Masters degree - Postgraduate in English in France for international students

In-demand profiles and programs
France has a strong demand for history and social sciences, archaeology, arts, IT, engineering, and mathematics—many French university programs are considered some of the best in the world.

Renowned schools of fine arts
Historically, France has been a hub for talented and famous artists from around the world. Alongside Italy, it is one of the most influential countries in the fields of music, visual and performing arts, and fashion. This legacy has resulted in over fifty conservatories and art schools in the country.

Rich university history
Four of Europe's oldest universities—Sorbonne, Toulouse-South-Pyrenees, Montpellier, and Aix-Marseille—were established as early as the 13th century. Some were closed during the French Revolution but were later revived, rising from the ashes.

Affordability
A significant advantage is the low cost of education, which is considerably cheaper than in Italian or Spanish universities. For example, a master's degree in France costs an average of $4,000-4,500 per year.

Extensive opportunities for studying in English
Master’s programs offer significantly more English-language options compared to bachelor's degrees; depending on the university, these programs can make up 60-70% of the total offerings.

High workloads 
Despite the affordability, French universities demand a high level of dedication and active participation from students. This is especially true for the so-called *grandes écoles*; students are expected to study extensively in their free time as well. The higher the level of education, the greater the workload: studying for a master's degree is more challenging than a bachelor's program.

Overcrowded classes and lack of funding
This is a direct result of France’s open admission policy, where all applicants who meet the criteria are admitted. This often leads to a shortage of lecture halls, desks, and study materials. While this issue is less severe for master's programs, it still exists.

Employment difficulties 
France has a relatively high unemployment rate—the 7th highest in the world. Foreigners often face bias and are held to higher standards, with employers generally preferring to hire French graduates.

High cost of living  
Decent student housing or renting private accommodations can be quite expensive. This is the downside of affordable universities: competition for housing is intense.

For students from non-EU countries, the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research has set a fixed fee of:

• Lisance (Bachelor's degree): $2979/year;
• Master's degree: $4055/year;
• The cost of doctoral programs remained unchanged - $409/year.

At the same time, some universities establish privileges for expat applicants, so they can pay the same amount as French or EU citizens. Among others, favorable conditions are offered by the Universities of Le Mans, Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Sorbonne, University of Clermont-Overgne, 1 and 2 Universities of Rennes, University of Brittany. In this case, the fee will be:

• Lisance: $183/year;
• Master's degree: $261/year;
• Doctoral studies: $409/year.

Tuition fees for Master's programs in higher education range from $14,000 to $28,000: the final amount depends on the training program chosen, the institution and the language of instruction (English-language programs are more expensive than those taught in French).

Additional costs include:

• exams ~$80;
• non-refundable registration fee ~$100;
• rent ~$700-1200;
• meals ~$800-1200;
• health insurance ~$200-300;
• study materials and manuals ~$400-600.

Universities 
These are state-owned institutions, approximately 70 in total. After recent reforms, many universities merged and now share a name with a numerical index (e.g., there are about ten Sorbonne universities, three in Lyon, etc.). Admission is generally free, and tuition fees are relatively low.

Grandes écoles
These are a group of around 200 of the most prestigious, old, and respected institutions in France. They train top-level specialists in various fields and have the autonomy to determine their entrance exams and tuition fees, which can often reach $40,000-60,000 per year.

There are several types:

- Écoles Normales Supérieures (ENS): "Purely academic" institutions, with only four in total—one each in Lyon and Rennes, and two in Paris. These schools have a dense network of partnerships within France and abroad. Education is prestigious, expensive, and highly competitive, with an annual quota of only 20 international students.
- Grandes écoles d'ingénieurs: Engineering schools offering not only technical but also humanities and social science education. Several engineering schools are included in QS and other international rankings, with the Polytechnique School ranked in the top 100.
- Grandes écoles de commerce: Business schools, often established by chambers of commerce or trade associations. The most famous is the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), which ranks second in the QS Business School rankings (with Harvard taking the top spot).
- Écoles d'accès aux corps de la haute fonction publique: Schools for future civil servants, both civilian and military, open to French or European citizens.

Master’s programs are available in all types of grandes écoles.

The two other types of institutions—specialized art schools and private universities—do not offer master’s programs.

