Choose

France
 Guide Choose France

Bienvenue
en France

Choose
France

2
 Guide Choose France

04 International students,
welcome to France!
05 You choose whether to study
in France or from home
06 The Bienvenue en France label
07 Join France Alumni

08 In the heart of Europe

STUDY
09 Choose France
in France 10 Exploring your options
12 Programs Taught in English
14 Entering a French institution of higher education
16 Grants, scholarships, and financial aids
18 Applying for a visa

21 The French system of higher education

The French
22 Degrees and diplomas
system 24 Short professional/vocational degrees
of higher accredited at the national level
Education 26 Universities
28 Programs in medicine and health
29 Programs in law
30 Doctoral training
31 French international institutions
31 International dual-degree programs
32 The “Grandes Écoles” and other
postsecondary schools
34 Schools of art
36 Schools of architecture
37 Specialized schools and institutes

38 History, culture, and the “art of living”

Living
40 Living in France
in France 42 Finding housing
44 Working in France
45 Insurance in France
46 Cultural life
48 Campus life
49 France Alumni
50 How much does it cost?

52 On the web: useful links

3
International students,
welcome to France!

Welcome back to campus

Visas and residency permits system… you’ll find videos on these and other
topics on the Campus France site.
The process of applying for and receiving visas www.campusfrance.org/en/tutorials-to-help-
and residency permits is now virtual. international-students-in-their-application-
For complete details, review our FAQ on visas process
and residency permits.
campusfrance>Students>Getting organised>Visas Everything’s easier
To facilitate your arrival in France, Campus France with peer support!
makes available online information and tools Through one of the several peer-support
relevant to your study program that allow you to mechanisms found in France, you can be paired
prepare at your own pace and in full confidence. with a fellow student to guide you upon arrival and
help you adjust to your new life. Consistent with
A checklist so you won’t their availability, your peer supporter may be able
to meet you at the airport or train station, show you
forget anything!
the campus and the surrounding city, help you with
On the Campus France site you’ll find everything administrative procedures, and more.
you need to do, step by step, to prepare for your
arrival in France. For more information:
www.campusfrance.org/en/organise-arrival- www.campusfrance.org/en/find-student-
France sponsor

Tutorials to guide you through

the administrative maze
To facilitate your move to France and help you
surmount administrative challenges, Campus
France has prepared a new collection of tutorials
in French, English, and Spanish.
Payment of the CVEC (contribution to student
and campus life); Visale rental guarantee; reg-
istration with the national health-insurance

4
 Guide Choose France

Quick introductions to 50 of France’s university cities

Because making you feel welcome is a prior-
ity throughout France, Campus France makes
available up-to-date profiles on student services
and student life in France’s major university
cities. The profiles give you useful leads to help
you discover your host city and explore your new
life in France.
The profiles are updated for each new academic
year. They are available in French, English, and
Spanish.
www.campusfrance.org/en/discover-all-you-
To learn about up-to-date welcome services, visit the
need-to-know-about-student-reception-in-50- Campus France site.
university-cities-in-france www.campusfrance.org > Resources center > Practical
information for students and researchers > Student cities

You choose whether to study in

France or from home
Find a distance-learning program
for academic year 2021
If you are unable to come to France because of the
world health crisis, Campus France’s catalogue of
distance-learning programs can help you search My distance-
for degree programs that are 100% virtual or a learning program
hybrid of distance and campus-based learning. The online catalog of nearly
700 degree programs available

Enrolling in a distance-learning program offered by either remotely or in France

a French institution of higher education allows you foad.campusfrance.org

to immediately and safely begin a relationship with

the campus that will welcome you in 2021/2022.
My Distance-Learning Program catalogues nearly
700 programs offered in French or English by
French institutions of higher education. The
offerings cover the fields of engineering, admin-
istration, management, law, finance, computer
science, urban planning, design, and much
more—and at all academic levels, primarily mas-
ter’s and post-master’s.
campusfrance.org>What program are you
looking for? I am looking for a distance
https://foad.campusfrance.org/#/main

5
 Guide Choose France

The Bienvenue
en France label
So you’re an international student
interested in studying in France?
France has created the Bienvenue en France  help finding a job or an internship, contacts in
label to help you identify institutions that offer the world of work;
services to facilitate your arrival in France, your  alumni networks to boost your international
studies while here, and your career development career.
after graduation.
Complete information can be found on the
With the help of the label, which means Campus France site, including the list of
“Welcome to France,” you can find institutions labeled institutions:
that offer the services you want: www.campusfrance.org/en/bienvenue-en-
 websites in several languages and including france-certification-institutions-certified
pages that speak to your needs;
 airport or train station pickups and help in
meeting administrative requirements;
 housing assistance, from rooms in university
GRAND-EST LABEL BIENVENUE EN FRANCE

UNIVERSITÉ
DE REIMS
CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE

housing to single or shared rentals to a room RMATION

CONTACT

SUPPOR
T
INTERNET www.univ-reims.fr
www.univ-reims.eu

in the home of a local family;

INFO
CONTACTS
> SERVICE RELATIONS INTERNATIONALES > SERVICE VIE ÉTUDIANTE
dredi@univ-reims.fr bve@univ-reims.fr
> SERVICE ACCUEIL > BUREAU D’ACCUEIL
Le Label “Bienvenue en France” distingue les devu@univ-reims.fr etudiants.etrangers@univ-reims.fr
établissements qui développent des services > AUTRE CONTACT UTILE AUX ÉTUDIANTS INTERNATIONAUX
spécifiques pour les étudiants internationaux www.univ-reims.fr/formation/candidature-inscription/
inscription-administrative/inscription-des-etudiants-
portant sur la qualité : de l’information, des

 orientation events and seminars, guided tours,

internationaux/accueil-des-etudiants-internationaux-lors-de-
dispositifs d’accueil, de l’accompagnement
ACCUEIL leur-arrivee-a-l-urca,22116,37167.html
des enseignements, de la vie du campus,
ainsi que du suivi post-diplômant. INSCRIPTION www.univ-reims.fr/formation/candidature-inscription/candidature-et-

L’Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne ✔ Procédure de candidature / calendrier pre-inscription/etudiants-internationaux/admission-des-etudiants-

internationaux,22106,36757.htm
www.univ-reims.fr/formation/candidature-inscription/candidature-et-
a obtenu, le 1er juillet 2019 et pour 4 années, ✔ Candidature en ligne
MS
pre-inscription/etudiants-internationaux/admission-des-etudiants-
internationaux,22106,36757.html

PROGRA
le Label “Bienvenue en France” de niveau 2.
HOUSING
✔ Connexion Etudes en France 1, 3 https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/

PUS LIFE
authentification/login.html

CAM L’université de Reims Champagne- AIDE ADMINISTRATIVE ET À L’INSCRIPTION ✔

Ardenne a une longue tradition d’accueil ✔ Référent administratif 1, 3 ✔ Référent vie étudiante 1, 3

tourist visits;
d’étudiants internationaux et d’ouverture
de ses formations et de sa recherche au PARRAINAGE (étudiant, famille) ✔ https://www.univ-reims.fr/international/mobilite-des-etudiants/
venir-etudier-a-l-urca/buddy-system/buddy-system-programme-
monde. Elle accueille aujourd’hui environ de-parrainage-etudiant,19753,33891.html

3 000 étudiants de 120 nationalités LOGEMENT

différentes et 800 nouveaux entrants ✔ Accès prioritaire à une résidence universitaire 4
étrangers chaque année. Elle construit ✔ Information sur le logement (guides, pages web) 1, 3
des partenariats ciblés avec près de 250
universités à travers le monde. Université BUREAU D’ACCUEIL (dispositif mis en place pour faciliter l’arrivée en France) ✔ r
pluridisciplinaire, l’URCA ambitionne de
SERVICES D’ACCOMPAGNEMENT

 pairing with a peer already in France who can

devenir un pôle de recherche académique
✔ Visa / Titre de séjour ✔ Assurance (logement, santé…)
CAREER
de référence dans le domaine des agro
sciences, environnement, biotechnologies ✔ Transport s en commun (sur place)
PMENT et bio économie. La politique internationale
DEVELO
www.univ-reims.fr/media-files/20762/
est un axe stratégique de l’établissement et GUIDE DE L’ÉTUDIANT INTERNATIONAL ✔ guide_etudiant_fr_web_2.pdf
l’URCA veut développer une véritable culture
de l’international au sein de sa communauté.
L’URCA souhaite donner à ses étudiants
une large ouverture à l’international grâce
à une politique d’apprentissage des langues

help you get acclimated, even before you leave

étrangères ambitieuse, au renforcement des
stages et des mobilités académiques auprès

The
de partenaires universitaires ou privés à
l’étranger. 1
services gratuits, 2 services payants,
3
services pour étudiants en mobilité encadrée, 4 services pour étudiants en mobilité individuelle

Bienvenue
www.facebook.com/UnivReimsChampagneArdenne Membre du Forum Campus France

en France label
home;
KS
NET WOR

 study aids, courses in French as a foreign

language, courses taught in English;

6
 Guide Choose France

Join
France Alumni
You chose France for your postsecondary stud-
ies. But even if you’ve just arrived in France or are
about to arrive, you shouldn’t wait to join France www.francealumni.fr/en
Alumni, the worldwide network of international
students with degrees from French institutions
of higher education.
Joining France Alumni is fast, easy, and free. By
creating your profile on Francealumni.fr you can:
 Make contact with other alumni in France
and throughout the world on the basis of
shared interests
 Keep abreast of economic, scientific, and
cultural trends in France
 Stay informed of news from the France
Alumni network and its partners
 Participate in some of the 500 events orga-
nized by France Alumni whether you’re in
France or anywhere else in the world
 Review offers of employment and internships
from France Alumni’s partner firms
 Take advantage of your academic experi-
ence in France to expand professional
opportunities.
Accessible in France and 122 countries through-
out the world, today’s France Alumni platform
counts 325,000 members who are current or
former students of French higher education. It
also has more than 3,500 partner organizations—
academic institutions, businesses, nonprofits,
and more.
Sign up today and take advantage of the many
personal and professional opportunities offered
by this worldwide network.

7
 Guide Choose France

Some of the advantages

of living in France

A renowned quality of life

Students enjoy special rates and discounts in
nearly all areas of daily life, ensuring a good
quality of life: a modern healthcare system, an
efficient public transportation network, housing
assistance, university dining facilities, discounted
access to cultural and athletic events, and more.

In the heart
Outside the cities you’ll find an uncommon variety
of landscapes, from seacoasts to mountain ranges,
that offer every conceivable form of recreation.

of Europe
Unmatched cultural dynamism
Readings, movie houses, museums, theaters,
operas, cafes, fine restaurants, fashion—all are
right around the corner, evidence of France’s
major role in the cultural realm. Every season of
the year features events and festivals that confirm
that role and attest to France’s receptivity and
openness to the cultures of the world.
http://francefestivals.com

A location at the crossroads

of Europe
Sharing borders with nine countries, France
is an ideal spot from which to explore Europe.
The proximity of cities like Amsterdam, Berlin,
Brussels, Barcelona, Munich, and Milan should
be all the inducement you need. Many French
institutions offer degree programs, courses, or
internships with a broad European perspective.

An international language
French is spoken by more than 300 million
people throughout the world. In fact, it is the
official language of 32 states on five continents.
Along with English and German, it is a working
language of the European Union. The Union’s
three capitals—Brussels, Luxembourg, and
Strasbourg—are French-speaking cities. French
is also the world’s third most used business
language and the second-most heard and read
language of international news.

8
 Guide Choose France

Choose
France

In 2019-2020, France welcomed 370,052 international students who

made up 14% of the student body.

High-level Research than 300 schools of business and management,

more than 100 public institutions offering training
France benefits from a long tradition of scientific in art, 22 schools of architecture, and 3,000 more
and technological research that accounts for the schools and specialized institutes in sectors
nation’s strong performance in fields as varied such as social work, allied health professions,
as space, transportation, electronics, telecom- tourism, sports, fashion, design, and the culinary
munications, chemistry, biotechnology, health, arts. Programs taught in English are becom-
and mathematics. The results of international ing increasingly common. Already, more than
competitions bear this out: 1,600 such programs are offered in nearly every
 France is 2nd in the world in Fields medals field throughout France.
(mathematics).
 It is 4th worldwide in Nobel prizes.
 France’s national research center, CNRS, Affordable educational excellence
accounts for more high-level scientific pub- As a nation, France invests heavily in higher edu-
lications than all but one other institution cation. The government pays a very large share
in the world. of the real cost of every student’s education (up
 CEA, the nation’s center for atomic and alter- to €15,000 per year per student). This practice
native energy, is Europe’s second-leading keeps tuition levels at French public institutions
source of patent applications. among the lowest in the world, while also assur-
ing the equivalence of the degrees offered by
A wide variety of top-notch public institutions across France and enhancing
their recognition internationally.
postsecondary institutions
France has some 60 comprehensive public uni- Except for the fact that students from outside the
versities, nearly 20 major clusters of institutions European Union pay slightly higher tuition than French
of higher education, research, and innovation and EU students, no distinction is made between
(8 communities of universities and institutions; French and foreign students. Admission requirements
±10 public experimental institutions; p. 27), are identical, and the degrees conferred are the same—
108 IUTs (university-based technical institutes), regardless of the student’s nationality.
in addition to 270 schools of engineering, more

9
 Guide Choose France

Exploring
your options
A strong system of higher education
The richness and diversity of French higher education ensure
that any student can find a program closely suited to his or her needs,
plans, and dreams. The sole prerequisite, whether at the bachelor,
master, or doctoral level, is to clearly define the goals underlying
your search for a program. Doing so will allow you to choose the right
curriculum and the right type of school. A close fit between
your stated goals (degree level and field of study) and your prior
preparation will increase your chances of admission.
Lille

Rouen
Hauts-de-France Paris

Strasbourg
Rennes
Normandy Île-de-France
Grand-Est
Nantes Brittany
Pays-de- Orléans

Saint-Denis la-Loire Centre-

Loire Valley
Cayenne Burgundy Dijon
Franche-Comté
Reunion
Nouvelle
Pointe-à-Pitre Guyana Auvergne
Aquitaine Lyon
Rhône-Alpes
Fort-de-France
Guadeloupe
Provence-Alpes
Mamoudzou Occitanie
Martinique Côte-d’Azur

Corsica
Nouméa
Mayotte
Marseille
New
Bordeaux Toulouse
Caledonia Ajaccio

10
 Guide Choose France

Take advantage of Campus France’s sites. All this is complemented by profiles of the
fields of study you’ve chosen and of the support
worldwide network of local offices:
services provided by institutions and regions.
259 Campus France offices—called Espaces—
in 127 countries offer personalized service.
The staff of the Espaces are there to answer all
The research in France portal
your questions about postsecondary education www.campusfrance.org >Researchers
in France, from your initial inquiries right up to the
– A directory of doctoral schools
moment you decide to enroll. They offer reliable,
As your point of departure toward a doctorate,
personalized assistance: listening to your study
France’s 265 doctoral schools organize and over-
plans, helping you choose an appropriate pro-
see doctoral training.
gram, presenting information on grant programs,
 Search by keyword, discipline, and region.
analyzing financing requirements, compiling your
 Access complete information on every doctoral
application for admission, tracking admission
school: funded dissertation topics, research
decisions, and helping you prepare for departure.
priorities, admission criteria and contacts, sup-
www.campusfrance.org
port services, funding opportunities, interna-
>Where to find Campus France close
tional links, and contacts in affiliated research
to your place?
facilities.

