Higher studies in France

France is the world’s fifth-largest economy, thanks to the quality of its educational system and the national capacity for research and innovation. You too can reap the benefits of France’s long tradition of scientific research and technological innovation. Millions have already made that choice. Right now, more than 280,000 international students - 12% of the nation’s postsecondary enrolments – attend universities and other institutions of higher education in France.

The establishment of a new network of research and higher education clusters reaffirms the country’s determination to maintain its high profile as a knowledge economy. Known as PRES (for pôle de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur), the clusters represent a new way for France’s academic and scientific communities to cooperate and share knowledge.

Be a part of one of the world’s most effective educational systems

France’s diversified network of more than 3,500 institutions of higher learning, both public and private, and its internationally renowned research centres deliver top- notch educational programmes. It comprises 83 universities, 200 engineering schools, 200 schools of business and management, 120 public art schools, and 20 schools of architecture. In addition, more than 3,000 specialized schools and institutes provide training in specific sectors, such as social work, paramedical, tourism, sports and physical education, fashion and design. Count on a quality education In 2010, 1.4% of France’s GDP was devoted to higher education and research. The magnitude of the nation’s commitment to sound education is your guarantee of the value and integrity of the degree you will earn. France’s central government defrays a very large share of the true cost of education at public per year – thereby reducing the student’s tuition burden. In fact, tuition fee levels at France’s public institutions are among the lowest in the world- making their high quality degrees a remarkable value.

France’s universities and other educational institutions do not distinguish between international students and French students. Both groups face similar admission and tuition requirements and both receive the same degrees.

Applicants from outside the European Union seeking admission to the first or second year of postsecondary education (L1, L2) or to a school of architecture must follow a special admission procedure, known as DAP. As part of that procedure, applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in French, either by passing a language test (TCF-DAP or TEF) or by earning a diploma in French as a foreign language (DELF/DALF).

41% of France’s doctoral candidates come from outside France.

For further information:

www.campusfrance.org