French university rankings. How can a Russian go to study in France on an exchange or student visa

In France, foreign students, along with local residents, have the opportunity to receive a quality higher education, and at minimal cost. Thanks to large-scale support from the state, which allocates up to one-fifth of the country's budget to the education system, students from around the world are annually sent to France to receive knowledge and a European diploma.

By the number of foreigners in its universities, the country ranks third, after the US and the UK. According to UNESCO – this is about 7% of the total number of people studying in foreign universities. For example, about 4-5 thousand students from Russia enter French universities every year. Many graduates find prestigious jobs in French companies and stay in the country forever, that is, they receive French citizenship.

System higher education France has its own distinctive features and specifics. Students from the CIS countries, first of all, need to decide in advance on the specialty of their future education. Moreover, if there is a desire to stay in France, then the job search will be possible in strict accordance with the diploma received.

Higher education represented universities, higher and specialized schools. last view educational institutions differs in obtaining a narrow specialized education. For example, there you can learn to be a designer, architect, journalist, photographer or artist.

High schools are one of the most distinctive factors of the French education system. They train highly qualified specialists – future top managers and managers, owners of large businesses in France. Training only for paid basis , mandatory entrance exams and a rather tough selection. In a single school, the number of annually entering students may not exceed 50 people.

And finally, the most familiar and extensive group – these are universities. There are more than 80 state universities in the country, of which 13 are located in Paris and its suburbs. Most universities have a multidisciplinary direction, but there are also specialized ones.

The so-called "Lisans" diploma (bachelor) can be obtained in 3 years, after another year the diploma Master 1 (specialist) and after 5 years of study the diploma Master 2 (master). If you wish, you have the opportunity to continue your studies in graduate school and engage in scientific activity. The educational cycle consists of lectures and laboratory classes, practical training, passing control works and exams.

As already mentioned, foreign students have equal admission rights along with the French. There are no entrance exams required for admission to the university. However, if we are talking about graduates of Russian or Ukrainian schools, then due to small differences in the secondary education system, you will first have to enter a domestic university, and then apply to a French university. In most cases, one year of study in your home country is enough for successful enrollment.

It is best to find out about the requirements and the package of documents on the official website of a particular university in France, you can only indicate the main criteria:

Documentary evidence of French language proficiency. Depending on the university and specialty, you may need the results of the TCF-DAP or TCF-TP tests, as well as the results of the DELF or DALF exams. In almost every country there are special centers for issuing such certificates. In addition, you can confirm the language in France itself.

Certificate of secondary education and a diploma of higher education (if any), with grades.

All documents must be translated into French and certified by a notary.

According to the agency Campus France, the French government annually subsidizes universities in the amount of 10,000 euros per student, regardless of whether it is a foreigner or a Frenchman. And if you consider that the vast majority of universities are state-owned, then higher education in France, including for Russians, can be obtained almost free of charge.

For training, you will have to pay a registration fee in the amount of 200–400 euros per year and pay for social insurance 200 euros. If you enter a private university or higher school, then the cost varies here from 8000 to 20000 euros in year. In addition, French universities have a well-developed system of scholarships and special subsidies for students. This can help cut down on personal expenses while studying.

Housing fees are one of the most expensive components in the life of a French university student. The system of university dormitories in France is managed by a special organization CROUS. For a few hundred euros, you can get a room or a studio, but it will be quite problematic for a foreigner to do this, and in Paris it is not at all realistic.

The only way out is to rent a room in a private hostel. The cost is several times more expensive (up to 700 euro), but the conditions are better. You can find a suitable option using the special site adele.org. And finally, if financial possibilities allow, it is possible to rent housing privately. Accordingly, prices can be very different.

The best universities in France

Despite the fact that there is no official ranking of universities in France, we will try to highlight the most famous and prestigious universities.

Strasbourg University (University of Strasbourg)

One of the oldest universities in France for its 5-century history has gained worldwide fame and is one of the best educational institutions of our time. The famous alumni include several dozen Nobel laureates, outstanding scientists, writers, doctors, public and political figures.

For example, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, football coach Arsene Wenger and, of course, the outstanding German thinker and poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe. About 46,000 students study at 37 faculties of the university, a fifth of which are foreigners. About 4,600 teachers and researchers work in 79 research institutes, laboratories and training units.

The university includes a wide range of educational areas, the main of which are social and human sciences, law, economics, art, management and medicine. The university has an extensive infrastructure, a network of libraries, museums and a botanical garden famous throughout France.

