For many years now, France has been a focus for people from all around the world to study. Perhaps for the excellent academic pursuit in France and the excitement of having to experience a lot of leisure activities that are prevalent in France, or rather for the tasty, perfect food to enjoy during their course of study.
Among all France has to offer are the world-class universities that will make your academic and career dreams come to realization.
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Benefits of Studying in France
There are many benefits associated with studying in France, which is not restricted to a considerate time schedule France is known for. Studying in France affords you the privilege to attend classes in accordance with your own time schedule.
Apart from this, if you decide to, you may complete your study program at home using your personal computer, although not all courses grant this.
The most important of all seems to be the support and grant policy of the French government. This policy makes it very homely and hospitable for students from all across the globe to study in France.
List of Top Ranking Institutions in France
Please find below a list of top 5 institutions you should consider in France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
According to QS World University Ranking, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris is at the moment ranked the best institution in France while it is the 43rd best in the world. 4ICU also ranks this institution at 4th position in France. This institution is highly prestigious and has famous alumni and more than 10 Nobel Laureates.
- Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech)Another top and highly rated institution in France is École Polytechnique. This institution has its proficiency in the sciences and business management. It is currently ranked the 59th best in the world by QS World University Ranking while Times Higher Education ranks it 2nd in Franceand 115th in the world.
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)Université Pierre et Marie Curie was founded in 1971 and has since risen to fame amongst other universities in France. 4ICU presently ranks this institution 14th in France and QS World University ranks131stin the world. The status of this university corroborates the ranking as it is presently the largest scientific and medical region in the whole of France.
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Another of the top ranking universities in France is École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. This institution has become a training base for researchers and teachers across many fields. Currently, according to QS World University Ranking, it is ranked 157thin the world and Times Higher Education ranks it 5th in France and 182nd in the world.
- CentraleSupélec
CentraleSupélec is one of the institutions in France that are very keen on thorough research. Recently, QS ranks CentraleSupélec164th in the world and 4ICU ranks this institution 42nd in France.
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How to Apply to Study at a University in France
Applying to study in France is quite straight forward and easy, in as much you meet the basic requirements. All institutions have a website where you can research about your preferred program.
The following are usually required for you to apply to study in France:
- Transcripts: This includes your academic records of all schools you have attended before the application.
- Essay: Most collegesrequire an essay of various word counts and it’s one of the most vital aspects of the application process.
- Test of Proficiency in English: This is majorly required of applicants whose their native language is not English. This test includes TOEFL, TOEIC
IELTS, etc - School criteria: Individual colleges may have their own special criteria apart from the common ones.
- Application fee: whether you are from an EU nation or not, it is required you pay some amount for the application process.
For EU applicants, that is, students already living in the European Union, the above criteria are all they need. Whereas, for non EU applicants,below are the additional requirements:
- Visa & Passport: As an international student who wants to study in France, you must provide a copy of your passport and also a passport photographof the size required by the school in which you are applying to. Also, you will need toprovidea proof that you have a Visa, if your duration is going to be more than three months.
- Birth Certificate: This is required when applying to study in France as a non EU applicant, regardless of your country of origin.
When to apply (undergraduate and graduate applications)
Colleges in France run their academic sessions fromSeptember through June the following year.If you applying to study in any college in France, you should research about the school early enough, so as to know the requirements far ahead of application period. Also, you should submit your application like two to three months before the resumption date for your course of study.There are some colleges that allow enrollments throughout the whole years.
Deadline for students to submit application
You can apply during two periods:
- Fall Admission: For this period of admission, you can apply between the 1st of February and 1st of April of the year.
- Spring Admission: For this admission period, you can apply by the 15th of Septemberbased on spaces that are available.
Most of the French institutions inform applicants of their admission processmostly between June 15 and September 15.
Read also: University Application Times and Deadlines in Norway, Germany and Finland
What to expect when you study in France
Applying to study in France has a whole lot to offer and you should be very expectant. The following are what to expect when you study in France:
- Flexible course timetable
- Excellent student-teacher relationships
- Excellent academic pursuit
- Bright career prospect
Conclusion
To apply to study in France is very easy and French universities admit students from all around the world and offer many programs and theirtuition fees are very affordable. Studying in France is an opportunity to have an excellent education while you also enjoy the feeling of seeing the world through France.
