Universities in France. Higher education in France

France attracts applicants due to the absence of entrance exams, the opportunity to learn the realities of the country, and the low cost of studying. But it is not easy to obtain a French higher education with the prospect of good employment.

The overwhelming majority of French universities are part of the state system and report to the Ministry of Education. Government subsidies allow free admission and minimal tuition fees.

There are short, full, post-university education (“Doctorat”). A short education (3 years) is designed for work in industry, the service sector, and is assessed by the diploma “Universitaire de technologie”. Universities and higher schools have adopted the “bachelor - master - doctor” system, which is not regulated by time.

Higher schools are opposed to university higher education, the disadvantage of which industrialists and employers consider is the lack of selection (“the principle of free enrollment”) and the absence of tuition fees. In higher schools, fundamental sciences and theoretical disciplines are reduced to a minimum. The practical orientation of French higher schools is rated highly; in the Financial Times ranking there are 18 French higher schools.

The best educational centers

The famous Sorbonne is the oldest (since 1215) of 87 state universities. The university, which grew out of church colleges, is now divided into five autonomous universities. His heirs were the Sorbonne Pantheon, the University of Paris-Sorbonne, the New Sorbonne, the University. René Descartes." The specialization of universities has been preserved, the educational process is close to historical models. The best international students at the Sorbonne can receive a scholarship.

The University of Nantes is considered the second in France, with more than 33,000 students studying there. The University of Nantes provides courses in the faculties of economics, management, natural sciences, social sciences, law, medicine, and philology. The Higher Polytechnic School is also considered a university faculty.

The University of Strasbourg is divided into "Louis Pasteur" universities(faculties of medicine, geosciences, mathematics, physics of the earth, chemistry, botany, general biology, geophysics, geology), “Mark Bloch University” (faculties of art, social sciences, history, humanities, philosophy, sports sciences, theology), “Robert Schumann University” (faculties of 160 specialties, including law, economic sciences, criminology, industrial property studies). In total, there are more than forty thousand students in three universities, of which 8,000 are foreigners.

Admission, studies, life

French universities do not require entrance exams. Some practice an interview conducted by the admissions committee. State universities are subsidized from the budget, even for foreigners the payment is minimal, but the dropout rate from the first courses is significant.

In higher schools there is a lot of competition, there are entrance exams that are quite difficult. This is due to a guarantee of full employment for graduates, better prospects for obtaining government positions, prestigious, high-paying jobs. In addition to specialized exams, a positive result of the ESABAC exam (proficiency in French) is required.

Most applicants enter higher schools through specialized two-year courses at the same higher school, completing the first years of university. For such applicants, the duration of study is reduced to 3 years. At the Sorbonne, tuition fees are affordable, 250 - 1000 euros, but living in Paris is expensive.

An example of paying for higher education is the Parisian “Ecole Polytechnique”, where the cost of the “Ingénieur Polytechnicien” program (three years) is about 22,000 euros, the “Master’s” program is 11,000 euros (for the full course). Many universities have a government-run “Family Allowance Fund” that is available to international students. It provides subsidies, mainly for rental housing.

Education in higher schools follows its own programs; many universities operate according to the Bologna system (accumulation of “credits” for all lectures, tests, papers, exams, tests). The oldest universities adhere to traditional programs.

Job prospects

After graduating from a higher educational institution, the most promising job is in France and French-speaking countries. University education faces challenges of uncertain licentiate status. Many employers do not understand whether a licentiate diploma is an admission to the next cycle of training or has an independent value as an educational document.

The chances of getting a good job in Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada are increasing for graduates of technical higher schools. In the third world (Francophone countries), French education is highly regarded.

In the post-Soviet space, the ranking of French higher education is lower than English. A small number of employers understand its adequate value. The chances of successfully finding a job are higher in foreign representative offices of French companies, in the automotive industry, design and fashion, restaurant, hotel, and tourism businesses.

Higher education in France is not limited to one. The system of lyceums, universities and higher schools in the country is well developed. For Russian applicants, France offers ample educational opportunities.

The French Lyceum is a kind of intermediate link between high school and university, so lyceum graduates who have received a bachelor's degree can receive basic higher education in a shortened manner in just two years. However, in order to become a certified lawyer or engineer, you will have to study for another 2-3 years. In fact, despite the apparent complexity of the French education system, the presence of different levels and short and long cycles, it has much in common with the Russian one, and the university undergraduate system (in France it is called Licence) is no different from similar ones in other European countries.