Get what you need on the Campus – A search engine of funded dissertation
topics, laboratory positions, and postdocs
France website  Academic research opportunities combined
On the Campus France website you’ll find the with a doctoral (employment) contract, oppor-
information you need to choose an undergraduate tunities to earn a doctorate while working in
or graduate program, apply, seek financial aid, pre- private labs (CIFRE), opportunities under pro-
pare your stay, and even complete your enrollment. grams funded by foreign governments
 Laboratory research assistantships that intro-
duce students to the world of research
Search engines give you access to
 Postdoctoral opportunities in French
detailed information laboratories

– Consult the catalog of licence (bachelor) The Campus France website includes a section dedi-
and master’s programs cated to researchers that offers easy access to the
www.campusfrance.org research portal as well as other information about
>What program are you looking for? research in France.

GOOD CHOICES DEPEND ON

GOOD INFORMATION
Campus France is with you from start to finish,
The online catalog of French degree programs providing information, facilitating online applica-
contains more than 30,000 bachelor- and mas- tions, and helping you prepare for departure. Visit
ter’s-level programs at some 3,500 institutions. campusfrance.org and the Campus France office
A powerful search engine allows you to search closest to you. They’re there to help you.
programs at either level by keyword, field of study, www.campusfrance.org
and French region. It then provides summaries of >Where to find Campus France close to your place?
the institutions you select and connects you to their

11
 Guide Choose France

Programs Taught
in English

Programs Taught in English – A few salient figures

 More than 80% of the programs in the catalog
www.campusfrance.org
are taught entirely in English; the remainder
>What type of program are you looking for?
include some courses taught in French.
>Taught in English
 80% of the programs are at the master level.
– The catalog contains more than  Offerings are especially numerous in the fields
1,600 programs taught entirely or partially of business and management; engineering
in English and technology; sciences, environment, and
Each entry describes the cost, course content, health; and law and economics.
admission requirements, nature and accredi-
The catalog is constantly updated, so be sure to
tation of the diploma offered, and the share of
check it often!
courses conducted in English. It also specifies
whether courses in French as a foreign language
are available.
You can start your search by clicking on a map
of France.

Programs
Taught in English
Choose your Program Taught in English, the online catalog:
→ More than 1600 programs
→ All levels and disciplines
Bachelor, Master, Summer and Short Courses....
→ Study entirely or partly in English,
Depending on your proficiency in French

taughtie.campusfrance.org

12
 Guide Choose France

DO YOU HAVE TO BE FLUENT IN

Learn French
FRENCH TO STUDY IN FRANCE?
or choose
a short program  Students from outside the European Union
in France
Use our interactive map of
France’s regions to choose
seeking to enroll in the first year of university
study (L1) or in a school of architecture are
from among 650 programs

ecolesdete.campusfrance.org

required to follow a special procedure known

as DAP (application for preliminary admission,
French as a foreign language p. 15). As part of the DAP procedure, they
and other short programs: must demonstrate their proficiency in French,
an online catalog… either by taking a test (TCF-DAP or TEF) or by
earning a diploma (DELF/DALF).
http://ecolesdete.campusfrance.org
 For enrollments in the second or third year of
– The catalog of short programs, undergraduate study, in a master’s or doctoral
both academic and cultural/linguistic program, or in a Grande École, each institution
This trilingual catalog (French, English, Spanish) is free to set its own requirements for profi-
contains classes in French as a foreign language, ciency in French.
as well as short academic programs offered by  For certain programs taught in English,
the member institutions of the Campus France institutions may require a minimum level of
Forum. Many of the programs carry ECTS credits.* proficiency.
Others award a certificate. Still others prepare
students to sit for a test of proficiency in French. www.campusfrance.org
Among the features of the catalog are: Resources center
 An interactive map of France’s regions >Panorama of Higher Education
 Searches by level of French proficiency or and Research in France
field of study >Degrees >Tests and degrees
 More than 650 athletic, cultural, and culinary in French as a foreign language
 opportunities
BEFORE COMING TO FRANCE
…And an app Practice your French at home with help from TV5
MONDE, which offers thousands of interactive
online exercises in every field and at every level
http://parlons.francais.tv5monde.com
Immersion France is a mobile application
developed by Campus France to help students
choose a short program in France combining
language-learning and tourism.
It puts all of the power of a mobile application
to work for students looking for a way to learn
French while exploring the country.
 Detailed program descriptions
 An introduction to regions of interest
 Links to sign-up sites

* ECTS = European Credit Transfer System, Europe’s sys-

tem of cumulable academic credit, transferable throughout
Europe. See pages 22–23 for more information.

13
 Guide Choose France

Entering a French institution

of higher education
Students from within
the European Union
A 3-STEP ENROLLMENT PROCESS
– Enrolling in L1, the first year of
Applies to all students in the following categories: undergraduate study: PARCOURSUP
 those from countries not covered by the “Études Students from EU countries intending to enroll in
en France” process (see p. 15) the first year of undergraduate study (L1) must apply
 those from outside the EU and seeking to enroll in through the Parcoursup process. This mandatory
year 2 or 3 of undergraduate study or in a master’s online pre-admission process applies to foreign
or doctoral program students (even those who hold a French secondary
 those from an EU country seeking to enroll in year school diploma) seeking to enter the first year of
2 or 3 of undergraduate study or in a master’s or French postsecondary education at certain selective
doctoral program institutions not covered by the DAP procedure (see
1. Receive letter of admission from institution of p. 15). Those institutions include IUTs (universi-
higher education ty-based technical institutes), STSs (postsecondary
For non-EU students, this letter is required in order vocational institutes), and CPGEs (courses to pre-
pare for admission to a Grande École). Programs
to obtain a visa.
for which the Parcoursup process is required are
2. Enroll to complete the admission process listed here:
Enrollment is done at your institution upon arriving in www.parcoursup.fr
France. For enrollment to be effective, you must have
paid your tuition and fees. A certificate of enrollment – Enrolling in year 2 or 3 of undergraduate
and student card constitute proof of enrollment. study, or in a master’s or doctoral program, is a
3-step process (see box opposite)
3. Register for classes
The last step in the admission process is to select
the times for your required courses, to choose your
electives, and to finalize your exam schedule.

Did you know?

There is no official system of equivalence between foreign and French diplomas. Foreign applicants must request
recognition of their diploma at the time they apply for admission to a French institution. Determinations of equivalence
may take into account the applicant’s experience in the proposed field of study. Decisions on admission and equiva-
lence are the exclusive purview of the admitting institution.

Evaluation of foreign diplomas: Enic-Naric network: www.enic-naric.net > Enic-Naric France: www.ciep.fr/
enic-naric-france

14
 Guide Choose France

Students from outside the European Union Tuition costs in French institutions
Countries covered by the “Études en of higher education
France” online application process Tuition charges in French universities and other
Campus France’s offices in 40 countries* administer an public institutions are among the lowest in the
online application process that must be followed by stu- world, because a large part of the cost of education
dents from those countries seeking to study in France. (between €10,000 and €15,000 per student) is sub-
This special process begins in November of each year sidized by the French government.
and follows a strict timetable. Student applicants receive Students from the European Union
a personal online space in which they: If you are a national of France or another country in
 prepare and present a single online application for the EU, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland,
submission to multiple institutions the French government bears most of the cost of your
 track progress from the initial application through education in a public postsecondary institution.
granting of their visa Annual tuition charges for 2020/2021 are:
 dialogue with Campus France.  €170 at the licence (bachelor) level
 €243 at the master level
Campus France’s assistance concludes with a per-
 €601 in engineering programs at institutions over-
sonal interview in which the students can present
seen by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research,
their study plans and, if required, take a test of French
and Innovation (MESRI)**
proficiency.
 €380 at the doctoral level.
The “Études en France” online process includes the
DAP procedure (application for preliminary admis- ** Except for programs begun on or after September 1, 2018,
sion) required of students applying to enter the first at the Ecole Centrale de Lille, the Ecole Centrale de Lyon, the
undergraduate year at a university. It also includes the Ecole Centrale de Marseille, the Ecole Centrale de Nantes,
visa application. or the Ecole des Mines de Nancy, where the annual tuition
www.campusfrance.org is €2,500.
>Students >Studying >Registration Students from outside the European Union
You are subject to differential tuition under the
following conditions:
countries not covered by the “Études
 you are enrolling for the first time in a licence,
en France” process master’s, or engineering program beginning in the
– Enrolling in the first year of undergraduate study 2020/2021 academic year
(L1): application for preliminary admission (DAP)  you are enrolled in a university or other institution
Students who hold a foreign secondary-school diploma overseen by MESRI
and wish to enroll in the first year of undergraduate  you are not a permanent resident of France
study at a university must submit an application for In this case, the government pays about twothirds of
preliminary admission (DAP) with the cultural section the annual cost of your program. You are responsible
of the French embassy in their country of residence. for the balance, as follows:
White forms are for enrollment in the first year at a  €2,770 at the licence (bachelor) level
university; yellow forms are for the first year at a school  €3,770 at the master’s level
of architecture. In most countries, the DAP procedure  €380 at the doctoral level
opens in December and ends in February. Numerous grants, scholarships, and tuition exemptions
Inquire at the French embassy in your country. are available. To learn more, consult the websites of
Exceptions: Applications to institutions that prac- institutions of interest to you or the Campus France
tice selective admissions (IUTs, STSs, and CPGEs, website:
as described on p. 14) are not subject to the DAP www.campusfrance.org Students
procedure. To apply to a selective institution, stu- >Studying >Scholarship programs
dents must use the Parcoursup process (see p. 14) Tuition is higher in private institutions. In schools of
www.parcoursup.fr business and management, for example, it ranges
from €1,500 to €15,000 per year.
– Enrolling in year 2 or 3 of undergraduate study,
or in a master’s or doctoral program is a 3-step
process (see box on p. 14)
* The complete list of these countries is available on the
Campus France website: www.campusfrance.org >Students
>Studying >Registration

15
 Guide Choose France

Grants, scholarships,
et financial aids

There are many ways to finance a period of research or study in

France—including scholarships, housing assistance, and travel grants.

Scholarships from the Ministry – Specialized programs

 Eiffel Excellence grants are available to fund
of Europe and Foreign Affairs master’s programs or 10-month periods of
(MEAE) mobility for candidates in dual-degree or jointly
The ministry offers several types of scholar- supervised doctoral programs. Candidates
ships covering a variety of costs: health insur- apply to their institution in France, which eval-
ance, living expenses, educational costs, travel uates applications and makes recommenda-
expenses, and more. tions to the MAEA.
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en www.campusfrance.org/fr/le-programme-
>Studying in France >Finance your studies de-bourses-d-excellence-eiffel
>Scholarships  Quai d’Orsay–Entreprises grants are
designed to encourage students from the
– Scholarships from France’s diplomatic top institutions in their home country to come
posts abroad to France in partnership with leading French
French government scholarships are awarded for firms.
academic study, internships, and language  Major Excellence grants fund study up to the
learning in France. All candidates, regardless of master’s level for foreign graduates of French
their country of residence or program of study, secondary schools abroad. Applicants must
must apply to the cultural service of the French have earned grades of Bien or Très bien on
embassy in their home country. their final exams.
www.aefe.fr
>AEFE >Dispositif Excellence-Major

16
 Guide Choose France

The European Erasmus +

program for 2021–2027 CAMPUSBOURSES, A SEARCH
Erasmus + is the European Union’s program ENGINE AVAILABLE IN FRENCH
for mobility and cooperation in the fields of AND ENGLISH, SIMPLIFIES YOUR
education and training. It is open to all.
To go on the road with Erasmus + is to benefit from
SEARCH FOR FINANCIAL AID
a mobility program organized under (and supported www.campusfrance.org
by) a cooperative framework among higher edu- >Students >Studying >Scholarships
cation institutions in Europe and elsewhere in the
world. How does it work? You receive a grant from
the European Union that covers part of the costs
of your mobility experience. The grant builds in the
cost of living in the destination country.
www.erasmusplus.fr
www.generation-erasmus.fr
instagram : @gen.erasmus
Twitter : @gen_erasmus @ErasmusplusFR
Facebook : Génération Erasmus Campus
Youtube : Génération Erasmus Bourses
A grant search engine
more than 700 financial aid programs:

If you’re seeking to do a French Master with a study, internships, research, long and
short duration at all levels, in every field

period of international mobility, consider one of campusbourses.campusfrance.org

the Erasmus Mundus master’s-level programs.

