French universities in english. The best universities in France. Types of universities in France

France boasts 39 institutions in the world university rankings, of which 16 are in the top 400 in the world. If you are thinking of studying in the homeland of croissants, revolution, champagne and camembert, then we advise you to look at the ranking of French higher education institutions offered below.

1. Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris (ENS Paris)

The first in the ranking of French universities, ENS Paris (Higher Normal School) takes 43rd place in the world ranking of 2018. The educational institution was founded in 1793 and is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the country with the honorary title "grandes écoles". Strengths of ENS Paris are humanitarian and scientific research. Upon admission, students undergo a rigorous competitive selection. The school accepts 1,350 students a year, among whom 450 are international students. Among the graduates of the university, 13 Nobel laureates can be noted, as well as philosophers such as Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida.

2. Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech)

École Polytechnique is ranked 59th in the world in 2018 and is a founding member of the ParisTech collegiate university, which specializes in scientific (engineering) and business research, also with a strong mathematical bias. The Ecole Polytechnique was founded in 1794. The university is located 30 km from the center of Paris, the campus offers 120 hectares of green space for its 4600 students.

3. Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)

The University of Pierre and Marie Curie, ranked 131st in the QS world ranking, compared with its senior colleagues was founded very recently, in 1971, on the basis of the University of Paris, which was divided into several institutions. It is currently the largest scientific and medical complex in France. It has about 34,000 students, of which 20% are international.

4. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

The Higher Normal School of Lyon continues to improve its position in the international ranking of universities and occupies 157th place this year, which is 20 places higher than last year. With the prestigious status of "grandes écoles", the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is an elite public institution that trains researchers and educators in science and the humanities, usually for public service. The school annually accepts about 2 thousand students, including 400 international students.

5. CentraleSupélec

The French institute CentraleSupélec is ranked 164th in the 2018 world rankings and was formed by the merger of École Centrale Paris and the Supélec School of Engineering in 2015.The institute is one of the founders of the Université Paris-Saclay, an association of French research universities. Campuses are located in the northern provinces of the country, there are training programs in English.

6. Sciences Po

Sciences Po or Polytechnic Research Institute specializes in fields such as jurisprudence, economics, social sciences, politics, history and related fields. Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is located near the Seine and boasts renowned alumni: Presidents Jacques Chirac, François Mitterrand, François Hollande, 13 prime ministers and other influential statesmen. The Institute retains its 220th position in 2018. It has about 13,000 students, of which almost half are international, representing 150 nationalities.

7. Université Grenoble-Alpes

This year, the University of Grenoble was ranked 236th in the world and was formed in January 2016 through the merger of several universities, but these institutions date back to 1339, such as the University of Pierre Mendes-France. Traditional areas of study are natural sciences and engineering. The university accepts 45 thousand students a year, is the 3rd largest university in the country.

8. Université Paris-Sud 11

Université Paris-Sud 11, another Parisian institution, has four campuses in the southern suburbs of the city. It is especially renowned for its science and math courses and is ranked 242nd in the world in 2018. The university was founded in 1970, on the basis of the University of Paris, and receives about 30 thousand students a year. Among the alumni are two Nobel laureates in physics.

9. Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Ranked 269 in the world, the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne was also formed as a result of the division of the former University of Paris. Currently, it is one of the largest universities in the country, with about 40,000 students. He specializes in economics, management, art, social sciences and jurisprudence. Located in the Latin Quarter. The project is to merge with UPMC to create the new Sorbonne University in January 2018.

10. École des Ponts ParisTech

The finalist of the top 10 universities in France is the École des Ponts ParisTech (National School of Bridges and Roads), which this year was ranked 270th in the world. One of the smallest universities in France was founded in 1747, that is, it is the world's oldest civil engineering educational institution. ... More than 2000 students study here. The university is another founding member of ParisTech.

