2021/22.

Study France

The university education system:

France has a dual system for higher education: "Universites" and "Grandes Ecoles"; there are also a
number of established international universities based in France (particularly in Paris). International
student’s make-up around 12% of higher education student numbers.

Grandes Ecoles: Completely separate from the public universities, Grandes Ecoles are generally
regarded as the best institutes of higher education in France*. Grandes Ecoles are elite institutions
characterised by a relatively small intake (class sizes and facilities are usually far better than in the
public universities), highly competitive admissions and specialisation in a single field (often business
or engineering, though some Grandes Ecoles cover a wider range of subjects), with courses at
(almost) all Grandes Ecoles essentially equivalent to a Masters level qualification. With around 250
Grandes Ecoles and around 4% of French students attending a Grande Ecole, international students
should do their research as entry requirements, course structure and content can differ. See specific
entry requirements below.

French state universities: are open to all "bacheliers", that is students who have passed their
(French) baccalauréat (equivalent to A levels / IB). This can result in some very large class numbers
and higher than the average drop-out rates. Some state universities/specific courses have
introduced an element of selection, often introduced at the end of the first year of study. For
instance, schools of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy have selections at the end of the first year of
study with only around 10% of students accepted onto the second year. One of the most difficult to
gain acceptance into is veterinary schools, with only four veterinary schools in France, all with a
highly competitive entrance examination. Other restricted entry institutions include some schools of
economics and law.

*Academically able international students who are considering Social/Political Sciences should
explore options at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly referred to as Sciences Po
(link). Sciences Po is technically a ‘Grand Etablissement’, but in terms of selectivity, prestige and job
prospects Sciences Po is very much equivalent to the Grandes Ecole’s.

Paris based American Universities & Colleges: There are a number of American colleges and
universities in France. Those especially popular with International students include: the American
University in Paris (link), where all classes are taught in English and offers both BA and BSc degrees
and as American offers liberal arts options. Parsons School of Design, Paris (link), plus others worth
exploring further.

The application process and entry requirements:

Grandes Ecoles: Upon completing the (French) baccalaureate French students who wish to enter a
Grande Ecole have to take the: Préparatoire aux Grandes Ecoles (CPGE), commonly known as the
‘prepa’. The prepa takes two years to complete and is a rigorous programme of classes of around 30-
35 hours a week with regular examinations. At the end of the two years, students take a highly

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competitive national exam, with the highest ranked students gaining places to Grandes Ecoles (three
years).

For international students some Grand Ecoles will expect students to do the prepa, while others will
take applications from IB/A-Level applicants. Institutions where there are courses taught in English
are generally more likely to accept applications without prepa, but this is a general rule and students
must check individual institutions for specific entry requirements (plus be aware of differing course
content and accreditation).

French State universities: Unlike (most) Grandes Ecoles, in the French State universities (this
includes all other none Grande Ecoles such as Science Po) you start by studying a three-year
bachelor degree (you do not require the prepa), and then have the option of a further two years to
obtain a Masters. Generally speaking, A-level/IB passes are all that is required for entry to French
state universities, however individual universities and courses (see above) do have some flexibility
with entry requirements for international students. It is therefore very important to check with
individual institutions.

Application Process: For students who studied the French baccalaureate, they must use the online
application system used by all French students (APB – admission post-baccalauréat).

International students are strongly advised to contact individual institutions as the application
process can be different based on the institution, the course, nationality of the student and other
factors. As a general rule, if the whole institution teaches in English, they are the most likely to have
a direct application system for International students (with IB/A-Levels) who have studied in English.

Students may be asked to apply via www.parcoursup.fr (and should therefore be aware of specific
deadlines). For applicants from outside the EU (which now includes UK citizens), the application
procedure will vary depending on whether they are from one of the 31 countries (listed on the
website, which now includes students from the U.K.) in which CampusFrance runs the CEF
procedure. www.campusfrance.org/en/application-etudes-en-france-procedure

The application process usually involves transcripts, predictions and references, with private
universities (including the international universities) also asking for motivational letters/CVs. Some
universities might also require entrance exams. Important to check with individual institutions.