Official website of the University of Strasbourg - unistra.fr

University of Montpellier

Founded in the 13th century, the university is one of the oldest in Europe. Many historians consider him the father of the study of practical medicine in the Western world. Such famous personalities as Nostradamus, Francois Rabelais and Petrarch studied at the university. To date, about 60,000 students, including many foreigners, receive knowledge at 9 faculties of the university.

Due to historical traditions, the most prestigious are the faculties of medicine and dentistry, as well as the faculty of pharmacology. If you wish, you can study economics, law and political sciences. The university has 2 schools, 6 scientific institutes and 14 academic libraries. The quality of teaching is very high.

The university has a rich cultural heritage, represented by a collection of over 1000 old paintings by French and Italian artists, museums and portrait galleries. The botanical garden in Montpellier is the oldest in France.

Official website of the University of Montpellier - umontpellier.fr

Paris Sorbonne University (La Sorbonne)

Without exaggeration, the most famous university in France dates back to the first half of the 13th century. Largest in scale international university split into 13 since 1970 independent universities, 5 of which are formally considered its main receivers with a single infrastructure. All these universities have tried to preserve the spirit and traditions of their historical parent as much as possible.

Famous graduates of the University of Paris are Honore de Balzac, Osip Emilievich Mandelstam, Marina Ivanovna Tsvetaeva and many others. More than 130 thousand students study at 5 universities of the Sorbonne. Upon admission, first of all, it is necessary to build on the chosen direction of education.

Each of the universities has its own specialization, for example, it is better to study economics at the Pantheon Sorbonne (Paris 1), law at the Panthéon-Assas (Paris 2), languages, literature and theatrical art at the New Sorbonne (Paris 3), humanities at Paris- The Sorbonne (Paris 4) and finally the medical specialties will be provided by Paris-Descartes (Paris 5).

Each of these universities has its own official resources on the Internet, where you can learn more about the features of education and choose the right university for you. Regardless of the choice, after graduation, you can proudly say "I studied at the Sorbonne."

France, this cradle of revolutions and a recognized trendsetter, has been a leader in the field of education for centuries. More than 250,000 people come here every year. foreign students. One of the most advanced and efficient, the system of higher education in France is not by chance so popular among applicants from all over the world.

Features of higher education in France

How can higher education in France attract our compatriots? Universities in France, being funded by the state, allow you to get an education almost free of charge - about 1.5% of the country's GDP is spent annually on higher education. As a result, studying at state universities costs only 130-700 euros per year for students, including foreign ones. In addition, universities are very loyal to applicants and are ready to accept everyone. Role entrance exams here plays an interview and (in some universities) a dossier competition.

In total, there are about 90 state universities in the country. Regardless of whether they are located in the capital or the provinces, French universities provide the same high quality of knowledge. Therefore, you can safely choose any university in any city that seems most attractive to you.

Despite the fact that higher education in France complies with the common European standards (LMD), it also has its own national identity: differences in the systems of diplomas, academic degrees, in the division educational process for cycles.

The main stages of education at universities are the degrees of licentiate, master and doctor. A licentiate degree - Licence - students receive after three years of study at a university, a master's degree - Master - after five, and a doctorate degree - Doctorat (PhD) - can be obtained after studying at the university for eight years. Thanks to a special system of equivalence of French diplomas, students can change training courses, moving to other universities and faculties. This is also considered one of the benefits of higher education in France.

Depending on the degree of duration, the entire educational process can be divided into two areas: "short" (les formations courtes) and "long" (les formations longes) cycles.

"Short" cycle in French universities

This cycle, designed for two years, allows, without delaying the learning process, to quickly start an independent professional activity. Those enrolled in the "short cycle" universities in France provide an opportunity to receive specialized education in the field of economics, communications, services, electronics, etc.

Upon completion of the "short cycle", graduates receive a technological diploma (DUT) or a diploma of higher technical education (DEUST). After that, training can be continued to acquire an additional specialty, or a transition to a “long cycle” is possible. After that, diploma holders are issued a professional license (Licence professionnelle) or a national specialized technological diploma (DNTS).

"Long" cycle at universities in France

"Long cycle" is studying at the University of France in several successive cycles, each of which ends with the receipt of a separate state diploma. There are three of them.

The first cycle, two years, ends with a diploma of general university education - DEUG. As a rule, the majority then continue their education, since at this stage they pass only the basic program.