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France, the cradle of revolutions and a recognized trendsetter, has held leading positions in the field of education for centuries. Over 250,000 foreign students come here every year. One of the most advanced and effective, the higher education system in France is not accidentally so popular among applicants from all over the world.

Features of higher education in France

How can higher education in France attract our compatriots? The universities of France, being financed by the state, allow getting education practically free of charge - about 1.5% of the country's GDP is spent annually on the sphere of higher education. As a result, education in state universities costs students, including foreign ones, only 130-700 euros per year. In addition, universities are very loyal to applicants and are ready to accept everyone. The role of entrance exams is played by an interview and (in some universities) a dossier competition.

In total, there are about 90 state universities in the country. Regardless of whether they are located in the capital or the province, French universities provide the same high quality of knowledge. Therefore, you can safely choose any university in any city that seems the most attractive to you.

Despite the fact that higher education in France complies with European standards (LMD), it also has its own national peculiarity: differences in the systems of diplomas, academic degrees, in dividing the educational process into cycles.

The main stages of study at universities are licentiate, master's and doctoral degrees. A licentiate degree - License - students receive after three years of study at the university, a master's degree - Master - after five, and a doctorate - Doctorat (PhD) - can be obtained after studying at the university for eight years. Thanks to the special system of equivalence of French diplomas, students can change courses, moving to other universities and faculties. It is also considered to be one of the benefits of higher education in France.

Depending on the degree of duration, the entire educational process can be divided into two directions: "short" (les formations courtes) and "long" (les formations longes) cycles.

"Short" cycle in French universities

This cycle, designed for two years, allows, without delaying the learning process, to quickly start an independent professional activity. Those who entered the "short cycle", universities in France provide the opportunity to receive specialized education in the field of economics, communications, services, electronics, etc.

Upon completion of the "short cycle", graduates receive a diploma of technology (DUT) or a diploma of higher technical education (DEUST). After that, training can be continued to acquire an additional specialty, or a transition to a "long cycle" is possible. After that, the holders of the diplomas are issued a professional license (License professionnelle) or a national specialized technological diploma (DNTS).

Long Cycle at French Universities

"Long cycle" is a study at the University of France in several consecutive cycles, each of which ends with the receipt of a separate state diploma. There are three of them.

The first cycle, a two-year cycle, ends with a Degree of General University Education - DEUG. As a rule, the majority then continue their studies, since at this stage they pass only the basic program.

During the second cycle, the knowledge acquired in the previous two years is improved, and a year later the student has a license diploma, and a year later - a Master 1 (former MST) specialist diploma.

Training in the third cycle - another 1-2 years - is postgraduate education, an analogue of our graduate school, which includes improving knowledge in the specialty and scientific work. As a result of this stage, a master's degree in advanced study of research work is issued - Master 2 Recherche (former DEA), or a diploma of higher specialized education Master 2 Professionnel (former DESS).

The next three to four years will take doctoral studies. During it, students prepare for writing a dissertation and obtaining a doctorate.

For citizens of other countries wishing to obtain a doctorate, the doors of French universities are wide open: here among the doctoral students every fourth is a foreign citizen.

Grandes écoles - high schools

In addition to universities, the higher education system in France includes higher schools, some of which are private. It is from these walls that most of the top management for the largest enterprises in France comes out. Among the most prestigious are the École Centrale, opened in 1829, the Higher School of Commerce (HEC), founded in 1881, or the National School of Administration (ENA), which was established in 1945. schools are generally limited. You can enter there only after passing the competitive exams. In turn, preparation for them takes place at specialized courses for 2 years or at our own preparatory department. You can also enter them after the second year of the university. After that, education in higher schools lasts 3 years.

Higher education in France in English

Despite the fact that English is of international importance, French educational institutions, like the entire nation as a whole, are distinguished by a great love for their native language. Nominally, there are over 600 programs in English in the country, but this is only an apparent variety. Mainly we are talking about programs in higher schools. Indeed, in English you can get higher education in France in such disciplines as management, economics, hotel and restaurant business, law, as well as a number of technical sciences. If we talk about bachelor's programs and programs in state universities of the country, the choice will not be at all great.

