Why Study in France
Education System
The French education system long enjoyed a reputation for having one of the best education systems in the world, with a nationally set curriculum, traditional methods of learning, high academic standards and strict discipline. All educational programmes in France are regulated by the Ministry of National Education. The head of the ministry is the Minister of National Education, one of the highest-ranking officials in the cabinet. Higher education in France is organized in three levels or grades which correspond to those of other European countries, facilitating international mobility: the Licence and Licence Professionnelle (bachelor’s degrees), and the Master’s and Doctorate degrees. France has held its prominent place in subjects like Mathematics, Astrophysics, Biology, Genetics, Physics and other science subjects. The past record of the country in relation to its contribution to science and research field, its achievement is tremendous.Living in France, cost varies depending on the city and the type of stay, there is wide variety of safe and modern accommodations offered to students, you can choose according to your needs and budget.
- University residence– you’ll most likely be on or near your campus so getting to class should be relatively easy. On other hand, give you option to live with other students and it can be a great way to meet people of different courses.
- Private student buildings– Many Students choose these option (Private, rented accommodation) as they have want to live with French students and it is a great way to throw yourself in the deep end and be fully immersed in the language and culture. If you are renting a property, then you have to follow some legal formalities.
- Home stay– French Families offering home-stay accommodation to international students are ensuring them to provide a suitable living environment. Generally this type accommodation helpful for younger student.
France, have generally two intakes, first major intake is in September and the other intake is in February. Before initiating the process for study in France, first you need to go through, with application procedure, if the application is successfully done, you will receive a conditional/confirmation offer let er from the institutions which can be used for a long stay student visa. After completing the fees, other formalities and requirements, then onwards you need to go for a visa interview, to verify the financial documents along with the visa documents at the Embassy of France. For visa application you may require some documents i.e. application form, photos, valid passport, offer letter, proof of financial documents, tickets and accommodation arrangement, medical insurance (minimum cover of EUR 30,000), language proficiency certificate and many more. In addition, student need to remember one thing, the visa process can take up to eight weeks to process, and varies by Consulate. Therefore, you should begin the procedure at least three-four months prior.
Before departing for studies in France there are many things that need to be done.
- Check that every piece of paperwork has been completed.
- Obtain passport and student visa (for non-Europeans).
- Keep emergency contacts numbers.
- Note address & phone number of Institutions and your accommodation.
- Photocopy all important Documents (visa, passport, birth certificate, insurance coverage, travelers cheques, prescription medication, permanent ID/driver’s license, etc) leaving a second copy at home or make a scanned copy of the above information that you can access through your email.
- Set up a France bank account to make your transaction easy.
- Purchase health insurance.
- Prescriptions to support your, use of any required medications.
- Check baggage allowance with your airline.
- Your luggage should be clearly labeled with your name, contact address and the address of your institution.
- Climate will be different from your home country. So pack you baggage according to that.
- Have enough cash in Euros to get you through the first few days.
- Be ready for a cultural transition and learn French.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication).
- IELTS (The International English Language Testing System).
- TCF (Test de connaissance du français).
- Le TEF (The French Evaluation Test).
- DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française).
- DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française).
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations).