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List of Cheapest Universities in France for International Students.
Cheapest Universities in France for International Students – Are you thinking of studying in French university? Do you wish to study in a low tuition university? France is known for its low tuition universities and high quality of education at the lowest cost.
In this article we are going to take a look at the cheapest universities in France for International Students. I can assure you that you will certainly fine what in want on this page.
Tuition Fees in Cheap Universities in France
Government-owned universities in the country are operating on low tuition fee for international students, while private institutions charge a bit higher than that.
Below is the list of universities with low tuition fees in France for international students. I have also included official link to the school website so that you can check the information for yourself. Also, tuition fees are different based on the degree and the program that you are pursuing.
1. University of Paris
The University of Paris, metonymically known as the Sorbonne, was a university in Paris, France, from around 1150 to 1793, and from 1806 to 1970.
It was considered the second-oldest university in Europe and internationally highly reputed for its academic performance in the humanities ever since the Middle Ages – notably in theology and philosophy.
It introduced several academic standards and traditions that have endured ever since and spread internationally, such as doctoral degrees and student nations.
Vast numbers of popes, scientists, intellectuals and royalty were educated at the University of Paris.
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Tuition fee
The University of Parris is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fee for foreign students is relatively lower than for the local students in the University of Paris and the fee are as follows;
- Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
- Master (foreigners) 295 USD/year.
- Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
- Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: the university ranks 4th in France and 64th in the world
Acceptance rate: the university’s acceptance rate is quite high at the rate of 64% for all students.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $906-1,621 USD/month.
Admission requirements
An application to The University of Paris requires several supporting documents and sometimes tests. Most requirements can be uploaded directly in your online application.
- Online application form
- Personal statements
- Extracurricular activities and work experience
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- English language test (if you are from non-English speaking nations)
- SAT/ACT test scores (optional)
Official Website: www.paris-sorbonne.fr
2. Jean Monnet University
Jean Monnet University is a French public university, based in Saint-Étienne.
It was created in 1969 and is under the Academy of Lyon and belongs to the recent administrative entity denominated the the University of Lyon, which gathers different schools in Lyon and Saint-Étienne.
The main campus is located in Tréfilerie, in the city of Saint-Étienne. It has arts, languages and letters courses, law, medicine, engineering, economics and management, human sciences and the Maison de l’Université (administrative building).
Sciences and sports are studied in Metare campus, which is located in a less urbanized place in the city.
At the beginning of the 90s, in particular, the creation of an engineering school and a second IUT, in Roanne in addition to that of Saint-Etienne, as well as numerous professional degrees at the graduate and postgraduate level.
Tuition fee:
Jean Monnet University is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fee for all students in all programs ranges between 500-750 Euros/year for both bachelors and postgraduate programs
Ranking: The University is rated 59th among institutions in the country and 1810th in the world.
Acceptance Rate: the acceptance rate of the university is 12% which makes it more competitive than most institutions in France.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $692-1,272 USD/month.
Admission requirements
To access higher education in France, the candidates must have
- A French Baccalaureate
- Preparation for an entrance examination conducted in the University.
- In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
- They will have to demonstrate a level of understanding of the French language adapted to the training envisaged.
Admission procedures vary according to the type of institution and the training course envisaged.
Official Website: www.univ-st-etienne.fr
3. Claude Bernard University
The Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is one of the three public universities of Lyon, France.
The dominant areas of study covered by the university are science and medicine. The main administrative, teaching and research facilities are located in Villeurbanne. Other campuses are the domains of Gerland, Rockefeller and Laennec.
Claude Bernard Lyon 1 university provides teaching in the fields of science and technology, health and sport. Lyon 1 also helps each of its students to personally prepare their own career path.
Having established a strong intellectual reputation both in France and throughout the world, Lyon 1 is continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge, promoting education through research and constantly encouraging dialogue between science and society.
Its campuses, located in the heart of an outstanding region, are lively places with plenty of activities, enabling students to develop and achieve a sense of personal fulfillment: a University to live life to the full.
