FAQ on studying in France

The rules for admission to universities in France depend on the citizenship of the applicants. If the applicant is a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Union, the admission requirements are somewhat simplified. For foreign students, for example, from the CIS countries, the requirements are more stringent.

Foreign citizens who wish to study at a French university are required to register on the Campus France website (Campus France is a state information center for higher education in France). This procedure is possible if you have a set of documents confirming your identity, education, work experience in your chosen field, level of foreign language proficiency, and financial situation. These include:

• passport with a long validity period (without translation);
• resume (CV) in French or English (depending on the educational program);
• certificate of knowledge of the state language at the B2-C1 level;
• translated and officially certified certificate of secondary education;
• diplomas (if any) of previous higher education;
• certificate of work related to the future specialty;
• motivation letter and others.

It is important to note that these documents have different validity periods: notarized translations of diplomas are valid indefinitely, while certificates are only valid for one month.

Next, you need to register on the Campus France portal, pay the registration fee, and attend an interview. Applicants who receive an invitation to study must confirm their readiness to move and apply to the consulate for a student visa.

It is important for applicants to know that education at a French university is not free. The only way to study for free is to obtain a scholarship, which is practically impossible for first-year international students. The minimum fee for one semester is €700.

In the usual sense, there is no such thing as completely free education in France. Despite the opportunities offered by public schools, colleges, and universities, which are essentially subsidized for their own citizens, education for foreign students remains fee-based. For example, unlike private universities, all public universities are free to attend, but they require a fee of €200-800 per year. The amount of the fee depends on the prestige of the institution.

Depending on the type of educational institution, you will also need to be prepared for other expenses.

• to have your application documents reviewed, you must pay a registration fee, which is currently around €250.
• you need a national visa, which costs between €50 and €100.
• all educational institutions require medical insurance, which costs around €211 per year.
• you will need at least €615 per month of study, or €7,380 per year, for which you will need to open a special account in a French bank.
• before enrolling at university, students pay a social contribution (CVEC) – on average €190.

The cost of education at private educational institutions in France for 2021 was (on average):

• bachelor's degree – €2770,
• master's degree – €3770.

In addition to the above expenses, students must also pay for transportation (e.g., airfare, public transport) and accommodation. In this country, the average cost for a foreign student, depending on the region, is €1,817, including rent, food, and pocket money.

To study in France, you need a deep knowledge of the state language. All public schools, colleges, and universities teach in French. However, there are also English-language educational programs available, which require knowledge of English at the B2 (Upper-Intermediate) or C1 (Advanced) level. Such programs are offered by the faculties of exact and natural sciences, management, and economics, which require a certificate of proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL).

Enrollment in an educational institution where French-language programs predominate is not possible without a DELF/DALF certificate of at least B2 level. According to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), this is an advanced level, characterized by independent language proficiency. Therefore, the application process includes a TCF test, the main purpose of which is to confirm the language level. It is important for applicants to know that the following skills are assessed here:

• the use of theoretical knowledge in practice, i.e., the complexity of speech and the length of phrases, the ability to maintain a conversation with several people and formulate your own thoughts on a given topic;
• vocabulary of about three to four thousand words;
• the use of synonyms and antonyms;
• knowledge of the terminology of the chosen specialty, and others.

While first-year students at universities and colleges only need to know French (English) at the B2 level, higher courses require a higher level (C1).

Knowledge of foreign languages is also recommended for attending children's summer camps and language schools, but at a lower level – A1. Colleges and lyceums in secondary education require a language proficiency level of B1.

More detailed information on the requirements for French (English) language proficiency certificates can be found on the websites of educational institutions.

There are no fully bilingual schools in France where instruction is provided in two languages throughout the entire academic year. We recommend that you consider the Ecole des Roches. In middle school, instruction is provided in French, and in high school, students can continue their education in French or take the IB international program in English.

Private schools in France accept children aged 12 and older for boarding. Instruction at these schools is conducted in French. In the upper grades, students can switch to an English-language program if they wish.

There are usually no minimum requirements for participants in summer programs. Before the program begins, children are tested to determine their current level and are assigned to the appropriate group. However, for a comfortable stay at camp, it is recommended to have at least a basic level.

There are six levels that determine proficiency in French. These levels are defined in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from Beginner (A1) to Master or Proficient (C2).