To enroll in a French university, you do not need to take entrance exams - you just need to confirm your language proficiency (you will need to pass the DELF or DALF certificate exam) and provide all the necessary documents.

Russian applicants can do this through the website of the French agency Campus France, and they can simultaneously send documents to several universities. Chances of admission will be higher if you first study for a year or two at a Russian university, and only then enroll in the first year of French. Yes, compared to the Russian education system, you lose a couple of years, but given that in France you graduate from school at 18, your fellow students at a French university will be your peers.

In addition, many universities have training programs for international students. Graduates of Russian schools can also enroll in these programs. Priority is given to the French language, and if you pass the exams successfully, you can be enrolled in the university.

France offers enormous educational opportunities and is not limited to the famous Sorbonne. By the way, today it is not one university, but several, for example, the Pantheon-Sorbonne, the New Sorbonne, the Paris-Sorbonne. Universities in other cities should not be discounted. Unlike Parisian universities, they have a narrower specialization. If you have chosen natural sciences, you should pay attention to the University of Montpellier, and the University of Strasbourg is suitable for future lawyers.

In addition to state universities, there are higher schools in France. These are fee-paying universities, where education is considered prestigious and the quality of education is very high. Getting into higher schools is not easy: you need to pass difficult entrance exams and overcome a lot of competition. Education at a higher school costs from 5 to 25 thousand euros per year. True, you can get a state scholarship, but in this case, after receiving your diploma, you will have to work in the civil service for almost 10 years. Among the most prestigious universities are the ParisTech technical schools, the ENS pedagogical school in Paris, the veterinary schools in Lyon and Toulouse and the ESCE economics school in Paris and Lyon.

France boasts 39 institutions in the world university rankings, of which 16 are ranked among the top 400 in the world. If you are thinking about studying in the birthplace of croissants, revolution, champagne and Camembert, we advise you to look at the ranking of French higher education institutions proposed below.

1. Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)

The first in the ranking of French universities, ENS Paris (Ecole Normale Supérieure) ranks 43rd in the world ranking in 2018. The educational institution was founded in 1793 and is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the country with the honorary name “grandes écoles”. ENS Paris' strengths lie in humanities and scientific research. Upon admission, students undergo a strict competitive selection process. The school admits 1,350 students per year, of which 450 are international students. Among the university's graduates are 13 Nobel laureates, as well as philosophers such as Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida.

2. Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech)

École Polytechnique is ranked 59th in the world in 2018 and is one of the founding members of the collegiate university ParisTech, which specializes in scientific (engineering) and business research, also with a strong mathematical focus. The École Polytechnique was founded in 1794. The university is located 30 km from the center of Paris, the campus offers 120 hectares of green space for its 4,600 students.

3. Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)

Ranked 131st in the QS world rankings compared to its older peers, Pierre et Marie Curie University was founded as recently as 1971 from the University of Paris, which split into several institutions. Currently it is the largest scientific and medical complex in France. It has approximately 34,000 students, of whom 20% are international.

4. École Normale Superiore de Lyon

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon continues to improve its position in the international ranking of universities and is ranked 157th this year, which is 20 places higher than last year. With the prestigious status of "grandes écoles", the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is an elite public institution that trains researchers and teachers in the fields of science and humanities, usually for public service. Every year the school accepts about 2 thousand students, including 400 international ones.

5. CentraleSupelec

The French institute CentraleSupélec is ranked 164th in the 2018 world rankings and was formed through the merger of École Centrale Paris and the Supélec engineering school in 2015. The institute is a founding member of Université Paris-Saclay, an association of research universities in France. Campuses are located in the northern provinces of the country, and there are training programs in English.

6. Sciences Po

Sciences Po or the Institute of Polytechnic Studies specializes in areas such as law, economics, social sciences, politics, history and related fields. Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is located near the Seine and boasts famous alumni: Presidents Jacques Chirac, François Mitterrand, François Hollande, 13 prime ministers and other influential government figures. The Institute maintains its rank of 220 in 2018. It has approximately 13,000 students, almost half of whom are international, representing 150 nationalities.

7. Université Grenoble-Alpes

This year, the University of Grenoble was ranked 236th in the world and was formed in January 2016 through the merger of several universities, but these institutions date back to 1339, such as the University of Pierre Mendes-France. Traditional fields of study are natural sciences and engineering. The university admits 45 thousand students a year and is the 3rd largest university in the country.