Higher education in France for Russians

The good news for Russian applicants planning to get higher education in France is that the school certificate of the Russian Federation is recognized as a sufficient basis for submitting documents. In the French education system, it corresponds to a bachelor's degree (Le Baccalauréat Français). Of course, it's worth taking care of a good GPA.

The second prerequisite is the availability of a certificate confirming proficiency in French at a level that will allow you to listen to lectures, engage in scientific work and pass university exams without problems. French universities accept the results of the DALF language exam or the TCF French language test.

The conditions for admission to private universities, higher schools and medical faculties of universities have their own characteristics (special pre-university training is required), so it is easiest for a Russian applicant to start from the first cycle of the university.

Tuition fees at universities in France

As mentioned above, the cost of training in public French universities is very modest and for all students, both foreigners and residents of the country, it is less than 1000 euros per year. In higher schools and private universities in the country, you should count on the amount from 6,000 to 12,000 euros.

The cost of living in the country varies greatly depending on the city. Thus, a student in Paris will spend 1000-1500 Euro per month on modest housing, food and basic expenses. In the provinces, 800 Euros may be enough.

French higher education is recognized as one of the best not only in Europe but throughout the world. There are a huge number of universities in this country. But in order to enter a university and become a student, you need to know some of the nuances.

How the higher education system works in France

This system is presented in the form of technological institutes, higher schools and universities. In France, there are more than 80 public universities, there are private ones. The higher education course can be divided into several courses. The latter is analogous to graduate school. The stages of training are as follows:

• Basic - training lasts 2 years.
• Additional. Based on its results, the student receives a bachelor's degree. Requires 3-4 years.
• Master's degree. Lasts one year.
• Postgraduate studies. Lasts up to four years.

First cycle

It is called the “short” cycle of higher education, which is attended by high school graduates. It lasts two years and prepares students for the DEUG (diploma of general university education indicating the relevant field of knowledge), after which real and quick employment is possible.

Training can be taken in the departments of higher technical education in French lyceums (diploma of higher technical education - BTS (brevet de technicien superieur); in technological institutes (university technological diploma DUT (diplome universitaire de technologie); in universities that train engineers (diploma of natural science and technical university education - Diplome d "Etudes Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques, DEUST); in specialized schools in the specialties of health and social services.

Second cycle

It is intended to expand and deepen the knowledge gained in the first two years of study at the University of France and prepares for obtaining a license (license) within one year after DEUG and maitrise (a year after the license).

After 1 year - a licentiate diploma is issued, after 2 years - a master's degree. An engineering degree usually requires five years of training, which can be carried out in two schemes: continuous five-year secondary education or three-year (final) training on the basis of the first cycle.

Third cycle

It involves an in-depth study of the chosen specialty and is accompanied by independent scientific work, the topic of which applicants with a maitrise degree must formulate before entering the program. Those who successfully complete this stage are awarded a diploma of special higher education (DESS), which is a professional diploma, or a diploma of advanced education (DEA), which allows them to continue research in doctoral studies and receive a doctorate degree (Doctorat de Nouveau Regime) (corresponds to the Russian candidate of sciences).

It is important to note that getting medical education takes place without dividing into cycles. After six years of study at hospital medical centers, students compete for a specialized internship that allows them to become a specialist physician or to receive a competitive diploma in "general medicine" after two years of study.

The student chooses the bar for himself. Someone completes their studies after receiving a basic diploma, and someone chooses to enter graduate school. Higher education in France is represented by public and private institutions. The state provides a free course of study not only for French citizens, but also for foreigners. However, a state fee must be paid every year: it varies from 100 to 800 euros, depending on the university. If it belongs to the private category, tuition is paid, it can reach several thousand euros per year.

