Scholarships availbale in France
Several scholarships exist. On an average the French government supports 300 scholarship holders every year.
The various types of scholarships include
The French Embassy in India’s incentive scholarships
The French ministry of External affairs offers the Eiffel grants of excellence
The institutions in France themselves may waive certain fees
Corporate scholarships offered by Thales, Orange, Air Liquide,DCNS, Neemrana Foundation, Krishnakriti Foundation etc,
Regions of France that offer grants thus the Ile de France region offers a grant of 10,000 euros per annum for students going to Parisian region of France
Other scholarships include those supported by Erasmus Mundus Commission of the European study. To know more about the ligibility, award of scholarship: please refer to the “French government grant” page in the website: www.india-campusfrance.org
How does France compare to the US/UK and Australia as a study destination and number of Indian students go there?
France devotes fully 20% of its annual budget to education. The cost comparison is 1/3 of US/U as the French state largely subsidizes the educational cost. For French and international students alike, the government subsidizes a very large part of the cost of instruction in France's universities and other public institutions.
For example: University de Lyon offers a two year Msc in Nanoscale Engineering for INR 30,000(500 Euros) or University Joseph-Fourier –Grenoble 1 offers Msc in Informatics for INR 60,000 for the two-year program. Toulouse Business School offers Master in Economics, Economic Theory and Finance in INR 18000 for their one-year program.
In the year 2009-2010, 1945 student visa requests for France were processed for pursuing higher studies in various disciplines.
Is language a barrier for Indian students wanting to study in France?
No, several courses especially in engineering (all branches), management, hospitality, fashion studies, economics, etc are available in English. However, it is a good idea to start on French to make your stay more rewarding and fruitful and also for getting an internship opportunity in France. Furthermore learning a foreign language is no longer an impediment for global careers it is a necessity and thus studying in France gives even more value addition for awesome global mobility and excellent career options.
Does French universities have exchange programmes?
More than three hundred MoUs exist between French and Indian institutes of higher education. Of these a great deal are very active and represent an annual academic exchange of over 400 students. About 200 French students come to India on a principle of reciprocity and study at institutes such as the IITs, IIMs,FMS, MDI, Delhi University, JNU , Manipal University, Jamia Milia Islamia, University of Pune, XLRI, MERI amongst many others.
In India, Most of the IIMs have exchange programs with French Institutes for example IIM Lucknow, Ahemadabad and Indore.IIM Ahemedabad has an exchange program with ESSEC Business School. There is a twinning program established between Loyala College and ISA Lille in the field of Master of Sustainable Food and Manufacturing Management.ITM Business School in Mumbai and ESSCA has established a joint Master in Management program.
Within the framework of the Indo-French Consortium of Universities, there are several joint projects at Master and PhD level between Indian and French Universities.
For example: UJF Grenoble –Delhi University for Master in Nuclear Engineering and Master in Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies
How expensive is staying on campus in France as opposed to staying off it?
Living in University Housing
Universities throughout France offer rooms and studio apartments at reduced rates (between 120 to 300 Euros per month) in student residences managed by CROUS, the regional affiliates of the French national student-service agency, known as CNOUS.
Relying on the private rental market
Monthly average rents average 15 Euros per square meter in Paris and 7 Euros per square meter elsewhere in France. The supply of units in privately owned student apartment buildings is rising. These buildings offer furnished and equipped studios and shared services such as cafeterias, coin laundries, and game rooms. The monthly rent for a studio in such a building is 500 to 700 Euros outside Paris and 550 to 700 Euros in Paris.
Every International student is entitled to receive an offset equivalent to approximately 30 % of rent by the French Government. The two types of assistance are Allocation de logement sociale and Aide personnalisée au logement, often referred to as ALS and APL. Payments are made by local family assistance funds (caisses d'allocations familiales, or CAF).Thus a 500 euros studio may work out to cost 350 euros per month with CAF benefits.
Do French universities offer Teaching Assistantships?
No. But other type of work can be envisaged such as internships, communications, data entry,receptionists, etc students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week.
What can French Universities offer that universities in India cannot?