Tuition fee:
Claude Bernard university is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fees for the students are as follows;
- Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
- Master (foreigners) 295 USD/year.
- Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
- Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: the University is ranked 16th in the nation and 329th in the world.
Acceptance Rate: the acceptance rate is 10.2% for foreign students.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $677-1,244 USD/month.
Admission:
- Must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
- Preparation for a screening examination conducted in the University.
- In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
Website: www.univ-lyon1.fr/
4. Blaise Pascal University
Blaise Pascal, also known as Université Blaise Pascal, is a public university founded in 1854 with its main campus in Clermont-Ferrand, as part of Clermont-Ferrand University, France, with satellite locations in other parts of the region of Auvergne.
The Blaise Pascal University was created by the division of the University in two entities and was named for mathematician, scientist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal, who was born in Clermont.
It offers bachelors, master, and doctorate degrees in Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Language and Cultural Studies, and Science and Technology. It also offers bachelors or master’s degrees in Business and Social Science.
Tuition fee:
The Blaise Pascal University is considered as one of the cheap universities in France for international students.
The fee for all students ranges between 2000 -2600 EUROS depending on the course and the program.
However, the best international applicant can get 30-50% discount on the tuition fees and will continue to the next semester if the student maintains an average mark of at least 8 out of 10 and have no problems as a student..
Ranking: the university ranks 57th in the country and 1150th in the world.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $692-1,272 USD/monthly.
Official Website: www.univ-bpclermont.fr
Admission
- Secondary school diploma;
- TOEFL (IBT minimum score 60) or IELTS academic (minimum score 5.5) test certificate (Excluding applicants whose native or main study language is English).
- Composition of the competitive score consists of your final state exams or grades in:
- Mathematics;
- History
- One of the following subjects: Geography/Biology / Information technology / Second foreign language (In case a History exam was not taken, then two of the listed subjects are required)
- Annual grade:
- Additional points for national and international competitions (Economics, Management, Politics or Equivalent. Copy of certificate must be added to the application).
- Motivation interview on Skype (optional)
- Filled https://my.ism.lt online form
- A copy of passport pages containing photo and information about identity (submit copies and show original);
- Proof of adequate financial resources to cover the tuition fee and the living
5. Henri Poincare University
The Henri Poincaré University, or Nancy 1, was a public research university located in Nancy, France, established in the year 1970.
It was a member of the Nancy-Université federation, belonging to the French Nancy-Metz Academy.
Since 2012, Henri Poincaré University no longer exists: it merged with the University of Nancy 2, the University Paul Verlaine in Metz and the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, to form the University of Lorraine.
It has five faculties which include science and technology, medical school, pharmacy, Dentistry, sports, engineering schools telecom and three institutes of technology they are nancy- brabois, longwy and st. Die.
Tuition fee:
Henri Poincaré University is considered as one of the cheap universities in France for international students.
The tuition fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 210 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 291 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: The University is rated 463rd among the world universities and 124th among the schools in Europe and 23rd in France.
Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate of the university is 10% as it is very competitive.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $692-1,272 USD/month.
Admission
- Candidate must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
- Preparation for a screening examination conducted in the University.
- In the case of foreign students, they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
Official Website: www.univ-lorraine.fr
6. Joseph Fourier University
Joseph Fourier University (also known as Grenoble I) was a French university situated in the city of Grenoble and focused on the fields of sciences, technologies and health. It is now part of the Université Grenoble Alpes. The origins of this scientific university can be traced all the way back to 1811 when the scientist Joseph Fourier established a faculty of science in Grenoble.
It provides students with its high-quality education, enabling them to gain strong professional skills in courses like sciences, technology, medicine and society (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Mechanics, Engineering and Technology, Earth and Universe Sciences, Environment, Geography, Sports science and Physical Education).
The university runs many laboratories, many in association with CNRS, Grenoble-INP and other major institutions.
