It is evidently observed among the news over the global affairs that the ties of India with France have bloomed not only in defence sector with the acquisition of Rafale Jets, but also the warm-hearted commitment of French President Emmanuel Macron to welcome 30,000 students from India in upcoming years.
The central location of France in Europe has given it the name of Gateway to Europe, alongside Strasbourg having the Parliament of European Union and Paris having the headquarter of UNESCO, International Energy Agency (IEA) as well as Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development, would unequivocally ensure the fact that many key roles as a nation in Europe and World are being played by France, where the educational credential delivery has also been prioritized for international students.
Why an aspirant of studying abroad should prefer France?
Benefits of the Schengen Visa:
The country’s central location in Europe makes it easy for international students to explore neighbouring countries, enabled by the Schengen visa, which allows travel to neighbouring European countries namely Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belgium. Students in France can travel to 20+ countries of European Union without permission.
Research-Intensive Courses with Affordable Tuition:
France is the home to some premium universities which are in Top-100 Global Universities, namely Sorbonne University, Montpellier University and Institut Polytechnique de Paris, known for research- driven master degree programs in number of fields with an affordable tuition ranging from EUR
10,000 to 15,000.
CAF allowance:
CAF stands for “Caisse des Allocations Familiales”, French for Family Allowances Fund. It is a state welfare agency, provided by the French government to give financial help to people living in France, including international students. Among CAF’s allowances is the housing allowance, which nearly every student in France is entitled and the amount of aid depends on where you live and the cost of accommodation.
Support services and amenities:
CROUS (French abbreviation for the Regional Centres of University and School Works) provides various services to students, including housing assistance, scholarships, and subsidised meals at university restaurants. While the meals are not entirely free, they are usually more affordable for students. Some local organisations or charities may provide support to individuals facing financial difficulties by providing food and groceries for free or at subsidised rates. Students can also support themselves by working part-time for up to 20 hours a week.
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE not mandatory:
The scores of standardised English proficiency tests namely IELTS, TOEFL or PTE are not mandatory in several French institutions. There are an ample number of programmes offered in English, and the language proficiency is determined on the assumption that the student has already undergone sufficient English language education in his/her home country. On the other hand, some institutions may opt for interviews, writing samples, or other ways of assessment.
Scholarships:
In France, many students qualify for stipends or scholarships (known as bourses), which can cover their food and rent to a substantial extent. The amount varies based on family income, family size, and the university’s distance from the place of accommodation. There are various scholarships available for Indian students to study in France such as the Charpak Scholarship, offered by the Embassy of France in India to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s or exchange programmes in France, including some with a sizeable amount of the total fees being covered. Moreover, several institutions offer their own scholarships to students taking their academic merit and other achievements into consideration.
Diverse range of courses:
Being an influential Western nation, France is known for its top-class institutions and internationally recognised academic programmes, including many with triple accreditation. Most of the students who opt for France choose Management, Fashion, Creative Arts, Hospitality and Tourism. There are also top-rated courses in scientific disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Renewable Energy, Aviation and Aerospace Technology.
Multicultural learning environment:
French cities and towns are multicultural hubs with diverse populations. Students have the opportunity to engage with people from various ethnicities, religions, and nationalities, both on and off-campus, giving them opportunity to connect with peers, professionals, and academics hailing from different parts of the world. This promotes a cross-cultural understanding and boosts self-confidence to work in any socio-cultural setting, along with opening doors to diverse perspectives on life. Moreover, diversity in faculty members brings in insightful academic discussions that further enriches the learning experience of students.
Befriend the French language:
Even if a student gets enrolled in a course taught in English, studying in France exposes him/her to the French language for day-to-day activities with the local population. Getting yourself acquainted with the French language means you can connect with a major part of the globe, whether it is for employment or business of further studies. French is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and the third most popular language for business communications.
Friendly and welcoming people:
French culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and social interactions, along with cherishing politeness and courtesy. People often appreciate spending time with friends and family, and social interactions are an integral part of daily life. Moreover, France has a strong café culture where people often gather in public spaces for conversations, coffee, and relaxation. This contributes to a sense of community and approachability. are highly valued in French society. Even though this is the case in general, interpersonal interactions can be highly subjective too, depending on circumstantial factors.
Stay back up to two years after studies:
The French government allows international students who have completed their studies in France for stay-back for up to two years for seeking employment or gaining professional experience. After completing their studies, international students in France are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit for job seeking. This permit is typically valid for up to one year, during which
graduates can search for employment in their field of study. If a job is secured during this period, the student can transition to a work visa or permit. In some cases, if a student has not yet found employment but wishes to continue searching, they may apply for a one-time extension of their residence permit.
Employment opportunities in global corporations:
International students in France find employment opportunities across various industries and sectors. The choice of industry often depends on the student’s field of study, skills, and interests. Students with engineering and management backgrounds can find opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and telecommunications, apart from opportunities in the fashion industry, management consulting, international NGOs and MNCs. Prominent MNCs that are headquartered in France include Renault, Peugeot, Capgemini, BNP Paribas, Dassault Systèmes, Total Energies, Thales Group, Airbus Group.
For further guidance or assistance towards choosing France as higher education destination, applying for preferred universities and visa application; please contact Focus Education without hesitation. We have helped many students achieve their dreams of studying abroad and subsequently settling there and are always eager to help students in their journey abroad for higher education.