French higher education institutes are very closely linked to research laboratories of national and international repute with excellent facilities and equipment. Students also get an opportunity to work in research centers. For example ,Ecole Polytechnique has many research laboratories operating in various scientific fields (physics, mathematics, computer science, economics, chemistry, etc.), most operated in association with national scientific institutions such as CNRS, CEA, or also INRIA
French Institutes also offer European degrees along with French degrees. For example: EM Lyon offers European Master in Management.
Within the framework of Erasmus Mundus Programmes that are fully funded masters programmes offered by universities in the European union , French Institutes offer various courses in the field of Advanced Robotics, Computational Mechanics, Humanities
Certain French Institutes offer paid internships as a part of their curriculum and this internship is mandatory for students to complete their degree.
France is a signatory to the Bologna process that sets European standards of education and homogenizes the duration of studies to acquire degrees and hence French Universities recognize Indian degrees and vice-versa.
An excellent platform to learn a foreign language that will set one apart in a world where more and more global skills are essential, all while the student may be studying a program taught in English.
Could you tell us the names of some of the more prominent universities in France?
For Management studies, France has elite institutions like INSEAD, HEC, ESSEC, ESCP-EAP, and EM LYON.
For Engineering and Technology, France has INSA Lyon, Grenoble Institute of Technology, Ecole Centrale de Nantes, TELECOM Parsitech, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie.
There are engineering grande ecoles such as the groupment des ecoles des mines, ecoles centrales, the INSAS, the ENPC, ENSAMs
In humanities and eserach there are some excellent institutions like the ENS, the Sciences-po as also many Public Universities such as the Sorbonne.
All the institutes recommended by Campus France are accredited by French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Education. For more details, kindly visit the website: www.india-campusfrance.org
Does France have universities that specialize in any particular field of study? Which one?
French Institutes and Universities offer all major courses and specializations. Certain fields that are popular due to French expertise and knowhow in the industry encompass specializations such as aeronautical engineering, nuclear energy and sciences, biomedical engineering wine studies, luxury brand management, culinary arts and tourism management, nanotechnology, telecommunications, fashion studies, architecture studies, journalism , design etc.
Luxury Brand Management: refer to ESSEC Business School, Paris Graduate School of Management
Perfume and Cosmetics: refer to University of Versailles Saint-Quentin –En –Yveline with Groupe ISIPCA.
For Aeronautical Engineering: refer to ISAE
Fr Nuclear Energy: refer to ParisTech, Ecole des Mines de Nantes,
For Hospitality Management: refer to Vatel, Essec, and Cordon Bleu
For telecommunications: refer to TELECOM Paristech, TELECOM SudParis.
For doing Public Health: refer to University Rennes 2 and EHESP.
How expensive is it to study in France?
In France, the tuition fees vary according to the nature of the Institute whether it is a PublicUniversity, a grande ecole (or a professional institution) or a private institution and thus tuition fees can vary from 400 euros annually to as much as 40,000 euros . The living expenses are 500 Euros per month anywhere in France except for Paris which is 600 Euros per mont on a frugal student budget
How employment-friendly is France towards students wanting to work and stay on in the country?
In France, once a student finishes his course is entitled to stay in France for six more months to hunt for a job. Should the student find a job commensurate to his/her qualification he can obtain a fixed duration work contrat or a periodically renewable work contract. There is no law that forbids meritorious and deserving foreign students from finding employment in France.
How many of the Indian students who have gone to France to study Have stayed back?
French Embassy in India has launched an IFAN (Indo-French Alumini Network) in India. This network comprises of 5000 Indian graduates who have studied in France. The stock of Indian students in France is around 3000 approximately.
If one wants admission to a French university, how does one go about It?
Campus France –a sector of French Embassy in India is set up by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in association with the French Ministry of National Education and Research to promote French Higher Education across the globe.CampusFrance is the first point of contact for students wishing to study in France. A student aspiring to study in France must first visit the website : www.india-campusfrance.org and then contact the local Campus France offices .Campus France offices in India will provide free counseling session, help the student in obtaining admission, help in finding accommodation and finally guidance in obtaining a student visa.
Scholarships available for studying in France
"Foreign students are eligible to apply for three kinds of scholarships for study in France: Scholarships of the French government: Information is available at the Service de Coopération et d'action culturelle ( SCAC ) at the embassy of France in your country.
Scholarships granted by your own government: Inquire with the authorities concerned with education in your own country.
