The duration of the bachelors in France may vary from 3 to 4 years depending upon the type of course and specialisation. Most of the bachelor degree programs are available in Fall intake which is also known as major intake. This depends upon university so students are needed to prepare accordingly by keeping desired course and university in their mind.
| 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 |
Top Universities for Bachelors in France 2024
Following is the list containing the top universities in France which are committed to providing high-quality and robust education to international students pursuing any undergraduate course in the country. The tuition fees for bachelors degree in France may vary depending on the university, type of course, their length etc.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Université PSL | 24 | €500-3000 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 38 | €12000-19000 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 | €250-18400 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 71 | €120-350 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 184 | €240-350 |
| Sciences Po | 192 | €13190-17500 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 319 | €100-5000 |
| Université de Montpellier | 382 | €170 |
| Université de Strasbourg | 421 | €600 |
Also read- Guide to Study in France
Bachelors in France: Top Courses 2024
We have enlisted the top courses in France which are most popular among international students.
| Courses | Offering University |
|---|---|
| Film Studies | ESRA University of Paris |
| Law | University of Paris Sciences Po University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne |
| Life Sciences | University of Paris |
| Fashion Designing | International Fashion Academy (IFA) ESMOD Paris College of Art |
| Creative Writing & Literature | "University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne Universite PSL" |
Also read- Best Books for IELTS
Application Process for Bachelors in France 2024
Every year, French universities provide two intake options to applicants for pursuing higher education in bachelor’s program. It gives ample time to plan and execute a preparation schedule before commencing the application process for the desired university in any given intake. The application procedures for bachelors in France may vary depending upon the chosen course and the university.
Ideally, the preparation should be initiated at least 1 year before the commencement of the application process to avoid chaos. It is so because assembling and arranging documents, preparing for standardised tests, collecting required finances etc. may take time.
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.
Eligibility Criteria for Bachelors in France
Both India and France now recognise the educational programs as well as academic credentials of each other’s students. Indian students who are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree program in France must fulfil the following eligibility to enroll themselves in the desired course.
- 10+2 certificate with a minimum of 70% from the government-recognised board (CBSE, state boards, ISC etc.).
- The student must be 18 years old.
Requirements to Study in France for Indian students
The following documents are needed to be submitted by an Indian student wishing to get enrollment in an undergraduate program:
- All previous educational transcripts like the 10th marksheet and certificate, the 12th marksheet and certificate, school leaving certificate.
- Scores of tests like TOEFL (minimum 97-100), IELTS (6.5-7.5) etc.
- If you are enrolling in a French-taught course, you need the certificate for DELF or DALF.
- 2-3 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.
- 1-2 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.
How to Apply?
Public Universities in France provide admission to Bachelor’s courses through Campus France. On the other hand, private institutions provide admission to international students on their own in any level of program.
The eligibility, requirements and application process might differ in some universities which you should keep in mind. Here, we are discussing the application process for Campus France.
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.
Conclusion
Bachelor’s degree courses are the pathway for any student to enter into the world of ‘academic professionalism’ because this is the place where work is done to improve the knowledge and skills of the students so that they can become meaningful assets in the world.
France is one such place where equal emphasis is laid upon both-improvement of basic knowledge and the development of skills to present solutions to real-life problems. Undergraduation is the stage where a student starts to learn and explore a deep understanding of the world and its working, in various disciplines.
Due to the presence of modern infrastructure, top universities and ecosystem, France is the excellent country to pursue higher studies.
FAQs
Can an Indian student pursue part-time work while studying in France?
Yes, they can pursue it. However, students can work up to only 964 hours a year in various roles such as content writer, translator, library assistant, dog walker etc.
Is there any entrance exam required for getting admission into a bachelor's degree program in France?
No, students only need to produce his/her academic and other necessary documents. However, it may differ according to university and course type. It is better to go through individual university website.
Do universities in France accept gap year?
France typically accepts a study gap of up to 2 years, but this can vary based on the institution and course.
Also read- Cost of Study in France
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.
