How is France for higher education?
In France, Higher Education is a double-component system: universities (“Université”) and Higher Schools (“Grandes Ecoles”) which offer scientific and management curricula. This system is inherited from the political and economic history of our country.
An internationally-renowned system of higher education
Numerous French universities and Grandes Ecoles place highly in the most reputable international rankings, such as the Times Higher Education, the Financial Times ranking, the QS, the Shanghai ranking and the European Union's U-Multirank.
France is known for having one of the best education systems in the world. With a nationally set curriculum and high academic standards, France's school system offers traditional methods of learning.
Home to Some of the Best Universities in the World
The country has a network of 3,500+ institutions that consists of universities, Grandes Ecoles and schools of art or architecture. As many as 32 French Universities have ranked in the QS University World Rankings 2023.
- Quality of Education. One of the major benefits of studying in France is the education quality. ...
- Multicultural Environment. ...
- Affordability. ...
- Language learning opportunities. ...
- Career Opportunities. ...
- Rich culture and history.
Is it better to study in the USA or France? Ans. Both France and the USA are excellent study-abroad destinations that offer world-class education and a wide range of employment opportunities.
Although studying in France is then not entirely “free”, you will only be charged a very small amount when you study at a public university. However, if you are not a citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland, or already a permanent resident, you will have to pay higher tuition fees in France.
That French schoolchildren have had Wednesdays off is a quirk of history. When France instituted universal public education in the late 19th century, the government granted a weekly day off for children to attend catechism by the Roman Catholic Church.
Emphasizing depth and rigor, students are often subject to high expectations and substantial academic pressure. Unlike the American system, there is less emphasis on extracurricular activities, with the French system centering more on academic achievement.
The French education system offers an inflexible approach to education; one where the teacher has absolute authority, tough grading and rote learning are the norm, where high academic standards are demanded in reading, writing and arithmetic. The French don't expect children to have 'fun' at school.
Why is studying in France so cheap?
Tuition fees are low in public Higher education institutions because the French government subsidizes higher education. The true cost of education is the same as it is elsewhere in the world—around €10,000 a year. The difference is that in France the government assumes a large share of that cost.
Both countries give you the option to work while studying. You can easily offset the fees and living costs while you're studying. In France, you can work up to 964 hours per year. In Germany, you can work for up to 120 full days (40 hours/week) or 240 half days (20 hours/week) per year without any additional permits.

Is France study cost expensive? No, the cost of university in France is cheaper when compared to other countries. Most French universities charge the same fees as European students, making it much cheaper for international students.
She says that graduate level courses are similarly rigorous - with maybe a slight edge to American programs being more rigorous (and definitely much better funded with a lot more resources going towards research). French university- in her opinion - is significantly more rigorous at the undergraduate level.
Predictably many quit within six months, owing to lack of adequate training or supervision. State education in France is among the most unequal in the developed world: schools in poorer areas are so under-resourced that the education system is cementing inequality.
In contrast to higher tuition fees in the US, the average tuition fees for a bachelor degree in Europe is just $8,000 per year for American students. Even when you factor in the cost of travel, going to college in France is at a minimum comparable to an affordable American college program—and often cheaper.
Foreign degree comparability in France. The principle of equivalence between a degree (or an equivalent title) obtained abroad and a degree (or an equivalent title) issued by the Ministry of National Education or by the Ministry of Higher Education does not exist in France.
To wrap up, there are plenty of English study opportunities in France – and you won't need to be a fluent French speaker to live in the country as an international student. But studying abroad is a great opportunity to improve your foreign language skills, and doing so is likely to improve your experience!
In general, colleges want to see foreign language proficiency, and they don't really care which language you study. Most students, in fact, have few choices. Many schools offer just a couple of languages such as French and Spanish.
You must have health insurance cover to live in France. State healthcare in France is not free. Healthcare costs are covered by both the state and through patient contributions. These are known as co-payments.
Is it expensive to live in France?
France is known for its rich culture, top-notch education, and high standard of living. But it's also a country with a relatively high cost of living, especially in popular cities like Paris. This is why it's helpful to oversee your expenses and to budget well if you're considering moving to France.
Tuition Fees in Public Institutions
Tuition fees for international students enrolled in degree programs in France's public universities are consistent across institutions. The tuition fees as of the 2020/2021 academic year are: 2,770 euros per year at the Licence level. 3,770 euros per year at the Master's level.
The reason lies in France's enshrined labour code, the Code du Travail, which was first published in 1910. The Code du Travail used to say that it was illegal for anyone to work more that six days a week and that workers should have 35 consecutive hours of rest.
French schools have five holidays during the year: All Saints 'autumn' break, Christmas, winter break, spring holiday (Easter), and the summer holiday. The breaks are usually two weeks except for summer holidays which last eight weeks.
After primary school, two educational stages follow: collège (middle school), for children during their first four years of secondary education from the age of 11 to 14. lycée (high school), which provides a three-year course of further secondary education for children between the ages of 15 and 18.
References
- https://www.campusfrance.org/en/tuition-fees-France
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- https://www.usa.campusfrance.org/tuition-costs
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