8. Université Paris-Sud 11

Université Paris-Sud 11, another Parisian institution, has four campuses in the city's southern suburbs. It is particularly known for its science and mathematics courses and was ranked 242nd in the world in 2018. The university was founded in 1970, based on the University of Paris, and admits about 30 thousand students a year. Among the graduates are two Nobel laureates in physics.

9. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Ranked 269th in the world, the University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne was also formed from the division of the former University of Paris. It is currently one of the largest universities in the country, enrolling approximately 40,000 students. Specializes in economics, management, art, social sciences and law. Located in the Latin Quarter. The project is to merge with UPMC to create the new Sorbonne University in January 2018.

10. Ecole des Ponts ParisTech

A finalist in the top 10 universities in France is the École des Ponts ParisTech (National School of Bridges and Roads), which this year was ranked 270th in the world. One of the smallest universities in France was founded in 1747, making it the oldest civil engineering school in the world. . More than 2000 students study here. The university is another founding member of ParisTech.

Read more about higher education abroad on our website:

http://www.site/

If you want to study abroad, write to us by email: and call us by phone:

(7 495) 229 4785

(7 495) 650 2584

(7 495) 650 2839

Sincerely yours,

"Franz&Lefort" Education and Consulting

The best public paid and free universities in France. Features of admission and study at a university. The higher education system of this European country in 2019.
French universities occupy a special place among. Most of them boast a centuries-old history, as well as high standards of education. The prestige of French universities is beyond doubt, since for a long time, along with Oxford and Bologna universities, they educated only the highest strata of society.

The University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne is one of 13 that arose when the Sorbonne was divided. The university includes 14 faculties, 8 institutes and research centers, as well as the House of Economics.

Over time, the policy of the French Ministry of Education has changed greatly and has become more democratic towards students. One of its main directions is the desire to make education more accessible and attractive for both residents of the country and foreign students.

When considering the possibility of enrolling in universities in France, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the reasons for the popularity of this option. First of all, these include the financial accessibility of education. All institutions are funded by the state, which makes education free for both citizens of the state and foreigners.

To study at a university or higher school, you only need to pay a special registration fee, the amount of which is established by the relevant ministry. For 2019, it is no more than 200 euros per year for a bachelor’s degree and 270 for a master’s degree. If the applicant plans to obtain a doctorate, the fee will be slightly more than 400 euros.

Higher schools noticeably exceed universities in terms of fees. They can reach 1 thousand euros annually. However, all of the above prices are valid for courses taught in French. For English-language education, the fee can reach up to 6 thousand euros per semester.

Watch the video: How to get a scholarship to study in France.

Areas of study

There are a huge number of universities in France that train students in a variety of specialties. However, there are a number of areas where local universities do better than others. These include, first of all:

• mathematics;
• engineering;
• medicine and related sciences.

Holders of diplomas in these and similar disciplines obtained in France significantly increase their chances of finding employment.

In addition, such a diploma opens up incredibly wide opportunities for the student to develop in a scientific environment and build an academic career.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the creative and cultural directions in the educational activities of local universities. Historically, Europe. This led to the creation of a full-fledged and independent network of art schools, studying in which allows not only to achieve recognition in the field of cinematography, photography and other arts, but also to find people who share the interests and views of the student.

Despite the many advantages and high standards of education, only 11 universities in France are among the top 250 best universities. According to experts, this is not due to the quality of training indicators, but to the imperfection of the assessment algorithms used by the English agencies QS and THE.

Watch a video about studying in France.

Classification of universities in France

All higher education institutions existing in the country are divided into three main categories, depending on the type of organization, profile and other features. Among them are:

1. Specialized schools. Training is conducted in the following areas: music, design, photography, painting and other types of arts.
2. Universities.
3. Higher schools.

Universities and higher schools differ fundamentally in a number of ways. The majority of applicants fall into institutions of the first category, while higher schools are extremely selective regarding people who want to enroll in them. A similar situation is observed in the quality and quantity of teaching staff.

The response to this situation is the measures taken by the government to attract gifted students to universities. They are based on scholarships and other benefit programs, as well as on research funding. However, this could not change the situation, which is why higher schools are still superior to universities.

Among other things, EUA membership says a lot about the quality of education at a particular university. Institutions included in such an association are generally recognized as the best, which significantly increases the value of the diploma and the demand for graduates from employers.