During the second cycle, the knowledge acquired over the previous two years is improved, and a year later the student has a licentiate diploma (Licence), a year later - a Master 1 specialist diploma (former MST).

Education in the third cycle - another 1-2 years - is a postgraduate education, an analogue of our postgraduate studies, which includes the improvement of knowledge in the specialty and scientific work. Based on the results of this stage, a master's degree in advanced study is issued. research work- Master 2 Recherche (former DEA), or Master 2 Professionnel diploma (former DESS).

The next three or four years will take doctoral studies. During it, students are preparing to write a dissertation and receive a doctoral degree.

For citizens of other countries who want to get a doctorate, the doors of French universities are wide open: here, among doctoral students, one in four is a foreign citizen.

Grandes écoles - higher schools

In addition to universities, the system of higher education in France includes higher schools, some of which are private. It is from these walls that most of top management for the largest enterprises in France. Among the most prestigious are the Central School (École Centrale), opened in 1829, the Higher Commercial School (HEC), founded in 1881, or national school administration (ENA), which was established in 1945. The enrollment of students in higher schools is usually limited. You can enter there only after passing the competitive exams. In turn, preparation for them takes place at specialized courses for 2 years or at our own preparatory department. You can also enroll in them after the second year of university. After that, education in higher schools lasts 3 years.

Higher education in France in English

Even though English has international importance, French educational institutions, like the whole nation as a whole, are distinguished by big love To mother tongue. Nominally, there are over 600 programs in English in the country, but this is only an apparent variety. Mainly we are talking about programs in higher schools. Indeed, in English you can get higher education in France in such disciplines as management, economics, hotel and restaurant business, law, as well as a number of technical sciences. If we talk about bachelor's programs and programs in state universities of the country, the choice will not be great at all.

Higher education in France for Russians

The good news for Russian applicants who plan to receive higher education in France is that the school certificate of the Russian Federation is recognized as a sufficient basis for submitting documents. In the French education system, it corresponds to a bachelor's degree (Le Baccalauréat Français). Of course, you should take care of a good GPA.

Second necessary condition is the presence of a certificate confirming the knowledge of the French language at a level that will allow you to listen to lectures, study scientific work and pass university exams without any problems. In French universities, the results of the DALF language exam or the test for French TCF.

The conditions for admission to private universities, higher schools and medical faculties of universities have their own characteristics (special pre-university training is required), so it is easiest for a Russian applicant to start from the first university cycle.

The cost of studying at universities in France

As mentioned above, the cost of studying at public French universities is very modest and for all students - both foreigners and residents of the country is less than 1000 Euros per year. In higher schools and private universities of the country, it is worth counting on an amount from 6,000 to 12,000 Euros.

The cost of living in the country varies greatly depending on the city. So, a student in Paris will spend 1000-1500 Euros per month on modest housing, food and basic expenses. In the provinces, 800 Euros may be enough.

Today, every student can get higher education in France. And this despite the fact that the cost of education is much less than in other countries.

The most famous universities in France

In total, there are about eighty universities in France.
The most famous of them are listed below:

The most famous educational institution in France is the Sorbonne University in Paris.

- the most famous French educational institution that provides free education. It consists of the following autonomous universities: Paris I - Panthéon Sorbonne University, Paris III - New Sorbonne University, Paris IV - Paris Sorbonne University and Paris V - Rene Descartes University. The educational structure includes specializations in art, literature, languages, and the humanities.

Pierre and Marie Curie University- the largest scientific and medical complex in France, which is located on the Jussieu campus.

The university has such faculties as: Faculty of Chemistry, Faculty of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Medicine of Pierre and Marie Curie, Faculty of Environment, Biodiversity and Land, as well as institutions such as: Polytechnical Institute at the University, the Institute for the Training of Doctors of Science, the Institute of Astrophysics of Paris, the Institute of Statistics of the University of Paris, the Henri Poincaré Institute. The university studies such subjects as: chemistry, physics, mathematics, medicine and others.

The University of Strasbourg is a public institution of higher education in France

It is a French public institution of higher education on a free basis. The University fully embraces such educational directions, how:

1. direction of art, languages ​​and humanities;
2. direction of rights, economics, management, political and social sciences;
3. direction of social and natural sciences;
4. direction of science technology;
5. direction of medicine.

University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (University Paris I) is a French public university, the administrative center of which is located in the Latin Quarter. It consists of the following faculties: geography, international and European law, business management and economics, fine arts, history, economics, general legal sciences, political science, public law, administration and government agencies, mathematics and computer science, philosophy, business law, social work and research, art history and archaeology.

Henri Poincare University Nancy I located in a French town called Nancy. It trains approximately 18,000 students. There are faculties of medicine, dental surgery, science and technology, pharmacy, sports.

University of Orleans is a public institution of higher education in the city of Orleans. It is represented by the Faculty of Languages, Humanities and Literature; Faculty of Exact Sciences; Faculty of Law, Management and Economics; Faculty of Sports and Physical Education.

University of Lyon 3 Jean Moulin- an educational institution that is located in the city of Lyon (part of the Lyon Academy). The university has the Faculty of Law, Languages, Philosophy, Civilizations and Philology, as well as the School of Management.

University of Limoges was formed in 1968, located in a city called Limoges. It consists of the Faculty of Medicine, Philology and Humanities, Natural and scientific sciences, pharmacy, law and economic sciences.

University of Avignon and Vaucluse is a French institution of higher education, which is located in the city of Avignon. Today it includes two institutes (Institute of Technology and a Professional Institute) and four faculties (Philological and social sciences, Exact and Natural Sciences, Applied Faculty of Sciences and Linguistics).

University of Picardy (Jules Verne University) - State University France

University of Picardy (Jules Verne University) is a public university in France, which was founded in 1970 on the basis of several educational institutions. Represented by the Faculties of Arts; philology; history and geography; pharmaceuticals; political science and jurisprudence; exact sciences; Economics and management; medicine; philosophy and humanities; languages ​​and foreign cultures; physical culture and sports.

University of Montpellier- the oldest university in France, which is located in the city of Montpellier and consists of three independent higher education institutions (University of Montpellier I, University of Montpellier II, University of Montpellier III). It includes the Faculty of Arts, Philosophy and Letters; Anglo-American studies, German studies, Slavic and Oriental studies, humanities and sciences environment; mathematical, economic and social sciences; sciences about man and society; Romance and Mediterranean languages.

University of Aix-Marseille- French university, which was formed in early 2012. It consists of:

1. Paul Cezanne University;
2. University of Provence;
3. Mediterranean University.

The educational system of the university consists of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, the Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Sports and Physical Culture, Faculty of Sciences and others.

How to enter the university of France?

It is very easy to enter a university in France, since universities do not provide entrance exams for the first cycle of study.

On admission:

– persons who have higher education must provide:

1. birth certificate;
2. diploma of higher education;
3. diploma supplement with hours and grades.

- persons who are students of a higher educational institution must provide:

1. certificate of secondary education;
2. birth certificate;
3. extract from the certificate of secondary education;
4. certificate of learning French;
5. a certified copy of the order of admission to the university;
6. certified extract from the record sheet.

– persons who have a secondary education must provide:

1. certificate of secondary education;
2. birth certificate;
3. extract from the certificate of secondary education;
4. certificate of learning French;
5. certificate of admission to the university.

Since education at French universities is almost free for both French citizens and foreigners, the entire cost of education is reduced to payment annual contribution to the social insurance fund (200 euros), as well as payment of the registration fee (250 euros).

Documents can be submitted in two ways: through the Pastel online system or through the French embassy located in your country. You can check the application deadlines on the website of the educational institution you are interested in.

In the event that a country does not fall into the list of the Pastel system, all Required documents can be applied directly to a French university. Some educational institutions have their own application system. To do this, you need to go to the website of the university and fill out a pre-registration form. If there is no such questionnaire, then you need to make a request, and within a few days you will be sent it by mail.

Only a certain number of countries can use the Pastel online system. Russia is one of them. Other countries of the former Soviet Union have not yet been able to take advantage of this opportunity. The system will tell you all the steps, from passing the language test and ending with enrollment and obtaining a visa.

After the selection committee reviews the documents and makes a positive decision on enrollment, you will receive a notification. Based on this document, you have every right to apply for a long-term student visa to the French embassy. The procedure for obtaining a visa can be found on the official website of the embassy of your country.

Universities of France – VIDEO

The University of Paris Sorbonne (Universite Sorbonne Paris) is a French institution of higher education located in the central part of the capital. One of the oldest universities in the world, founded in the middle of the XII century. After the events of May 1968, it was transformed in 1970 into 13 Parisian independent universities. Its center is the building of the Sorbonne in the Latin Quarter on the left bank of the Seine.

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French higher education is recognized as one of the best not only in Europe but throughout the world. There are a huge number of universities in this country. But in order to enter a university and become a student, you need to know some of the nuances.

How the higher education system works in France

This system is presented in the form of technological institutes, higher schools and universities. There are more than 80 public universities in France, and there are private ones. The course of higher education can be divided into several courses. The latter is analogous to graduate school. The learning steps are as follows:

• Basic - training lasts 2 years.
• Additional. As a result, the student receives a bachelor's degree. Requires 3-4 years.
• Master's degree. Lasts one year.
• Postgraduate. Lasts up to four years.

First cycle

It is called the "short" cycle of higher education, which graduates enter high school. It lasts two years and prepares students to receive a DEUG (diploma of general university education indicating the relevant field of knowledge), after which real and quick employment is possible.

Training can be completed in the departments of higher technical education in the lyceums of France (higher diploma technical education- BTS (brevet de technicien superieur); v technological institutes(University technological diploma DUT (diplome universitaire de technologie); at universities that train engineers (diploma in natural science and technical university education - Diplome d "Etudes Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques, DEUST); in specialized schools in the specialties of health and social services.

Second cycle

Designed to expand and deepen the knowledge gained in the first two years of study at a university in France and prepares for obtaining a license (licence) within one year after DEUG and maitrise (one year after licence).

After 1 year - a licentiate diploma is issued, after 2 years - a master's degree. An engineering degree usually requires five years of training, which can be carried out in two ways: a five-year continuous study based on a secondary school or a three-year (final) study based on the first cycle.

Third cycle

Assumes in-depth study chosen specialty and is accompanied by independent scientific work, the topic of which applicants with a maitrise degree are required to formulate before entering the program. Those who successfully complete this stage are awarded a Diploma of Special Higher Education (DESS), which is a professional diploma, or a Diploma of Advanced Education (DEA), which allows them to continue scientific research in doctoral studies and receive a doctorate degree (Doctorat de Nouveau Regime) (corresponding to the Russian Ph.D.).

It is important to note that getting medical education passes without dividing into cycles. After six years of study in hospital medical centers, students pass a competition for a specialized internship, which allows them to become a specialist doctor, or to receive a diploma in "general medicine" by competition after two years of study.

The student chooses the bar for himself. Someone completes their studies after receiving a basic diploma, while someone chooses to enter graduate school. Higher education in France is represented by public and private institutions. Provided in the state free course training not only for French citizens, but also for foreigners. However, every year you need to pay a state fee: it varies from 100 to 800 euros depending on the university. If it belongs to the private category, education is paid, it can reach several thousand euros per year.

How to apply to a university in France

The applicant must decide in which language the training will take place. Programs are available in English and French. Language proficiency must be verified. If French is chosen, the DELF/DALF exam must be taken. Which one is required is specified in the chosen direction. Language proficiency must be at least level B1. To confirm English proficiency, an exam is taken or. You need to score 6.0-7.0 in IELTS or 78-95 in TOEFL. To live in this country you need to know French.

In addition to the aforementioned certificates, admission committee present a certificate or diploma. A certificate is required for a bachelor's degree. The diploma is attached to common documents when applying for a master's degree. They are translated into a foreign language and certified by a notary.

The Frenchman does not pass exams for admission, but immigrants from Russia will have to pass entrance tests. They are published on the university website. Additionally, you need to pass an interview, during which the researchers are trying to find out the future plans of the applicant, his goals in professional activities.

Some universities require applicants to write motivation letter, letters of recommendation, which also briefly outlines the purpose of admission, for what reasons this or that specialty is chosen. The submitted documents are considered until a certain date, then the applicants are sent an answer whether the university accepts it or not. For writing a motivation letter, it is also better to choose French.

Universities in France

Studying at universities in France is considered prestigious all over the world. The most famous institutions of the country are:

• Paris Sorbonne University(Universite de Paris). Founded in 1253. It offers many areas of study, ranging from tourism and social specialties to economics and finance. Education is free, you need to pay a fee, which differs depending on the faculty. On average, this is 300-500 euros per year.


• Paris-Dauphine University(Université Paris-Dauphine). This is an economic university founded in 1968. Almost 10 thousand students study here. This is a non-state university, for a year of study you need to pay 10 thousand euros. It is one of the most prestigious.


