Best Colleges In France

Planning to study in France? Wondering about which are the good colleges for various bachelors and masters program? Get more information regarding Best Colleges In France, best colleges in france for international students, best colleges in france for american students, best colleges in france for mba, best colleges in france for masters, best engineering colleges in France & best medical colleges in france

France is one of the world’s most popular study abroad destinations is surely no great surprise. France is a higher education system, which is home to some of Europe’s most historic and innovative institutions.

Colleges In France

France has many fine higher learning institutions scattered around the country. It is safe to say the most notable of these can be found in Paris; although they are not limited to this city or even this region alone. With so many colleges found throughout the city it is easy for any student to find the perfect college to accommodate their needs. No matter what subjects you wish to study or the degree that you want to earn, there are enough universities in the country to make this more than possible.

PSL Research University

PSL awards Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. diplomas for its member schools & institutes. It offers an education based on research and interdisciplinary instruction, and its 20,000 students have access to a broad range of disciplines in science, engineering, humanities and social science, and the arts. PSL has more than 181 laboratories, 4,500 research and teaching staff, a large student community at Masters and Ph.D. level. Research at PSL covers all academic fields.

Founded In: 2010
Ranking: 1st
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 550 euros
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 1 85 76 08 70
Website: https://www.psl.eu/en

École Polytechnique

Polytechnique is no longer a military academy and only a small number of its students choose to pursue a military career. It is one of the most prestigious and selective French grandes écoles, especially known for its poly-technician engineering degree program. The poly-technician engineer programme is the most intensive and prestigious program in Polytechnique. The subjects are often including advanced topics beyond one’s specialty. About only 400 French nationals are admitted to the prestigious school each year.

Founded In: 1794
Ranking: 1st
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 0 EUR, International tuition: 4,000 EUR
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 (0)1 69 33 33 33
Website: http://www.polytechnique.edu/

Pierre and Marie Curie University

The Jussieu Campus is a higher education campus located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It helps everyone develop their knowledge and skills to find their way to success. The doctorate at Sorbonne University is a real professional experience that provides high-level scientific and intellectual skills to access executive jobs in all socio-economic sectors, public and private, in France and internationally. Sorbonne University is committed to the success of each of its students and offers a wide range of training and support tailored to their profile and their project.

Founded In: 1971
Ranking: 2nd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 0 EUR, International tuition: 4,000 EUR
Finance and Admission Office Contact:  01 44 27 44 27
Website: https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/

École normale supérieure de Lyon

École normale supérieure de Lyon is one of France’s four Écoles normales supérieures, training researchers and teachers in the sciences and the humanities. ENS Lyon offers its students training in the fields of teaching and research. The ENS de Lyon diploma: training through research open to the international and multidisciplinary.  It also offers 31 mentions of masters, 61 courses. The doctoral training with 11 graduate schools and 24 research facilities. Its courses Training in Education, Aggregation and Professional Development (FEADéP) to prepare the aggregation.

Founded In: 1880
Ranking: 3rd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: €10,000
Finance and Admission Office Contact:  +33 (0) 4 37 37 60 00
Website: http://www.ens-lyon.fr/

Paris-Sorbonne University

Paris IV was one of the inheritors of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Paris. The university enrolls about 24,000 students in 20 departments specializing in arts, humanities, and languages, divided into 12 campuses in Paris. The Department of Student Life (DVE) informs me and accompanies me all year long: in the Sorbonne, on the sites of Malesherbes and Clignancourt, in the areas of student health, disability support, scholarships and financial aid, student initiatives, campus life, etc.

Founded In: 1970
Ranking: 4th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 58,000 AED
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 00 33 (0) 1 40 46 47 79
Website: http://lettres.sorbonne-universite.fr/

Paris Diderot University

Paris Diderot is a multidisciplinary research university. Crossroads of knowledge, in tune with the great debates that animate contemporary society. The university is known for its teaching in psychology, which adopts a specific approach that draws from both psychopathology and psychoanalysis. Paris Diderot University offers more than 450 courses in all major areas of knowledge. With 87 laboratories and partnerships with major research organizations, Paris Diderot is a major player in the national and international scientific landscape.

