Are you planning on studying in France?

Annually, our neighbouring country receives more than 300,000 foreign students, either within the framework of collaboration agreements between universities or because the students have decided to settle in the country during the time of the career. If you are thinking of finishing or continuing your training in France, this article might interest you!

In the higher education system in France, they are 2 types of institutions. In the first place, we have the universities, almost all of them are public and for this reason, they have a very affordable cost that does not exceed, generally, 500 euros to 700 Euros per year. Then, in the other hand, we have the Grandes Écoles, that are higher education establishments outside of the French Public university system, the cost of this schools goes between 9000 Euros and 15000 Euros per year.

In France a Master’s degree last two years and are divided in this way:

Master 1 (M1). The first academic year of the program focused on the most general subjects of the study program. At the conclusion of the M1, the certificate of completion of the first year is obtained.

Master 2 (M2). The second year focuses on more specialized subjects. People with related studies and extensive professional experience can directly access the M2, although the decision is taken by the Admission Committee of the master.

Types of Master in France

Master’s Degree. A master’s degree focused on the industrial sector, with the aim of a rapid insertion in the labour market. This Master includes classes with entrepreneurs, as well as internships and business practices.

Master Recherche. With a more theoretical approach, this master’s degree revolves around the realization of a research thesis. It is aimed at students who want to dedicate themselves to research, teaching or continues their studies with a PhD.

Mastère Spécialisé. Granted exclusively by the Grandes Écoles, this master lasts one year and offers a very specific and specialized knowledge on a subject highlighted in the private sector. In this intensive program, students receive theoretical classes, perform a practice and have to complete an individual thesis.

Requirements for enrollment

Pre-registration for the first cycle is compulsory for foreign students. The university year in France begins in September-October and ends in June-July. Pre-registration, mandatory for foreign students who want to enrol in the first cycle, is not necessary for those who do it directly in the second.

To demonstrate that the language is mastered, candidates must take the French language assessment test (TFC) or the TEF, the French test. Candidates from a State where French is an official language and those who are in possession of the DALF degree are exempt from the language test.

At the time of issuing school certificates and student cards, each educational institution has special procedures, which can be formalized in person or by mail.

In general, higher education institutions usually issue a response in the period between June 15 and September 15 for the start of the academic year in the following October. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware that in some cases there will be very little time, barely a month, to organize the transfer to the country.