Organized by three or more institutions of higher
education in different countries, programs are Accessible from
found in all disciplines and offer grants to the best www.campusfrance.org,
students all over the world. An Erasmus Mundus CampusBourses allows multicriteria searches
master’s program includes two semesters of in French and English of nearly all the grant and
study in at least two different institutions. Upon scholarship programs available to international
completion, students receive a double, multiple, students and young researchers.
or joint diploma.
Nearly 700 national and international pro-
grams offered by French government agencies,
Grants from the Agence France’s regions, corporations, foundations, edu-
Universitaire de la Francophonie cational institutions, France’s embassies, foreign
governments and institutions, and international
The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie
organizations are included in the database.
(AUF) offers grants for academic mobility
between the agency’s 944 member institutions The option of searching by keyword or search
in 116 countries. Priority is given to South–South criteria (nationality, level and field of study, type
mobility. of aid) enables you to pinpoint programs that fit
www.auf.org your profile. Complete information is provided
on each program, plus contact information and
a link to the sponsor’s website.
Keep in mind...
The French government subsidizes a large share of the
real cost of every student’s education (between €10,000
and €15,000 per student per year), keeping tuition charges
in France among the lowest in the world. In other words,
international students in France receive direct financial aid
from the French government.
17
 Guide Choose France

Apply early—and no
later than 2 months
before the start date
of your program

Applying for
a visa
Apply for your visa t the French consulate
or embassy in your country.

Long-stay student visa (>3 months) There are several types of long-stay visa:
 The long-stay visa valid as a residency permit
The long-stay student visa enables the holder (VLS-TS) allows you to stay in France for up to
to pursue studies in France for a period of a year without having to apply for a residency
3 months or more. permit. However, you must validate your visa
within 3 months of your arrival in France.
The validation is done online at:
https://administration-etrangers-en-france.
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS interieur.gouv.fr.
CAN NOW BE COMPLETED  The long-stay visa marked “carte de séjour”
LARGELY ONLINE (residency permit) must be applied for within
2 months of arrival in France. This visa is
The visa process has been simplified:
designed for Algerian nationals and for indi-
 Your visa application receives priority treat-
viduals who qualify for the “Talent/Researcher
ment at the consulate.
Passport,” among others.
 The France-Visa digital portal lets you upload
For more information: https://france-visas.gouv.
your supporting documents.
fr/web/france-visas/visa-de-long-sejour
 Once in France, you’ll be able to validate your
visa remotely, without having to appear in Under some circumstances, a temporary long-
wperson at a government office. stay visa (VLS-T) may be issued. It is not renew-
able and does not confer the same rights and
privileges as the VLS-TS.

18
 Guide Choose France

A special visa marked “Étudiant–mobilité” (stu-

dent–mobility) is granted to students participating
in EU programs, multilateral programs involving MORE THAN 40 COUNTRIES
mobility in one or more EU member states, or USE THE MANDATORY “ÉTUDES
programs governed by an agreement between EN FRANCE” PROCEDURE
two or more educational institutions in at least
two EU member states. In these countries, an online process has
For more information: been set up for students to use in applying
www.campusfrance.org for admission to a French educational institu-
>Students >Getting organized >Visas tion. Use of the process is required in order to
obtain a visa.
Upon expiration of your visa, you must apply for a resi-
dency permit if you wish to remain in France. (Within their Following the admission interview and upon
first year, Algerian students must apply for their residency receipt of an offer of admission, the prospective
permit at police headquarters.) student submits a visa application. The applica-
https://administration-etrangers-en-france. tion is tracked by the local Campus France office.
interieur.gouv.fr
The list of the countries using the “Études en
France” procedure is available on the Campus
Keep in mind... France website.
The visa application process begins once you have www.campusfrance.org
an offer of admission from an educational institution. >Students >Studying >Registration
Nationals of EU member states, of the European
Economic Area, and Switzerland do not need entry or
residency visas. Upon expiration of your VLS-TS student
visa, you can apply for a multi-year residency permit to
allow you to continue your education. Students who are
still minors must apply for a “visa pour mineur scolarisé
en France” (visa for minor enrolled in France) and need Visit the official French visa site to obtain full
not apply for a residency permit until they come of age. information on visa requirements:
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/
The short-stay student visa
(<3 months)
 The short-stay Schengen visa residency permit. They need not return to their
This visa for short stays within the Schengen area country before doing so.
is defined in European regulations. It authorizes
stays not to exceed 3 months. Holders of the visa
Keep in mind...
are not required to obtain a French residency
permit. It is ideal for students seeking language Under no circumstances may a tourist visa be converted
training or participating in other short-term edu- into a student visa anywhere in the European Union.
cational programs.
 The short-stay “étudiant-concours” visa
(student–examination)
This visa entitles the holder to enter France for the
purpose of attending an interview or sitting for an
entrance examination at an institution of higher
education. Students who pass the interview or
examination may apply for a 1-year renewable

19
 Guide Choose France

Stay in France after graduating

A temporary residency permit is available to
some graduates wishing to stay in France to
seek employment or create a business. This
permit is reserved for holders of a licence pro-
fessionnelle, a master’s degree (or equivalent),
or another degree that prepares the student to
start a business.

Note, however, that certain students from coun-

tries that have entered into bilateral agreements
with France must apply for an APS (temporary
stay permit).
Learn more at:
www.campusfrance.org/en/carte-sejour-
ADMINISTRATIVE recherche-emploi-creation-entreprise (see
REQUIREMENTS CAN NOW BE page 44).
COMPLETED LARGELY ONLINE
The circulation visa
Applications for, and renewals of, student res- (or Schengen visa)
idency permits can now be filed online on the
Students who earn a master-level degree from
ANEF platform (ANEF stands for “digital admin-
a French institution may apply for a circulation
istration for foreigners in France”), using a com-
visa after graduation. The visa enables the holder
puter, tablet, or smart phone.
to return regularly to France from their country
The following groups are affected by this change: of residence.
 Students holding a VLS-TS (étudiant) or
VLS-TS (étudiant mobilité) Student visas: Campus France
 Algerian nationals holding a VLS (étudiant)
 Students holding a VLS (étudiant mobilité) answers your questions
 Young people now of age holding a VLS-T Whatever your circumstances or nationality, the
(mineur scolarisé) following articles on the Campus France website
 Holders of a residency permit for other than will answer your questions about student visas.
student status For example:
 Holders of a student residency permit other  How do I validate my visa upon arrival in
than a VLS-TS (étudiant) France?
 How do I renew my residency permit?
https://administration-etrangers-en-france.
Find everything on the Campus France site:
interieur.gouv.fr
www.campusfrance.org
Watch the tutorial: >Students >Getting organized >Visas
www.campusfrance.org/en/tutorials-to-
help-international-students-in-their-application-
process

20
 Guide Choose France

The French
system of higher
education

One of the strengths of French higher education is

the variety of programs and options in any given field.
Across France you’ll find excellent institutions in all
disciplines. There are universities; schools of business,
engineering, and art; and a multitude of specialized
schools.

21
 Guide Choose France

Degrees
and diplomas
The degrees awarded in French higher education reflect a common
European architecture—licence (bachelor), master, and doctorate—
based on the number of semesters completed after leaving secondary
school and their equivalent in European credits under the European
Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)*:

Licence = 6 semesters = 180 ECTS  The universities confer “national diplomas,”

which have the same weight regardless of
(baccalauréat or equivalent + 3 years)
the institution that confers them
 The degree of ingénieur, equivalent to a master,
Master = 4 semesters = 120 ECTS is a national diploma. The schools that award it
(licence or equivalent + 2 years are accredited by the CTI, the French national
Licence + master = 10 semesters = 300 ECTS) commission on engineering degrees.
 A similar accreditation procedure exists for
Doctorat = 6 semesters = 180 ECTS government-recognized schools of business
(Master or equivalent + 3 years and management. Their degrees are accred-
Licence + master + doctorate = 16 semesters ited by CEFDG, the commission on evaluation
= 480 ECTS) of management programs and degrees, or by
international accrediting bodies.
 France’s schools of art and specialized schools
also undergo national certification. Certified
French postsecondary degrees carry a govern-
programs are listed in the RNCP, the national
ment guarantee.
register of occupational certifications: France
Compétences / RNCP www.francecompe-
tences.fr/recherche_certificationprofessionnelle
Don’t forget
From ENIC-NARIC centers, students who have already earned a degree in their home country can obtain a certificate
of comparability that enables admissions officers in French institutions to evaluate the degree for equivalence in the
French system. ENIC-NARIC network: www.enic-naric.net

22
 Guide Choose France

A nationally accredited master’s degree or the

You can earn a degree in just two years!
equivalent opens the way to doctoral studies.

Beginning in the 2021/2022 academic year,

the BUT (Bachelor universitaire de technolo-
gie; technical bachelor) is a new professional
LEVELS DEGREES bachelor track offered exclusively in IUTs (uni-
9 2 semesters
(1 year, for a total of 9 years
•S
 tate diploma of Doctor
of medicine
versity technical institutes). The track consists
of 180 European credits and leads to a licence
years of postsecondary study)
degree. The DUT (Diplôme universitaire de
8 DOCTORATE
6 semesters
• Doctorate
Doctoral degrees are technology, university technical diploma) is an
years (3 years, for a total conferred by doctoral
of 8 years of postsecondary departments affiliated interim degree conferred on students who
7 study)
180 ECTS
with France’s universities
to successful candidates
earn 120 European credits in the BUT track.
years who have previously
earned a French master’s
degree or the equivalent.

6 2 semesters
(1 year, for a total of 6 years
• State diploma of Doctor
of dental surgery
• Mastère spécialisé - MS
• Executive MBA
• HMONP
(professional credential
years of postsecondary study) • State diploma of Doctor for independent practice
60 ECTS
GRANDES ÉCOLES SCHOOLS OF BUSINESS SCHOOLS OF ENGINEERING

of pharmacy of architecture)

5 MASTER
4 semesters
• Master
•E ngineering degree
• Master of Business
Administration - MBA
• Art school diploma
- DNSEP
years (2 years, for a total of (Titre d’ingénieur) • Master of Public •S
 tate architect’s diploma
5 years of postsecondary Administration - MPA SCHOOLS OF ART, OF ARCHITECTURE OTHER INSTITUTIONS

4
- DEA
study) • Engineering degree
120 ECTS (Titre d’ingénieur) •D
 iplomas of specialized
years • Business schools schools (health, social
diplomas work, tourism, etc.)
• Degrees from • Applied arts diploma
Grandes Écoles - DSAA

3 LICENCE
6 semesters
• Licence (bachelor)
•L icence professionnelle
•A  rt school diploma - DNA
• Art and design trades
years (3 years of postsecondary (professional bachelor) diploma (DNMADE)
study) •L icence professionnelle • Architecture diploma
180 ECTS (professional bachelor), - DEEA
technical bachelor track
(Parcours BUT)

2 BTS, DUT, BTSA

4 semesters
• University technical
diploma (DUT): interim
• Admission to the first
year of a Grande École
• Art school diploma -
DMA
years (2 years of postsecondary degree toward professional program •P  ostsecondary technical
study) bachelor, technical bachelor • Preparation for admission certificate - BTS - BTS,
1 120 ECTS track (Parcours BUT)
• Diplôme d’études
to Grandes Écoles
(CPGE)
Brevet de Technicien
supérieur Agricole -
UNIVERSITIES

year universitaires scientifiques BTSA

et techniques, DEUST
(university diploma of
scientific and technical
studies): interim degree
toward professional bachelor

COMPLETION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL + BACCALAURÉAT OR EQUIVALENT

*ECTS, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, is a system of cumulable academic credits transferable
throughout Europe. One year represents 60 ECTS credits.
www.european-funding-guide.eu/articles/financing-tips/erasmus-having-your-credits-recognised

23
 Guide Choose France

Short professional/vocational degrees

accredited at the national level

Starting a successful career depends on the development

of in-depth technical knowledge and operational know-how.
To meet those requirements, France’s system of higher education
created bachelorlevel degree programs that merge theory
and practice to instill a high level of professional performance.

Postsecondary technical 16 additional specializations in agriculture and

food science lead to the award of a BTSA, a post-
certificates (BTS, brevet secondary technical certificate in agriculture.
de technicien supérieur) www.campusfrance.org/en/vidéo-BTSA-
The BTS is a national vocational/professional collection-domaines-d-etudes
qualification (120 ECTS) offered in 90 specializa- https://chlorofil.fr/diplomes
tions in the plastic arts, industry, manufacturing,
and services. The BTS requires 2 years of study. Don’t forget
Most BTS programs are offered in the postsec-
ondary technical sections of secondary schools, If you hold a BTS, BTSA, or DUT (see p. 25) and are
public or private. Upon graduation, students thinking of going on for a 5-year degree at a school of
assume specialized technical functions. engineering, agronomy, veterinary medicine, or mana-
List of BTS specializations: gement, consider a 1-year prep course for holders of a
https://www.cidj.com/etudes-formations- 2- or 3-year technical degree. The courses are known
alternance/les-diplomes/type/bts as prépas ATS.

THE LICENCE PROFESSIONNELLE is a bachelor-

level degree that combines theory and practice
to ensure strong preparation for the work world.

