France

France stands as the third-leading host country for higher education, enticing international students with its rich culture and language immersion. The country's top-tier universities, with 35 of them ranked among the world's best, consistently offer international standards of education, whether in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, or Bordeaux.

• Diversity and Choice: France boasts over 3,500 higher education institutions, providing an extensive array of locations, schools, and courses. From bachelor's and master's programs to unique short-term courses, the options are boundless, ensuring a rewarding study experience.
• English Language Accessibility: While concerns about the French language have deterred some, the trend is shifting. Many universities in France now offer courses in English, regardless of students' native languages. With approximately 1,500 programs taught in English, international students can confidently pursue their studies in France.
• Affordability and Quality: Studying in France is not only enriching but also cost-effective when compared to the USA and the UK. Financial support is offered by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, making education accessible through 3,500 public and private institutions that deliver exceptional programs and training.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Both the French government and universities extend scholarships to international students, with approximately 500 scholarships available to Indian students alone. These scholarships can be fully funded or provide partial tuition fee support.
• Warm Welcome: France has made substantial efforts to attract international students, streamlining visa applications and even offering grants and scholarships in some cases. This welcoming attitude underscores the country's commitment to hosting students from around the world.
• No IELTS Required: Many French universities, both public and private, welcome international students without requiring IELTS scores. Institutions like EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science, ESAIP School of Engineers, and ESC Rennes School of Business offer admission without the need for an IELTS score.
• Quality of Life: France values the balance between work and leisure, emphasizing the joy of living. Students can expect a vibrant cultural life alongside their studies, experiencing a culture that celebrates both productivity and enjoyment.
• Distinguished Research Opportunities: France invests significantly in research and development, ranking sixth globally in domestic spending. The Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France is a world-leading research organization, attracting 42% of international students to study medicine.
• Language Learning: International students have the unique chance to learn French, the official language in over 30 countries. Interaction with French classmates and neighbors, along with language courses, offers a valuable linguistic experience.
• Work Opportunities: France permits international students to work part-time for up to 964 hours annually, which equates to 60% of the legal work year. The minimum wage applies to all working students, providing an opportunity to earn around €7,900 per year.

If Students are applying to any university in France, they need to meet certain requirements. They need to submit some of the important documents while applying. These documents serve as proof of their skills, abilities, nationality, and identity. Universities ask for documents depending on the student's study level and course of study. However, to study in France, they will need the following documents:

• Application form The Application form is the entry that students need to fill carefully to get admission to their selected university. They can fill the application forms online or offline depending on the availability of application forms. Some universities offer an online application process, while some other universities offer paper application forms on the university's website.
• A valid passport Copy of passport first and last page.
• Updated Resume/CV. Students need to send their resume that includes individual details like their educational background and skill sets, Skype id, Email id, and Contact No. It is always a good idea to prepare a powerful resume.
• Academic documents and Certificates Students need to send the academic certificates in support of their educational qualifications. If they have just completed their higher secondary studies and are applying for undergraduate studies they need to send the SSC and higher secondary certificate to the university. And, if they have completed a bachelor's or Master's Degree then they need to send their degree certificate and the mark sheets. The Academic Certificates include.
  • 10th Grade Transcripts & Certificate.
  • 12th Grade Transcripts & Certificate.
  • Bachelor's Transcripts & Degree (for Masters/PG Programs Only).
  • Master's Transcripts & Degree (if available).
  • Diploma Transcripts & Certificate (if available).
  • Other Diplomas/Certificates (if available).
• Language Proficiency Test Scores: For any admission to French Universities, Students need to take the English or French language tests to prove their efficiency. With these Test Scores, the Universities assess the candidate's ability and skills to successfully complete the course. Students can take some popular English Language Tests like TOEFL/IELTS/PTE. If they know French they can also prove their efficiency in the French language.
• Two letters of recommendation A Recommendation letter is a letter requested to be written about us by someone. University wants to know what others think about the student, to assess the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person to perform a particular task the universities ask for in the Letter of Recommendation form.
• Statement of Purpose A Statement of Purpose, reflects the personality of the students that they portray in front of the admission committee for getting enrolled in universities abroad. It is the chance of impressing the committee by presenting a profile strongly through an essay that describes students' personality traits, which are not covered in academic documents. It should also include students' goals and the career path they have taken up so far and their academic progress.
• Passport size Photograph Students need to concentrate on these photos. They need to arrange the correct sized and latest photographs to apply. If they have not attached the correct sized photographs their application may get rejected.
• Experience letters (If any) If students are applying for any Business Program they must have experience in the relevant field to get admission to any Business School in France. If they are applying for an undergraduate course they don't need to have any experience. The major documents in proof of work experience include
  • Latest Joining Letter.
  • Latest Salary Slip.
  • Employment Certificates from all Previous Employers.