Tuition fee:
Joseph Fourier University is considered as one of the cheap universities in France for international students.
The fee for the university is as follow
Bachelor (foreigners) 210 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 291 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: the university is rated 7th in the country and 191st in the world.
Acceptance Rate: 13% for international students.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $669-1,192 USD/month.
Admission
- Candidate must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
- photo according to Photo requirements (pdf 60 kB),
- choice of courses with a motivation to their relevance to your ongoing studies, addressed to your three first choices of university, instructions will be posted very soon,
Official Website: www.ujf-grenoble.fr
7. Paris 13 University
University of Paris 13 is one of the thirteen universities in Paris which replaced the University of Paris in 1970. It is also identified as University of Paris North (Université Paris Nord).
The University Paris-13 was created when the Rector of the Academy of Paris decided to create 13 autonomous multidisciplinary universities, which replaced the faculties of the University of Paris, and the faculty of Villetaneuse.
Following the dismantling of the University of Paris, the chancellor of universities of Paris owns the buildings and land of the establishment. The Chancery of Creteil universities provides budgetary control and the University of Legality.
University Paris 13 offers to its students a wide range of academic training, in courses that include Arts, Humanities, Science, communication, economics and management, law, political and socials sciences, Health, Medicine and Human Biology and the physical and sports activities
Université Paris 13 Nord is a respectable academic institution and teaching center in the North of Paris.
Tuition fee:
The University Paris-13 is considered as one of the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
The fee for the university is dependent on the courses and program applied for and is as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 285 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: the University is rated 1153rd among world universities and 58th among institutions in France.
Acceptance Rate: 20%
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $906-1,621 USD/month
Admission:
The admission requirement includes;
- Online application form
- Personal motivational statements
- work experience proof
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- English language test (if you are from non-English speaking candidates)
- SAT test scores
Official Website: www.univ-paris13.fr
8. Pierre and Marie Curie University
The Pierre and Marie Curie University- Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie or also known as Paris VI, is a public research university in Paris, France.
It is one of the largest teaching institutes of science and medicine in Europe, with more than 125 laboratories.
Established in 1971 after the division of the famous University of Paris, it was divided among 18 different campuses in four French regions and was one of the inheritors of the faculty of Sciences of the University of Paris, which was divided into several universities in 1970.
Tuition fee:
The Pierre and Marie Curie University is considered as one of the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
The average tuition fees of 350 EUR/year depending on the courses, program and student’s nationality
Ranking: The University ranks 131st in France
Acceptance Rate: 20% for international students and 100% for indigenous students
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $906-1,621 USD/month
Admission The admission requirement includes;
- High school or pervious academic results, depending on the course applied for.
- Personal motivational statements
- Two letters of recommendation
- French language test (if you are from an English speaking candidate)
- SAT test scores
Official Website: www.upmc.fr
9. École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
École Normale Superieure (ENS Paris) is a French higher education establishment outside the framework of the public university system, and a constituent college of PSL Research University, a collegiate university based in the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Situated in the scholastic Latin Quarter, just west of the Seine in the centre of the city, ENS Paris is within walking distance of famous sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jardin du Luxembourg, the second-largest public park in Paris.
A research-led institute, the school is counted among the prestigious French universities which form the grandes écoles, and is particularly known for its departments of humanities and science.
ENS Paris boasts an alumni community that includes 13 Nobel Prize winners, as well as all eight French Fields Medals winners – the most coveted prize for young mathematicians.
Tuition fee:
The university is considered as one of the cheapest universities in France for international students in english
The fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 1,709 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 1,139 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: The university is ranked the second top university in the country and 43rd in the world
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $906-1,621 USD/month.
Admission:
The following documents are necessary
- Passport or ID card
- High school degree
- University transcript
- French/English language test (if you are from any of the non-speaking countries)
- Letter of motivation, study project and bibliography must be in French.
- Letter of recommendation
Official Website: www.ens.fr
10. Université Paris-Sud 11
Paris-Sud University- the University of Paris-Sud also known as the University of Paris XI is a French university distributed among several campuses in the southern suburbs of Paris including Orsay, Cachan, Châtenay.
The main campus is located in Orsay and boasts of its wide scope of multidisciplinary courses, and is spread across four campuses in the southern suburbs of Paris.
Paris-Sud is one of the largest and most renowned French universities, particularly in science and mathematics.
Tuition fee:
The university is considered as one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students in english.
The tuition admission fees were fixed at
€183 for an undergraduate degree
€254 for a Master’s degree
€388 for a PhD degree.
Ranking: The institution is ranked 242nd in the world.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $1,000
Admission:
The admission requirement includes;
- High school diploma
- Personal motivational statements
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- English language test (if you are from a non-English speaking candidate)
11. Université Paris Descartes
Université Paris Descartes is the only university in Paris and the whole Ile-de-France region that teaches medicine, pharmacy and dentistry all in one institution. Named after 17th-century philosopher René Descartes, Université Paris Descartes inherited the University of Paris’ medical department. This legacy is still in evidence, with the institution ranking within the top 150 for anatomy & physiology, pharmacy and medicine in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Tuition fee
The Université Paris Descartes is considered as one of the cheapest universities for international students in the world.
The fees are listed below;
Bachelor (foreigners) 206 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 280 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: Université Paris Descartes is placed among the 10 top universities in Paris and 450th in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
Acceptance Rate: 14% especially for foreign students
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $906-1,621 USD/month.
Admission:
The admission requirements include;
- French baccalaureate or higher education diploma in the country of origin
- Justify a good knowledge of the French language:
Level B2 * at least the French Knowledge Test (TCF);
Level B2 * at least in the French Evaluation Test (TEF);
Level B2 * at least in the French Language Studies Diploma (DELF)
- Personal motivational statements
- Advanced Diploma of French Language (DALF).
- residence permit and/or a student visa
Official Website: www.univ-paris5.fr
12. Catholic University of Lyon
The Catholic University of Lyon (Université Catholique de Lyon) or the Lyon Catholic University is a private university based in Lyon, France.
It was founded in 1875 and combines respect for Christian heritage with a spirit of openness.
The Catholic University of Lyon stands at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers in the centre of Lyon since its founding.
Its creation was done by lay Catholics with its location at the heart of a regional capital, its close ties to business and strong international links; it seeks to promote academic excellence, creativity and integrity.
The school offers programs in courses like; Theology and Religious Sciences, Philosophy and Human Sciences, Law, Economics and Social Sciences, Language and Literature and Science
Tuition fee:
The Catholic University of Lyon is considered as one of the cheapest universities for international students in the world.
The tuition fee is 1,500 Euros depending on program and course.
Ranking: The University is rated 219th in the country and 7882nd in the world.
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $677-1,244 USD/month.
Admission
- Candidate needs French Baccalaureate and its equivalent for international students.
- photo passport,
- motivation statement
- Test of English language for students applying for English taught courses.
Official Website: www.univ-catholyon.fr
13. Université Paris Dauphine
Paris Dauphine University (French: Université Paris-Dauphine), is a public research and higher education institution in Paris, France.
Dauphine was founded as a faculty of economics and management in 1968 in the former NATO headquarters in western Paris, in the 16th arrondissement.
Dauphine is renowned for its teaching in finance, economics, law, IT, social sciences finance and mathematics and business strategy.
Tuition fee
Paris Dauphine University is considered as one of the cheapest universities for international students in the world.
The tuition fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 285 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 530 Euros/year.
Master (citizens) 256 Euros/year.
Ranking: the university is rate 15th among universities in France and 355th in World ranking
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $906-1,621 USD/month.
Admission
- Must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
- In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education
- Personal statement.
- Recommendation letter.
