France is a European country whose culture is as enchanting as a young woman’s calls. Known for the beauty of its fashion, the magnificence of her Eiffel Tower, the best of wines and for her highly manicured street, France is popular for tourists. Surprisingly, it’s also a pleasant place to study for English speakers especially when you get enrolled in one of the English speaking universities in France.
Now, you might still have some doubts about this, so come on, let’s check it out!
Things to know about Studying in English speaking universities in France
France is known for its high education standards, and it has numerous prestigious universities that students from all over the world want to attend. The best way to get into one of these schools is through a French student visa.
Of course, you do. It’s been reported that under 40% of the local French population actually know how to speak English.
This is understandable as French is one of the major languages in the world.
So you might want to learn a little French for unofficial conversations outside the premises of your choice university.
However, if you live in Paris or Lyon, you will find more English speakers.
Learning a new language is actually fascinating
2. Higher education is somewhat cheaper in France
French universities are relatively affordable compared to universities in other countries. Additionally, most of them offer financial aid programs that allow you to reduce your costs. If you’re looking for a cheaper way to study abroad, this might be an important factor for you.
3. Universities have different programs and requirements
There are more than 4,000 higher education institutions in France, including a wide range of public and private institutions that offer many different types of programs and degrees. Some schools may focus on business or engineering while others might be more suited toward humanities or arts majors. It’s important to research the schools that interest you and make sure they offer the program you want before applying.
4. Get ready to explore
France is a very popular destination for tourists, and many people are drawn by the country’s beautiful scenery and rich culture. However, there are other reasons to study in France. For example, French universities have a good reputation for research and teaching, which means that you will receive an excellent education.
5. Good quality of life
France has a very high standard of living compared to many other countries in the world. This means that you will be able to enjoy yourself while studying in France – not only because you will probably be able to afford more things than if you were back home, but also because life is generally more relaxed here. You’ll be able to enjoy your weekends without having to worry about work as much as you would back home!
6.You Need to Pass English Proficiency Tests Before you Can Get Admitted
It may sound unbelievable but yes, you still need to write and pass an English proficiency test before you can get admitted into English speaking universities in France.
This is more pertinent when you are not a native English speaker or you do not have English as a first language.
So your TOEFL scores or your IELTS scores are very important to the success of your admission.
Admission Requirements to Study in France
So what are the requirements needed to be admitted to study in English speaking universities in France?
Here is a breakdown of what you need for a successful admission into a French university which takes academic programs English;
Admission Requirements for European Students
As an EU member nation, France has specific requirements from international students from other member nations.
These requirements are necessary for academic purposes and help citizens of EU member countries have a fast track application process.
Here are the requirements;
You must have completed the university application
You should have a valid ID photo or driver’s license
You should have high school transcripts (or its relevant equivalent)
You must prove you have been vaccinated with your Covid-19 vaccination card
You should be prepared to write an Essay (could be requested)
You should be ready to provide a copy of your European health card.
You may be required to submit English proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS etc ) if you are from a non-native English country.
You should apply for Bursaries and scholarships available (if the University provides one)
You might be required to pay an application fee
You must show proof that you have the financial resources to fund your education in France
Other document may be requested from you by your university. Make sure to check out the institution’s website.
Admission Requirements for For Non-European Students
Now as an international student who isn’t a citizen of EU member nations, here are your requirements to get admitted into one of the English speaking universities in France;
You must have completed the university application
You should be able to provide your high school, college transcripts and graduate diplomas on request.
You should have a Passport and a copy of the passport
Programs Offered by English Speaking Universities in France.
On to the programs offered by English speaking universities in France, we remember that France as the parent francophone country do not offer all programs in English. They’ve only tried to accommodating to students who speak only English,
So what are these programs?
Banking, Capital Markets and Financial Technology
Management
Finance
Digital Marketing and CRM
Marketing and CRM.
Sports Industry Management
International Accounting, Audit and Control
Fashion Management
Designer in Sustainable Innovation
Health Management and Data Intelligence
Food and Agribusiness Management
Engineering
Eco-Design and Advanced Composite Structures
Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Master of Business Administration
International Business
Master of Business
Administration in Leadership
Management
Strategy and Consulting.
The list might not be exhaustive but it does cover most of the programs offered by English speaking universities in France.
Tuition Fees for English speaking universities in France
In France, public universities cost a lot lesser than private ones. This is because public universities are subsidized by the government.
Tuition fees for students vary depending on the program chosen by the student also it varies based on citizenship of the student. For European Students who are citizens of EU member countries, the EEA, Andorra or Switzerland, the fees are more considerate. Students who are citizens from other countries are required to pay more.
Tuition Fees for European Students
For a Bachelor’s degree program, the student pays an average of €170 per year.
For a Master’s degree program, the student pays an average of €243 per year.
For a Bachelor’s program for an engineering degree, the student pays an average of €601 per year.
For Medicine and related studies, the student pays an average of €450 per year.
For a Doctoral degree, the student pays an average of €380 per year.
Fees for a Master’s degree are around 260 EUR/year and for a PhD 396 EUR/year; you should expect higher fees for certain specialized degrees.
Tuition Fees for non-EU students
For students who are citizens of non-EU countries, the French state still covers some two thirds of the cost for your education and you will be required to pay
An average of €2,770 per year for a Bachelor’s degree program.
An average of €3,770 per year for a Master’s degree program
However for the Doctoral degree, non-EU students pay the same amount as EU students, €380 per year.
Cost of Living while Studying in France
On the average, the cost of living in France depends largely on the kind of lifestyle you live. Things would be a lot less costly if you aren’t the extravagant type.
However, the living cost also depends on which French city you reside in.
For a student who lives in Paris you may spend an average between €1,200 and €1,800 per month for accommodation, feeding and transportation.
For those who live in Nice, an average between €900 and €1,400 per month. And for those who live in Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse, they spend between €800 – €1,000 per month.
If you live in other cities, the cost of living reduces to about €650 per month.
Can I work while studying in France?
Now, as a student you might want to add some work experience while carrying out your academic activities. While studying in one of the English speaking universities in France, foreign students are permitted to work at their host institution or university.
Also as an international student with a student’s visa in France, you can also get a paid job, however, you are only allowed to work 964 hours for every work year.
Working in France means that you should have good control over the official language of communication, French. Without this, it might be difficult to find an interesting job which suits you perfectly.
Internships while Studying
Some programs require students to undergo practical experience on a job related to the program of study. For an internship which lasts more than two months the student is paid €600.60 per month.
Hours spent during internship training relevant to the program of study do not count as part of the allowed 964 working hours for international students.
Do I Need a Student Visa?
Of course you do need a student visa if you are a student who is not a citizen of EU or EEA member countries. Also Swiss nationals are exempted from obtaining a student visa.
As an EU, EEA, or Swiss national studying in France, all you need to show is a valid passport or national ID.
If you do not fall under any of the above categories you need to get a student visa and here’s what you need;
An acceptance letter from an accredited institution in France.
Proof that you’re able to fund yourself while staying in France.
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination
Proof of return ticket home.
Proof of medical insurance.
Proof of accommodation.
Proof of proficiency in English
With these, you are bound to have a smooth visa application process.
Conclusion
You are now aware of the English speaking universities in France. Will you be applying to a French school soon?