24
 Guide Choose France

THE NEW BUT TRACK

Starting in academic year 2021/2022, the

BUT (for university-based technical bachelor)
becomes a track in the licence professionnelle
Professional bachelor’s degrees family of undergraduate degree programs. The
new track is offered exclusively in France’s
(licences professionnelles) IUTs (university-based technical institutes).
After completing 2 years of higher education, The BUT requires 180 European credits and is
students may elect to spend an additional year equivalent to a licence.
to obtain a licence professionnelle, which is
The 24 BUT concentrations are carried over from
a national diploma. The program is offered in
the 24 specializations offered in DUT (university
universities and their affiliated IUTs (university
technical diploma) programs.
institutes of technology) that offer the BUT
track (technical bachelor) in 24 specializations. Each specialization requires completion of
Practical internships and guest faculty from the a uniform national curriculum that makes up
professional world make licence professionnelle two-thirds of the degree program’s total hours.
programs one of the best options for students
wishing to begin work immediately after graduation. The remaining third of the curriculum is tailored
173 different programs are offered in a wide to local needs.
range of specializations and sectors: agriculture, The BUT track involves 2,000 hours of instruc-
business, manufacturing, management, services. tion for specializations in production (or man-
For more information on programs leading to a ufacturing) and 1,800 hours for specializations
licence professionnelle: in services. These totals are complemented by
www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr 600 hours of supervised projects and 22–26
>Enseignement supérieur >Formations weeks of internship.
et diplômes >Licence professionnelle The DUT is now an interim degree in the BUT
licence professionnelle. It is awarded to students
who have earned 120 European credits toward
a BUT.
DEGREE DESCRIPTIONS
France’s 108 IUTs: www.iut.fr
USE FUL USE FUL
D E G R E E S D E G R E E S
Y Y
LINKS STUD
IN LINKS STUD
IN

• The Licence professionnelle, a French national

FRANCE
LES LICENCES • The Licence professionnelle, a French national
FRANCE
LES LICENCES
PROFESSIONNELLES PROFESSIONNELLES
diploma: diploma:
www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/ www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/
cid20181/licence-professionnelle.html cid20181/licence-professionnelle.html

• Majors of Licences Professionnelles: • Majors of Licences Professionnelles:

www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte. www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.
do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000029039732& Since 2000, the professional Licence has enabled students who have PROFESSIONAL LICENCE do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000029039732& Since 2000, the professional Licence has enabled students who have PROFESSIONAL LICENCE
categorieLien=id completed 2 years of postsecondary education to earn a career-oriented PROGRAMS ARE IDEALLY categorieLien=id completed 2 years of postsecondary education to earn a career-oriented PROGRAMS ARE IDEALLY
bachelor’s-level degree after 1 year of intensive additional study. SUITED FOR STUDENTS bachelor’s-level degree after 1 year of intensive additional study. SUITED FOR STUDENTS
• More than 2,000 professional Licence programs Programs are based on partnerships involving universities and other • More than 2,000 professional Licence programs Programs are based on partnerships involving universities and other
WHO... WHO...
in the CampusFrance catalog: institutions of higher learning, businesses, and professional groups. in the CampusFrance catalog: institutions of higher learning, businesses, and professional groups.
...seek a professional degree at the ...seek a professional degree at the
www.campusfrance.org The defining features of the degree are professional internships and bachelor’s level (3 years of postse-
www.campusfrance.org The defining features of the degree are professional internships and bachelor’s level (3 years of postse-
>What program are you looking for? the prominent instructional role of practicing professionals. Because condary study) >What program are you looking for? the prominent instructional role of practicing professionals. Because condary study)
>Undergraduate level they are widely recognized in the job market as one of the best ways for Professional Licence programs are >Undergraduate level they are widely recognized in the job market as one of the best ways for Professional Licence programs are
students to prepare for a career, (93% job placement rate for graduates), open to students who have successfully students to prepare for a career, (93% job placement rate for graduates), open to students who have successfully
• 2 000 professional Licence programs included completed 2 years of university study. • 2 000 professional Licence programs included completed 2 years of university study.
more than 52,000 students enrolled in Licence professionnelle more than 52,000 students enrolled in Licence professionnelle
in the national directory of professional Programs require 1 year of study and in the national directory of professional Programs require 1 year of study and
programs. programs.
certifications: carry 60 credits under the European certifications: carry 60 credits under the European
Credit Transfer System. Credit Transfer System.
www.rncp.cncp.gouv.fr/grand-public/ www.rncp.cncp.gouv.fr/grand-public/
rechercheExperte ...want to focus on a specific field rechercheExperte ...want to focus on a specific field
Instruction in professional Licence Instruction in professional Licence
programs combines academic and
professional perspectives, insights, GOOD programs combines academic and
professional perspectives, insights,

TO KNOW
and knowledge. What students learn and knowledge. What students learn
in the classroom they quickly apply in in the classroom they quickly apply in
their internships. their internships.
©Xavier Remongin/Min.Agri.Fr. ©Xavier Remongin/Min.Agri.Fr.
...wish to be supported in their efforts ...wish to be supported in their efforts
Students in professional Licence Students in professional Licence
sional Licence Students seeking admission to a professional Licence
programs participate in guided programs participate in guided
degree in a field projects. A faculty tutor guides small program must hold a 2-year postsecondary degree in a field projects. A faculty tutor guides small
am they wish to
uivalent to a BTS
LEARN MORE Designed to prepare students to en- practicing professionals–is comple-
groups (3–4 students) in their project related to that of the professional Licence program they wish to
enter. Students who hold a technical diploma equivalent to a BTS
LEARN MORE Designed to prepare students to en- practicing professionals–is comple-
groups (3–4 students) in their project
work. work.
universitaire de ABOUT FRENCH DEGREES ter the workforce directly after gra- mented by hands-on learning through
...are looking for immediate exposure
(brevet de technicien supérieur) or DUT (diplôme universitaire de ABOUT FRENCH DEGREES ter the workforce directly after gra- mented by hands-on learning through
...are looking for immediate exposure
duation, the Licence professionnelle internships. The most popular pro- technologie) are also eligible for admission. duation, the Licence professionnelle internships. The most popular pro-
IN THE RESOURCES CENTER. responds to the demand for qualifi- grams are in business and retailing, to the business world IN THE RESOURCES CENTER. responds to the demand for qualifi- grams are in business and retailing, to the business world
n the European cations between the higher followed by communication Every student completes an internship Professional Licence programs (level L3 in the European cations between the higher followed by communication Every student completes an internship
0 credits under technical level and the en- The Licence and industrial production. of 12–16 weeks inside a firm or organi- system) require 1 year of study and carry 60 credits under technical level and the en- The Licence and industrial production. of 12–16 weeks inside a firm or organi-
ction is delivered gineer-executive level. zation. During the internship, students the European Credit Transfer System. Instruction is delivered zation. During the internship, students
Professionnelle Research indicates that gra- gineer-executive level. Professionnelle Research indicates that gra-
sses each week. Since 2015, Licence pro- carry out a project with the support of over 2 semesters, with 15 to 20 hours of small classes each week. carry out a project with the support of
ons, attendance, responds to the duation and placement rates a faculty tutor. Attendance at classes is mandatory. Examinations, attendance,
Since 2015, Licence pro-
responds to the duation and placement rates a faculty tutor.
fessionnelle degrees in 173 in professional Licence pro- fessionnelle degrees in 173 in professional Licence pro-
emester grades. different areas have been demand grams are very high: 85% of ...want to jump-start their career and participation all play a role in determining semester grades. different areas have been demand grams are very high: 85% of ...want to jump-start their career
a condition for created for occupations in for students earn their degree Professional Licence programs Satisfactory performance in all three areas is a condition for created for occupations in for students earn their degree Professional Licence programs
every field, including agri- award of the professional Licence degree.
qualifications within a year of their enroll- are designed for quick entry into every field, including agri-
qualifications within a year of their enroll- are designed for quick entry into
cultural and industrial pro- ment and quickly find a job. professional life. Few students enter cultural and industrial pro- ment and quickly find a job. professional life. Few students enter
to students the Resources The curriculum is designed to impart to students the Resources
Center duction, service sector commerce Even better rates are recorded for another academic program after Center duction, service sector commerce Even better rates are recorded for another academic program after
practice in a gi- knowledge and methods required for successful practice in a gi-
and administration, transportation, students who earned their secondary earning their professional Licence. and administration, transportation, students who earned their secondary earning their professional Licence.
mponents of the ven field. Internships and other careeroriented components of the
and personal and corporate ser- diploma (baccalauréat) in a scientific (An intervening period of professional and personal and corporate ser- diploma (baccalauréat) in a scientific (An intervening period of professional
tical knowledge curriculum enable students to acquire the practical knowledge
vices. Teaching–provided partly by or technical field. employment is generally required). vices. Teaching–provided partly by or technical field. employment is generally required).
and skills they will need to succeed.
ates of profes-
www.campusfrance.org university faculty but principally by
Among the major sectors that hire graduates of profes-
www.campusfrance.org university faculty but principally by

ng, and finance; >Resources center sional Licence programs are insurance, banking, and finance; >Resources center
and mechanics, >Educational and research programs civil engineering; carpentry and woodworking; and mechanics, >Educational and research programs
>Degree descriptions electricity, and electronics. >Degree descriptions
duates to move The Licence professionnelle prepares graduates to move
possible but not directly into the labor market. Further study is possible but not
October 2018

October 2018

common.

www.campusfrance.org
>Resources center
>Panorama of Higher Education and
Research in France >Degrees

25
 Guide Choose France

Universities

Funded by the French government, some 60 public universities

are located throughout the country. They grant national diplomas
that guarantee uniform academic quality, regardless of the conferring
institution. Private postsecondary education plays a much smaller
role in France than in the major Englishspeaking countries.

The universities offer A comprehensive

instruction in all disciplines range of programs
You can choose from the sciences (mathematics,  technical training in university-based techni-
chemistry, physics, biology, etc.), technical fields cal institutes, or IUTs
(information technology, engineering, electrotech-  3-year licence professionnelle degrees in
nics, materials, etc.), literature, languages, the arts, 173 different areas
the humanities, law, economics, management,  programs in management at university-based
health, and athletics. Instruction is offered at all institutes of administration, or IAEs
levels and capped by national diplomas: licence  political science and economics at 10 insti-
or bachelor (3 years), master (licence + 2 years, for tutes of political studies, or IEPs, including
a total of 5 years), and doctorate (master + 3 years, Sciences Po Paris
for a total of 8 years). Consult the map of France’s  university-based engineering programs,
universities and other postsecondary institutions: which confer a fifth of the engineering degrees
www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/ awarded in France
cid88022/acces-aux-universites-par-carte-  3,600 different master’s programs and other
dynamique-dataviz.html national diplomas in 7,000 academic tracks
More than 1,200 master-level programs taught
in English
The universities enroll the majority of students. http://taughtie.campusfrance.org/
Sixty percent of France’s 2.5 million postsecondary
students are enrolled in a university.

26
 Guide Choose France

Research, an inseparable part Academic and scientific clusters

of the universities’ mission Academic and scientific clusters coordinate
As leading sites for research and the teaching educational programming and research agendas
of basic science, the universities ensure that among neighboring universities, schools, and
educational programs incorporate advances research organizations. Organized as 8 ComUEs
in knowledge and technology. and some 10 EPEs (see below), these clusters
exploit and reinforce the synergies among their
266 university-based doctoral schools coordinate member institutions and increase their interna-
the work of more than 100,000 scholars and sci- tional visibility.
entists, providing research training in liaison with  The ComUEs (communities of universities
some 1,200 research laboratories. The schools and institutions) grant national diplomas,
confer more than 14,500 doctorates each year. particularly at the graduate level.
 The EPEs are products of mergers or consol-
idations. They grant national diplomas at the
undergraduate and graduate levels.
www.campusfrance.org
>Resources center
>Practical information for students
and researchers

Map of higher education,

research, and innovation
in France

Keep in mind...
DUs, or Diplômes d’Université, are specific to the
university that grants them, which distinguishes them
from national diplomas like the licence, master, and doc-
torate. But they can allow students to acquire specialized
knowledge or training in a rigorous academic setting.