Official Website: www.dauphine.fr
14. Universite d’Orleans
The Universite d’Orleans is located in the city of Orleans, France, one hour from Paris and just minutes from the famous chateaux of the Loire River Valley. Founded in 1306 by Pope Clement V, the school has been an important center of learning since that time. Its academic programs include Law, Economics, Management, History, Geography, Linguistics, Literature, Foreign Languages, Classical Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Geology, and other fields.
Tuition fee:
The tuition fees are dependent on the programs and courses;
Bachelor (foreigners) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 1,000 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: The University is ranked 68th among universities in France and 1321st in the World.
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $692-1,272 USD/month.
Admission:
The basic requirements include;
- An Official high school transcript in the original language, accompanied by an official English translation.
- A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 as calculated by the UNO Admissions office
- Math Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 19 SAT 500
- English Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 18 SAT 25 (Writing & Language) TOEFL 70 IELTS 6.0
Official Website: www.univ-orleans.fr
15. Universite de Montpellier
The University of Montpellier (Université de Montpellier) is a French public research university in Montpellier in the south-east of France.
Established in 1289, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world.
The university was split into three universities during 45 years (the University of Montpellier 1, the University of Montpellier 2 and the Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3) between 1970 and 2015 when it was subsequently reunified by the merger of the former two, with the latter, now named Paul Valéry University Montpellier, remaining a separate entity.
Tuition fee:
The annual tuition fees vary depending on the degree level of education.
Bachelor (foreigners) 141 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 267 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Ranking: The University is rated 279th among the school in the world and 11th in France.
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Annually Cost (accommodation and personal expenses): $638-1,205 USD/month.
Admission:
The major requirements needed are
- Passport
- Résumé
- Cover letter
- Language certificate (minimum level in French: B2)
- Transcript of records
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating that you graduated)
Official Website: www.umontpellier.fr
Cost of living in France
Cost of living in France is affordable. It is approximate at €400 to €500 a month to cover charge for food, clothing, books, transportation, etc.
The living cost for an individual is dependent on the location or town, lifestyle, and choice of transportation per time. Some of the major cities in France may cost a certain expense as follows;
Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence);
Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month;
Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between and 800 – 1.000 EUR;
For the rest of France, you can manage with smaller amounts (at least 650 EUR).
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation is within the range of 200 – 300 EUR/month.
The main housing options for students in France are:
Student halls of residence: 150-600 EUR/month, including facilities, if the room is private or shared.
Rent/share an apartment: 400 and 700 EUR/month, while in smaller French cities you can rent a small apartment for about 300 EUR/month;
The utility bills (electricity, water, the internet) would be another 200 EUR/month;
Host family – you can find rates that are only 200 EUR/ month to about 800 EUR/month in Paris.
Food costs
French food is delicious, sophisticated and the common conception is that it is expensive, as well.
That may be because the French truly values every meal and they make it seem like they are always celebrating something when they eat. However, food is not pricey all over France.
An individual can budget to spend on average about 250 – 300 EUR/month on groceries in Paris, or less in the provinces.
The average price for a meal in the least expensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR.
A more affordable option is the bistros, brassieres and crepe stands which cost from 5 to 8 EUR.
Transportation
A monthly pass for the bus, metro or tram is in range of 30 EUR;
Taxis are also relatively inexpensive in Paris, around 1.25 EUR/km, and you would spend 7 – 10 EUR for a short journey;
You can also rent a bike through the Vélib bicycle rental programme, but Bordeaux is the city in France most bike-friendly;
You can also use the TGV to visit other cities in France, for 30 EUR a trip.
Extra costs and savings
Healthcare mutual insurance: 20 – 50 EUR/month
Books or other learning materials: 50 EUR/month;
VIsa costs
If you are a citizen of non- EU/ EEA, you will need to apply for a French student’s visa, which costs 99 EUR.
In France, higher education is quite different from other countries in the world. In France, students interested in higher education have to choose from two different types of educational institutes these include Universities and Competitive Institutes (Grandes Ecoles).