Scholarships granted by international or non-governmental organizations
( foundations, associations, etc. ): consult especially the brochure published by UNESCO every two years, “Studies Abroad”: http://portal.unesco.org
Candidates are advised to make their application at least one year before they register at a French institution.
It is not possible to combine two different scholarships either from the same or from different institutions. Students holding a scholarship from their country of origin are requested to inform the Service de coopération et d'action culturelle de l'ambassade de France or the consulate of their presence in France. Holders of scholarships from an international organization or a non-governmental should also inform the representatives of these organizations in France."
Documents required with an application for a visa to study in France
10th Marksheet, 12th Marksheet, Graduation Marksheet (All years), Biodata, Recommendation letters, SOP, Certificate of French Language. Also it is not mandatory to give IELTS / TOEFL Test . January and September are the two intakes in France. Proof of registration or preregistration -A positive response to your application for admission or a certificate of pre-admission from the public or private institution where you will be pursuing your training or studies is considered to be sufficient proof.
In the case of a private institution, the certificate should mention the number of hours of study and should confirm that the registration and fees have been satisfactorily settled for the following academic year. The passport must be valid for the entire period of the stay.
Proof of sufficient financial resources ( a minimum of 430 € per month )
If the student holds a scholarship: a certificate on the letterhead of the institution granting the scholarship, mentioning the amount and duration of the scholarship.
If the financial resources are guaranteed by an individual living in France, the required documents are:
a signed guarantee.
a photocopy of a piece of personal identification of the guarantor.
a proof that the guarantor's means are sufficient ( a copy of the three
last paycheck stubs or pension check stubs, or a copy of tax forms )."
Health insurance is mandatory to study in France
France's system of social protection is one of the world's best. The system covers all or part of the health-care costs of insured parties. Students under the age of 28 are covered by social security when they register with an approved educational institution. Students 28 and older must obtain individual coverage. To establish the French VISA the student has to necessarily take an insurance for a minimum duration of three months. This insurance should start from the date of departure and should cover medical expenses and repatriation. An approximate cost for subscribing to such a plan is between Rs 3500 -Rs 4000 and guarantees a cover of up to 50000 US dollars. These insurances can be purchased from companies like TATA AIG, Bajaj Allianz, New India Insurance, ICICI Lombard etc.
Grants and scholarships available for study in France
"Applications for the study grants offered by the French government are made through the cultural service of the French embassy in the country in which you reside. Applicants are assessed according to the terms of binational agreements. Most grants are made for graduate study, usually at the doctoral level. The length of grants varies by program. Review of applications begins in March for programs beginning in the fall of the same year, so applications should be submitted as early as possible.
Scholarship students receive administrative assistance from the Centre National des Oeuvres Universitaires (CNOUS)."
International students may work half-time as long as they are registered at an institution approved by the French social security system. Even first-year students and students coming to France for the first time have the right to work half-time.
Cost to goto France for studies
Studying in France is relatively inexpensive because the government funds a significant share of the cost. Annual tuition in a public university is between 126 and 692 Euros, depending on the program. A meal in a university restaurant costs less than 3 Euros. Costs in private institutions are higher. Remember, international students are treated just like French students.
"In order to be able to live properly in France, a student needs between 650 and 850 € per month ( between $ 880 and $ 1150 ). This sum covers lodging,
meals, leisure activities, etc. For foreign students, there is a required minimum
( 430 € per month for the year 2009/2010 ). Consult a Consulate of France in your country."
International students coming from countries outside the European Union must obtain a long-term student visa from a French consulate. Upon arrival in France, international students must first register with their educational institution and then obtain a student residency permit from the local authorities.
Mostly Management and engineering programs are taught in english and some taught in Spanish, a knowledge of French will enable you to benefit more fully from your stay and to get more out of life in France.If your French isn't as good as you'd like, take some courses in France or in your home country. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes a catalog of programs in French as a foreign language–including specialized French in various disciplines–for students at all levels.
Study in France
Study French in France…but in North America
A program of discovery in Saint-Pierre at Miquelton
The situation of Saint-Pierre at Miquelon, at 25 km off the coast of Newfoundland, and its French identity - as part of the overseas development of France - make it an ideal place for learning French while discovering a little known and extremely interesting place.
Even a one or two-week long program at Le Francoforum - the French Language Institute of the is island - allows for intensive exposure to the French Language.
