Do you want to study Master’s in France? Currently, more than 25,000 international students are enrolled in French universities. This country is famous for its highly developed education system and top-ranked universities, which is why many students choose it for their higher studies.
Moreover, universities and colleges in France have made it possible for international students to study various degree programs taught in English. Whether you are keen on scientific or artistic pursuits, literature, technology, business, or geography, France has something to pique the interest of everyone.
In this read, we will walk you through all the main components that deserve your attention before you start your venture toward studying for a master’s in France. So, let’s begin!
Why Study for a Master’s in France?
Here are the compelling reasons that will help you understand why studying master’s in France can be the best decision for your career:
Specialized Programs to Choose From
Whether you desire to study sciences, arts, business, education, or any other field, rest assured that there is a program for your preferred course in the highly reputable French educational institutions.
Reasonable Tuition Fee:
Studying in France is relatively cheap and affordable compared to other European countries. In some cases, the French government also sponsors a specific part of the master’s tuition fee, and international students are required to pay only a set amount regardless of the course they are undertaking.
Advanced Industries and Corporations:
In France, international students get the chance to live and work even after their studies. From corporate giants like Renault and Dior to Airbus, the opportunities are endless. Thus, France can be the ideal destination to chase your dreams.
Travel within Europe:
Besides studying at the world’s best universities, France also lets you explore other countries in Europe if you ever get bored with your studies or want to unwind your mind. Schengen Area residents can also travel freely with a French student visa within the Schengen area.
Which Universities to Choose in France for Masters?
There is a broad list of recognized international universities in France that are perfect for your studies. In the QS World University Rankings, 10 universities in France are in the top 300, and a total of 17 French institutes are in the top 500. All of these highly-rated universities offer a myriad of study programs for master’s students.
So, based on what you’re learning, there will be a French university devoted to your field of specialization.
Here is a list of universities in France that you can apply to for your Master’s degree:
| Universities in France | Annual Tuition fee (Per Annum) |
| Sorbonne University | €10,000 to €13,000 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | €5000 to €9000 |
| Sciences Po | €15,020 to €25,000. |
| Montpellier University | €2000 to €15,000 |
| Université de Lyon | €7880 to €17960 |
Most Popular Masters Programs in France
There are many different types of master’s programs in France that you can choose from, depending on your professional preferences and budget:
- Engineering: If you want to study for a master’s degree in a technical field, there are several different engineering programs available in France.
- Business: If you are interested in a business-oriented career path, a business administration degree (or MBA) is a great option.
- Medicine: If medicine or health sciences is your field of interest, then you are in luck. There is a wide range of universities in France that offer courses in these disciplines.
- Sciences: If you are passionate about research or want to become a professor, then the study courses in sciences could be a great option for you.
Other popular educational courses that you can study in France for a master’s degree typically include:
- MSc in Energy Management
- MSc in Marketing and Creativity
- Master in Public Health in France
- Masters in data analytics in France
- Masters in Psychology France
- Master Economics France
- Master Business Analytics France
Eligibility Criteria to Study Masters in France
Now that you have explored the most popular French universities and the study programs taught there, let’s talk about the eligibility criteria required to pursue the master’s degree in France:
Percentage Required to Study Masters in France:
In order to enroll in a French institute for a master’s degree, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a reputable educational institution with a good academic record. Most universities in France mandate students to have at least 60% to 65% scores in their bachelor’s degrees.
English Proficiency Requirements to Study Masters in France:
Another criterion that you must fulfill for a master’s degree in France is the English proficiency requirement. France has made it compulsory to show Proficiency in English for a master’s degree in France. In general, universities demand International students to have TOEFL scores of 80 to 100 and IELTS band scores between 6.0 to 7.5.
How to Apply to French Universities?
Each university in France has its own set of requirements and system on its website that allows international students to apply for and enroll in the master’s degree. So, after you have selected your preferred university and study program in France, you can begin the application process and submit all the required documents there.
Here are the basic documents that almost every educational institute in France requires from international students:
- Copy of your passport
- A scan of your bachelor’s degree
- Transcript of your previous courses
- Copy of your birth certificate
- Statement of purpose
- English proficiency test results
- Financial statement
- Evidence of scholarship or funding (if any)
- Letters of recommendation
Living Costs in France for International Students
The costs of living in France as an international student can vary based on the city you are staying in. On average, you should set aside a budget of at least 700 to 1,200 EUR per month to cover your expenses as a foreign student in France.
If you live in one of the major cities, like Paris, you should expect to spend around 1,200 to 1,800 EUR per month. This is because Paris is considered a global hub and is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
Here is a breakdown of the total living costs that you can expect while studying in France:
- Rent: If you choose to stay at student residence halls, you will have to pay between 200 and 400 EUR per month for rent. On the other hand, if you are staying in a private space, then be prepared to spend 400 to 700 EUR a month.
- Utilities: Basic amenities like heating, cooling, internet, electricity, water, and garbage will cost you 150 to 200 EUR monthly.
- Meals: If you go for a three-course meal for 2 people at a French restaurant, you may encounter a bill of 50 to 60 EUR.
- Transportation: Monthly transportation passes for train, metro, or bus can be somewhere around 56 EUR.
What to Do Next?
Feeling confused regarding your study visa application for a master’s in France. Well, you need a little help, and for this expert student counselors and visa experts are here to guide you to the right path.
At StudyWise, we have a 95% success rate for all our student visas and have fulfilled the dreams of hundreds of students to study at highly reputable universities in France and other parts of the world. This is the reason we are the best study-abroad consultants in Lahore.
From the beginning of your application at your desired university to the last phases of your study visa process, we will be there to provide the right guidance.
So, reach out to us today, and together, let’s make it happen!
Also, read these blogs to get a better understanding if you want to study in France:
FAQs:
Can you study for a free master’s in France as an international student?
France only offers tuition-free opportunities to students who are citizens and permanent residents of EEA countries (European Economic Area) and Switzerland. However, non-European students will have to pay around €3,000 to €4,000 per year at public universities.
In addition, if you enroll at a private university in France, you may have to pay a tuition fee of around €10,000 to €18,000 annually.
Are there any scholarships for international students in France in 2024?
Yes. The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program has been established by the French Ministry to attract international students to enroll in master’s and PhD programs at French universities. The next call for applications is in 2025, and you will be able to apply for it in October 2024.
How much of a study gap is acceptable in France?
In general, universities in France typically accept a study gap of up to 2 years. However, this can be different depending on the study program and educational institute you select.