General Eligibility requirements
For French University
- If you want to study as an undergraduate in France, you need to have a French baccalaureate or an equivalent degree, and you must have passed the University entrance exam in your respective country. If students are interested in studying in institutes of technology, they need to give a personal interview.
- If you are applying for a master’s program, you should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- If you are applying for a doctorate program in France, you need to have a master’s degree.
For Grandes Ecoles
- If you wish to apply for French grandes ecoles, you are required to have baccalaureat or equivalent diploma.
- Ranking of students in the Grandes ecoles is based on the results obtained by the student at the CGPE entrance exam.
- Required application documents
- Pre-registration certificate provided by the university
- Campus France authorization
- Passport or ID card (valid for the duration of your stay)
- Passport photographs
- Evidence of graduation diplomas and their French translation
- Registration fee (185 EUR/a year for the three-year license (Bachelor degree equivalent) course, 260 EUR for a Master’s and 390 EUR for a doctorate)
- Social security fees (around 200 EUR)
- A civil liability certificate
- Students from the EU: a copy of your European health insurance card
- Resume (only in some cases, and only for postgraduate degrees)
- Cover letter
- French and/or English Language certificate (depending on tuition language of chosen degree)
- Transcripts
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, a Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 Euros per month)
- You have to provide a cover letter/personal statement (in not more than 500 words) detailing your reasons for applying for a certain program and how it is related to your future goal.
- NOTE: Transcripts for masters’ students should be at least a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA (grade point average) or equivalent.
Applying for Grandes Écoles, and other specialized schools
For students, applying for the Grandes Écoles, you will have to use the following website to apply, http://www.admission-postbac.fr.
If you applying for this program, the application period is usually between 20th January to 20th of March. An additional application starts around 26th June to 15th of September, during this period, the application is not available for all study programs.
For the Grandes Écoles, applicants will have to take a personal interview, unlike the normal University application.
The grandes écoles, in particular, has a very high standard in its admission process. Applicants must hold a baccalauréat or equivalent diploma and they are selected according to the results obtained at very competitive entrance examinations that take place at the end of a two-year preparation programme called “Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles” (CPGE – Preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles).
The general cost of higher education in France is dependent on the programs applied for and the nature of the university.
A public university is considerably affordable than private universities. While the cost for postgraduate programs are high compared to undergraduate programs.
Public University
- Bachelor’s Degree costs about 189.10 EUR per year.
Note: Engineering degrees have a tuition fee of 615.10 EUR per academic year; while Medicine related studies cost about 452 EUR per year.
- (Master’s Degree): costs about 261.10 EUR per year
- (P.H.D Doctorate): 396.10 EUR per year
Private University
Bachelor degree program cost about 1500 – 6000 EUR per year.
Master’s Degree costs about 261.10 EUR per year
P.H.D Doctorate cost 396.10 EUR per year.
Is the French Language a requirement?
Check the French language requirement with your chosen French university, as it usually varies depending on the study program.
It is expected that prospective students for French Universities, should have a good knowledge of the French Language, at a level of B1/B2. Language test for French schools consists of DELF/DALF.
Steps during the application process
The application actually differs, depending on the applicant’s country.
- If you are from an EU or EEA country, you can apply directly just like French students. If not, you would need a student visa. you can check if you would need a visa.
- If you are a Non-EU/EEA student, you should apply through an online application system called CEF. Through the CEF system, you can apply for your visa online and monitor the progress of your application.
- IF you are registering or applying through the CEF system, you would have to visit the website of the Campus France office in your country.
- It is important that you pass the compulsory preliminary Admission.(“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP).
You can apply for DAP through the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your country. Evidence of your knowledge of the French language is needed through the DAP process, or you can register to take the TCF (French language exam); applications for TCF are usually open from October until February 22).
- If you live in a country that is not represented by Campus France, then you would need to submit a White File (Dossier blank) to the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in your country of origin.
If you already reside in Europe and you don’t have European citizenship, you will need to apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where you are residing.
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