Why and how to study in France in English?

Studying in France as an English-Speaking student is a great option for many! France ranks 1st as the top host country for international students that’s non-English speaking, and 6 as most popular country for international students. Nearly 324,000 young people from all over the world came to study in France for the year 2018-2019. And France has great ambitions in this area because the Ministry of Higher Education has expressed the wish to welcome 500,000 by 2027. France offers great professional and personal opportunities for students, as major cities such as Paris and Nice provide great social lives and business placements.

Why study in France?

 

Quality of French higher education

There are about 3,500 French higher education establishments, including public universities and private business schools. There are so many choices and the demand for a quality education has students enrolling from all over the world. France is recognized for the excellence of its training, at all levels and across a wide range of course subjects. This means you’re sure to find the right course for you, as studying in France in an English-Speaking course doesn’t mean you’ll need to compromise, as higher education institutions such as IPAG Business School offers a variety of courses and different levels to suit your needs. Studying in France allows you to obtain a diploma recognized throughout Europe, for bachelors, masters, and doctorate level degrees. In fact, some French diplomas are even world-famous, such as our Grande Ecole Program.

France houses 3 of the largest research organisations in the world, including CNRS and CEA, so it’s a great place to continue your studies. In France, there's also the same admission requirements for domestic and international students, so everyone has a fair chance.

 

Study in France for its quality of life

The living environment for a foreign student in France is very attractive, as the number 1 tourist destination, France is at the heart of Europe and has a lot to offer. Suffice to say that there are things to see and do for an international student when arriving in France!

International students in France can benefit from our universal public health system, and at IPAG you’ll also receive student social protection, student housing assistance, reduced student rates for transport and leisure activities. The working conditions are also protected, with a legal weekly working time of 35 hours, paid holidays, and a minimum wage among the highest in the world. Although foreign students are restricted to work up to 964 hours per year.

 

France’s cultural experiences

By choosing to study in France in English, you will still be able to improve your level of French language skills, which is important, because there are more than 180 million French speakers in the world. It is a language also used in large international institutions. It is possible to learn on site thanks to French as a foreign language (FLE) programs.

History, art, and architecture all have a significant place in the French experience, with all the monuments, museums, festivals, you will never be short of ideas on how to occupy your extra time! France is also famous for its food, so if you’re ready to explore, there’s plenty of new adventures and experiences to be had.
 

What are the steps to come and study in France?

The steps to come to study in France differ according to your level of degree and your country of residence.

 

For a Bachelors:

If the student comes from a country in the European Union, and they wish to study in France in an English-Speaking course, simply follow the same procedure as the French high school students; pre-register for the first year of higher education on the Parcoursup platform. Parcoursup is a site that allows students to complete their application files for higher education.

If you are not a national of a member country of the EU or EEA, the procedure will depend on your country of residence, your qualifications, and desired course of study in France. If the application isn’t via Parcoursup, you will have to make a  Preliminary Admission Request (DAP).

 

For a Masters:

After your undergraduate degree, you can study in France in English for your Master’s, too. If your country has a “Studies in France” (CEF) procedure, you can follow the steps outlined on their site. Otherwise, you will need to contact the institution directly where you wish to do the English-Speaking course. 
 

Getting a French Student Visa

Additionally, international students will need to obtain a student via if they’re outside the EU. The application for a visa can be made with your country of origin or the French embassy. For any entrance examinations, you can apply for a short-stay visa, and for the course you’ll need a long-stay visa (over 3 months). The student must provide supporting documents, including a certificate from the university and proof that they will be able to finance life and studies in France. Foreign students can also apply for financial support, as institutions and embassies can award study or internship grants and tuition fee exemptions.

To study in France at IPAG, browse our English-Speaking courses below:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Grande Ecole Program (GEP)
• Grande Ecole Dual Degree: Management & Engineering with MIT (GEP)
• MSc in Business Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
• Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)