Why Study in France?
France is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international students, offering world-class education, rich culture, and a high quality of life. French universities are known for their academic excellence and diverse program offerings. With significantly lower tuition fees compared to countries like the UK and the US, France remains an accessible and attractive option. In the 2023–24 academic year, France enrolled 430,466 international students, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the previous year, underscoring its growing global appeal.
Popular Study Programs in France for UK Students
UK students often choose programs in:
- International Relations
- Art and Design
- Engineering
- Business and Management
- Culinary Arts
- French Language & Literature
Many programmes are offered in English, especially at the Master’s level.
University Rankings in the United Kingdom
Here are some of the most renowned French universities and grandes écoles:
- Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA) - Ranked 406th
- Sciences Po - Ranked 367th
- Université Grenoble Alpes - Ranked 321st
- Université Paris Cité - Ranked 300th
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - Ranked 257th
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon - Ranked 205th
- Sorbonne University - Ranked 72nd
- Université Paris-Saclay - Ranked 70th
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris - Ranked 41st
- Université PSL - Ranked 28th
Rankings are based on the Top Universities platform.
Types of Higher Education Institutions in France
- Public Universities: Offer a broad range of affordable programmes.
- Grandes Écoles: Elite institutions with competitive entry requirements.
- Private Institutions: Include business and art schools, often more expensive.
- Specialised Schools: Focus on areas like fashion, hospitality, or culinary arts.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for UK Students
While UK students may no longer qualify for EU tuition rates post-Brexit, there are still funding options:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
- Charpak Master’s Scholarship (via French Embassy)
- Campus France scholarships
- University-specific scholarships
- Erasmus+ (for short-term exchange or joint programmes)
Admission Requirements for UK Nationals
UK applicants must meet the following admission and visa-related requirements when applying to French institutions:
- Academic Qualifications: Provide official transcripts, diplomas, and any program-specific prerequisites.
- Language Proficiency: Submit test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL for English-based programs—or DELF/DALF/TCF for French-language programs.
- Letters of Recommendation, Statements, and Tests: Include motivation letters, references, and entrance exam results where required.
- Études en France Registration (Mandatory): Applicants must register via the Études en France platform before submitting their long‑stay visa application. This pre‑consular step is compulsory, as Campus France needs to assess your admissibility and generate an EEF file for your visa process.
- Reduced Visa Application Fee: As part of the EEF procedure, UK applicants pay only €50 for their visa, instead of the usual €99, reflecting their inclusion in the streamlined pre‑consular scheme.
Student Visa Requirements for France
Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Student Visa)
- Duration: Up to 90 days (approximately 3 months)
- Purpose: Short courses, language programs, exams, or campus visits
- No validation or additional formalities needed upon arrival
Temporary Long‑Stay Visa (VLS‑T – Visa de long séjour temporaire pour études)
- Duration: Over 3 months and up to 6 months
- Ideal for intermediate-length study programs (e.g., semester exchanges)
- No residence permit required upon arrival; no further formalities needed
Long‑Stay Student Visa (VLS‑TS – Visa de long séjour pour études, equivalent to a residence permit)
- Duration: Over 6 months (typically up to 1 year, renewable annually)
- Suited for full degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
- Functions as a residence permit — validation with OFII required upon arrival
Visa Application Requirements:
- Proof of university admission
- Valid passport
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Proof of financial means (~€615/month)
- Health insurance coverage
- Certified translations of official documents (e.g., transcripts, birth certificate)
- If you are under 18, you may also need a notarised parental authorisation letter. Depending on your consulate, your birth certificate may also need to be apostilled before translation.
Applications are typically submitted via France-Visas and processed through TLScontact in the UK.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
- Public Universities: Apply through the “Études en France” platform or directly.
- For most courses: Applications open in November and close in April–May.
- Grandes Écoles: Check individual deadlines (often earlier).
- Visa Application: Apply at least 3 months before your course starts.
Required Documents for Application & Visa
- Passport
- Transcripts and diplomas (translated if necessary)
- Language test results
- Admission letter from university
- Proof of funds (bank statements or scholarship letter)
- Accommodation proof
- Health insurance certificate
- Birth certificate (often required and may need to be translated and apostilled)
Translayte offers certified translations that meet French consulate and university requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose your course and institution.
- Verify admission requirements and deadlines.
- Take language proficiency tests (if needed).
- Prepare required documents.
- Apply to your chosen university.
- Once accepted, apply for a student visa.
- Book your accommodation and travel.
- Register with OFII upon arrival in France (mandatory for visa validation).
- Start your studies and enjoy French student life!
Document Translation Services for Study Abroad in France
Document translation is essential for successful applications. Translayte offers certified translations for academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and more, meeting the specific requirements of universities and government bodies in the UK.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Study Abroad
Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Missing deadlines can lead to application rejection.
- Incomplete or inaccurate documents may result in visa denials.
- Not meeting visa requirements can disrupt plans.
- Poorly written SOP affects university acceptance.
- Lack of preparation for language tests may hinder language proficiency proof.
Tips for UK Students Moving to France
- Accommodation: Options include CROUS student housing, private rentals, and coliving spaces.
- Living Costs: Budget €800–€1,200/month depending on city.
- Cultural Adjustment: Learn some basic French and get familiar with local customs.
- Healthcare: UK students must register with French social security upon arrival or get private health insurance.
- Banking: Opening a local bank account helps with rent and phone contracts.
Cost of Studying in France
- Tuition Fees: €2,770/year for Bachelor's and €3,770/year for Master's at public universities (may be higher for UK students post-Brexit). Annual fees for public institutions remain highly subsidised by the government, making them very affordable compared to many other countries. In autonomous universities, fees may vary, but they are still capped or regulated at the undergraduate level. Postgraduate and doctoral programs may charge higher fees under certain conditions
- Private Schools: Can range from €5,000 to €20,000+ annually.
- Visa Fees: Around €99 + cost of document translation and insurance.
- Translation Services: Document translation may incur additional fees, and Translayte offers affordable services starting at $25 per page.
Living Costs in France
UK students should budget approximately €800–€1,200 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Here's a general breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
- Rent: €300–€700
- Food: €150–€250
- Transport: €20–€50
- Mobile Plan & Internet: €10–€30
- Miscellaneous (leisure, toiletries, books, etc.): €100–€200
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the student’s personal choices, lifestyle, and location. Cities like Paris and Lyon are more expensive, while smaller towns like Poitiers or Clermont-Ferrand are more affordable.
Alternatives to Studying in France
If you're comparing options, consider:
- Germany – Tuition-free education for international students.
- Netherlands – Innovative programmes, many in English.
- Italy – Strong in art, architecture, and design.
- Spain – Affordable and popular for language students.
