France has one of the most recognizable cultural identities in the world. Some 90 million visitors flock to the country every year, mostly to its famous capital Paris, but also to see the wine-making region of Bordeaux, the Gothic architecture of Lyon, or to enjoy the 300+ annual days of sun in the luxurious French Riviera. While France is well-known for being fiercely protective of its language and culture – English proficiency levels are among the lowest in Europe and Hollywood films do not dominate the film market like in most countries – these perceptions are fast-changing and France is now home to scores of world-leading, internationally-focused business schools and universities.
Consistently a popular choice for international students and with high-quality universities throughout the country, France simply must come into consideration when it comes to studying abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in France?
As most business schools operate as private institutions, tuition fees usually cost around EUR€30,000. This figure may be higher at top schools such as INSEAD or HEC Paris. The cost of living in France is rather high. You should budget around EUR€400-800 for monthly rent and EUR€850 for monthly expenses.
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in France?
International students (non-EU/EEA) need to apply for a VLS-TS student visa before arriving in France. The French government website has a handy tool that lets you find out whether you will need a visa in a couple of minutes.
How reputable are universities in France?
France is home to several top 100 global universities as well as some of the most prestigious MBA programs and business schools in the world, such as INSEAD, HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, EDHEC Business School, NEOMA Business School, ESCP Business School, and SKEMA Business School.
What is the job market like for graduates in France?
Graduates with master’s degrees or higher have an employment rate of over 90% in France, which has the second-largest economy in Europe and the seventh-largest in the world.
Are there a lot of international students in France?
Although many of the 300,000+ international students in France come to study from other French-speaking countries, the growing number of English-language programs in France is attracting more and more students from the English-speaking world. In Europe, only Germany and the UK house more international students than France every year.
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About France
1
Out of the 95 best business schools in Europe, 22 are based in France.
2
Many French institutions provide a waiver for English language proficiency tests and GMAT/GRE tests.
3
France is the most visited country in the world, making the tourism industry a key driver of the French economy.
4
80-90% of graduates from MBA programs in France find employment shortly after graduating and earn starting salaries between US$80,000-$120,000.
5
Many French corporations are among the biggest in their industry worldwide, including AXA (insurance), Carrefour (retail), Peugeot (automotive), and BNP Paribas (automotive).
Which Visas & permits do in need in France
In France, different rules apply per province for student visas. For EU/EEA or Swiss nationals, you do not need a visa to study in France. You may also work while studying for a maximum of 964 hours per year.
For non-EU/EEA or Swiss nationals, a student visa is required. There are two types of long-term visas: the Long Term Visa used as Residence Permit (VLS-TS), which allows you to remain in France for one year without a residence permit, and the Temporary Long Term Visa (VLS-T), which allows you to stay in France for one year and cannot be renewed. The VLS-TS allow students to travel freely through Europe, work a maximum of 20 hours per week, access a free security deposit service, apply for rental subsidies, and extend their stay beyond the period of the visa.
Banking in France
Access to a bank account is a recognized right in France. It is, therefore, quite easy to open a bank account as an international student. Simply make an appointment at a bank of your choosing. The main retail banks in France are Crédit Agricole (CA), BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Caisse d’Epargne (CE), Banque Populaire (BP), Crédit Mutuel, Le Banque Postale, and LCL. You will need three required documents: verification of identity, proof of residence, and confirmation of enrollment or a student card.
After opening a bank account, you will have the right to a bank card and a chequebook. The costs of the bank card, international transfers, and cash withdrawals vary across banks.
What do I need to know about healthcare in France
All students in France (both international and French) receive medical insurance through France’s social security system, in which students will be automatically enrolled. Students with EU or Swiss nationality can obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and do not need to register for social security in France. While healthcare is mostly free in France, medical insurance does not cover all care from health service providers. To get full reimbursement, you can choose to purchase a supplemental health plan.
Students can often access health services from their own university’s health department – simply make an appointment. Visits for contraception, testing, vaccinations, nutrition, and psychological monitoring, are free.
Housing options for students in France
As in many countries, France offers many housing options for students, both on-campus and off-campus. You can choose between student residences and hostels (built specifically for students or young people) and rental apartments or rooms on the real-estate market.
Student residences and hostels are usually cheaper, with a monthly rent of around EUR€450-600 (in Paris) or EUR€350 (elsewhere in France). For private apartments and shared rentals, expect to pay at least EUR€800 monthly in Paris or EUR€400 in other areas of France.
What are the public transport options in France
There are many ways to get around in France, from public transport like buses and trams, to bicycles or cars. Most cities offer special discounted rates for students. On average, a monthly transport pass costs EUR€30.
Self-service bikes are also available in certain cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Nice. In Paris, there are more than 1,400 Vélib (self-service bikes) stations. Taxis are also available and safe to use to get around. However, taxi fares in France are quite high – crossing Paris will cost around EUR€30.
How much does a Big Mac cost in France
The Big Mac Indexwas invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in France is around EUR€4 (equivalent to US$4.35 and JP¥556). For US$50, you can buy 11 Big Macs.
The cost of living in France is one of the highest in Europe but varies depending on the area in France and the type of accommodation. For one person, the estimated monthly costs are around EUR€850, excluding rent.