3 main types of French universities

Specifics of higher schools

If you plan to enroll in the best educational institutions in France, it is advisable to take a closer look at higher schools. Among the most prestigious institutions of this kind, four schools can be singled out - Paris, Lyon, Cachan, Rennes. At the same time, the most selective schools regarding applicants are located in Paris and Lyon.

All of them have complete autonomy, however, they imply the possibility of taking preparatory courses in one institution and subsequent admission to another. Upon completion of training, all graduates are awarded the status of “normal”, which carries with it not only a respected title, but also a number of responsibilities.

In particular, each holder must work in the public service for at least 5 years, which in France seems, perhaps, the best of all possible. This requirement does not apply to foreigners, however, if they wish, they can take advantage of this opportunity.

French University Rankings

Among the most popular universities among foreign applicants are both private and public educational institutions in France. the vast majority of them are free, both for French citizens and foreigners.

Among them:

• Sorbonne University in Paris.
• University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
• University of Nantes.
• Samadeva University.
• University of Cergy-Pontoise.
• Descartes University.

Each of them has its own unique history and a set of areas in which students are trained. Since the classes are free, the final choice should be made depending on the interests of the applicant and the specialty that is planned to be acquired.

This educational institution first opened its doors to applicants in 1289 and today appears to be one of the most prestigious in France. The university owns an urban campus for student accommodation, which is especially important for foreign citizens.

The University of Montpellier is popular among students from all over the world due to its quality teaching, the prestige of its diplomas and free tuition.

Montpellier is one of the five percent of the best universities in the world, and this university is recognized as the leader in the quality of education in the country. To enroll, it is enough to pay the registration fee and present documents confirming passing the exams.

It belongs to the category of large educational institutions, accommodates more than 24 thousand students, and also has its own library. The main specialties in which students study are: medicine, sports, law, business and natural sciences.

It belongs to public educational institutions and ranks 33rd in the national ranking. It belongs to the category of old universities, since the date of its foundation is considered to be 1887. The main building of the university is located in the city of Lille, while a number of branches operate in other large cities.

The admission process to this institution is similar to the previous option: you will need to provide data on successfully passing the exams, as well as pay a registration fee in the amount established by the ministry. This university is medium in size, and about 18 thousand students study here every year.

Like many other educational institutions in France, it provides the opportunity to train foreign citizens on an equal basis with local residents. The university has a large library on its territory, and it is one of the most prestigious European educational institutions EUA.

University of Nantes

Another popular university is the University of Nantes, which is one of the oldest educational institutions of this category. It was founded back in 1460, and the main building of the complex is located in the city of Nantes. It is one of the 30 most prestigious universities in France and boasts spacious dormitories.

Castle on the campus of the University of Nantes

Since the institution actively participates in international student exchange programs, foreign students are not uncommon here. Thanks to a large dormitory, they have the opportunity to live near their place of study at affordable prices. Like most universities in France, the academic year consists of two semesters.

The number of students exceeds 31 thousand people, and teachers - 1500. The percentage of foreigners among applicants fluctuates around 8%. The main focus of training is natural and applied disciplines, which include:

• medicine;
• mathematics;
• economics;
• jurisprudence;
• control.

In addition, the formal part of the university is the Higher Polytechnic School, which indicates the first-class quality of education.

Universities in France - the most popular institutes, universities and colleges in France. Detailed descriptions of study programs, reviews, photos and videos about universities in France.

Alma mater of world-famous scientists, political figures and artists, French universities are by no means inaccessible to domestic applicants. Every year, more and more foreign students take seats in their renowned classrooms, and the proportion of Russian students is constantly growing. There are all reasons for such popularity: French universities teach professions very well - be it law, economics, medicine or design, plus a couple dozen more in-demand professions. Well, a diploma with the state emblem of France easily opens the doors of leading international companies to graduates. In order to study at universities in France, you do not need either patronage or a fat wallet - tuition fees at local universities can be called symbolic, and the main requirement for applicants is language proficiency. So if you know French and are not averse to trying your hand at studying in the vastness of the Republic, welcome to universities in France.