How to apply to the University of France

The applicant must decide in which language the training will take place. There are programs in English and French. It is necessary to prove the knowledge of the language. If French is selected, the DELF / DALF exam must be passed. Which one is required is specified in the chosen direction. Knowledge of the language must be at least level B1. To confirm proficiency in English, an exam is passed or. You need to score on IELTS 6.0-7.0 points or TOEFL 78-95 points. To live in this country, you need to know French.

In addition to the above certificates, a certificate or diploma is submitted to the selection committee. A certificate is required for a bachelor's degree. The diploma is attached to the general documents for admission to the magistracy. They are translated into a foreign language and certified by a notary.

The Frenchman does not pass exams for admission, but immigrants from Russia will have to pass entrance tests. They are published on the university website. Additionally, you need to go through an interview, during which researchers are trying to find out the future plans of the applicant, his goals in professional activities.

Some universities require applicants to write a letter of motivation, letters of recommendation, which also briefly describe the purpose of admission, for what reasons a particular specialty was chosen. The submitted documents are considered until a certain date, then an answer is sent to the applicants whether the university accepts it or not. It is also better to choose French for writing a motivation letter.

Universities in France

Studying at French universities is considered prestigious all over the world. The most famous establishments in the country are:

• Sorbonne University Paris(Universite de Paris). Founded in 1253. Offers a variety of study areas ranging from tourism and social studies to economics and finance. Education is free, you need to pay a fee, which differs depending on the faculty. On average, this is 300-500 euros per year.


• University Paris-Dauphin(Université Paris-Dauphine). It is an economic university founded in 1968. Almost 10 thousand students study here. This is a non-state university, you need to pay 10 thousand euros for a year of study. It is one of the most prestigious.


• Montpellier University(University of Montpellier). It is state-owned, for a year of study you need to pay a fee, which is 100-300 euros. Here they teach medicine, natural sciences, and humanities.


• Strasbourg University(Université de Strasbourg). For training, it is enough to pay only a fee, in the amount of 200-400 euros. Founded in 1538. Here you can study chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, sociology and law.


• Picardy University(University of Picardie). Founded in 1970. Refers to state universities, tuition is free. The fee differs from the chosen direction, it is 300-400 euros per year.


• Lyon University(Université de Lyon). It is one of the largest. There are about 127 thousand students. Here they teach medicine, natural sciences, philology. law and economics. A huge number of specialties are represented. It was founded in 1809 and is a government agency. The amount of the fee needs to be specified, it all depends on the chosen specialty. Usually does not exceed 500-600 euros per year.


• University of Nantes(Université de Nantes). Located in the city of the same name, founded back in 1460. Three main areas are presented: humanities, natural sciences, law. Programs are presented for training bachelors, masters, graduate students. This is a state university, and it only requires payment of fees in the amount of 100-500 euros.

Higher education in France for Russians

The procedure for admission of Russians does not differ from the conditions for admission of the French. It is necessary to provide documents:

• Photocopy of 3 and 4 pages of the international passport.
• Application for admission. (The questionnaire is available on the university website).
• Language proficiency certificate. (TCF, TEF, DELF, TOEFL, IELTS).
• Birth certificate. Translated into English or French as desired. (Certificat de naissance).
• Certificate or diploma with a statement of grades. It is desirable to translate into French. (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires complètes, Diplôme de Bakalavre).

Documents in French:

• Resume - CV.
• Motivation letter - Lettre de motivation.
• Letters of recommendation - Lettres de recommandation.
• Exams in French: TCF, TEF, DELF, DALF.

The main difference is the confirmation of the knowledge of the language. The rest of the procedure is similar: documents are submitted, then the applicant is interviewed. If the faculty provides entrance tests, he prepares for them and passes them. Based on the results of the interview, the documents provided, the university decides whether to enroll the applicant or not. Usually, after 2-3 months, an answer comes from the institution, which says whether the citizen entered or not.

