Study in Paris for International Students

Paris has one of the greatest concentrations of university international students in France. It is counted as one of the world’s great centers of education as it is home to some of the most renowned universities in the world. Here is a guide on Study in Paris for International Students.

Study in Paris Guide for International Students

Paris is increasingly gaining popularity among international students from all over the world. Here we have mentioned information on the universities, popular courses, scholarships, requirements of the enrollment process, etc in Paris. It will help you to start your process to Study in Paris and make you reach your study abroad destination. 

How to apply for college in Paris For international Students

You need to follow a simple process to get into universities in Paris. There are some requirements you need to take note of. Here is the stepwise process:

  • Explore the university’s websites, and shortlist the courses and Universities in Paris. 
  • You should check the rankings of the universities, their eligibility criteria, the document requirements, and the tuition fees.
  • As per the requirements, collect all the required documents for the application process.
  • You need to submit an online admission application by attaching all your documents.
  • If the university officers select your application, you will receive your confirmation letter.

To know the admission procedure in detail, you should visit this page: How to Apply to Universities in France?

Universities in Paris for International Students

International students who are looking for universities to study abroad in Paris, need not search any further, here we have the list of top 10 universities in Paris

  1. Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)
  2. École Polytechnique (ParisTech)
  3. Sorbonne University
  4. Sciences Po Paris
  5. Télécom ParisTech
  6. École des Ponts ParisTech
  7. University of Paris
  8. Université Paris-Sud 11
  9. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
  10. ENS-Paris Saclay

Top Courses for International Students to Study in Paris

International students choose a wide variety of courses to study in Paris. You will find plenty of courses in each study stream at the Paris universities. Here is a list of top courses you can pursue in your higher education according to your interest and academic career.

  • Finance in Paris
  • Medicinal courses in Paris
  • Information Technology in Paris
  • Law in Paris
  • Architecture in Paris
  • Sociology courses in Paris
  • Photography in Paris
  • Psychology courses in Paris
  • Pharmacology in Paris
  • MBA in Paris

What are the requirements to study in Paris

Here is a document list, you will require when applying to a university in Paris:

  • An authorization from Campus France 
  • A copy of your passport
  • A passport-sized photograph
  • Copies of past exam transcripts and graduation diplomas
  • A civil liability certificate
  • A copy of your European health card (for EU students)
  • A cover letter
  • French and/or English proof of language proficiency

What exams are required to study in Paris

You need some exams to qualify to get admission to the universities in France. Exams may be related to your language skills or to a specific subject skill. You will have to take the required exams and obtain a certain score as asked by the university. The main exams are:

  1. International English Language Test (IELTS)
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  3. TCF (Test de Connaissance du français – Test of knowledge of French) 
  4. Le TEF (Test dâ Evaluation de francais – French assessment test) 
  5. American College Testing (ACT)
  6. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
  7. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
  8. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Studying in Paris for international Students scholarships

International students can find cheap universities to study in the city of lights, Paris, As there are no tuition-free universities in Paris for international students. Scholarships are offered by both, the government of France as well as by some french universities. Here is the list of a few scholarships available in the city for international students:

  • Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships 
  • Foundation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarships for African and Asian Women 
  • Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
  • The Fulbright Scholarship
  • Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) 

However, it is not possible to study in Paris completely free, but you can cover a part of your expenses during your studies with the help of scholarships.

How to Get Student Visa For France

Student Visa for France

If you are a student from another county of the world, you will need to obtain a student visa for France in order to be able to pursue your study in France

Student Visa for France: Student Visa Requirements

A candidate must fulfil the student visa requirements in order to be eligible for a student visa for France. It includes :

  • The candidate must be minimum 18 years of age at the time of applying.
  • The candidate must have already selected their program to pursue in France.
  • The candidate must be enrolled in the institution of France of higher education.
  • The candidate must have a valid passport with a date of expiry landing after the date of completion of the specific course of study in France.

France Visa Process: How to Apply for Student Visa? 

1. Decide on a university to apply to and get your acceptance letter

Students have to decide before which university you want to study in France and then you can start your student visa application process. After being accepted at that specific French university, you will receive an acceptance letter required for the student visa for France application.

2. Find out what type of visa you need to study in France

  • Schengen student visa (short-stay)

If your course will last only for three months, then you should apply for the court séjour pour étude, also known as the short-stay or Schengen student visa. It is free of charge and cannot be renewed.

  • Temporary long-stay visa

The visa de long séjour temporaire pour études is a temporary student visa that allows you to study in France for a duration of six months.

  • Long-stay visa

It is also known as the visa de long séjour pour études or, the long-stay visa. If you want to study in France for longer than six months then you must apply for this visa. This visa acts as a residence permit and lasts for a period of your study generally three years for a bachelor’s degree, two years for a master’s program and four years for a PhD. 

3. Where to apply for the student visa

You can apply for a student visa for France either through Campus France, an institution promoting higher education in France or at a French consulate in your area. Get your interview/appointment scheduled through the official website of the French consulate in your locality and check the online calendar that shows the available dates.

4. Required application documents for the French student visa

  • You have to fill the France Visa Application form after downloading it from the website of Campus France and take a printout of it.
  • A recent two of your passport size photograph must be attached
  • Valid Passport copies with your past visas are required.
  • Official acceptance or enrolment letter from the institution of France.
  • Evidence of your status like birth certificate, marriage certificate etc.
  • Evidence of financial means to cover all your expenses during your study period.
  • Medical insurance 
  • Documents relating to the accommodation arrangement during your studies
  • French language proficiency certificate or English language proficiency(as demanded)
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee 

5. Residence permit in France for international student

While studying the first year of your course, you only need a student visa as evidence of your residency status. After coming within a month in France, you will have to register at the local French Office of Immigration and Integration and have a medical examination to confirm your visa. If you want to stay for more than one year, starting from the second year of studies you will need to apply for a Carte de Séjour or ‘titre de séjour’, an official residency card in France.

6. Work while studying in France

Students from other countries are allowed to take a job during their studies. If you have a valid residence permit then you are only permitted to work part-time approximately 60% of full-time employment per year. The student may also find work opportunities within their institution, and if you really don’t want to work to affect your studies, you can use this opportunity during holidays between semesters.

France student visa interview Questions

  • What is your name?
  • What are you doing?
  • What is your educational qualification?
  • Why do you want to go to France?
  • Where is your school situated in France?
  • In which institution you are going to study?
  • What course you are going to study?
  • Why this school?
  • What are the subjects?
  • How does it help you with your career?
  • How did you find the school name? How did you come to know about the institute?
  • When is your course going to begin?
  • What is your father doing?

Waiting time to get a student visa for France

Make sure you provide extra time for your visa application. Try to apply for it for at least 3 months before your departure to France. After you’ve applied, you can expect that you’ll wait about 14 to 21 days or in exceptional cases, a little longer, for the decision.