Types of universities in France

French universities are divided into several types - these are universities, higher and specialized schools, as their narrow specialization increases. In other words, in French universities, similar to Russian ones, the broadest education is given - many faculties and a lot of specialties, and therefore a large number of students. In higher schools they teach specialties in specific areas - for example, engineering, pedagogical, IT technologies and so on. Finally, specialized schools are educational institutions focused on certain professions of a non-mass nature and an extremely narrow profile. At the same time, the range of specialties is by no means small: they produce directors, screenwriters, confectioners, social workers, tourism industry workers and a host of other “narrowly focused” specialists.

Education at universities in France is free for foreigners; costs for social insurance and registration fee do not exceed 500 EUR per year.

Prices on the page are as of August 2018.

State universities in France

There are more than eighty public universities in France - in the vicinity of Paris alone there are thirteen of them! Their backbone consists of institutions with a long and rich history, as well as famous names of graduates “on the active.” Among the oldest universities in Europe are the famous Sorbonne (however, as an integral educational institution, it ceased to exist 40 years ago, and now several universities bear the “Sorbonne” prefix in their names) and the University of Strasbourg, founded in 1566. Studying at the University of Nantes is also considered very prestigious - especially in the faculties of humanities and law. However, it’s worth saying right away: there are simply no non-prestigious higher education institutions in France.

Higher schools in France

Higher schools can be both public and private. It is more difficult for domestic students to enter a higher school in France than to enter a university. The fact is that these educational institutions accept only a small number of applicants annually, and accordingly, the requirements for candidates are higher (in particular, you will need to pass entrance exams in specialized disciplines). However, further employment for graduates is almost guaranteed even in our difficult times - education in higher schools is “tailored” to the needs of a specific industry, and many such institutions have direct contracts with prestigious employers. Students, as they say, are passed from hand to hand. Needless to say, education in higher schools is paid, and the amount of tuition will be considerable. Among other things, foreign students are less willingly accepted here, since they will almost certainly become immigrants - after graduation they are snapped up like hot cakes.

Specialized schools in France

Specialized schools are also public and private. Education here is conducted primarily in humanities and creative fields. That is why among the entrance tests there are not only exams, but also a portfolio. The cost of education here is also higher (and sometimes many times higher) than in state universities, but, as a rule, lower than in higher schools. The reason is the same prestige of education in a creative field, but at the same time, no one gives a guarantee of employment, which is quite logical: directors, writers and actors, by profession, are forced to compete with colleagues and take a place in the sun.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in French universities, a graduate of a Russian school will need a certificate of general secondary education and a certificate confirming proficiency in French at least level B2 according to the international classification. By the way, in France you can study in English - in this case you will not need French certificates, but you will have to present TOEFL or IELTS. For those who have chosen commercial disciplines as their specialty, you will also need the French TAGE-MAGE business certificate or the international GMAT.

Among other things, the criterion for a Russian student’s suitability for a given French university is his motivation and professional plans for the future - therefore, it is extremely important to correctly compose a motivation letter, which the applicant includes in the package of documents for admission. The admissions committee will also be interested in how well the specialty chosen in France corresponds to the student’s educational background (the admission of a “techie” to a humanities university will, first of all, cause bewilderment). Well, the last important factor is the availability of free places at a particular university for students from abroad.

To enroll in French universities, a graduate of a Russian school will need a certificate of general secondary education and a certificate confirming proficiency in French.

Cost of education

The cost of studying at universities in France compares favorably with Russia. Incredibly, education here is free even for foreigners - and this is thanks to government subsidies. Students only pay a registration fee - it is about 180-260 EUR per year - and an annual contribution to the social insurance fund - from 190 to 220 EUR. However, such a scam is practiced only in relation to applicants to state universities - the first category of educational institutions mentioned above. If you decide to get an education at a specialized or higher school, get ready to compete for a place as a student not only with your brains - in the entrance exams - but also with your wallet. Higher schools value the knowledge provided at an amount ranging from a modest 500-700 EUR per year to an impressive 20-22000 EUR. Specialized ones are not far behind: from 200-400 EUR to 12-14000 EUR per year of study.

Education systems in different countries

All articles about studying abroad on "Subtleties"

• Malta + English

Best Universities in the World

• UK Universities: Eton, Cambridge, London and others
• Universities in Germany: Berlin im. Humboldt, Düsseldorf Academy of Arts and others
• Universities in Ireland: Dublin, National University Galway, University of Limerick
• Universities in Italy: Bo, Bologna, Pisa, University for foreigners in Perugia
• Universities in China: Peking University, Beida University, Zhejiang University and others
• Lithuania: