Study Abroad Programs in France

Most foreigners only have eyes for Paris, but it’s worth having a look at the other major French cities to find the one with the perfect climate, scenery, academics, and atmosphere for you.

Paris

Most people’s first choice for study abroad in France will probably be Paris. It’s one of the most famous and iconic cities in the world, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in that chic Parisian lifestyle is a huge draw for international students. Paris can be exactly as romantic, fascinating, and culturally enriching as you imagine, but be warned: your student budget will severely limit your exposure to high fashion and fine cuisine. Common courses students like to take in the City of Lights include Fashion Design, Business, International Affairs, and French Language.

Grenoble

Grenoble benefits from an exceptional location at the foot of the Alps, but it is the city’s excellent innovation hubs that make it an attractive location for students. It has been voted France’s best student city several times, thanks in part to its huge student population (about a third of residents attend a local university). It is perfect for outdoorsy folks, ski enthusiasts, and students of engineering and the sciences. Study subjects like Business, Accounting, Art History, Film, and History with CEA Study Abroad in Grenoble.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace (now Grand Est) region of France, known for its unique Franco-German culture and architecture. The result looks like something out a fairytale: colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and a majestic medieval cathedral. Strasbourg is picturesque and historical, but it is also a modern city, with a large student population and unparalleled transport links to Central Europe. Study, travel, and intern in Strasbourg under the guidance of an international staff with Syracuse University Abroad.

Nice

Students flock to Nice for exceptionally sunny weather, great beaches, and glamorous French Riviera lifestyle, but its rich history (spanning back to the Ancient Greeks) and cultural highlights are also big draws. You are also extremely close to both Monaco and Italy, although trips along the Riviera do tend to be on the expensive side.

Most major French cities see a high influx of both tourists and international students, making them relatively easy to navigate and settle into. The language and cultural barrier become more pronounced if you decide to study abroad in a more rural area in France.

How to Choose a Study Abroad Program in France

It all depends on what matters to you. Some students choose study abroad programs in France based on climate (going for somewhere sunny and southern like Cannes or Marseilles), some decide based on cultural attractions (such as the world-class museums of Paris or the famous wine industry of Bordeaux), and some prefer to choose based on a city’s reputation in an academic subject (for instance, Grenoble for engineering or Toulouse for history and political science). It's also important to choose a program that will transfer credits back to your home institution.

Once you've started researching study abroad programs in France, make sure to read reviews and interviews left by alumni who have already gone through the experience. It can provide insight into the organization, the courses, the environment, and more.

Housing

There is a marked difference between living in Paris and living anywhere else in the country. Paris is extremely expensive, and space is a luxury. Student accommodation is often a “chambre de bonne,” a single room within a local family’s house. Take advantage of this homestay opportunity to live, learn, and interact with a French family on a daily basis. Private student residences are increasingly popular, but these are often a more expensive option.

Everywhere else, students usually share an apartment. You can find people to live with on websites like A Partager and Bubbleflat, or your university may have their own listings.

Visas

Your student visa for France will depend on the length of the course. If you are studying for three months or less, you will need a visa de court séjour pour études (short-stay student visa). For a stay between three and six months, you will need a visa de long séjour temporaire pour études (temporary long-stay student visa). Neither of these require a residence permit.

For anything longer than six months, you need a visa de long séjour études (long-stay student visa). This acts as a residence permit in itself and involves some more detailed paperwork. Your university should be able to provide some guidance if you need it.

EU and Swiss nationals do not require a visa to study in France.

Social Life & Student Culture

Most major French universities have a good mix of local and international students, meaning you’ll be able to both mingle with fellow foreigners and make friendships with French people. Universities often have an active social calendar and plenty of opportunities to meet new people.

French higher education tends to be quite intense, with little room for slacking or partying. Some courses have hours similar to a school schedule, and large amounts of coursework are usually needed. This is not a downside: the standard of education you will be receiving will be exceptionally high, but you will need to be prepared to work for it.

Health & Safety

Most French cities and towns are quite safe, especially if you're studying or living in central areas. That said, it is always a good idea to avoid walking alone at night unless you are in an exceptionally busy part of town. In Paris, the main thing to watch out for is pickpocketing, so learn to clutch your bag and stay aware of your belongings, especially on the Metro and around tourist attractions.

France has an excellent public healthcare system, and social security covers all basic healthcare costs while you are studying in the country. All you need to do is register with your university and with the social security system. This can easily be done online.

Money Saving Tips

The French love students, almost as much as they love showing off their country and their culture. This means they make experiencing France as affordable as possible. As a student, you can get discounts on any and everything, from grocery stores and museums to travel. For example, there are often substantial discounts on train tickets through the SNCF carte JEUNE if you are 12-27 years old.

As you travel and explore, remember that art and history museums and other sites of interest usually have discounts for students. If a particular museum doesn’t have enough of a discount, visit them when they're free – nationwide, museums are free every first Sunday of the month. Cinemas and theaters will offer student prices or a loyalty card at a substantial discount.

And remember, even if a special student price isn’t advertised, it never hurts to ask, as chances are good they will offer some sort of discount (and you get to practice your French)!

Most French universities are public and have very affordable tuition costs. Private universities and Grandes Écoles, the most prestigious and selective institutions in the country, are usually more expensive.

Typical Study Abroad Program Cost in France

Tuition fees at French public universities are quite low, making the overall cost to study abroad in France a comparatively affordable option if you directly enrol. Bachelor’s degrees cost €189.10 a year, master’s degrees cost €261.1, and PhDs cost €369.10. Undergraduate engineering degrees cost €615.10 a year and medical degrees vary, averaging about €400 a year.

Private universities in France are considerably more expensive, costing anywhere between €1,500 and €6,000 to study per year. They are, however, the minority, and most of the country’s best universities are public. The Grandes Ecoles, have fees ranging between €3,000 and €10,000.

Funding Options

Given the affordable cost of public higher education in France, many students can afford to pay their tuition fees without additional funding. That said, there are several scholarships available to international students to help with tuition and the cost of living (which can be quite expensive!). If all fails, there are plenty of opportunities to work part-time (up to 20 hours) while studying abroad in France.

Scholarships

There are countless study abroad grants and scholarships across all levels and categories, most of which are funded by the French government and open to international students. You can also find France-specific study abroad scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The best way to find out which ones are available to you is to get in touch with the universities you are interested in attending.

Most Grandes Écoles have scholarships for international students that pass the entrance exams.