Tuition fees are different. If a private educational institution is chosen, the average person will spend 10-15 thousand euros per year. If a state university is chosen, education is not paid. Only a fee of 200-800 euros per year is payable. It is different for each institution. The more prestigious the establishment, the higher the fee.

In addition to paying for tuition, the student will have to pay for housing. Many establishments provide hostels. They pay 200-300 euros per month. Some students rent housing, but it is more expensive, it costs 500-700 euros per month. On average, food will cost 300-500 euros per month, but it all depends on the preferences of the person, the amount of food consumed. Some students actively move around the city during their studies. you will need a travel card. Its cost is 50-100 euros per month. In large cities, it is more expensive.

Second degree

Russian citizens can study in France as part of a second higher education. They are enrolled in the 2-3 course, submit identical documents as applicants for the first higher education. The conditions are identical, the only difference is that you need to provide a full extract of the diploma with all grades and the number of hours.

This stage is available to those with a bachelor's degree. Education remains free; grants are additionally provided to talented applicants. If he wins the grant, then he will be paid a monthly stipend that will cover housing costs.

How to get higher education for free

A free option for obtaining higher education in France is possible if a person enrolled in a state university, or won a grant from one university or another. Grants are published annually on university websites with all the requirements and deadlines for submission of documents. The most talented applicants receive grants. In addition to free education, they receive a scholarship that covers all expenses.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are many advantages to getting an education in this country.:

• Higher education in France for foreigners is provided free of charge.
• The payment for a hostel, food is relatively low compared to other European countries.
• The French diploma is appreciated all over the world. It is prestigious to get an education in this country.
• The package of documents is small.
• You can study in English, not just French. This is a nice feature of education if the person does not know French.

Despite the pros, there are also downsides. These include the need to pass language exams, translation of documents into French in accordance with GOST and certain standards, payment of state fees. No more cons were identified.

1. French educational institutions have a very high dropout rate. It reaches 70% in some universities. This means that students are expected to take their studies seriously.


2. There are very few student residences. It is believed that only a select few, the most talented students live in dormitories. Foreigners should tune in in advance to search for housing.


3. In universities, not a 5-point assessment system, but a 20-point one. The passing mark is 10, corresponding to a three; 12-15 points - four; 16-18 points is a five. Above 18 points are given very rarely, this is an A plus. It is received by 1% of students.


4. France has a huge discount on the student pass. You can buy it for a month for 10 cents for all types of transport.


5. Examinations at universities are only written, there are no oral exams.


6. In the classroom, students do not verbally answer, but only listen and write down information.


7. The higher school (Grandes Écoles), in contrast to the university, is more strict on applicants. Only the most talented can enter it.


8. France is an attractive country for foreigners. It allows you to get education for free, with a minimum package of documents.

The universities of France themselves, as well as the level of education provided in them, are included in the small number of things to which the French are extremely scrupulous. The minimum doubt about the quality of education is caused by a huge number of checks and close attention of the Ministry of Education, especially when the educational institution is state-owned. If it is confirmed that the programs or level of higher education does not meet the standards, the reaction follows immediately. Thanks to this approach, French universities have gained immense popularity in the world, and the flow of foreign students is increasing from year to year.

Even the eternal opponents, English universities, admit that they do not see much difference in the level of education between Britain and France. Even more, French universities conduct many more different exams and tests to ensure that students have fully mastered the required material. Therefore, foreign applicants are warned in advance that they will have to study every day and there will be no indulgences for foreign guests. So Ukrainians who managed to graduate from an educational institution in this state can be sure that they will easily find a job in Europe, since Europeans know firsthand how highly qualified specialists are graduated from universities in France.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION TO UNIVERSITIES IN FRANCE

Universities in France have additional attractiveness for Ukrainians. You can enter them immediately after school, a certificate with normal marks is enough. This ease of admission is fully offset by the ease of deduction. Universities in France do not even require passing entrance exams in order not to miss the "shy genius" or the future engineer-inventor devoid of oratory. But during training, they part with careless students without regret.