Founded In: 1971
Ranking: 5th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Not Known
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 1 57 27 57 27
Website: https://www.univ-paris-diderot.fr/

Aix-Marseille University

Aix-Marseille University is today one of the youngest universities in France. AMU has produced many notable alumni in the fields of law, politics, business, science, academia, and arts.  Aix-Marseille University offers training in all fields: arts, letters, languages, and humanities; law and political science; Economics and Management, health, science, and technology. Aix-Marseille University enrolls about 74,000 students, including more than 10,000 international students from 128 different countries.

Founded In: 1409
Ranking: 6th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 2000 euros
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 491 396 500
Website: https://www.univ-amu.fr/

École des Ponts ParisTech

École des Ponts ParisTech is a university-level institution of higher education and research in the field of science, engineering, and technology. École des Ponts ParisTech offers high-level programmes in an extensive range of fields, with traditional competencies in mathematics, computer science, civil engineering, mechanics, economics, finance, environment, transport, town & regional planning, logistics, and innovation. It has recently opened a design school, with programmes in innovation and startup creation.

Founded In: 1747
Ranking: 7th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: €32,000
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 1 64 15 30 00
Website: http://www.enpc.fr/

University of Bordeaux

The University of Bordeaux is ranked among the top French universities for the quality of its education and research. Its international study programs, covering a wide variety of fields, are developed in partnership with universities from throughout the world. It provides its training and expertise abroad as well. The programs detailed below are delivered in a country abroad, yet upon completion, lead to a University of Bordeaux degree.

Founded In: 1441
Ranking: 8th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Not Known
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 (0)5 57 57 10 10
Website: https://www.u-bordeaux.com/

University of Grenoble

The University of Grenoble is the third largest university in France with about 45,000 students and over 3,000 researchers. UGA is traditionally known for its research and education in the natural sciences and engineering, but also law, linguistics, and psychology. It is also renowned for its academic research in humanities and political sciences, hosting some of the largest research centers in France in fields such as political science, urban planning or the sociology of organizations. The Université Grenoble Alpes is made up of 23 departments, schools, and institutes.

Founded In: 1339
Ranking: 9th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: €250 annually
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 (0)4 57 42 21 42
Website: https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/

Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées

The Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées for institutions of higher education and research in the French region of Midi-Pyrénées. The Federal University Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées brings together 31 institutions of higher education and research of the Academy of Toulouse. The Federal University focuses its expertise on transversal missions covering all areas of university life: training, international relations, research and doctorate, valorization, student life, documentary cooperation, dissemination of the culture of science and technology, computer and real estate.

Founded In: 2007
Ranking: 10th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Not Known
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +33 (0) 5 61 14 80 10
Website: http://www.univ-toulouse.fr/

How To Apply To Study At A University In France

When deciding to apply for a college in France you of course must fill out the application in its entirety. The faster you do so, you speed up the process of the admissions committee evaluating you and deciding if you’re a good fit for the school.

As an international student, the application process may differ depending on your nationality.

Here’s a short guide on how you can apply for college in France.

For European Students

To apply for admission in a French university as an international student from another EU country, you will usually need:

1. Completed university application
2. ID photo or driver’s license
3. High school transcripts (or relevant equivalent)
4. Essay (if asked)
5. English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo etc.)
6. Apply for financial aid program (if the University provides one)
7. Application fee (if asked)
8. Any other required document depending on the University

For Non-European Students

If you are not from an EU country, when applying for college in France, you need:

1. Completed university application
2. High school and college transcripts (If you didn’t attend a college then just the high school ones will do)
3. Copy of passport
4. A passport sized photo
5. Essay (if asked)
6. English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo etc.)
7. Copy of birth certificate
8. Certified translation of the birthplace of your parents
9. Proof that you can support yourself financially
10. Any other required document depending on the University
11. After admission: A French Student Visa

Entry requirements for French Universities

Once you have chosen a program in a University in France you want to apply to, you can begin the application process. We should note that for each University it is different, some Universities for example may ask of you GRE, GMAT or LSAT aor admission – these are internationally used tests which ensure that applicants are prepared for the challenges of advanced study. Here are some general entry requirements that you might definitely face when applying to a French University.