• University of Montpellier(University of Montpellier). It is state-owned, for a year of study you need to pay a fee, which is 100-300 euros. They teach medicine here natural sciences, humanitarian areas.


• Strasbourg University(Université de Strasbourg). For training, it is enough to pay only a fee, in the amount of 200-400 euros. Founded in 1538. Here you can learn chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, sociology and law.


• University of Picardy(University of Picardie). Founded in 1970. Refers to public universities, education is free. The fee differs from the chosen direction, it is 300-400 euros per year.


• University of Lyon(Université de Lyon). Is one of the largest. There are about 127 thousand students. Here they teach medicine, natural sciences, philology. law and economics. A huge number of specialties are represented. Founded in 1809, it government agency. The amount of the fee must be specified, it all depends on the chosen specialty. Usually does not exceed 500-600 euros per year.


• University of Nantes(Université de Nantes). Located in the city of the same name, founded back in 1460. Three main directions are presented: humanities, natural sciences, law. Programs are presented for teaching bachelors, masters, postgraduates. This is a state university, it implies payment of only a fee in the amount of 100-500 euros.

Higher education in France for Russians

The order of admission of Russians does not differ from the conditions for admission of the French. It is necessary to provide documents:

• Photocopy of pages 3 and 4 of the passport.
• Application for admission. (The questionnaire is available on the website of the university).
• Language proficiency certificate. (TCF, TEF, DELF, TOEFL, IELTS).
• Birth certificate. Translated into English or French at will. (Certificat de naissance).
• Certificate or diploma with an extract of grades. It is desirable to translate into French. (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires complètes, Diplôme de Bakalavre).

Documents in French:

• Resume - CV.
• Motivational letter - Lettre de motivation.
• Letters of recommendation - Letters de recommandation.
• French language exams: TCF, TEF, DELF, DALF.

The main difference is the confirmation of knowledge of the language. The rest of the procedure is similar: documents are submitted, then the applicant is interviewed. If the faculty provides for entrance examinations, it prepares for them and passes them. Based on the results of the interview, the submitted documents, the university decides whether to enroll the applicant or not. Usually, after 2-3 months, a response comes from the institution, which says whether the citizen entered or not.

Tuition fees vary. If a private educational institution is chosen, on average a person will spend 10-15 thousand euros per year. If selected state university tuition is not paid. Only a fee of 200-800 euros per year is paid. It is different for every institution. How more prestigious institution the higher the fee.

In addition to paying tuition, the student will have to pay for housing. Many establishments provide hostels. They pay 200-300 euros per month. Some students rent housing, but it is more expensive, it costs 500-700 euros per month. On average, 300-500 euros per month will be spent on food, but it all depends on the preferences of the person, the amount of food consumed. Some students actively move around the city during their studies. you will need a pass. Its cost is 50-100 euros per month. V major cities It is more expensive.

Second degree

Russian citizens can study in France as part of their second higher education. They are enrolled in the 2-3 course, submit identical documents as applicants for the first higher education. The conditions are identical, the only difference is that you need to provide a complete transcript of the diploma with all grades and the number of hours.

This step is available to those who have a bachelor's degree. Education remains free, additional grants are provided to talented applicants. If he wins a grant, then he will be paid a monthly stipend that will cover the costs of housing.

How to get a college education for free

A free option for higher education in France is possible if a person has entered a state university, or won a grant from a university. Grants are published annually on the websites of universities with all the requirements and deadlines for submitting documents. The most talented applicants receive grants. Besides free education they receive a stipend that covers all expenses.

Pros and cons

There are many benefits of getting an education in this country.:

• Higher education in France for foreigners is provided free of charge.
• The fee for hostel, food is relatively low compared to other European countries.
• A French diploma is valued all over the world. Getting an education in this country is prestigious.
• The package of documents is small.
• You can study in English, not only in French. This is a nice feature of education if a person does not know French.

Despite the pros, there are also cons. These include the need to submit language exams, translation of documents into French according to GOST and certain standards, payment of state duty. No more cons found.

1. French schools have a very high dropout rate. It reaches 70% in some universities. This means that students are expected to take their studies seriously.


2. There are very few student hostels. It is believed that only selected, most talented students live in dormitories. Foreigners should prepare in advance to search for housing.


3. Universities do not have a 5-point grading system, but a 20-point one. Passing score 10, corresponds to a triple; 12-15 points - four; 16-18 points is a five. Above 18 points is given very rarely, this is a five with a plus. It is received by 1% of students.


4. In France, there is a huge discount on the travel card for students. For a month it can be bought for 10 cents for all types of transport.


5. Examinations at universities are only written, there are no oral exams.


6. In the classroom, students do not respond orally, but only listen and write down information.


7. The higher school (Grandes Écoles), unlike the university, is more strict towards applicants. Only the most talented can enter it.


8. France is an attractive country for foreigners. It allows you to get an education for free, with a minimum package of documents.

French higher education institutions are among the best known in Europe. The history of many of them dates back to the 11th century. For many centuries, these oldest universities were considered privileged, and only representatives of the upper classes could study in them.

Nowadays, the French Ministry of Education pursues a different policy, making education in any of the universities publicly available. Education in France is as democratic as possible, not only for fellow citizens, but also for foreigners.

If we focus solely on the QS rating, then the situation does not look promising. Only 11 higher education institutions in France are among the 250 recognized as the best in the world. However, it should be remembered that the rating takes into account not only the quality of education, but also the number of graduates. Although even in the best French universities there is no noticeable social or property qualification, they remain elitist - precisely because of the small enrollment.

For example, the prestige of the Higher Normal School in Paris is so great that its graduates have almost one hundred percent guarantees of employment in any research center peace. But the institution is not included in the world's top twenty only because it admits no more than 200-300 students a year.

Not only engineering, but also humanitarian and musical education received in France is valued. Graduates of French educational institutions, including foreigners, are successfully employed in this country, which, if necessary, facilitates the process of moving.

Higher education

The age at which secondary education can be obtained is 18 years. To assess progress, there are semester and final exams held in May and November. The scoring system is scoring, includes points from 0 to 20. For successful completion master's and doctoral studies require the writing of the relevant degree works.

A short educational course lasting 2-3 years prepares specialists in the service and production sectors for employment within France. The long course provides for obtaining internationally recognized bachelor's degrees (3 years of study) and master's degrees (5 years).

Education programs

In France, as in many European countries, preschool age specialization begins. The child is brought up and trained in accordance with his natural inclinations and talents. Both school and higher education are built on the same principle.

The system of the latter is represented by three various types establishments.

1. Classical state-funded universities do not require entrance examinations, unless it is a question of admission to a specialized institute that is a branch of the university. Levels of study: bachelor's degree, master's programs of the first and second years of study, doctoral studies;
2. High schools are both public and private institutions that provide higher education. special education on specific profiles - management, pedagogy, IT, etc. Preparation for training begins with specialized secondary education. It is in the Higher Schools that most future ministers begin their careers. Such training is valued higher than general university education;
3. Specialized schools teach the most narrow-profile specialties, mainly in subjects corresponding to the specialization. Enrollment in them is extremely limited and is based on the results of exams.

Conditions for admission

A Russian, including a student who has completed grades 9-11, can enter a French university without exams. The only thing that is required of him is knowledge of French or English.

It is necessary to successfully pass the language tests:

• TCF or DELF/DALF for teaching in French;
• TOEFL or IELTS - for English-language programs.

For admission to a higher or specialized school, passing exams is required. Russian students on initial stage they will not accept training there: it makes sense to enter only from the fourth year of a domestic university.

Required documents

There is no single standard for submitting documents in France, each university has its own requirements, which are better to know in advance when contacting the administration.

Usually required:

• Notarized translation of education documents into French;
• Motivational and recommendation letters;
• Certified document confirming the level of proficiency in French or English language;
• Copy of foreign passport and student visa;
• A copy and a notarized translation of a certificate of employment, if the future student is already employed.
• The application period is approximately from January to April.

Cost of education

The state fully or partially subsidizes all higher education institutions in France. The course of university education in French in this country is free - only registration fees are paid, which are the same for any of the universities.

Price indicators:

• The fee for studying at the bachelor's degree of the university is 188 euros, for the master's degree - 259 euros;
• Teaching in English will cost a student much more - up to 6 thousand euros per semester;
• In the state high school a year of study costs from 500 to 1000, in private - up to 20 thousand euros;
• The cost of education in a specialized school is from 250 to 13,000 annually.

In addition, in all universities, students pay an insurance fee of 200 euros per year.

Financial problems in obtaining education in France for Russians and citizens of other countries former USSR are not so much in tuition fees, but in accommodation.

