Do you want to study abroad in France, but don’t know how to? In this post, I share with you everything that you need to know!
You might also be interested in:
- How to find a student job in France?
- What is it like being a foreigner studying in France?
- One of the Perks of Living in Strasbourg
1. Get in contact with Campus France
In order to study in a public university in France, you will need to do it through Campus France. Wondering what Campus France is? It is a public organization whose main goal is to promote French higher education all around the world.
Campus France will accompany you throughout your admission process into the French University of your choice. I suggest you visit their website and find the closest office to you and make an appointment with them to start your application process to study abroad in France.
2. Learn more about higher education in France
Explore the different programs that France has to offer. For example, if you want to study for your whole degree there, it is important that you find a program that suits you the best, and informs yourself about the job market, the quality of your diploma, the equivalences (is that diploma recognized in your country?)
How to find a study program?
Wondering how to find a program to study abroad in France? In this video, I explain to you how step-by-step.
3. Learn more about the cost of studies in France
While studying in France may open you so many doors on a professional and personal level, we cannot ignore the fact that the cost of living can be more expensive than in other countries. Before starting your application process it is important to see if you can afford to study abroad in France.
Here’s a list of expenses to consider:
- A student French visa
- Accommodation
- Official documents translation from English to French
- French language certification
- The food
- Social security
- Winter clothes
- Books
- Transport
- Internet
On-Campus France’s site you will find all the information you need to know and you can also schedule an appointment to ask any further questions related to the cost of living, programs that France has to offer, procedures and documents that you will need to begin your application process, the requirements that the French government asks to grant you the French student visa, scholarships, etc.
4. Find out more about the scholarships you can apply for
It is possible to study abroad in France with a scholarship granted by the Ministry of Higher Education, local authorities, Erasmus mobility. For more information, visit Campus France’s page or contact them for further questions.
Find a scholarship or a way to pay your studies
These are different ways in which you can study for free or pay for your own studies in France:
5. Can you afford to study abroad?
Analyze your economic situation. See how much money you have saved, talk about your interest in studying abroad in France with your family and see if studying in France falls within your possibilities. Remember that there are scholarships to which you can apply (they vary according to your field of studies).
The student visa (VSL) allows you to work around 900 hours a year, which is equivalent to about 20 hours per week. You can definitely pay for your studies by finding a side job. However, for the government to grant you a visa you need to have a certain amount of money at first, in your bank account, or prove that you have a scholarship.
6. Make a decision
Once you have already:
- Defined what you want to study (a bachelor, master, doctorate, learn French)
- In which city do you want to study?
- The cost of living in that city
- The cost of university enrollment
- Your economic situation
- Your level of French
- Discussed with Campus France about your goals and your options
Finally, it is time to make a decision and carry on or not with your application process to study abroad in France!
Do not hesitate to ask me any question you have in the comment section 🙂