The École normale supérieure sets slightly different requirements for applicants. You can get an education in this educational institution only after completing special training programs, receiving a bachelor's degree in another university or having studied for at least 2 years at a university.

Most of the courses offered by French universities are in French, especially at the undergraduate level. In the most popular specialties, for which the demand is highest among foreign students, programs in English have been introduced. But a Ukrainian, regardless of the language of instruction, will have to confirm knowledge of French or English, and better both languages. Proficiency in English is confirmed by passing IELTS or TOEFL exams, it is even easier for French-speaking applicants, they have the opportunity to do this in the educational institution itself.

THE PROCESS OF ADMISSION TO FRENCH UNIVERSITIES (HOW TO DO)

Universities in France finish accepting applications for admission 2 months before the start of classes, i.e. until July 1 of the current year, since studies start on September 1. Ukrainians should start the admission process as early as possible, since different universities in France ask for completely different additional documents. If you did not have time to prepare and send them, then the application is considered incompletely completed and will not be accepted for consideration.

The scheme of admission and the main documents that universities in France require:

• complete and thorough filling out of the application for admission, indicating the faculty and the language of instruction;
• simultaneously with the application, a receipt for payment of the fee for the examination of documents is sent;
• a copy of the passport and 1-2 photographs (as for a passport) are required;
• a certified copy of the certificate (diploma) with grades;
• all diplomas, certificates, etc. about the completion of any courses or an extract from the university, if you studied at it or are still studying;
• confirmation of knowledge of the English (French) language;
• applicants from non-EU countries, including Ukrainians, are often required to have a certified copy of a birth certificate;
• you also need confirmation of financial solvency sufficient for comfortable living and studying in France;
• writing an essay in which you must convince the management of the educational institution to accept you for study (it is better to entrust the writing to professionals).

Often universities in France ask to confirm the possibility of obtaining a visa to the country, but now this happens less and less.

UNIVERSITIES IN FRANCE: TRAINING PROGRAMS

Universities in France offer a standard European gradation of education:

• bachelor;
• master;
• candidate or doctor of science.

The only difference from other countries is the completion of the École normale supérieure, since, along with the acquired degree, the graduate actually receives the title. But it is extremely difficult for Ukrainians to enter such universities in France.

BEST UNIVERSITIES IN FRANCE (RATED)

In recent years, international and French rankings have been remarkably unanimous in choosing a winner. Moreover, the leader is only conditionally included in the nomination "Universities of France", since it bears a name recognizable all over the world: Ecole Normale Supérieure (Paris).

ENS Paris has been operating since 1793 and during this time has trained 13 Nobel laureates. The strongest faculties are considered to be humanities and natural sciences.

Next comes another representative from Paris - École Polytechnique. It is the strongest technical university in France, one of the founders of ParisTech.

Specifically, the universities of France among the best institutions are represented only by Université Pierre et Marie Curie, which until 1971 was part of the Sorbonne (University of Paris). Now it is the most famous French center for medicine and natural sciences.

The École Normale Supérieure de Lyon has noticeably improved its position in the rankings. Everyone appreciated her achievements in the humanities and natural sciences.

The top five is closed by CentraleSupélec, most likely the future winner of all ratings. The institution was founded only in 2015, when Supélec (Graduate School of Engineering) and École Centrale Paris merged. Backed by a strong scientific base, engineering shocked France with a number of new inventions and developments.

As you can see, among the best universities there are only state institutions and not a single private one.

France's higher education institutions are among the best known in Europe. The history of many of them dates back to the 11th century. For centuries, these oldest universities were considered privileged, and only representatives of the upper class could study there.

In our time, the French Ministry of Education is pursuing a different policy, making education at any of the universities publicly available. Education in France is as democratic as possible not only for fellow citizens, but also for foreigners.

If we focus solely on the QS rating, then the situation does not look promising. Only 11 higher education institutions in France are among the 250 best in the world. However, it should be remembered that the rating takes into account not only the quality of education, but also the number of graduates. Although even the best French universities do not have a noticeable social or property qualification, they remain elite - precisely because of the small enrollment rate.