If a foreigner is not able to prove that he can spend at least a few thousand euros on his life every year, it is difficult for him to obtain a student visa. However, there are numerous scholarships and grants available to address this issue.

Is it possible to get education for free

Universities in France, unlike higher and specialized schools, teach for free - including foreign students. This does not mean that you will not have to pay at all. There are registration and insurance fees, food, accommodation and library services - the list can be continued depending on the specifics of education.

But still, studying in the best French universities is much cheaper than in private provincial universities of the Russian Federation, not to mention Russian educational institutions of a higher level.

Government grants and scholarships

Social Security is a one-time social cost allowance awarded each year by the French government to several Master's students. Thanks to this grant, the future master is exempted from visa fees and education fees, and also receives significant benefits when paying for student housing. However, the number of fellows is small - about three dozen.

List of scholarships:

• Training coverage- it state scholarship, providing for a monthly payment of 767 euros, as well as a free study visa and preferential accommodation. Unfortunately, its term is limited to nine months;
• eiffel scholarship for future masters and doctors are awarded only to those of them whose studies have achieved outstanding results. The number of annual fellows is 400, the amount of the monthly payment is 1400 euros, the duration is from two (master's) to three (doctoral studies) years;
• Poincaré Scholarship provided not only for French-speaking, but also for English-language programs. Education in other foreign languages, including Russian, is not included in the Poincaré scholarship;
• Scholarship of the French Embassy in Russia provides training in French 18 the best students from RF. Duration language course at a French university - three weeks. The scholarship covers the cost of flights, insurance premiums and accommodation in the host family's home, as well as personal expenses in the amount of 200 euros;
• Specific Russian-French program- Vernadsky scholarship. It is awarded to graduate students who write dissertations simultaneously under Russian and French scientific supervision. This scholarship gives the opportunity to visit the French supervisor four times during the writing of the dissertation. A scholarship is provided for a year and four months in the amount of 767 euros per month.
• Scholarship "Empire", which is awarded by the Lyon Higher Normal School, is designed to invite 20 students from abroad to complete a master's program during the year. There are monthly payments of 1000 euros for each scholarship holder. The level of required knowledge of French or English - starting from C1.

Grants from educational institutions awarded by French universities and high schools.

The grants awarded by the École Normale de Paris provide for up to 25 scholarships under the Sélection Internationale programme. Each of them is designed for 1000 euros per month for two to three years of study. You can apply for a grant starting from the third year of university.

In order to study in scientific specialties, it is necessary to know both French and English. For the humanities, only French is enough.

Scholarships awarded by the French University College, similar in size, benefits, and duration to government tuition coverage. For most Russians, they are not available. In the Russian Federation, they are distributed among themselves by Moscow and St. Petersburg among the humanitarian and law faculties of universities.

Features of internship and exchange programs

There are a large number good programs internships and student exchanges. The most popular of them:

• Internship in Paris;
• Work & travel in France;
• Au Pair in France.

Most often, such programs function for students studying at faculties foreign language, as well as hotel business and tourism management. Here there is an opportunity not only to learn something, but also to earn: as a rule, in the service sector. The minimum wage for state standards France - 540 euros for a month.

Accommodation and food options for students

Those who want to get a job for a period of study in France have two options: go to the private sector or get a job on a student campus (dormitory) at a higher education institution. Private owners offer a wide variety of not only apartments, but also prices - it all depends on the living conditions.

The number of places on campuses is usually limited, so it is best to apply as early as possible. The government partially compensates the cost of student housing (in the amount of 20 to 40%). An overnight stay on campus will cost about 140-400 euros per month, meals - 130-200 euros.

The best universities in the country

1. (Higher Normal School in Paris) is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, founded in 1794. It trained such celebrities as Louis Pasteur, Jean-Paul Sartre, Emile Durkheim. And today, graduates of the Higher Normal School are valued as specialists in the field of exact, natural and human sciences, not only in France, but throughout the world;
2. (University of Pierre and Marie Curie) - the largest scientific and medical complex in France. Includes more than a hundred laboratories associated with CNRS. Known the highest level teaching exact, natural and medical disciplines;
3. (University of Paris-South) specializes in teaching exact and technical sciences. Includes 111 laboratory complexes, 2200 world famous professors are involved in teaching;
4. (Strasbourg University) is part of the international Utrecht network of leading European universities in Europe. 18 of its graduates were awarded Nobel Prize in various nominations.