Universities in France can be either public or private, with about 20% of students attending private institutions. The difference is that private universities are not owned by the government (although about half issue official diplomas, with government authorities co-financing the institution). Examples of such institutions include Catholic universities in Paris, Angers, Lille, Lyon, and Toulouse, as well as some engineering and economics grandes écoles.

In addition to Catholic institutions, private universities can include:

- Lycées — private preparatory schools offering CPGE or BTS programs (technical secondary education),
- Non-profit and for-profit universities,
- Consular universities — established by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry and affiliated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. This category includes 27 business schools and 7 engineering schools.

French law prohibits private universities from using the term "university" in their names or issuing degrees with the same title and status as those from public universities. However, private institutions, where the number of faculty members often exceeds that of public institutions, may be granted the status of "free faculty." They may also offer master's programs.

A French master’s program lasts for two years. In some cases, entry exams are conducted in the form of an interview, examination, or public presentation. Additionally, a letter from the future academic supervisor may be required; it is important to arrange this in advance with the professor under whom the student plans to work. Eligibility requirements and the process for credential recognition are handled on an individual basis.

There are two paths for admission: public or private universities or grandes écoles.

Admission to a Master’s Program at Public Universities

Public universities only accept applications through Campus France, the organization responsible for processing applications from international students. According to the rules set by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign applicants can choose up to 7 universities in the same or related fields. Changing the field of study is not allowed; students must continue in the same field they chose at the bachelor's level.

For Russian and other CIS applicants, participation in the Etudes en France program is essential. Applicants from participating countries go through the following steps:

1. Create an electronic dossier,
2. Pay the application fee,
3. Attend an interview with representatives of Campus France, where they must explain why they chose a particular institution, why they want to study in France, and what their career plans are after graduation.

Some universities are still not part of Campus France; in this case, documents must be sent by regular mail, but this does not exempt the applicant from going through the Etudes en France process before applying for a visa. Registration on Campus France is mandatory for obtaining an entry visa.

Universities may require additional entrance exams:

- Online or in-person interviews,
- Various types of exams,
- Presentation of a research plan or project.

After completing the admissions process, the next step is to apply for a visa. Master's students must obtain a D visa, a long-term document equivalent to a residence permit for students.

Admission to Master's Programs at Private Universities and Grandes Écoles

The procedure for admission to master's programs at private universities and grandes écoles is not regulated by the state. The process and required documents depend on the specific institution. Applications are submitted through the online portal. Additionally, for admission to grandes écoles, applicants must pass specialized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. A work experience letter may also be required to demonstrate practical experience in the chosen field, and in some cases, a letter from a potential academic supervisor is necessary.

Grandes écoles often conduct additional exams in the form of interviews, portfolio evaluations, presentations, or even defense of a proposed research project.

Applicants must have a language proficiency level of at least B2, while future lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals must demonstrate C1 level proficiency.

Each year, the government sets application deadlines; typically, applications are accepted from December to March, with the application fee due by the end of April. Responses are usually received by May or June, through the same method the application was submitted. If accepted, students must confirm their intention to enroll by July.

A sample list of documents includes:

• diploma and transcript;
• research plan;
• certificates confirming the required level of language proficiency (TCF 400+/DELF 75+/DALF 50+ for programs in French, TOEFL 85+/IELTS 6.5+ in English);
• GRE/GMAT entrance exams;
• resumes;
• letters of recommendation from licentiate/undergraduate teachers;
• motivation letter.

When applying, the entire package must be notarized and translated into the language of the program of study (English or French, respectively).

France and some countries have concluded a treaty on mutual recognition of degrees and qualifications, according to which a Bachelor's degree is identical to a Licentiate degree and allows admission to Master's programs. The only requirement is the provision of a notarized translation. Citizens of the countries whose governments are not parties to similar agreements must undergo consular legalization or apostille (France is a party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention).

The French higher education system is designed to attract a maximum number of international students. Out of more than 1,500 programs, over 1,200 are available in English (a full list can be found on the official Campus France website).

English-language programs are most commonly offered by grandes écoles with various profiles, but they have some key characteristics worth noting:

- Specialization in technical, natural sciences, management, and business fields; social sciences are rare and mostly concentrated in law, sociology, and economics.
- Often, English-language programs at grandes écoles are only available at the Master 2 level, meaning applicants must have 60 credits to enroll.