It is possible to enroll in a French university after the 11th grade. The problem is that eleventh-grade students do not always have time to prepare the documents required for enrollment in an educational institution, as they have to do so before graduating from school. The deadlines for submitting documents are usually set by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, to enroll in the first year of university, you must meet the following requirements.

1. First, you must create a so-called electronic dossier Etudts en France (studying in France). At this stage, applicants should decide on their choice of university (to be on the safe side, it is recommended to choose at least three universities).
2. Then, after filling it out, the electronic documents are sent for verification to the Campus France office (the French state information center on higher education, created by the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education). Such centers operate all over the world. The package of documents includes:
   • passport with a sufficient validity period (no translation required);
   • resume (CV) in French or English, (depending on the educational program);
   • certificate of proficiency in the state language at the B2/C1 level;
   • officially certified secondary education certificate translated into French;
   • letter of motivation and other supporting documents.

It is important to note that the validity periods of documents may vary: notarized translations of certificates/diplomas are valid indefinitely, references are valid for one month only.

3. Then you must pay the registration fee and then attend an interview at Campus France. At this stage, first-year students take the TCF test to confirm their knowledge of French.
4. Applicants wait for responses (decisions) from universities regarding admission. If the decisions are positive, it is necessary to respond to the selected university and confirm your desire to study there.

At all levels of the education system, the French State guarantees free education to both its own citizens and foreigners. The exception is private higher and secondary schools, which work on a commercial basis (on average, they charge between €8,000 and €20,000 per academic year). At the same time, the country has a well-established system of financial assistance for students, including provision of accommodation in dormitories (if necessary).

A unified educational program (developed by the relevant ministry) is implemented at all levels of education, which is also carried out by the non-state sector. This sphere consists of four stages:

• Preschool
• Primary
• Secondary
• Higher education.

Attendance at preschool institutions (from the age of two) is voluntary (depending solely on the parents' decision). The state fully compensates for the costs of their maintenance. From 6 to 16 years of age, school attendance is compulsory but remains free of charge.

Secondary education in France is represented by alternative educational institutions. As a rule, the lowest costs for students and their parents are associated with state schools, where mainly boarding services are paid for (on average €10,000 per year). With regard to private schools, which (despite their significant costs) are always highly competitive, it is important to know that they are divided into two categories (groups) that determine the cost of tuition.

1. The first category includes schools subsidized by the state, with which a contract has been previously concluded, and therefore the annual costs here range from €15,000 to €20,000. Schools in this group are in the highest demand among French students.
2. The second category includes autonomous (independent) international boarding schools that follow Anglo-American programs. This group is the most expensive: the cost of one academic year here is estimated at €25,000 and above.

The situation is similar in higher education: tuition at public universities is free, except for an annual student fee (from €200 to €700) and social insurance (about €200 per year). At commercial universities and colleges, educational costs for two semesters range from €6,000 to €12,000.

No entrance exams are required for admission to French educational institutions (schools, lycées, universities). The exception to this rule is certain fields of study at prestigious higher education institutions and university departments, which require applicants to pass interdisciplinary exams.

• For example, applicants for humanities programs must pass an exam/test in the language of instruction (French or English), their chosen specialization, history, and geography.
• Engineering programs require applicants to pass assessment tests in mathematics, languages, and their chosen specialization.

Due to the high requirements for the content of the entrance exams and their complexity, foreign applicants need preliminary professional preparation, which they undergo in preparatory courses for two to three years.

At the same time, the admission procedure is the same for foreigners and French residents. The only difference is the amount of the student registration fee, which is traditionally lower for European Union citizens. A common requirement for all applicants is the calculation of the grade point average (GPA) of their certificate/diploma, which indicates the intellectual potential of the student for further study. The Grade Point Average is taken into account when enrolling in preparatory courses, colleges, bachelor's programs, graduate programs, etc. For example, a score of 4.2 is sufficient for admission to a state university in France (the maximum score for higher education is 5.0).

Almost all educational institutions require certificates obtained after passing exams in French or English (depending on the educational institution). For example, for higher education, you need to show a level of at least B2 on the French exam (DELF) and 5.5 on the English exam (IELTS).

It is important to pay attention to two nuances:

1. The deadlines for accepting documents and the conditions for admission may change (due to the pandemic and the complex political situation). Accurate information is provided on the Campus France website.
2. Not all educational institutions are connected to this system, so you should contact the organizations themselves through their websites.

