Are you interested in studying in French Universities? Read the following article to know the whole procedure of university admission in France.

University Admission in France

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most romantic cities in the world. But it is just one of the countless reasons that make France a prime tourist destination. The famous Eiffel Tower, Roman ruins, Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals are few other notable sights to attract your attention. Not only the splendid French architecture attracts people, but the impressive cultural heritage of France leaves a striking effect on the people. From the total number of people visiting France each year, majority of them are students. Being one of the central educational and cultural centers of the world, France offers students an opportunity to learn and along with it, experience the rich culture of France. The educational system of France is already one of the most advanced and efficient educational systems in world. French universities provide short and long term courses in variety of subjects. Cost of university learning is low in France, adding one more reason for bringing thousands of students to the country. However, the admission procedure in France is slightly different from other countries, and students have to follow certain guidelines to secure a university seat. Read further to know more about the procedure of university admission in France.

University Admission in France

Higher education in France is quite different from other countries of the world. In France, students interested in higher education have to choose from two different types of educational institutes that are Universities and Competitive Institutes (Grandes Ecoles).

Eligibility Criteria

For French University

Students who are interested in studying undergraduate degrees at French universities need to have a French baccalaureat or equivalent degree and should have passed the university entrance exam in their respective home countries. If students are interested in studying in institutes of technology, they need to give a personal interview.
For students who are applying for a master’s program in a French university, they should have a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree diploma.
If you are applying for doctoral program in a university in France, you need to have a master’s degree or relevant diploma.

For Grandes Ecoles

To enter in French grandes ecoles, students are required to have baccalaureat or equivalent diploma.
Students are ranked on the basis of results obtained from very competitive entrance examinations. These examinations are conducted at the end of a two year preparation program known as CGPE.

Application Forms

The academic year in France usually begins in September or October. You can directly download the application forms for universities from their respective websites or ask for application forms from the universities. You can even ask the application forms for the universities from the French Embassy in your respective countries.

Complete and signed application form and enrollment agreement.
Non Refundable application fees.
You need to show a proof of assets sufficient to fund your studies.

A valid passport
Students are required to submit complete details of their education, including course subjects and grades in the applications.
Students applying for university admission need to submit an official transcript from each institution that they have attended after secondary school with full details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc.
In case the original documents or transcripts are not in English, students are required to submit copies and a good English translation along with your application. The sent educational documents should be certified or attested by a notary public, or a solicitor, or an official of the institution who issued the document.
In case of international students, you need to send your IELTS/ TOEFL scores as a proof of your English proficiency.

Admission Procedure

After submitting your complete filled application form, you will get admission offer from French university. Prior to this you will need to get student visa for France.
On reaching France, you must report to your institution and pay tuition fees for the academic year. After payment of fees, you will receive proof of enrollment and your student ID card, which will help you to get residency permit.
After completing the whole administrative registration process, you will report to your academic department in the institution.

Tuition Fees

At Public Universities

Students who are interested in applying for first cycle bachelor degrees need to pay 169 EUR per annum. Engineering degrees at public universities can cost you tuition fees of 538 EUR per academic year. The tuition fees for medical students vary according to their program. However, the average tuition fee for doctor of medicine is 452 EUR per annum.
Second cycle or master’s degree students need to pay tuition fees of 226 EUR per year.
PhD or doctoral program students which are also third cycle students have to pay tuition fees of 342 EUR per year.

At Private Universities
Tuition fees may vary from institution to institution and program to program. However, the average tuition fees at private universities can be around 1500- 6,000 EUR per year. Business schools usually charge tuition fees of 4,500 to 7,000 EUR per year.

Documents Required

University Admission in France

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