Deadline dates: See details on the www.parcoursup.fr application process runs from mid-January.
Other applications dates vary and therefore students are strongly recommended to contact
individual institutions. Remember your school will set its own deadlines, as they will want to check
the application.

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Additional Requirements: For all courses taught in French, if you are not a native French speaker
you are required to take a Test de Connaissance de Francais.

Fees:
For UK passport holders exploring studying in Europe, it is really important to be aware how BREXIT
has affected your university fees, as you will now be seen as a ‘international student’ for both fees &
visa requirements. For all International (non-EU/EEA) It remains important to check individual
institutions as often international student fees will vary between universities and courses within
those universities.

Public universities in France, are generally very in-expensive, with EU passport holders paying as
little as €189 a year. International student fees are generally higher than EU students, but still lower
in comparison to many other countries. *Engineering and Medicine, courses charge more but still
remain far less than most other countries. French universities do tend to levy additional
administrative charges, which are known to bring fees up considerably but still remain low.

Fees to study in France’s highly selective Grandes Ecoles and Grands Etablissements are significantly
more as are fees at private universities. It’s important to check fees with individual institutions.

Visa requirements:
EU students don’t need a visa. Other students (now including UK passport holders) will need to apply
for a student visa at the French consulate in the country in which they reside.

Highest ranking universities in France:

* Especially for studying in France, students need to show caution when using league tables as the
unique structure of the French Higher Education system and the measures used for world rankings
can be seen to negatively affect many French universities and especially the Grandes Ecoles.
Latest QS World ranking (2022): Paris Sciences et Lettres (link), École Polytechnique (link), Sorbonne
University (link), Paris - Saclay University (link). With links with CentraleSupélec (link), École normale
sup érieure de Lyon (link), Sciences Po (link).

Further information:
www.topuniversities.com/universities/country/france Lots of information and articles, plus their
version of world university rankings data.
www.campusfrance.org/en - Comprehensive site for studying in France.
www.campusfrance.org/en/page/programs-taught-english Studying in English.

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Research tips:
The Three R's Rule:
Is the information Recent? This is particularly important when applying to international universities
as entry requirements, visa rules, finances, etc. generally change each year. Ensure you are reading
the most up-to-date information. If in-doubt, talk with the careers / university team in school or
contact SPW Careers advice@spwcareers.com Is it Relevant? Does it actually provide you with
answers to questions you have? Is it Reasoned? Does it provide statements and back them up with
facts or data that are useful for you as an individual?

Next steps:
Example questions you might like to find the answers to when exploring your options. We all have
different priorities and reasons for studying a course so you are likely to have other questions.

❖ Find out about the course including course content, structure, options and assessment methods.
❖ What are the course requirements: subjects, grades required and anything else, such as
additional entrance tests, work experience, etc. Are predicted grades accepted or must you
already know your final results?
❖ What is the application process; Is it multiple applications using one document (UCAS, Common
Application), or individual university forms or a mix of both?
❖ Is there any additional documentation that needs completing and at what stage in the
application process is this required (personal statement, motivational letter, CV, etc)?
❖ Do you have to provide proof of English language (or other) ability? * Students who have studied
in English/are native speakers can be exempt, but it is important to check with universities.
❖ What are the application deadlines, including dates for any additional entrance tests?
❖ What are the costs: Tuition fees and accommodation/living costs, and finance/funding options.
❖ Is it possible to study in more than one country/gain work experience as part of the course?
❖ Logistics to and from home: how long will it take, how many flights etc?
❖ What do you know about the country: climate, culture, languages spoken etc?
❖ What are the work regulations, both during the course and after graduation?
❖ Are there any health requirements in advance, for instance some countries insist on certain
vaccinations before an entry visa is issued?
❖ Are the qualifications you gain from the course recognised through-out the world/in the country
you plan to work? If not, can these be converted?
❖ Do you need post graduate qualifications/specific work experience after completing your first
degree to work in your chosen career?

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