Note: This document checklist may vary on the requirement of different Universities.

Once the students get their Offer letter from the University of France, they can start the Visa Process. It is advisable to start the Visa process as soon as possible so that they can Reach France on time before their classes begin. Here is the Visa process- step by step guide:

Indian students must start their visa process by registering in Campus France. Other international students can contact their contact the French embassy/consulate in their country. They will guide you with the direct application.

• STEP 1: Online registration - Log on to india.campusfrance.org. At the "Register Online" box Student should click on Create Your Account. Fill in the Academic records, Language skills, and CV+SOP sections. Upload documents, photographs, and academic records. Ensure that all fields in the Validation tab indicate “Complete”. Students should Send their file number to the assigned Campus France office to get their file reviewed and to request an appointment.
• Step 2: Academic interview - Students will have to appear in person for the academic interview with the Campus France advisor. They must also carry all the mandatory documents plus one set of photocopies along with the Campus France fee payment receipt. They will receive an Interview completion certificate at the end of the interview.
• Campus France - Documents Checklist
  • A valid passport
  • Letter of Admission/ confirmation from the university
  • Final unconditional Offer Letter with Fee Receipt
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Updated Resume/ CV with Skype id
  • Email id & Contact No.
  • Academic documents 10th &12th onwards (Mark-sheets)
  • Transcripts
  • Degree Certificate
  • LORs and SOP
  • Work Experience Letters (if any)
  • Expense Statement
  • Campus France Fees Payment Receipts

  Note - Additional documents may require*

• STEP 3: Online Visa Application and Scheduling - Once students have given the academic interview, they should complete their application on the online portal. Schedule an appointment with VFS-France
  • Student Visa Checklist
  • Long stay VISA application form
  • Two passport size photographs
  • A copy of Passport Academics (Transcripts, Degree Certificate, Mark-sheets & All)
  • Work Experience Letters, if Applicable
  • A copy of Campus France ID number along with N.O.C received from Campus France
  • Letter of registration from the academic Institution (Final Offer Letter including Fees Receipt)
  • Cover letter explaining the study project and a CV/Resume
  • Proof of funds (Financial Affidavit, ITRs, Bank Statements, Educational Loan Sanction Letter, FD Copy, If applicable)
  • Proof of Travel Insurance with coverage valid in France
  • Copy of One-way ticket
  • Expense Statement
  • Accommodation Letter
• STEP 4: Validation of Long Stay Visa/Residence permit (VLS - TS) - The VLS-TS student visa allows students to pursue studies in France for a period of four months to one year. Within the first three months after arriving in France, they must register and validate their Visa in the nearest government body.
• STEP 5: Apply for Residence Permit - Students who wish to stay in France at the end of the validity period of their VLS-TS must apply for a residence permit at their place of residence two months prior to the expiry date of their visa.
• Methods of Showing Funds
  • Education Loan (Sanction Letter)
  • Savings Account Statement (6 months old, Funds to be showed should be at least 3 months old)
  • Fixed Deposits (3 months old & allowed only up to 70% of total funds)
  • I.T. Return (of last 3 years)
  • 3rd party sponsors allowed Up-to 30% of the total funds to be shown
  • Maximum 2 sponsors are acceptable.
  • Financial Affidavit (On 100 Rs. Stamp Paper)
  • Sponsors Affidavit (On 100 Rs. Stamp Paper)

Note - Liquid Funds Only. If you have any more queries, then kindly contact us.