Higher schools (Grandes ecoles) are educational institutions of a special type within the education systemthat are considered the most prestigious universities in France. They are divided into public and private. Unlike other schools, these schools select applicants under certain conditions:

• two to three years of preparatory courses (or the first two years of university);
• passing difficult interdisciplinary exams;
• having a language certificate of at least B2 level;
• stand up to fierce competition;
• for French citizens, it is mandatory to sign a contract agreeing to work (after graduation) for at least six years in the civil service; this requirement does not apply to foreigners;
• for those with a specific focus, education is free, for others it is exclusively paid;
• state higher education institutions are subsidized by the state (the cost of educating one student is more than three times higher for the state than at regular universities);
• for foreign applicants (especially from the CIS), the chances of admission are minimal (there are schools that do not accept foreigners at all).

Higher educational institutions train highly professional specialists in various fields: military and engineering, high-level management, education and culture, etc. As a rule, graduates of these schools are in high demand in the civil service, economics, and business (among them are presidents, prime ministers, senators, diplomats, top managers, writers, and philosophers). The duration of study at higher education institutions is 5-6 years (including preparatory courses).

The most famous higher education institutions include the following:

• Ecole normale superieure de Paris – ENS de Paris (École Normale Supérieure de Paris);
• National School of Administration under the Prime Minister of France;
• Polytechnic School;
• Ecole Centrale (Central School);
• HEC (Graduate School of Commerce) and others.

A distinctive feature of higher education institutions is that, unlike other students, targeted students receive a scholarship equivalent (in status) to the salary of a civil servant. At the same time, educational programs and school graduation certificates are the same for all students.

According to preliminary data, educational expenses for applicants for the 2022/23 academic year have not changed. According to information from the French Consulate, registration for foreigners for the upcoming academic year is already closed, and information about 2023/24 will only be available in October of this year, i.e., 2022.

The cost of educational services is influenced by factors such as the type and prestige of the educational institution and the duration of study. For example, secondary school is free here, as the state compensates for all its expenses. However, in private schools, which are very popular in France, the annual cost of education for students is quite significant, ranging from €15,000 to €25,000 and above.

The situation is similar in higher education: tuition at public universities is free, except for an annual student fee (from €200 to €800) and social insurance (about €200 per year). At commercial universities and higher education institutions, the cost of education for two semesters will be between €6,000 and €12,000. In addition to fees, there are other costs associated with organizational features:

• registration fee for checking the applicant's documents, which currently amounts to about €250;
• national visa fee (€50 to €100);
• medical insurance – approximately €211 per year;
• opening a bank account (with a deposit of at least €7,380 per year);
• social security contribution (CVEC) – €190 on average.

he cost of studying at private educational institutions in France in 2021 was (on average):

• bachelor's degree – €2,770;
• master's degree – €3,770.

In addition to the above expenses, students must also cover transportation costs (e.g., air tickets, public transportation) and living expenses. In this country, the average cost for a foreign student, depending on the region, is €1,817, including rent, food, and pocket money.

It is important to note that the pandemic has affected the above costs, which can be found on the websites of educational institutions and consulates. There have also been changes in the conditions for entering France in 2022 due to the difficult political and economic situation on world markets.

Children in France usually start primary school at the age of 6, where they study for 5 years. Many parents prefer to send their children to kindergarten at the age of 3-4, where children learn to communicate and prepare for school.

According to the country's legislation, schoolchildren are required to attend secondary school between the ages of 6 and 16. Education is free. It begins with a preparatory cycle, then students move on to middle school (ages 11-14), and in high school (from age 15) they are transferred to a lyceum or college.

Private schools in France are popular among foreign students: the cost of education there is low (compared to other European countries), and the quality of services provided is high.

The start of the school year is set independently by each region of the country, but in any case, it will be in the first half of September. This is done in order to reduce traffic congestion on the roads. Private schools have the right to set the date of the first day of school independently.

School education in the country lasts 11-12 years, depending on the students' goals. In France, children are required to attend school between the ages of 6 and 16. In primary school, students study several areas for 5 years, then at the age of 11 they transfer to secondary school with a more complex curriculum. Secondary school lasts for 4 years. By the age of 15, high school students must decide on their future career path. If a student wants to obtain a vocational qualification, they continue their education in upper secondary school for another 2 years. If you plan to go to university, you must study in upper secondary school for 3 years.