27
 Programs in
medicine and health
Medical studies discipline that offers the “access health” option
enables students to apply for admission to the
Integrated with the European degree system,
second or third year of the first (undergraduate)
medical education in France is organized into
cycle of programs in medicine, nurse-obstetrics,
3 stages of 3 or more years and offered at
universities associated with one of the country’s
32 regional university hospital centers, known
as CHRUs. The first year consists of a required
“health access” curriculum completed in a
health-related licence program (in which case
the required curriculum is known as PASS)
or in a licence program in another discipline,
provided the program offers the “health access”
content (which in this case is known as L.AS). In
either case the first year is accessible to students
holding a baccalauréat or the equivalent, preferably
in science. (It is also possible to complete
additional studies in another postsecondary
school to qualify for the exam for admission into INTERNATIONAL ACCESS TO
the second year of health studies.) The two basic MEDICAL EDUCATION IN FRANCE
alternatives are:
Foreigners interested in medical education in
– First year of a licence program in France who have not yet obtained a medical
medicine, nurse-obstetrics, dentistry, or degree in their home country must, regardless
pharmacy offering the “health access” track of their level of prior study, complete the PASS or
(PASS), plus option in another discipline L.AS year, and pass the final examination.
Successful completion of the common first-year For entry into the third and highest stage of
curriculum in a university faculty or department medical education, France’s embassies organize
(UFR) of medicine, nurse-obstetrics, dentistry, a special foreign residency in medicine.
or pharmacy entitles the student to sit for one Programs leading to two specialized medical
of four distinct examinations for admission to diplomas—the DFMS (diplôme de formation
the second year. (Students may take no more médicale spécialisée, 1–2 years), and the DFMSA
than two exams.) Completion of the PASS year (diplôme de formation médicale spécialisée
also entitles students to apply for admission approfondie, 6 months to 1 year)—are open to
to programs leading to degrees in other allied candidates with foreign medical credentials.
health specialities. Details are available from France’s embassies.
All of these programs require a level of French pro-
– First year of licence program in another
ficiency of at least B2 in the Common European
discipline, plus “health access” option (L.AS)
Framework of Reference for Languages.
Successful completion of the first year (or first
two years) of a university licence program in any

28
 Guide Choose France

dentistry, or pharmacy provided they have earned

60 or 120 European credits, of which 10 must be
Programs
in the “access health” option.
Students are admitted to the second year of health
studies on the basis of their test results, their
in law
academic performance in their PASS or L.AS
studies, and, for some, additional oral exam-
inations. Each university has specific testing
requirements, which they publicize to enable
students to prepare.
Note: Students may apply twice to the health
programs covered here following one to three
years of undergraduate study (L1, L2 ou L3), not
counting repeated years.
 Medicine = PASS ou L.AS + 9 years (general
medicine), or PASS ou L.AS + 10–12 years
(specializations).
 Pharmacy = PASS ou L.AS + 6 years (retail
or industrial), or PASS ou L.AS + 9 years
(specializations).
 Dentistry = PASS ou L.AS + 6 years (dentist,
dental surgeon), or PASS ou L.AS + 8–9 years
(specializations or research).
 Obstetrics = PASS ou L.AS + 5 years. The universities are the principal locus of
 Nursing = The state nursing diploma is earned legal education in France. Integrated with the
in 3 years in institutes for training in nursing European degree system, training is divided
(IFSIs). Specializations may require additional into 3, 5, and 8 year segments. A 1- or 2-year
training. master’s degree (level M1 or M2) is required
 Speech therapy = Speech therapists are to enter the professional schools that pre-
trained in 5-year university programs leading pare students for careers in law. Apart from
to a degree as a certified speech therapist. these long and very selective programs,
 Massage and physical therapy = Certified 2-year programs leading to a DUT (univer-
masseurs and physical therapists spend 4 sity technical degree) prepare students for
years in a specialized institute after the com- careers in the legal system. After earning a
mon first university year. Graduates receive a DUT, students may study for a third year to
state diploma in massage and physical therapy. obtain a licence professionnelle.
 Osteopathy = Degrees in osteopathy are Dual-major licence programs
awarded after 5 years of study in special Selective and demanding, these undergrad-
schools approved by the Ministry of Solidarity uate programs enable students to pursue
and Health. two major subjects over the 6 semesters
required to earn a licence degree. They com-
Paramedical specialties and social bine studies of law and another field, such as
work biotechnology, political science, economics,
social science, art history, or language (e.g.,
Like programs in medicine and health, those in English, German, Italian).
paramedicine and social work are selective and
culminate in the award of a state diploma that is
a prerequisite for professional practice.

29
 Guide Choose France

Doctoral
training
Anyone holding a master or equivalent may apply for admission to a doctoral
program. The typical training period is 3 years. Following successful defense
of a dissertation, candidates are awarded a doctoral degree.

Doctoral training – Industrial agreements for training through

research (cifre)
Doctoral training takes place within host teams The CIFRE mechanism enables doctoral candidates to
(équipes d’accueil, EA) or combined research perform their research in cooperation with a research
units (unités mixte de recherche, UMR) affiliated team affiliated with a doctoral school. The candidate
with a doctoral school (école doctorale, ED). and a firm enter into an employment contract of a
Candidates are supervised in their research by duration of 3 years. The firm pays the candidate a gross
a dissertation director. Admission to a doctoral monthly salary of €1,957. www.anrt.asso.fr
program is by application to a doctoral school.
– Jointly awarded doctorate
Governed by an agreement between two educational
Financing your doctorate institutions, 1 in France, 1 abroad, the jointly awarded
Securing financing for your dissertation research doctorate enables candidates to prepare their disserta-
usually a prerequisite for admission. tion in their own country and in France under carefully
specified conditions. Financial aid is available to cover
– Doctoral contracts the costs of mobility. Successful candidates receive a
Lasting 3 years, doctoral contracts offer all of the doctoral degree awarded jointly by the two institutions.
benefits of a true employment contract, as well
as a minimum monthly gross salary of €1,800.
How much do you know
www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr
>Enseignement supérieur >Formations et about ERASMUS +
diplômes >Doctorat >Le financement doctoral
The European Union’s 2021–2027 program for education,
training, youth, and sports is endowed with a budget of
€24.6 billion, an 80% increase over the 2014–2020 pro-
IN FRANCE, 42% of doctoral candidates are
gram. It is designed to be more responsive, more open,
internationals
and more ambitious. Mobility of doctoral candidates will
be a special focus.

30
 Guide Choose France

French International
International dual-degree
Institutions programs

France is signing a growing number of agreements More and more French universities and other
with countries in Europe and abroad for the cre- postsecondary institutions are entering into part-
ation of joint universities. The oldest of these is nerships with educational institutions abroad in
the Franco-German University. Founded in 1997, order to offer innovative international training
the university awards dual bachelor’s, master’s, programs. Some lead to a single diploma; others
and doctoral degrees (graduates receive a French to two or more diplomas (as is the case with the
degree and a German degree) on the strength of Erasmus Mundus program and its multilateral
exchanges among more than 140 postsecondary consortium).
institutions in France and Germany. Currently, 180 As programs of excellence designed for students
integrated binational degree programs are offered. contemplating a career with an international
Institutions, such as the French University of Egypt dimension, most dual-degree programs are at the
(UFE) and Sorbonne University of Abu Dhabi, con- master level, facilitating the subsequent pursuit of
tinue to grow, while other projects, like the Franco- doctoral study in France.
Senegalese Campus (CFS) and the Franco-Tunisian Numerous interuniversity or interinstitutional
University for Africa and the Mediterranean (UFTAM) agreements have already been signed, laying out
have only recently emerged. terms of reference for training, supporting, and
Inquire at your nearest Campus France office to certifying participating students. Inquire at your
see if you might be able to take advantage of such home institution or via the websites of France’s
an arrangement. universities and other postsecondary institutions.

Information on research in France

Visit the Campus France website for the SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
following helpful resources:
 Profiles of French research efforts in various
IN FRANCE: A PRIORITY
disciplines, emphasizing areas of particular  4th place globally in impact of publications
strength. (H-Index)
 “Research in France: The Doctorate, Step by  5th in the OECD in domestic spending on
Step,” the complete guide to earning a doctor- research and development
ate in France.
THE INTERNATIONAL HEART OF
FRENCH RESEARCH
 Large French research organizations maintain
more than 250 facilities around the world

31
 Guide Choose France

The “Grandes Écoles” and

other postsecondary schools
Unique to France, the Grandes Écoles were set up in parallel with
the university system in the early 19th century to provide advanced
instruction in applied fields. The Grandes Écoles include schools
of engineering, schools of management, the Écoles Normales
Supérieures (ENS, originally designed to train teachers and professors
for the public education system), national veterinary schools,
the École Polytechnique, and the École des Ponts ParisTech.
All are highly selective and provide rigorous training.
The Grandes Écoles confer institutionspecific The classic path of admission into the Grandes
5-year degrees, some of which are recognized Écoles was through an entrance examination taken
by the French government as equivalent to the after 2 years of preparatory classes, leaving 3 years
national master. to be completed for the degree. Many schools now
They also award intermediate diplomas and offer admit applicants directly from secondary school
specializations: bachelor (3 or 4 years of study), for degree programs lasting 3 or 5 years. A parallel
MBA, Mastère Spécialisé (MS, requiring 1 year system of admissions for international students is
after the master), and master of sciences (MSc). based on the school’s recognition of the applicant’s
For more information: prior training. In this case, international students
www.cge.asso.fr/presentation-de-la-formation- complete 2–5 years at the Grande École, depending
labellisee-ms on the degree of recognition they receive.
www.cge.asso.fr/presentation-des-msc Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) :
www.cge.asso.fr

2 French schools are among the top 5 masters www.campusfrance.org

in management (Financial Times 2020) More information on Degrees in France
> Resources Center > Panorama of Higher
Education and Research in France > Degrees

32
 Guide Choose France

Engineering programs
France has more than 200 public and private Management education in the
schools of engineering that span the range of the universities: the network of institutes
engineering disciplines. The diplôme d’ingénieur of business administration (IAEs)
is a national diploma officially recognized as the
equivalent of the master. Holders of the national University-based schools of management, orga-
engineering degree are eligible to enroll in a doc- nized into the IAE network, confer the licence,
toral program. Some schools train generalists; master, and doctorate as well as the MBA and
others provide specialized training in agronomy, institution-specific degrees in all fields of man-
chemistry, biology, computer science, and many agement and administration.
other fields. Annual tuition for a program leading to
the diplôme d’ingénieur at a public institution starts
at €610 (2019/2020 academic year).
CDEFI (the conference of directors of French schools of
engineering): www.cdefi.fr Keep in mind
CTI (the commission on engineering degrees):
www.cti-commission.fr (list of accredited programs) Accreditation of a school of management by EQUIS,
AACSB, AMBA, or CGE signifies that the school or its
degree meets international standards. Accreditation
• Digischool Ingénieurs: www.ingenieurs.com
D E G R E E S
LINKS
• Écoles Centrales: www.groupe-ecoles-centrales.fr
• ENAEE (European Network for Accreditation of
Engineering Education): www.enaee.eu STUDY
ograms: www.cti-commission.fr/accreditation
ent in preparatory classes:
• Examination office of ENSEA (École nationale supérieure
de l’électronique et de ses applications):
IN
FRANCE
THE TITRE
D’INGÉNIEUR
.fr http://concours.ensea.fr
Ecole Polytechnique • Fédération européenne des associations nationales

conveys international recognition.

admission-cycle-ingenieur d’ingénieurs, FEANI: www.feani.org
ww.deviensingenieur.fr • Federation of schools of chemistry and
directors of French engineering schools):
chemical engineering (Fédération Gay Lussac):
www.20ecolesdechimie.com (NATIONAL MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGINEERING)
• FESIC (federation of postsecondary schools of
ndes Écoles): www.cge.asso.fr engineering and management): http://fesic.org
(13 écoles):
ntrale-supelec.fr
• Geipi Polytech examination: www.geipi-polytech.org Nearly 38,000 Engineering degrees are awarded in more than WHY PURSUE
• Grandes Écoles (33 écoles): www.grandesecoles-postbac.fr 201 French engineering schools qualified to confer the Titre
echnique (63 écoles): http://ccp.scei-concours.fr A DEGREE
• IESF (engineers and scientists of France company): d’ingénieur, which carries the academic status of a national Master’s
urs: www.scei-concours.fr www.iesf.fr IN ENGINEERING
degree and entitles the holder to pursue doctoral studies. A third of
tp://mines-ponts.fr • Groupe INSA (national institutes of applied sciences): IN FRANCE?
tiers, ESTP Paris, Polytech): www.e3a.fr www.groupe-insa.fr these schools are found within universities. The product of a system
l polytechnic institutes): www.la-prepa-des-inp.fr • Institut Mines-Télécom: www.mines-telecom.fr unique to France, the Titre d’ingénieur represents professional degree You can look forward to an international
career as an engineer made possible
y cycles, Fédération Gay Lussac): • National schools of engineering: www.ingenieur-eni.fr training in one of 64 engineering and management specialties, capped by a unique and universally respected
com • Network of France’s universities of technology: by a government-accredited degree recognized around the world, degree.
mission on engineering degrees): www.3ut-admissions.fr
attracting nearly 7,000 international students. You will receive both a Title conferring
• National network of the polytechnical schools of
the right to practice as an engineer and
engineering: www.polytech-reseau.org
industrial processes, business mana- an internationally recognized Master’s
• Parcoursup, admission to higher education in France degree in engineering.
platform: www.parcoursup.fr
gement, human resources, and more.
The professional qualifications of The will develop twin competence in
• Planète TP, tout sur les travaux publics: www.planete-tp.com
graduate engineers cover a wide engineering and management, both
• Study Engineering in France (the n+I network): spectrum of basic sciences, enabling reflecting the realities of today’s world.
www.nplusi.com
practitioners to combine the resources You will receive training attuned to the
• Top Industrial Managers for Europe, TIME: of a specialized scientific and technical corporate world 1 and to changes in
www.time-association.org
field with engineering methods and manufacturing and industry.
• UGEI (union of independent grandes écoles): tools to meet industrial and economic
www.ugei.org challenges in an international context.
©Xavier Remongin/Min.Agri.Fr.
The Titre d’ingénieur is awarded upon The engineering curriculum spans The first 4 semesters of the engineering
the completion of a program of studies 5 years (10 semesters, 300 ECTS cycle form a common core that builds
closely keyed to scientific and technical credits). The first 2 years are spent in on students’ basic knowledge of mathe-
LEARN MORE progress and the needs of companies that a preparatory program or equivalent
grapple with complex technical problems program providing rigorous education
matics, physics, chemistry, mechanics,
electronics, … The student then chooses
ABOUT FRENCH DEGREES linked to the design, production, and in the basic sciences. a specific sector in which to specialize.
implementation of products, systems, These preparatory years (whether spent Engineering schools also offer options
IN THE RESOURCES CENTER.