To be awarded the national master's qualification (Diplôme national de master — DNM), an institution must belong to the EPCSP (public institutions of a scientific, cultural, and professional nature), which includes both universities and grandes écoles.

France follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), so a total of 300 credits is required to obtain a degree (typically 120 credits from a master's program and 180 from a licence program). Universities can grant different types of degrees, including:

- Master 1 
  Awarded after the first year of study. It grants only 60 credits, so it does not lead to the national DNM qualification.
  
- Master 2 recherche  
  Awarded after the second year of study, with a focus on research. It is intended for students planning to pursue a PhD. The program emphasizes theoretical research and academic preparation.
  
- Master 2 professionnel
  Also awarded after the second year of study but focuses on developing specialized professional skills and preparing for a specific field. The course is built around practical classes, seminars, and internships, with theory as a secondary element. It is important to note that this type of Master 2 does not allow direct entry into a PhD program without additional steps.

In some universities, there is no first-stage master's degree, and students directly choose between academic or professional tracks, earning the corresponding Master 2 after two years.

In addition to the Master 1 and 2 degrees, grandes écoles can also award specialized degrees:

- Master of Science (MSc) — a non-state diploma whose value is directly linked to the prestige of the institution. It is popular among international students.
- Mastère spécialisé (MS) — an additional stage of study after completing a master’s program, aimed at developing highly valued practical skills. Open to bachelor's graduates with three years of work experience in the field.
- Master in Business Administration (MBA).

The academic year starts in September and ends in mid-June, and the organization of the process is determined by the specifics of the program and the university; in public institutions the duration of the Master's program is 4 semesters, or 2 years. The program includes classes on theory, methodology and practice, mandatory internships; the total load reaches 25-30 hours weekly. Considerable attention is paid to self-study and work on the research paper.

Current progress is evaluated on a 20-point scale, and in order to receive the required minimum credits, a student must receive an average of at least 10 points for assignments.

The final stage of work is the mémoire, the final qualifying work, or dissertation. Some universities offer a special course that teaches students the theoretical and practical aspects of working on a dissertation. The preparation of a mémoire consists of a number of stages, including choosing a topic and formulating the problems of the research paper, selecting a supervisor, drafting a plan and analyzing sources, the actual research and analyzing the results, and finally, editing, with the supervisor taking an active part in the process. On average, the volume of work is from 60 to 80 pages. The defense is held publicly, in the format of a presentation and answers to questions from members of the commission.

Higher schools have their own specifics: there are fewer compulsory lessons, even classes are not obligatory to attend (although absenteeism is rare, because admission is a non-trivial test, and education is very expensive).

Long-term Type D visas allow international students to work 18-20 hours per week. In France, the minimum wage—SMIC—is set at $11/hour before taxes and social contributions (for this income level, around 20-25% deductions).

Generally, master's students have three employment options:

- At the university (this comes with additional restrictions due to scheduling conflicts),
- Outside the university (usually in the service or cultural sectors, less commonly tutoring or nanny jobs),
- Internship, which in some cases is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a diploma.

An internship is compulsory for students in public universities. The duration varies from 30 to 180 days. Internships can be undertaken in government, commercial, or non-profit organizations. Internships lasting longer than 2 months must be paid at a minimum rate of $4/hour.

Internship vacancies can be found on the Campus France website. Employers typically request a resume and a motivation letter, followed by interviews. Upon successful hiring, students must provide documentary proof of employment.

After completing the internship, the employer issues a certificate detailing the number of hours worked and the wages received. In some universities, students are also required to present the results of their internship to a special committee.

Studying at public universities in France is not free, though it is relatively inexpensive. Students have the opportunity to receive scholarships or research grants.

The most popular programs include:

French Government Scholarship  
This is the most popular option, designed to fund the studies of international master's students. It covers tuition fees up to $4,762 and provides a monthly stipend of $741. Additionally, students can receive support for accommodation and other benefits.

Erasmus Scholarship
A collection of several European Union scholarship programs designed for teachers, students, and universities. It usually covers tuition fees, visa processing, housing, and transportation costs.