There are many public and private educational institutions and boarding schools in the country.

• Foreign children can be enrolled in public schools in the upper grades, where education is free, but only in French and subject to all program requirements. Parents only pay for educational materials and excursions organized by the school.
• Private schools accept children of any age and mainly teach foreign students. The programs in private and public schools are similar.

Foreign students can enroll in French secondary schools after completing a preparatory course to improve their French language skills or a summer language camp.

International schools located in France operate according to their own rules. Often, the teaching process takes place in English according to British programs, methods, and traditions, and children from different countries around the world are accepted.

There are also specialized secondary schools in France for children with special needs, which provide the same quality education as regular schools.

French schools have 12 grades (11 grades + graduation) — children study for a total of 12 years.

At the age of 6, students enter school and study in primary school for 5 years. Then they move on to the next level of education — college, where they study for 3 years (grades 6 to 3). Next comes high school (lyceum), where high school students can study for 2 years and then go on to get a vocational qualification, or 3 years, which gives them the opportunity to enter university.

In primary school, the learning process includes acquiring basic knowledge: students study their native language, the basics of mathematics, the world around them, and art. After completing five years of primary education, children take exams and receive their first education certificate.

At the next level of education (college), students spend three years adapting to new educational standards, consolidating and deepening their knowledge, and deciding on their future specialization.

Moving on to the lyceum, high school students complete their secondary education and make a final decision on where they want to continue their professional education. After completing three years of high school, students receive a certificate and a French Baccalaureate degree, which gives them the right to enter universities.

Classes in France are numbered in reverse order. At the age of 6, students enter the 11th grade and study for 11 years, after which they move on to the final graduating class. In total, students receive education for 12 years. Some private schools may have their own rules in this regard.

In the primary grades, children spend five years preparing for the transition to the next level of secondary education (college). At the age of 11, they transfer to college, where they study for four years from grades 6 to 3. During this period, students adapt to new educational requirements, master the basic secondary school curriculum, and choose a specialization (humanities or technical). At the age of 15, high school students transfer to a lyceum, where they study from grade 2 through graduation. In these grades, students study their chosen specialization in greater depth and prepare for admission to university.

The french education system is divided into several stages:

• Preschool period (nursery, kindergarten) – children 2-6 years old
• Primary school – 6-11 years
• Middle classes (college) – teenagers 11-15 years old
• Senior classes (lyceum) – 15-18 years
• Higher education — from the age of 18.

Education in the country meets accepted international standards and consists of three stages. Preschool education is not part of compulsory education, but many parents prefer to send their children to kindergarten from the age of 3, where they learn to read, write, and behave in society. In primary school, where children are enrolled at the age of 6 in grade 11, the learning process is divided into three stages: preparatory, two primary, and two secondary. At the end, exams are taken.

Students then move on to college (high school), where the learning process is divided into three stages:

1. Grades 6-5 – adaptation,
2. Grades 4-3 – orientation,
3. Grades 2-1 – professional course.

Upon entering high school, students must choose their future profession. After studying at the lycée for two years, students can enroll and obtain a vocational specialization. After studying at the lyceum for three years, students are eligible to enroll in universities.

The country has Grandes Écoles, which are similar to universities. These are prestigious higher education institutions that offer the best career prospects.

Secondary education in France is available and free of charge for foreign students, but public schools prefer to accept students from abroad only in high school. The costs here will be minimal - they mainly go towards textbooks (200-400€/year).

You can enter a private school at any age, but education will be paid. Private educational institutions provide high-quality knowledge in all subjects and well-rounded development, which sets them apart from public schools.

All schools have special programs for the successful adaptation of foreign students, which help them integrate into a new environment and understand the necessary terminology, which will later help them study in French for free. An individual study plan is drawn up for each foreign student according to their abilities.

It is necessary to prepare for admission in advance, as places in public schools are limited and the administration conducts a preliminary selection of candidates. Applicants must collect all the necessary documents, write a letter of motivation, and pass interviews, tests, and exams. There are very few free places in French higher education institutions. To be admitted, you need to go through a difficult process — you need to have a high level of language proficiency, have a DELF/DALF and TCF certificate, write a letter of motivation and an autobiography, apply for a visa, and pay for insurance.

Tuition fees at the country's universities start at €250/year, which is quite affordable and attractive. All foreign students, whether paying or free of charge, are eligible for scholarships and grants.