STUDY IN FRANCE

Studying in France is an ideal choice for Vietnamese students, offering access to high-quality education at an affordable cost. France is renowned for its world-class universities in various fields such as business, technology, arts, and social sciences. Students can immerse themselves in a diverse culture, improve their language skills, and expand their international networks.

Additionally, France provides numerous scholarships and opportunities for internships and employment after graduation. With its advanced education system and diverse learning environment, studying in France helps Vietnamese students develop holistically, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers.

The French Education System

Conditions for Studying in France

he French education system is renowned for its high quality and inclusiveness, spanning from primary to tertiary education. France boasts a strong, state-funded public education system that ensures equal access for all. Education in France begins with preschool, and compulsory education is from ages 6 to 16. After that, students can choose to continue at a high school (lycée) or enter vocational training programs.

At the university level, France is known for its prestigious institutions, including universities (universités) and grandes écoles. Universities mainly offer general education and research programs across various fields, while grandes écoles are specialized institutions focusing on areas such as engineering, management, and business. The higher education system in France follows the international standard of three levels: Bachelor's (Licence), Master's (Master), and Doctorate (Doctorat), enabling students to easily transition to further studies in other countries.

France also emphasizes practical training, with many programs integrating internships at companies to help students acquire real-world skills and prepare for the job market. The French government provides numerous scholarships and financial aid to international students, encouraging cultural diversity and participation from students worldwide.

With its modern and flexible education system, France remains an ideal destination for those seeking knowledge and career development in an advanced academic environment.

Cost of Studying in France

When planning to study in France, cost is a critical factor to carefully consider, including tuition fees and living expenses. For tuition fees, public universities in France offer very affordable rates thanks to government subsidies. Tuition for international students is approximately 2,770 EUR/year for undergraduate programs and 3,770 EUR/year for master's programs. Private institutions or prestigious schools (grandes écoles) charge higher fees, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 EUR/year, depending on the program and field of study.

For living expenses, monthly costs vary based on the city you live in. In Paris, living costs can be higher, ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 EUR/month. In smaller cities like Lyon, Marseille, or Toulouse, costs are lower, ranging from 700 to 1,000 EUR/month.

Living expenses include:

Housing: Around 200–500 EUR/month, depending on the type of accommodation, such as dormitories, private apartments, or shared housing.
Daily expenses: This includes food, transportation, and personal costs, averaging 250–350 EUR/month. Students can save money by cooking at home and using public transportation, which offers discounts for students.
Health insurance: International students are required to register for health insurance, costing approximately 200–300 EUR/year.

Moreover, students can benefit from housing support through France's CAF program, which helps reduce the financial burden during their studies. With a reasonable spending plan, studying in France remains an economical and high-quality option for international students.

Prepare for Studying in France

Steps to Prepare for Studying in France

Choose a School and Program:
- Identify the program and field of study that align with your personal goals.
- Research French universities through the Campus France system or university websites.
- Check the entry requirements for each school and program.
Prepare Application Documents:
- Application form: Complete the application form provided by the university.
- Qualifications: High school diploma (for Bachelor's programs) or university degree (for Master's and Doctorate programs).
- Academic transcripts: Certified copies of transcripts, translated into French or English.
- Language proficiency certificates:
  - DELF/DALF for programs taught in French.
  - IELTS/TOEFL for programs taught in English.
- Recommendation letters: Letters from professors or managers highlighting your abilities and potential.
- Personal statement (lettre de motivation): Explain your reasons for choosing the program, university, and your future goals.
Register via the Campus France System:
- Create an account and submit your application online through Campus France.
- Upload required documents, including the application form, transcripts, certificates, and personal statement.
- Pay the registration fee (if applicable).
Receive an Acceptance Letter:
- After submitting your application through Campus France, you will receive an acceptance letter if your application is approved.
Prepare Your Visa Application:
- Acceptance letter: A copy of the acceptance letter from the French institution.
- Passport: Valid for at least six months.
- Passport photos: Compliant with embassy requirements.
- Proof of financial resources: Savings or bank account statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses (minimum 7,380 EUR/year).
- Health insurance: Purchase insurance for the entire study period.
- Translated documents: Qualifications, transcripts, and financial proof must be translated into French or English and certified.
Submit Your Visa Application and Interview:
- Schedule an appointment at the French Embassy or Consulate to submit your visa application.
- Attend the interview and provide details about your study plan and financial readiness.
Pay Fees and Await Results:
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Wait for the visa result and prepare for the next steps in your study abroad journey.

Thorough preparation and accurate documentation will increase your chances of gaining admission to a French university and successfully obtaining a visa.

In recent years, the conditions for Vietnamese students to study in France have undergone notable adjustments to create more favorable opportunities for international students.

To study in France, students must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. For higher education levels such as Master's or Doctoral programs, a corresponding university degree is required.

Most programs in France require language proficiency certificates, particularly in French (DELF/DALF) or English (IELTS/TOEFL), depending on the chosen program.

Additionally, students need to prepare a study visa application, which includes an acceptance letter from a French institution, a clear study plan, and proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses throughout their studies.

Submitting applications through the Campus France online system has become mandatory, simplifying and streamlining the process. Students also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships from the French government or international organizations to support their study costs.