Most people learn to speak by ear, and then they are taught grammar. That is why the French program at St Pierre is so valuable. It is not only an excellent educational facility staffed by young and enthusiastic teachers, it rests in the heart of a totally French community with shops and restaurants, in a small town with surprising history.
That makes the islands themselves, the university, and the entire population a friendly faculty. Add to that the rugged island beauty and the adventuring possibilities are captivating.
These islands are a meeting ground for migratory birds and a sanctuary for southbound whales. To discover the wonders of nature at Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Le Francoforum has designed several courses in partnership with the Le Centre de Voile Andre Paturel, the sailing school of islands.
These programs of nature discovery (running from June to September) rely on several ways of approaching the place and the French Language. You can patrol the coast of the islands with specialists: watch whales, puffins, seals; bring your contribution to elaborate a scientific database on various natural history projects. You can wlak along the numerous footpaths of these stunning islands with a nature guide, explore the fabulous geology, watch out for a bald eagle or deer, discover the spectacular flora of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. You can also practice marine activities with the sailing school: in zodiacs, sailing boats, catamarans, sailboards and sea-kayaks.
Meanwhile you will improve your French thanks to a communicative approach adapted to all levels and motivations. Brush-up courses will be offered by the teaching team at Francoforum.
An interest in sports and a love of the outdoors is of course preferable. If you like hiking you could spend hours at sea watching seals, birds, and cetaceans, this is for you! These classes can satisfy an interest in biology, human science's or the French language: take your pick! Note that there are three main thrusts of our courses: the discovery of the archipelago's ecology, of its culture and history, and a complete immersion in the French language and culture. If you are interested in sailing you can take up water sports or improve your skills.
MBAs in France
Traditionally, the United States has been home to the MBA, although nowadays MBAs can be studied the world over. European MBAs have a reputation for excellence across the globe and an international student is therefore wise to choose Europe as their study destination.
Because of their history and conception, MBAs are American diplomas and looking at the relevance these programmes have in the business world today, nobody can deny their necessity and value.
Famous International Programmes
The efficiency of this diploma can be measured by the boost it gives to a career. The benefit will be increased if the student has a professional project, and can then use this year of study to develop and improve the subject.
To be able to offer an MBA Programme is very important for any institution. It is an opportunity to develop international recognition and today, all the most important business schools in France offer such diplomas in both French and English, in an attempt to compete with the most famous American universities. The INSEAD in Fontainebleau is the European is the European MBA college equivalent, and a 1996 survey in the ‘Times’ placed this institution first in the world, beating institutions such as Warton and Harvard. This accreditation has helped to promote the quality of all other European institutions offering similar programmes.
However, MBA programmes in France are not always taught in French, and if an institution wants to recruit the best students and teachers, it is becoming compulsory for programmes to be conducted in English. Most of these institutions require students to have a good TOEFL or GMAT score to apply.
The length of a European MA is usually about 10-15 months, although as stated by ESC Rennes, “This does not mean that because our programme is shorter, quality is lower. We simply ask more of our students”. The strength of such a system is that the investment in time and money is reduced. Nowadays, US managers donot hesitate to cross the Atlantic to complete an MBA in Europe, as they can earn money and learn new management cultures simultaneously.
Teaching in Relation to the Industry
Management teaching in France is pragmatic and the solutions proposed to solve problems are usually practical. Compared to the US system, where teaching is academic, French courses are closer to the industry because of the structure of their institutions; schools are usually sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, therefore many meetings with company managers or company visits are organised on a regular basis. Moreover, the alumni network is very efficient.
French MBAs also have many other strengths. Intakes are usually smaller than in US universities and programmes mainly focus on quality and not quantity. They also focus on the international and multicultural aspects, as many institutions have developed exchange programmes with partner universities (mainly from Europe). Due to their integration with companies, they propose efficient courses adapted to the market. If we compare Europe to the US MBA system (that is more fixed), Europe and particularly France have developed different kinds of programmes.
Full time in English (at INSEAD, HEC, ESC Paris, EC Rennes, ESC Marseilles), part-time (at ESC Paris, ESC Rennes, ESSEC), distance learning (at ESC Nantes with Bilbao University and Bradford University, ESC Rennes and ESC Piotier with Southbank University) or in the States (ESC Rennes have 20 MBA exchange agreements all around the world). Some institutions have also developed specialised programmes, such as luxury products at ESSEC, food marketing at L’Idrac, or Information Technology at the Theses Institute.