General Entry Requirements

Most French universities will ask for the following documents for admission:

• A Campus France authorization
• A passport copy
• A passport sized photo of yourself
• Copies of transcripts and graduation diplomas
• A copy of your European health card (for EU students)
• Application fee (if required)
• A civil liability certificate
• A cover letter
• French and/or English proof of language proficiency
• Proof that you have the financial resources to fund your stay in France

MA Entry Information

If you want to apply for an MA program in a French university, keep the following in mind:

1. Masters in France is usually 2 years in duration
2. French Masters degrees are organized into “teaching units” (TU) to focus on different topics within a wilder subject area (practical workshops, theoretical discussion, and independent project-work)
3. Dissertation (or a similar extended research project)
4. There are two types of Masters: Specialized Masters and MBA programmes
5. Specialized Masters – is sometimes used to refer to advanced programmes awarded by Grandes Écoles.
                       a) Four semesters long
                       b) Competitive applications
                       c) Highly intensive
6. MBA programmes – originally developed in America but France was the first country to offer these in Europe. French business schools tend to be one of the most competitive to get into.

PhD Programs

The majority of PhDs in France are conducted as a part of a programme within doctoral schools, there are 266 in total. They collaborate with research laboratories and centres to provide the doctoral training for PhD candidates. A ‘doctorate’ in duration is six semesters for a standard 3-year PhD, resulting in two teaching (or research) semesters per year.

What you need to enroll for a doctorate:

1. Find a thesis topic and thesis supervisor
2. You should look for a Doctorate during the second year of your Master’s
3. Check with your doctoral school for information if you need funding or not

Tuition fees for French Universities

The entry requirements as well as tuition fees differ depending on the University. For example some Universities might not ask for a high fee or SAT results but some might. On average, here’s how much you might have to pay for tuition in a French University based on your degree.

• Bachelor’s degree: 2,770 euros per year.
• Master’s degree: 3,770 euros per year.
• PhD’s degree: 2,770 380 per year.

Do I Need a Student Visa?

If you’re not a European student, here’s what you’ll need to obtain a student visa:

• An acceptance letter from an accredited institution in France. This should be on official headed paper, with details of your program of study and the start and end dates of study.
• Proof that you’re able to fund yourself while staying in France. The current amount required is €615 per month, which can be shown with a bank statement, a guarantor’s letter or a notice of funding from a loan, scholarship or grant.
• Proof of return ticket home. Often this is in the form of the actual ticket or reservation showing the date of departure, but can be a handwritten statement of intent, including intended departure dates.
• Proof of medical insurance (minimum cover €30,000)
• Proof of accommodation. Can be shown in the form of student housing confirmation or a certificate of board and lodging or ‘attestation d’accueil’ (if you’re living with friends or relatives).
• Proof of proficiency in French, if you are studying a French-language course.

Can I Study in English in France?

Studying in English in France, although not the most common thing you hear, is possible.

Public Universities in France are some of the most affordable institutions in Europe. Some of them have English-taught programmes where you can get a full French education..in English. Most of them will also include teaching you French while you study in English but some like “Sciences Po” have English-only programmes.

Popular courses to pick in France

• Art

Art is something that the French know plenty about. Some of the world’s best artists come from the country. An Arts degree can open an exciting world of possibilities and potential while helping you to take on a greater appreciation of the fine arts of the country. If you are creative and want to extend your source of inspiration, choosing this degree could be the best option for you.

• Business

International Business is another popular course taught in France in which you can earn your degree. While studying and getting new skills you will also have multiple opportunities to pick a career. With a business degree, the areas in which you can work in are not limited. Many people make their way to the universities in France when they seek an International Business degree.

• Law

Another degree in France that attracts international students from all over the world. French Universities are appealing to law students because of the high level of academics. Those who can speak French well enough to attend school can get an affordable education from some of the top schools and educators in the world of international education. Click here to read our article if you want to find out more about different courses in France and why students pick them.