GRANDES ÉCOLES ALSO EXIST

and services. To practice as an engineer, in a special preparatory program offered in business, management and finance,

NOW
particularly in industry and in a Lycée or in the preparatory allowing students to prepare for posi-
civil engineering, technical, Meet cycle of a postsecondary tions as managers as well as engineers.
economic, social, and human school of engineering) Depending on the school, the training
industrial
knowledge must be grounded are followed by a highly offered may be general or specialized.
in a solid scientific foundation and selective admission process But all French engineering programs
ree corresponds to 10 semesters of and complemented by an (based on an examination include the managerial and international
hat carry a total of 300 ECTS credits.
economic
awareness of the principles or an application). The best dimensions. Moreover, the scope of
ntific baccalauréat or equivalent se- of sustainable development. challenges students are admitted to education is comprehensive, embracing
ma, students complete 2 years of scien- In various subject areas with a program of 3 years of economics, humanities, the social
Resources
ng before seeking admission (either by Center a scientific, technical, and industrial cast, study in engineering, management sciences, communication, and culture, …
mination or by submitting an application) the engineering curriculum prepares and international affairs. Holders of a Growing numbers of courses are taught
m authorized to confer the professional graduates for the essential functions of first undergraduate degree or a 1-year in English, and students must pass a
research and development, consulting, Master’s degree may apply to transfer test of English proficiency (B2 level in the
spent in a program designed to prepare www.campusfrance.org project management, management of into engineering programs. European scheme) in order to graduate.
to the French Grandes Écoles or in an
is similarly selective. >Resources center
>Educational and research programs
on (set by law) is 601 euros for the 2018- >Degree descriptions
some schools, the annual tuition may be
uros in public institutions and more than

in the areas of public administration (ENA),

hese figures do not include the costs of
October 2018

The title of “engineer” in France

17/10/2018 17:24

defense, archives, and other specialized fields.

www.campusfrance.org Resources center
> Panorama of Higher Education and Research
in France> Degrees FRANCE’S 4 ÉCOLES
NORMALES SUPÉRIEURES
Programs in business The mission of the nation’s 4 Écoles Normales
and management Supérieures—in Lyon, Rennes, Paris, and Paris
Some 150 schools of business and manage- Saclay (formerly Cachan)—is to prepare superb
ment enjoy one or more forms of recognition teachers, scholars, and researchers in literary
or accreditation: and scientific disciplines. Each school has its
 recognition by the Ministry of Higher own procedures for admitting international
Education, Research, and Innovation students.
 listing by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles
 recognition that the degree awarded by the THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS
school is equivalent to the national master OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
These schools of management propose an
assortment of programs at various levels struc- France also has 4 national schools of veterinary
tured around international internships and medicine—in Paris (Maisons-Alfort), Lyon,
exchanges. A large majority of the schools hold Nantes, and Toulouse. They admit students at
a common entrance examination. Some recruit 4 different levels through common entrance
secondary school graduates directly and do not examinations.
participate in the entrance examination process. Graduates obtain the state diploma of doctor of
Most of the schools are private. Tuition ranges veterinary medicine.
from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.
CEFDG (commission on evaluation of manage-
ment programs and degrees): www.cefdg.fr
33
 Guide Choose France

Schools
of art
Fine arts, applied arts, crafts… France’s postsecondary schools of art offer
2- and 5-year programs. Public or private, they stand out for their reputation among
art professionals. All practice selective admissions based on an examination
and portfolio. In the arts, a distinction between “applied arts” and “art and design”
applies both to schools and to the degrees they confer.
Close to 50 public postsecondary schools of art grant  l’École Nationale Supérieure de la Création
national diplomas recognized by the French gov- Industrielle (ENSCI - Les Ateliers), www.ensci.com
ernment. Private schools and schools affiliated with  l’École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie
local chambers of commerce and industry (known as (ENSP), www.ensp-arles.fr
écoles consulaires) award certificates or occupational  le Fresnoy - Studio National des arts contempo-
titles, some of which are listed in the national registry rains, www.lefresnoy.net
of occupational certifications (RNCP):
www.francecompetences.fr Two schools admit applicants who have completed
All are selective, admitting students on the basis of 2 years of postsecondary education to 2- and 4-year
an examination and portfolio. programs in film and theater:
 l’École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Techniques
du Théâtre (ENSATT) – www.ensatt.fr
Public schools of art and design:  la Fémis - École Nationale Supérieure des Métiers
national diplomas de l’Image et du Son (ENSMIS) – www.femis.fr

45 postsecondary schools of art and design, all over-

seen by the Ministry of Culture and Communication, Public schools of applied arts
admit secondary school graduates by competitive France’s public schools of applied arts (ESAAs)
examination and offer programs leading to two grant national diplomas to students who com-
national diplomas: the DNA (3 years) and the DNSEP plete programs lasting 3 years (DNMADE) or 5
(5 years). Transfers are accepted into the second years (DSAA) in a range of professionally ori-
and third years. For a list of these public institutions: ented design fields, including graphics (media
www.campusart.org and multimedia), space (interior architecture, living
environments, set design), fashion, textiles and envi-
National schools of art: ronment, products and services, and crafts (tex-
tiles, jewelry, books, glass, ceramics, and more):
institution-specific diplomas https://designetmetiersdart.fr
These very selective schools confer master-level
diplomas in applied arts, plastic arts, visual arts, Schools of national historic heritage
design/creation, textile design, industrial design,
3 public schools offer advanced training in the preser-
and photography:
vation and promotion of historic and cultural heritage.
 École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs
Graduates are trained in occupations linked to knowl-
(ENSAD), www.ensad.fr
edge of cultural heritage (art historians, museum
 École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts
guides) or to preservation and conservation (conser-
(ENSBA), www.ensba.fr
vators, restorers, architects).
 École du Louvre (EDL), Paris
www.ecoledulouvre.fr
 École Nationale des Chartes (ENC), Paris
www.chartes.psl.eu
France is an international lodestone in the realms
 Institut National du Patrimoine (INP), Paris
of art and culture www.inp.fr

34
 Guide Choose France

Private schools of art CONSERVATORIES

Many private schools offer 3- and Music, dance, dramatic arts...
5-year postsecondary programs, France’s conservatories work in partnership with the universities to offer
often costly. The diplomas they degree programs based on the common European degree system.
confer may be listed in the national
registry of occupational certifica- List of conservatories:
tions (RNCP), ensuring recognition. www.culture.gouv.fr/Sites-thematiques/Musique/Enseignement-
www.francecompetences.fr formation-et-metiers

CAMPUSART www.campusart.org

Degrees in art and culture

www.campusfrance.org
> Panorama of Higher
Education and Research in Apply online from a catalog of programs in art, fashion, design,
France >Degrees music, 3D, architecture, and more.
The CampusArt network offers a choice of more than 650 programs
at the licence, master, and post-master levels, as well as courses to
prepare for admission to one of France’s highly selective schools of art.
A single online application allows international students with prior
training in art to apply to all institutions in the network and to track
the application process all the way to the admission decision.

DEGREES IN ART AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Path to Doctorate
(8 years)

5 YEARS1 Master DNSEP DSAA 5 YEARS1 RNCP level 1 / EQF level 7

3 YEARS Licence DNA DNMADE 3 YEARS RNCP level 2 / EQF level 6

2 YEARS BTS YEARS RNCP level 3 / EQF level 5

Baccalauréat or equivalent Baccalauréat ou équivalent

Universities Postsecondary Postsecondary Specialized

schools of art schools of applied postsecondary schools
and design arts/Lycées,
Institutes Institution-specific degrees
National diplomas2 Certifications registered in RNCP

DNSEP : Diplôme National Supérieur d’Expression Plastique DSAA : Diplôme Supérieur des Arts Appliqués DNA : Diplôme National d’Art DNMADE : Diplôme
National des Métiers d’Art et du Design BTS : Brevet de Technicien Supérieur EQF : European Qualifications Framework RNCP : répertoire national des certifications
professionnelles (national registry of professional certifications) 1. Possibility of 1-, 2-, and 3-year specializations 2. National diplomas may be registered in RNCP

35
 Guide Choose France

Schools of
architecture
Architectural training in France falls within the harmonized European
system, which is based on the bachelor–master–doctorate ladder.
 The first 3-year phase of architectural training The 22 schools of architecture confer national
leads to a bachelor-level degree, the DEEA diplomas or recognized equivalents.
(diplôme d’études en architecture) ;  The public Institut National des Sciences
 The second phase (2 years) results in a mas- Appliquées (INSA) in Strasbourg:
ter-level degree, the DEA (diplôme d’état www.insa-strasbourg.fr
d’architecte).  The private École Spéciale d’Architecture
 The capacity to manage projects inde- (ESA): www.esa-paris.fr
pendently and to apply for a building permit
requires a sixth year of study and an internship.
Landscape architecture
This qualification is known as HMONP (habil-
itation à la maîtrise d’oeuvre en nom propre). Programs leading to the master-level DPLG
 The last major stage of education in architec- (diplôme de paysagiste) are offered by 3 national
ture is capped by the DSA, a national diploma schools of landscape architecture. Students who
requiring 1 or 2 years of study depending on have completed 2 years of higher education are
the field, or a DPEA specific to the school that admitted through a common entrance examina-
confers it. tion. The DPLG is awarded after 4 years of study.
Some schools offer joint programs in architecture  École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et
and engineering in partnership with schools of de Paysage de Bordeaux (ENSAPB)
engineering. Graduates receive a DEA and/or www.bordeaux.archi.fr
the title of graduate engineer, depending on the  École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de
program. Paysage de Lille (ENSAPL) www.lille.archi.fr
After earning a national master (or equivalent  École Nationale Supérieure de Paysage
diploma), students may go on to prepare a doc- Versailles - Marseille (ENSP) 
torate in architecture (3 years) within a univer- www.ecole-paysage.fr
sity doctoral school. There are currently about
Degrees in architecture
300 doctors of architecture in France.
www.campusfrance.org
>Panorama of Higher Education and
Research in France >Degrees

36
 Guide Choose France

Specialized
schools and institutes
More than 3,000 specialized schools and institutes,
public and private, round out the world of French higher education
in specific sectors—among them paramedical studies, social
work, tourism, culinary arts, and hotel management.
These institutions confer state diplomas and
occupational titles appearing in the national reg-
istry of occupational certifications (RNCP), as
well as institution-specific certificates.
Programs require 2–5 years of study. Admission
is by examination or application.
www.francecompetences.fr

37
 Guide Choose France

History,
culture, and
the “art of living”

38
 Guide Choose France

France, the tourist

destination par excellence,
also offers:
 the rule of law and civil liberties
 an excellent health system and health
facilities
 a pleasant environment
 renowned—and varied—cuisine
 a dense and efficient network of public
transportation.

39
 Guide Choose France

Living
in France
Studying in France also means living in France and rediscovering
every day why France is famous for its culture and “art of living”

In France, international students,

like their French counterparts,
enjoy a wide range of discounts
University dining halls and residences, housing
assistance, medical insurance, and discounts on
public transportation and amusements (such as
cinemas, athletic events, libraries, and student
associations) make it possible to meet essential
A SMOOTH ARRIVAL IN FRANCE needs on a modest budget—while also enjoying
daily life.
Help with administrative
requirements and practical tasks For €10 a year, the European Youth Card offers
numerous advantages: www.eyca.org
Cities and various partners organize welcome For more information: info@cartejeunes.fr
centers at the outset of each academic year.
The centers bring together numerous services,
facilitating students’ compliance with regulations
and helping them find housing.

Keep in mind...
Campus France maintains regional offices in Lille, Lyon,
Marseille, Montpellier, Strasbourg, and Toulouse that help
regional actors (educational institutions and governmental
authorities) respond to international students’ needs for
assistance with regulatory compliance, financial aid, hou-
sing, medical insurance, social services, and oversight of
academic progress.

40
 Guide Choose France

CAMPUS FRANCE HELPS YOU

PREPARE FOR DEPARTURE
AND IS AT YOUR SIDE UPON
YOUR ARRIVAL IN FRANCE
Take advantage of Campus France tutorials to
learn everything you need to know and do, laid
out step by step, to prepare for your stay in France.
www.campusfrance.org/en/organiser-arrivee-
Access to cultural
France-check-list
and sporting events www.campusfrance.org/en/tutorials-to-help-
Culture is a day-to-day affair in France’s regions international-students-in-their-application-
as well as in Paris. All cultural sites offer student process
discounts and special pricing for multiple visits.
Student status makes it easy to participate in
sports, through discounts at athletic facilities and
affordable access to the athletic clubs (gyms)
and associations that play such a large part in
French student life.
Many educational institutions are located in city CITY PROFILES
centers, not far from museums, bookstores, Practical information on
cinemas, theaters, and coffee houses. major university towns: ori-
entation and support ser-
vices, transportation, housing, residency permits,
medical insurance, language training, social and
cultural life.

ENJOY FRENCH CULTURE SHOCK

LIFE IN FRANCE FROM A TO Z

This pocket guide, organized like a dictionary, is

available in French/English and French/Spanish
editions. It explains common expressions, acro-
nyms, and other facets of daily life as lived by
students in France.
Learn all of the details at:
www.campusfrance.org >Resources center

41
 Finding
housing
Because the cost of housing is high in France, various solutions
have been devised to accommodate students. These include student
housing, shared rentals, financial assistance, and help in locating
housing. All students, French and foreign, are eligible for housing
assistance under the ALS and APL programs.

University housing (Cité-U) Privately owned student buildings

Located on campus or in town, university residences Privately owned apartment buildings designed for
are managed by France’s regional student service students are found in major cities. They offer an
centers (CROUS). They offer furnished rooms of alternative to the university housing operated by
about 9–12 meters square, as well as studio apart- CROUS. The rent varies from €600 to €1,200 per
ments that are generally well equipped. Monthly month in Paris, and from €400 to €600 elsewhere
rents are in the range of €250 to €650. The quantity in France. Again, these figures do not include any
of university housing is limited, however, especially housing assistance for which the student may
in Paris, and you may not be able to obtain space, qualify.
given that a portion of the available stock is reserved Portal of ADELE, the student housing association:
for students receiving scholarships from the French www.adele.org
government or a foreign government, and for stu-
dents taking part in an exchange program.
Rentals on the private housing market
https://trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr
Costs remain high, especially in larger cities (Paris,
in particular). The monthly income required to qual-
Keep in mind... ify for a rental is generally about three times the
rent. To rent a unit, students must have a guarantor
Many Grandes Écoles and private institutions offer
and post a security deposit.
on-campus student housing.
– Group rentals
Sharing an apartment with other students is a
Links to housing information (laws, lists of vacan- popular choice. In a shared rental, several students
cies, housing assistance) appear in the web enter into a lease with a property owner, with all stu-
section at the end of this guide dents having the same rights and responsibilities,
A number of websites advertise shared rentals.

42
 Guide Choose France

Living with a French family THE BIENVENUE

Renting a furnished room in a local family’s home EN FRANCE
is often a good solution, particularly for short LABEL: FRANCE’S
stays. The weekly cost in Paris ranges from €200 COMMITMENT TO
(including breakfast) to €300 euros (breakfast EXCELLENT STUDENT
and dinner); costs are somewhat lower in other
French cities.
SERVICES
French institutions of higher education dis-
Intergenerational housing playing the Bienvenue en France label assist
students in finding housing. Learn about all of
Some organizations pair students needing a place the services available to you:
to live with older people who have a free room in
the home they rent or own. The senior citizen must www.campusfrance.org
be able to provide a suitable space, furnished or > Resources cente >Practical information
unfurnished, and free access to common areas for students and researchers
(kitchen, bathroom, living room). The student agrees
to behave in a neighborly way, to watch over the
property, to perform small tasks that make life easier
for the resident, and to pay a share of common costs
(utilities, maintenance).
ONLINE PORTAL OF
www.reseau-cosi.org
THE CROUS NETWORK:
WWW.LOKAVIZ.FR
Housing assistance
Some 60,000 students have found housing using the
International students are eligible for hous-
online platform of the CROUS network. Units bearing
ing assistance on the same terms as French
the Lokaviz label offer the assurance of a rental suited
students.
to students’ needs. Available in French and English,
There are 2 different assistance schemes, ALS
the platform lists available units, allowing users to
and APL, depending on the type of housing cho-
filter results by rental amount, location, amenities,
sen. The schemes cannot be combined. The
and other criteria
amount of assistance provided varies with the
rent and the student’s circumstances. Students
in group rentals may qualify for assistance as long VISALE: THE FRENCH
as their name appears on the lease. Complete GOVERNMENT’S ANSWER
information and terms are available from the TO STUDENT SECURITY
family assistance fund (CAF) serving the area in
which the housing unit is located:
DEPOSITS
www.caf.fr >Accueil Allocataires >Actualités The Visale guarantee is available to certain
2019 >Aide au logement étudiant young people under 30 (salaried and nonsalaried
employees, unemployed persons, and students)
Additional information on accomodation
renting in the private housing market. To obtain
www.campusfrance.org
the guarantee, renters must apply at www.visale.fr.
>Students >Getting organised
Landlords may still require a security deposit in
>Accommodation
an amount not exceeding one month’s rent.
* These prices do not include any housing assistance for
which the student may be eligible.

43
 Guide Choose France

Working en France
While enrolled After graduation
Students who are citizens of the countries of the
– European students
European Economic Area or Switzerland may
International students from a member country
work without restriction during their period of
of the European Union, the European Economic
study in France. French law authorizes other inter-
Area, or Switzerland may remain in France indefi-
national students to work under certain conditions.
nitely to seek employment after graduation.
A residency permit marked “student” (whether
conferred as part of a VLS-TS visa or separately) – Non-European students
allows the holder to work while in school for up to Non-European students wishing to remain in
60%* of the normal working year, or 964 hours, France after earning their degree must have an
without prior authorization. offer of employment or employment contract
specifying remuneration that is at least 50%
Keep in mind... higher than the minimum wage.
Non-European graduates who do not have an offer
Remunerated internships (i.e., internships lasting longer of employment may apply for a temporary (12-
than 2 months) performed by students as an integral month), non-renewable residency permit marked
part of their studies (as specified in the internship agree- “recherche d’emploi/création d’entreprise” (job
ment) are not counted toward the yearly limit. search/business start-up). The applicant must
hold a licence professionnelle or master’s degree,
France’s gross minimum hourly wage is €10.15 or have a plan to start a business.
before mandatory withholdings of approximately Students from countries that have reached
20%. bilateral agreements with France receive spe-
cial treatment with respect to grants of tem-
porary resident status (APS). The countries in
Student employment within question are Senegal, Gabon, Benin, Tunisia,
educational institutions Mauritius, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Cameroon,
Students have the right to work under a VLS-TS, Macedonia, Montenégro, Serbia, Lebanon, and
but for no more than 60% of full employment, India. Information on your particular situation
or 964 hours per year. may be obtained from the website of the French
Ministry of the Interior or from the Campus
www.campusfrance.org France office in your country.
>Students >Getting organized >Working while www.interieur.gouv.fr
studying in France See also : >Students www.campusfrance.fr >Countries/sites
>And after? >Finding work in France
>Students >And after? >How to start a
company in France
The “Talent Passport”
residency permit
The “Talent Passport” residency permit is available
under certain circumstances, notably for the very
highly qualified, those seeking to start a business or
French law authorizes international students invest in France, and artists. It is valid for up to 4 years
to work and is renewable.
www.ser vice-public.fr/particuliers/vos
droits/F16922

* 50% for Algerian students.

44
 Guide Choose France

Insurance
in France
Social security Find out whether CVEC applies to you and, if it
does, how you should pay your contribution:
and medical insurance
www.campusfrance.org
France’s Social Security system reimburses med- >Students >Getting organized >Student
ical expenses. Participation in the system is free and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC)
and obligatory for all students in France, French or
foreign. International students should apply using ATTENTION: Even if you are exempt from
the following dedicated website if this is their the CVEC contribution, you must register
first stay in France and the first time they have at www.messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr and
registered in the French Social Security system: then connect to the following dedicated site:
https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr https://cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr. From there,
European students who possess a European you will be able to download a statement of
medical insurance card valid for the duration of exemption, which you will present when you
their study in France need not register on this register for classes at your French educational
website. institution.
Students must choose a primary care physician
who participates in the Social Security system. Multirisk housing insurance
On average, the system reimburses 70% of ill-
Under French law, all dwellings must be insured
nessrelated expenses. House calls and appoint-
against theft, water damage, fire, and other risks.
ments on weekends and holidays cost more.
This form of insurance is obtained from private
Supplemental health insurance policies or stu-
companies on a lump-sum basis. Multirisk hous-
dent group policies may increase the reimbursed
ing insurance includes civil liability insurance,
share.
which covers harm or damage suffered on the
Students on very short stays in France or not
premises by third parties.
enrolled in a French institution of higher edu-
cation must take out an individual medical pol-
icy offered by a private insurance company. In Keep in mind...
France, the cost of such policies ranges from
€150 to €550 per year. Additional forms of insurance are also available.
Learn more at: www.campusfrance.org Examples include automobile insurance, insurance for
>Étudiants >S’organiser >Sécurité sociale repatriation of remains, and insurance against athletic
injuries.

The student and campus life

contribution
A student and campus life contribution known
as CVEC applies to French and foreign students
entering a public or private institution of higher
education. The contribution—amounting to €92
for academic year 2020/2021—funds student
support services (social, health-related, cul-
tural, and athletic) during their study period. The
CVEC is entirely separate from Social Security
requirements.

45
 Guide Choose France

Cultural
life
Cultural viyality makes its presence felt in countless places all across
France, with every region playing a part in the creative effervescence.
By coming to France, you will have a front-row seat at the cultural
pageant, wherever your study site may be.
There are the regular festivals of music (Vieilles
Charrues in Carhaix, Folle Journée in Nantes,
Eurockéennes in Belfort, Jazz in Marciac,
Transmusicales in Rennes), of film (Cannes,
Deauville, Avoriaz, Cognac), dance (Biennale
de la Danse in Lyon, La Part des Anges in
Bordeaux…), theater (Avignon, Aurillac), and
graphic novels (Angoulême), as well as a multi-
tude of national events (Journées du Patrimoine,
Fête de la Musique le 21 juin, Nuits Européennes
des Musées). Get details at www.culture.fr

Museums and monuments

Books
France’s 8,000 museums are distributed all across
the country. While the Eiffel Tower remains the Livre de Poche’s budget line puts books within
most-visited monument, more than 40,000 other everyone’s reach, beginning at €5. Numerous
buildings are designated as historical monuments. book-related events throughout France— includ-
Prominent examples are the chateaus of the Loire ing long-running fairs and shows—attest to the
Valley, Mont Saint Michel, Château d’If, the arenas French zest for reading.
in Nîmes, and the port of La Rochelle. Guides to
national museums and monuments: www.rmn.fr
www.monuments-nationaux.fr www.images-art.fr

46
 Guide Choose France

Press Sports and athletics

The French presss is notable for its diversity. A In addition to the athletic facilities of educa-
plethora of daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals, tional institutions, there are many public sports
broadcasts, and podcasts cover general and complexes throughout France. For a modest
specialized interests at the national and regional cost, thousands of gyms and clubs give you
levels. Every city and region has at least one access to training facilities and help you stay
newspaper that carries local, regional, national, fit. The entrance fees at municipal swimming
and international news—for example, Sud-Ouest pools are low.
in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Ouest-France in Brittany, www.associations-sportives.fr
and La Provence in Marseille.
Almost all newspapers and magazines also
appear online. Subscriptions are available, of
course, but many publications allow free access
to certain articles as soon as they appear.
The Campus France website offers detailed
Libraries information on cultural life in the city where
you’ll be studying.
France contains more than 3,000 libraries. By
registering free at the library in your neighborhood, 50 cities have prepared short guides for incoming
you gain access to all of the libraries in the city. international students.
An online digital library is accessible via Bibliovox: www.campusfrance.org
www.bibliovox.com >Resources center >Practical information
– University libraries for students and researchers >Student cities
Every educational institution maintains at least 1
library. Hours vary, but most are open evenings
and weekends. The 127 libraries of France’s uni-
versities and other major educational institutions
house more than 40 million volumes.
Public libraries:
www.lexilogos.com/bibliotheque_municipale.htm
National Library of France:
www.bnf.fr – http://gallica.bnf.fr/

All cultural sites offer discounted

admission for students and frequent
visitors

47
 Campus
life
Student clubs and special-interest groups are very active on French
campuses. They enable students to come together for extracurricular
activities like festivals, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, trips, hikes,
weekend tourism, and evenings out.
Clubs involve students in a wide variety of human- Universities
itarian, athletic, economic, and cultural activities
where they can play a variety of roles, such as On university campuses, you may find dozens of
chairing a festival, serving as treasurer of a stu- special-interest associations—cultural, political,
dent business, or coordinating communications athletic, and service-oriented. Some are dedi-
for a cultural project—all of which can add depth cated to welcoming new students and fostering
to their CV. Alumni associations allow graduates the integration of international students. Still oth-
to maintain ties with their institution and to build ers are student cooperatives that operate coffee
networks. Take a look at the directory France’s houses or distribute academic resources (e.g.,
student associations: www.asso1901.com coursepacks) or used furniture and supplies.
 FSDIE (a fund for the development of student
initiatives) was established to support student
Keep in mind... initiatives and group projects. In some cases
it has helped students experiencing financial
In French postsecondary institutions, the BDE (bureau
difficulties.
des étudiants, or office of students) is an association
 Animafac is a network for exchanges of expe-
elected by the student body. BDEs organize extracur-
rience and a resource center for more than
ricular activities.
1,200 student associations: www.animafac.net
 ESN is the international network of partic-
ipants in the European Union’s Erasmus
exchange program: www.esn.org
International mentoring and peer pairing
 FAGE is the federation of student associations
Across France, civic associations, educational
in France: www.fage.org
institutions, and municipalities have organized
 UNEF is France’s national union of students:
services to help smooth the arrival, orienta-
www.unef.fr
tion, and integration of international students.
Campus France supports the buddy system set
up by IxESN. Keep in mind...
For more information: https://buddysystem.eu/fr
Campus France has prepared descriptions of the
service packages offered by various educational ins-
titutions. These also present information on the clubs,
associations, and specialinterest groups active at the
More than 2 million associations are active in institution. www.campusfrance.org >Resources center
France

48
 Guide Choose France

France
Alumni
connections with students who took the same
academic path you did, and getting the most out
of your training.

Cultural events
Campus France and its regional offices organize
events to which members of the France Alumni
network are invited. Examples include lectures,
open houses, online courses, happy hours, tours
of educational institutions, and outings.

Professional opportunities
Join the 335,000 members of France Numerous partners (companies, educational
Alumni in 124 countries. institutions) post notices of job openings and
internships in France and around the world.

The France Alumni network is not only an invalu-

able career accelerator, it is also the best way to
stay in contact with France and with the other
international students you meet here.
www.francealumni.fr/en

A rapidly expanding social

network with a professional twist
Launched in 2014, France Alumni now numbers
335,000 alumni and 3,000 partner organizations,
750 of them business enterprises. The worldwide
network has an international website and local
sites in 124 countries and 34 languages.

A space for exchange

France Alumni is designed for international stu-
dents who are attending or have graduated from
Each year, more than 100,000 international
a French postsecondary institution. It enables
students graduate with a degree from a French
those students and alumni to meet and commu-
educational institution
nicate with others through participation in the-
matic groups (4,700 participants in 240 groups).
Representative groups are devoted to careers
in France after graduation, environmental and
climate issues, French culinary arts, making

49
 Guide Choose France

How much
does it cost?
Taking into account the many discounts students receive,
the average monthly student budget is around
€800 in the regions and €1,000 in Paris.