For example, the prestige of the Higher Normal School in Paris is so great that its graduates have almost one hundred percent guarantees of employment in any research center in the world. But the institution is not included in the world's top twenty only because it accepts no more than 200-300 students per year.

Not only engineering is appreciated, but also humanitarian and musical education received in France. Graduates of French educational institutions, including foreigners, are successfully employed in this country, which, if necessary, facilitates the relocation procedure.

Higher education

The age from which you can get secondary education is 18 years. To assess progress, there are semester and final exams, held in May and November. The grading system is point-based, includes points from 0 to 20. Successful completion of master's and doctoral studies requires writing the corresponding scientific degree of work.

A short educational course lasting 2-3 years prepares specialists in the service and production sectors for employment within France. The long-term course provides for the receipt of internationally recognized bachelor's degrees (3 years of study) and master's degrees (5 years).

Education programs

In France, as in many European countries, specialization begins from preschool age. The child is brought up and trained in accordance with his natural inclinations and talents. Both school and higher education are built on the same principle.

The system of the latter is represented by three different types of establishments.

1. State-funded classical universities do not require entrance examinations, unless it is about admission to a specialized university that is a branch of the university. Levels of study: bachelor's, master's degrees of the first and second years of study, doctoral studies;
2. Higher schools are both public and private institutions that provide higher specialized education in specific profiles - management, pedagogy, IT, etc. Preparation for training begins with specialized secondary education. It is in the Higher Schools that the majority of future ministers begin their careers. Such training is valued higher than general university education;
3. Specialized schools teach the most narrowly specialized specialties, mainly in the subjects corresponding to the specialization. The recruitment in them is extremely limited and is carried out on the basis of exam results.

Conditions for admission

A Russian, including a schoolchild who has finished 9-11 grades, can enter a French university without exams. The only thing that is required of him is knowledge of French or English.

You must successfully pass language tests:

• TCF or DELF / DALF for teaching in French;
• TOEFL or IELTS - for English-language programs.

For admission to a higher or specialized school, exams are required. Russian students at the initial stage of study will not be accepted there: it makes sense to enroll only starting from the fourth year of a domestic university.

Required documents

There is no single standard for the filing of submitted documents in France, each university has its own requirements, which are better known in advance when contacting the administration.

Typically required:

• Notarized translation of education documents into French;
• Motivation and recommendation letters;
• Certified document confirming the level of proficiency in French or English;
• Copy of foreign passport and student visa;
• A copy and a notarized translation of a certificate of employment, if the prospective student is already employed.
• The application period is approximately from January to April.

Cost of education

The state fully or partially subsidizes all higher education institutions in France. The course of university education in French in this country is free - only registration fees are paid, which are the same for any of the universities.

Price indicators:

• The tuition fee for undergraduate studies at the university is 188 euros, for master's degrees - 259 euros;
• Teaching in English will cost a student much more - up to 6 thousand euros per semester;
• In a public higher school, a year of study costs from 500 to 1000, in a private one - up to 20 thousand euros;
• The cost of education in a specialized school is from 250 to 13,000 annually.

In addition, in all universities, students pay an insurance premium - 200 euros per year.

The financial problems in obtaining education in France for Russians and citizens of other countries of the former USSR are not so much in paying for their studies as in living.

If a foreigner is unable to prove that he can spend at least a few thousand euros annually on life, it is difficult for him to obtain a study visa. However, there are numerous scholarships and grants available to help solve this problem.

Is it possible to get education for free

Universities in France, unlike higher and specialized schools, teach free of charge - including foreign students. This does not mean that you will not have to pay at all. There are registration and insurance fees, payment for food, accommodation and library services - the list can be continued depending on the specifics of training.

Still, studying in the best French universities is much cheaper than in private provincial universities in the Russian Federation, not to mention higher-level Russian educational institutions.

Government grants and scholarships

Social Security is a one-time compensation for social expenses that is awarded every year by the French government to several graduate students. Thanks to this grant, the future master is exempted from visa and education fees, and also receives significant benefits when paying for student housing. However, the number of fellows is small - about three dozen.

List of scholarships:

• Learning coverage is a government scholarship with a monthly payment of 767 euros, as well as a free study visa and reduced living. Unfortunately, it is limited to nine months;
• Eiffel scholarship for future masters and doctors are awarded only to those of them whose training has achieved outstanding results. The number of annual fellows is 400, the amount of the monthly payment is 1400 euros, the duration is from two (master's) to three (doctoral) years;
• Poincaré Scholarship provided not only for French-speaking, but also for English-language programs. Education in other foreign languages, including Russian, is not included in the Poincaré scholarship;
• Scholarship of the French Embassy in Russia provides for teaching French to 18 best students from the Russian Federation. The duration of a language course at a French university is three weeks. The scholarship covers flight costs, insurance premiums and living in a host family, as well as personal expenses in the amount of 200 euros;
• Specific Russian-French program- a scholarship from Vernadsky. It is awarded to graduate students who write dissertations simultaneously under Russian and French scientific supervision. This scholarship provides the opportunity to visit the French supervisor four times during the writing of the dissertation. Provides a scholarship for a year and four months in the amount of 767 euros per month.
• Empire scholarship awarded by the Lyon Higher Normal School is designed to invite 20 students from abroad to complete their Master's degrees during the year. There is a monthly payment of 1,000 euros for each scholarship holder. The level of required knowledge of French or English - starting from C1.

Grants from educational institutions are awarded by French universities and high schools.

The grants awarded by the École Normale du Graduate School of Paris provide for up to 25 scholarships under the Sélection Internationale program. Each of them is calculated for 1000 euros monthly for two to three years of study. It is possible to apply for a grant from the third university course.

In order to study in scientific specialties, you must be fluent in both French and English. For the humanities, only French is enough.

The scholarships awarded by the French Collegiate College are similar in size, benefits and duration to government tuition coverage. For most Russians, they are not available. In the Russian Federation, they are distributed among themselves by Moscow and St. Petersburg among the humanitarian and law faculties of universities.

Features of internship and exchange programs

There are many good internship and student exchange programs out there. The most popular ones are:

• Internship in Paris;
• Work & travel in France;
• Au-Pair in France.

Most often, such programs operate for students studying at the faculties of a foreign language, as well as hospitality and tourism management. There is an opportunity here not only to learn something, but also to make money: as a rule, in the service sector. The minimum wage according to French state standards is 540 euros per month.

Accommodation and meals for students

A person who wants to get a job for a period of study in France has two options: go to the private sector or get a job on a student campus (dormitory) at a higher educational institution. Private traders offer a wide variety of not only apartments, but also prices - it all depends on the living conditions.

The number of places on campuses is usually limited, so it is best to apply as early as possible. The government partially reimburses student housing costs (in the amount of 20 to 40%). Accommodation on campus will cost about 140-400 euros per month, meals - 130-200.

Top universities in the country

1. (Higher Normal School in Paris) is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, founded in 1794. It trained such celebrities as Louis Pasteur, Jean-Paul Sartre, Emile Durkheim. And today, graduates of the Higher Normal School are valued as specialists in the field of exact, natural and humanitarian sciences not only in France, but throughout the world;
2. (University of Pierre and Marie Curie) is the largest scientific and medical complex in France. Includes over a hundred laboratories associated with CNRS. Known for the highest level of teaching in exact, natural and medical disciplines;
3. (University Paris-South) specializes in teaching exact and technical sciences. It includes 111 laboratory complexes, 2200 world famous professors are involved in teaching;
4. (Strasbourg University) is part of the international Utrecht network of leading European universities in Europe. 18 of its alumni have been awarded the Nobel Prize in various nominations.