A Passport for a job
After an INSEAD MBA, an average of 2.4 job opportunities are offered to a student, with an average salary of around £35,000. Usually European MBA students are recruited by consulting companies interested in analysis and multicultural studies. On the other hand, bank and insurance sectors have started to recruit in Europe, because they are looking for people able to work anywhere in the world, in non-structured environments such s the new markets in Asia and South America. Large multi-nationals are always interested in investing in quality graduates who may become top managers in the future.
Doing an MBA in Europe is taking advantage of the chance to study a practical diploma relevant to the industry and the multicultural environment. Developed competencies learnt during the MBA will quickly find that they can be applied in the everyday life of a company.
Studying Business & Management in France
When students choose to study business management in France they choose highly specialized and focused instruction. Of the 125,000 international students in France, 35,000 are studying business. France's universities and freestanding business schools offer more than 400 recognized degree programs that cover the full range of management disciplines and skills. Fifty universities offer degrees in management as part of their academic curriculum, as do 27 university-based institutes of business administration, 95 university-level institutes of technology, and 40 business schools. Programs are found in every major city in France. Top programs prepare students for careers at the very highest levels of business and government.
Excellence in teaching is assured by a faculty that maintains direct contact with the realities of business life. Most programs benefit from the participation of active managers and directors. Theoretical instruction is often provided by renowned members of the university faculty, particularly at upper levels of the curriculum. Frequent internships enable students continually to test theory against practice. Graduates thus benefit from a well rounded education that includes a strong multicultural and international dimension.
International students are welcomed. They may enter the universities and business schools at various points. Decisions concerning the recognition of applicants' credentials are made by the enrolling institution. Students are admitted on the basis of their academic record, an entrance examination, or another form of test. Students should inquire directly of the institutions whose programs interest them at least several months prior to the beginning of the program.
A variety of degree programs
The universities and schools offer a variety of degrees recognized by the French government. That recognition is a guarantee of quality and adherence to the highest international standards.
Students at universities may earn a degree of ingénieur maître (master engineer) in management, banking, or finance after just one year of general university study in business economics. Two professional degrees-the licence and maîtrise-can be earned in three or four years, respectively. Students in both the licence and maîtrise programs receive an intermediate postsecondary credential, the DEUG, in business economics.
Advanced study leading to the mastaire (5 years of postsecondary education) can take one of several paths:
- Some students specialize in a specific area of management such as marketing, finance, auditing, or human resources.
- Other students obtain the mastaire as a step toward a doctorate. A doctorate requires eight years of study.
- Still others pursue joint degree programs, earning a magistère together with one of two traditional academic degrees (a DESS or DEA).
The freestanding business schools grant a nationally recognized diploma after three years of postsecondary study. They also offer specialized professional programs, including specialized master's degrees and MBAs, for students who have completed five years of higher education.
In some areas, business schools and universities have joined together to design innovative programs and degrees that share features of both systems.
Nearly all of the universities and schools offer a concentration on Europe, which gives their graduates a truly European perspective. For example, EAP (the Ecole Européenne des Affaires or European business school has four campuses in Europe among which students may move. France's largest business schools have spent considerable sums to attract eminent faculty that allow them to compete with top institutions like Stanford and the London Business School.
Several university and business school programs are recruiting a diverse body of international students into innovative programs taught partially or entirely in English. Students receive not only advanced management education but also an introduction to France and Europe. Most of these internationally oriented institutions belong to Agence EduFrance, a new agency formed by the French ministries of education and foreign affairs to recruit highly qualified international students into France's best degree programs. The EAP-ESCP graduate program, for example, trains students in multicultural management. The specialized master's program in industrial management at the ISGI in Lille is a bilingual program that trains engineer-managers in project management. ESSEC's MBA in international luxury brand management is taught in English and prepares graduates for careers in the prestige-goods sector, where France is a world leader.
It is also possible to study French in France, of course. Students can even focus on business French through short- or long-term courses in Paris or elsewhere. Many universities and schools offer intensive French-language courses of very high quality. These are described in an annual booklet published by the French ministry of foreign affairs.
