Study in France

French degrees are granted by a comprehensive network of higher education institutions and world-famous research centers. This network comprises 88 universities, some 500 "Grandes ecoles" - uniquely French institutions that cover more than 240 engineering schools and 220 schools of business and management - 59 public schools of Arts, as well as many specialized schools for specific sectors such as fashion, social work, paramedical disciplines, tourism and sports.

The French degrees awarded are based on the European system of Bachelor, Master, and PhD, expressed in credits as defined by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

France's 88 public universities cover the entire range of academic disciplines, from the sciences to technology to literature, languages, arts, social sciences, law, economics, management etc. Tuition fees (in fact only registration fees in most institutions) are among the lowest in the world and are kept affordable as public institutions enjoy the financial support of the State. However, the quality of the degree programs is not compromised by low tuition fees; throughout, high international standards are maintained at all levels. In addition, French and foreign students have equal access to student benefits and face similar admission requirements.

Many study programs are available in English (Masters and PhDs). Please contact us to get the complete and updated information.

Private schools of art and those affiliated with chambers of commerce and industry (the latter are known as ecoles consulaires) confer certificates orprofessional titles. Those that have earned accreditation are listed in the Repertoire National de Certification Professionnelle (national registry of occupational certification, www.cncp.gouv.fr) and classified according to the level of employmentfor which they prepare their students. All such institutions admit students selectively by exam or interview.

More than 3,000 schools and institutes, public and private, are categorized as "specialized schools." They offer degree programs in very specific areas-among them social work, paramedical fields,tourism, culinary arts, and hotel management, among others.These institutions offer government-accredited degrees as well as other credentials specific to the institution that confers them. Programs demand from 2 to 5 years of study. Admission is by examination or on the basis of the applicant's academic record.

Choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. Most programs, especially at the master's level, are offered in English. The Centre for International Mobility CIMO, an organisation which operates under the Finnish Ministry of Education, offers services to encourage cross-cultural communication. CIMO administers scholarship and exchange programmes, and offers information, advisory services and publications. In addition, CIMO promotes teaching of the Finnish language and culture, and arranges summer courses in the Finnish language and culture for international students. There are various opportunities for students to study in Finland.

CIMO scholarships are mainly targeted for postgraduate students who have completed their Master-level studies. There are two types of scholarships: individual scholarships, which young researchers apply for themselves and host fellowships, which are applied by the Finnish higher education departments willing to host researchers and postgraduates. It should be noted that, in Finland, Master's programmes are not considered postgraduate studies. CIMO's undergraduate scholarships promote advanced studies of the Finnish language. Below is a list of scholarships offered by CIMO:

Finnish Studies and Research/Scholarships for Advanced Studies of the Finnish Language at Finnish Universities
Exchange Programmes (Erasmus Mundus, Asia-Link and Free movers)

CIMO Fellowships
Finnish Studies and Research/Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies and Research at Finnish Universities
If you are interested in studying in Finland and if you are looking for financial support, we strongly recommend that you reach our counselor who would assist you to find all the information on available scholarships (section Study & Research in Finalnd). Our aim is to make it easier for those interested in studying in Finalnd as well as those providing assistance and advice in ESC's office to find details of existing grant programmes and to guarantee that the information about these programmes is always up to date.

Check the specific admission requirements for your chosen program. These may include academic qualifications, language proficiency (usually French or English), and other program-specific criteria.

Students from some countries do not require a visa if they plan to study in France for a period shorter than 90 days.

You need to apply for a long-stay visa if you plan on studying in France for more than 90 days. You must apply to a French embassy or other consular authority in your country.

You must have a passport that is valid for a period of three months past the expiration date of your studies.

If you're a non-EU/EEA student, you will need a student visa. Apply for a visa through the French consulate or embassy in your home country. Ensure you have all required documents, including proof of enrollment.

Depending on your country of origin you might have to follow all or part of the steps below in order to apply to a French university:

EU APPLICANTS
Complete the university application. You may need to include photo identification.
Provide proof of a high school diploma.
Some colleges will require a written essay regarding your interest in the study.
Provide proof of English language proficiency.
You should also mention if you are planning on receiving financial aid from the collage.
Each individual college may have additional specific admission criteria.

NON-EU APPLICANTS
Non-EU students need to provide the following additional documents:

A copy of their passport as well as a photograph of passport size
Proof that you have a long-term study Visa.
A copy of your birth certificate is needed when you apply to a French university, as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of both of your parents.
Proof of sufficient funds in order to cover your expenses while attending college.