Food, meals Health

 1 baguette: €0.90
– CMedical consultations
 1 coffee: €1-2
 General practitioner: starting at €25 (€16.50
 1 camembert: €2
reimbursed by the national insurance system).
 1 croissant: €1
 Psychiatrist, neurologist: starting at €39
 1 kg of pasta: €1
(€26.30 reimbursed).
 1 kg of potatoes: €1.45
 Gynecologist, ophthalmologist: starting at
 1 kg of rice: €1.70
€30 (€20 reimbursed).
 1 liter of milk: €1
 Specialist: starting at €25 (€16.50 reimbursed).
 6 eggs: €1.50
 Dentist: at least €30 (depending on treatment).
 1 meal at a university dining facility: €3.30
 1 fast-food meal: €8
 1 dinner at a neighborhood restaurant: €10-20
 > 1 sandwich : €3-8

The cost of daily living may be up

to twice as high in paris as in other
regions of France

50
Guide Choose France

Culture, leisure
 Mobile phone service, Internet: options
can be found to suit all budgets.
 1 movie ticket at student rate: around
€9. Some theater chains offer unlimited
admissions for about €20/month.
 1 museum visit: €5–10. Some muse-
ums and national monuments are free
for students under 26 years of age.
 1 swimming pool admission at stu-
dent rate: around €2.
 1 newspaper: around €2.
 1 budget paperback: around €6.
 1 night in a mid-range hotel: starting
at €70.
 1 theater ticket: Prices vary widely
depending on the show and the
quality of the seat. Some theaters,
particularly in Paris, charge people
under 26 a flat rate of €10.

Transportation
 1 round trip airfare, Paris–
Barcelona: €100–150.
 1 round-trip Thalys train ticket,
Paris–Bruxelles–Amsterdam:
€150.
 1 round-trip Eurostar train ticket,
Paris–London: €100–150.
 1 round-trip TGV ticket, Paris–
Nice: €140 (if purchased far
enough in advance, the fare may
be as low as €50).
 1 monthly transport pass for
Paris: €75.20.
 1 liter of gasoline: €1.50
 1 city bike rental: around €1/
day. Bike rental services are
found in several large cities;
prices vary.

51
 Guide Choose France

On the web: useful links

Campus France: information and assistance when  Concours Avenir (entrance examination
planning a period of study in France: for 8 schools of engineering):
www.campusfrance.org www.concoursavenir.fr
French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs:  FESIC (network of 26 schools of engineering
steps involved in coming to France; locations and management): www.fesic.org
of consulates, embassies, and branches  Figure network of 27 partner universities:
of the Alliance Française; scholarships available www.reseau-figure.fr
to international students:  GEIPI POLYTECH (entrance examination
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr for 34 public schools of engineering):
French Ministry of Higher Education, Research, www.geipi-polytech.org
and Innovation:  EUR-ACE (accreditation system for engineering
www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr programs in Europe): www.enaee.eu
Regulations, procedures, and services related to  n+i network of engineering schools:
student life (housing, financial assistance, health, www.nplusi.com
and more):  ParisTech, a network of Grandes Écoles
www.etudiant.gouv.fr specializing in science and technology:
www.paristech.org
ENIC-NARIC France - Center for information on
academic and professional recognition of degrees:  Polytech, a national network of 10 university-
www.ciep.fr/enic-naric-france based polytechnical schools of engineering:
www.polytech-reseau.org
ERASMUS+, France, education and training:
www.agence-erasmus.fr – Schools of veterinary medicine

Europa, the portal of the European Union:  École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort
http://europa.eu (national veterinary school of Alfort):
www.vet-alfort.fr
Enrollment in the first year of university study
 École Nationale Vétérinaire, Agro-alimentaire
for holders of a French baccalauréat:
et de l’Alimentation Nantes Atlantique (national
www.parcoursup.fr
school of veterinary medicine, food science,
Institut Français : www.institutfrancais.com and food production): www.oniris-nantes.fr
 École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse
(national veterinary school of Toulouse):
Academic and professional www.envt.fr
programs  VetAgroSup Lyon: www.vetagro-sup.fr

– Engineering programs – Écoles Normales Supérieures

 ENS Lyon: www.ens-lyon.eu
 CDEFI (conference of directors of French  ENS Paris: www.ens.fr
schools of engineering): www.cdefi.fr  ENS Paris Saclay (ex Cachan):
 CTI (commission on engineering qualifications): www.ens-paris-saclay.fr
www.cti-commission.fr  ENS Rennes: www.ens-rennes.fr
 Concours Puissance Alpha (entrance
– Conférence des Grandes Écoles:
examination for 16 schools of engineering):
www.cge.asso.fr
www.puissance-alpha.fr

52
 Guide Choose France

– Labels  DFMAS/DFMS http://med.unistra.fr/fre/

 AACSB International (based in the United Formation/3eme-cycle/DFMS-DFMSA
States): www.aacsb.edu/accreditation  Diploma course in French for the health
 AMBA (Association of MBAs, based in the professions: www.centredelangue-
United Kingdom): www.mbaworld.com francaise.paris/tests-diplomes/
 Bachelor professionnel (professional bachelor), diplomes-francais-professionnel-dfp
a label awarded by ACFCI (assembly of French  École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique
chambers of commerce and industry): (school of advanced study in public health):
www.cci.fr >Formations www.ehesp.fr
 EQUIS (European Foundation for Management  Hôpitaux de France (hospitals of Paris):
Development): www.efmdglobal.org www.hopital.fr
 French Ministry of Social Affairs and Health:
– CCIP (Paris chamber of commerce www.sante.gouv.fr
and industry): www.cci-paris-idf.fr  National Order of Physicians:
www.conseil-national.medecin.fr
– Art
 Network of 32 university hospital centers:
 CampusArt network: www.campusart.org
www.reseau-chu.org
 Directory of postsecondary schools of art:
 French-language digital university of the health
www.andea.fr
and sport sciences: www.unf3s.org
– Architecture
– Professional and occupational
 Public schools of architecture:
www.culture.gouv.fr > Sites thématiques
certification
 France Compétence (national authority
 INSA de Strasbourg: www.insa-strasbourg.fr
for financing and regulation of professional
 École Spéciale d’Architecture: www.esa-paris.fr
training and apprenticeships):
– Fashion (site of the union of textile www.francecompetences.fr
industries): www.textile.fr  RNCP (national registry of occupational
certifications): www.francecompetences.fr
– Agriculture
 Public institutions of agricultural education: – Ministry of Sports (programs in sports and
www.educagri.fr physical education): www.sports.gouv.fr
 Agreenium (agronomic, veterinary, and forestry
institute of France): www.agreenium.org
– Distance education, online courses
 CNED (national center for distance learning):
 Community for French agricultural education:
www.cned.fr
www.chlorofil.fr
 FUN-MOOC (online courses): www.fun-mooc.fr
– Health  UNIT Foundation (the digital engineering
 French National Academy of Medicine: and technology university): www.unit.eu
www.academie-medecine.fr  FIED (interuniversity distance learning
 Public assistance offered by Paris hospitals: federation): www.fied.fr
www.aphp.fr  ISPED (institute for public health, epidemiology,
 ANEFMF (national association of medical and development): www.isped.u-bordeaux.fr
students in France): www.anemf.org  Distance learning portal (10 specialized schools,
 CNCI (national center for residency 100 programs): www.formations-distance.com
examinations in medicine, pharmacy,  PLOTEUS (European portal on education
and dentistry): www.cnci.univ-paris5.fr and training opportunities in Europe):
 Independent community of students https://ec.europa.eu/ploteus/fr
of medicine and the paramedical professions:
www.remede.org
 College of medicine of the hospitals of Paris:
http://cmhp.fr

53
 Guide Choose France

On the web: useful links

Research Discovering France
 ANR (French national research agency):  Bibliothèque Nationale de France (search
www.agence-nationale-recherche.fr the catalogs): www.bnf.fr
 Campus France directory of doctoral schools  Investir en France – Business France:
and proposed dissertation topics: www.businessfrance.fr/investir
http://ecolesdoctorales.campusfrance.org/  Regional and local offices of tourism and
phd/dschools/main economic development: www.tourisme.fr
 ABG L’intelli’agence (career development  IGN (maps of France):
for recent doctoral recipients): www.geoportail.gouv.fr/accueil
www.intelliagence.fr  France’s official website: www.france.fr
 ANDès (national association of doctors  Territoires d’Outre-Mer : www.outre-mer.gouv.fr
of science): www.andes.asso.fr
 ANRT (French national research and technology
agency): www.anrt.asso.fr French as an international
 Bpifrance (France’s public investment bank): language
www.bpifrance.fr
 France 24 (international news in French,
 CNRS (national center for scientific research):
English, and Arabic): www.france24.com
www.cnrs.fr
 AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie):
 EURAXESS (research mobility in Europe):
www.auf.org
http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess
 Latitude France (news about French
 Kastler Foundation (hosting of foreign
as used around the world):
researchers in France): www.fnak.fr
http://latitudefrance.diplomatie.gouv.fr
 OIF (Organisation internationale de la
Tests and degrees in French Francophonie): www.francophonie.org
 Radio France Internationale: www.rfi.fr
as a foreign language  Radio France (public service radio channels):
 C ampus France brief on tests and degrees in www.radiofrance.fr
French as a foreign language:  T V5MONDE (the international French-language
www.campusfrance.org >Ressources center channel in your country, to familiarize you
 FRANCE ÉDUCATION INTERNATIONALE with French language and culture):
(TCF - DELF - DALF) : www.ciep.fr www.tv5monde.com
 CCIP (Paris chamber of commerce
and industry), the TEF test and certificates
in business and professional French): Living in France
www.centredelanguefrancaise.paris/
tests-diplomes/test-evaluation-francais-tef – Housing
 Alliance Française: Information
www.fondation-alliancefr.org  ANIL (information and contacts related to
 List of centers accredited with the “Qualité the right housing in France): www.anil.org
français langue étrangère” label:  CAF (national family assistance fund): www.caf.fr
www.qualitefle.fr  Rooms for rent in private homes: www.cidj.com
 Online simulation of the complete TCF on  Lokaviz (the online housing platform
TV5MONDE: www.tv5monde.com/tcf of the CROUS network): www.lokaviz.fr
 Housing page of the French government’s
student portal:
https://trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr

54
 Guide Choose France

Student housing Sublets

(networks and associations) www.souslouer.com
 Adele (association for the economic Housing with families or senior citizens
development of student housing):  Séjours France Familles:
www.adele.org www.sejoursfrancefamille.fr
 CISP (Paris): www.cisp.fr  COSI network: www.reseau-cosi.com
 FIAP: www.fiap.asso.fr  http://ensemble2generations.fr
 Résidence internationale de Paris:
 http://www.leparisolidaire.fr
www.ee-rip.com
 UNME (national union of student residences): – Culture
www.unme-asso.com  Center for national monuments:
Privately owned student buildings www.monuments-nationaux.fr/
in Paris and the regions Trouver-un-monument
 Cap’Études: www.cap-etudes.com  Pompidou Center: www.centrepompidou.fr
 Cardinal Campus: www.centrepompidou-metz.fr
https://www.cardinalcampus.fr  Paris Philharmonic:
 Fac-Habitat : www.fac-habitat.com https://philharmoniedeparis.fr/en
 Groupe Réside Études - Les Estudines:  French federation of international music
www.estudines.com festivals: www.francefestivals.com
 Kley: https://www.kley.fr  France’s national museums: www.rmn.fr
 Mgel housing: www.mgellogement.fr  French Ministry of Culture: www.culture.gouv.fr
 Néoresid: https://www.neoresid.com  France’s official website: www.france.fr
 Nexity Studéa: www.studea.fr  Works of art: www.images-art.fr
 PARME: https://www.residencesparme.fr  Univers Sciences (the science and technology
 Résidences OSE : www.leclubetudiant.com portal of the Cité des Sciences et d’Industrie,
 Stud’City (Clermont-Ferrand only): Palais de la Découverte): www.universcience.fr
www.studcity-clermont.com
– Working
 Studelites: www.studelites.com
 Student job central: www.jobaviz.fr
 Student Factory:
 CIDJ (center for youth information
https://www.student-factory.com/fr
and documentation): www.cidj.com
 Suitétudes: http://www.suitetudes.com/fr
 L’Étudiant: http://jobs-stages.letudiant.fr
The private rental market  Portal of the French public service:
 Student housing in the Île-de-France region: www.service-public.fr
www.lokaviz.fr >Étranger >Étrangers en France
www.pap.fr
www.entreparticuliers.com – Health
www.paruvendu.fr  CPAM (France’s national medical insurance
www.seloger.com fund): www.ameli.fr
Group rentals  La Mutuelle des Étudiants (student group
www.appartager.com insurance plans): www.lmde.fr
www.leboncoin.fr  Smerep (student group insurance plans):
www.colocationfrance.fr www.smerep.fr
www.macoloc.fr  Emevia (a federation of regional student
www.okroommate.com (in English) insurance plans): www.emevia.com
 https://fr-fr.roomlala.com/
 http://www.chez-l-habitant.com/
https://fr-fr.roomlala.com
http://www.chez-l-habitant.com

55
Bienvenue
en France

The “Bienvenue en France”

label was created to highlight
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international services Choose
by French institutions France
of higher education.
The label helps you identify → Campusfrance.org: everything
institutions that offer you need to select the French
the services most useful educational institution that’s
to you. right for you.
→ Campus France’s country
offices: nearly 260 offices
in more than 120 countries
providing personalized support.
→ The France Alumni network:
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France after graduation.

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