An Introduction to Bachelor’s Degree in France
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in France offers affordable education, with nearly free tuition for French and EU students, and lower costs for international students compared to other European countries. Most programs do not require an entrance exam, and while instruction is primarily in French, some courses are available in English. Students must have health insurance, which is partially covered by French universities.
For more information on studying in France and other countries, contact Malekpour Institute for a free consultation. You can also ask your questions about immigration to France in the comments section and receive answers in a short time.
Conditions for Studying Bachelor’s Degree in France
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in France offers great career opportunities due to the country’s high-ranking universities and favorable job market. France attracts international students with free education, low living costs, and various student job options. Most bachelor’s programs do not require entrance exams, except for fields like medicine, which have specific requirements.
Students can study for free at public universities by proving their French language proficiency, with only minimal tuition fees. Additionally, students can enhance their French skills through language courses after admission. A bachelor’s degree in France typically takes 3 years to complete, requiring 180 credit hours.
Despite the possibility of studying in English in some fields, learning French is recommended for living in France and working in the country. The duration of the bachelor’s program in France is normally 3 years, and students are required to complete 180 credit hours during this period.
Steps for Admission and Studying Bachelor’s Degree
The steps for admission and studying bachelor’s programs in France are generally as follows:
1. Choosing a major: First, you need to choose your field of study and determine your desired curriculum.
2. French language: One of the most important steps is learning French. You should have the ability to speak, write, and understand the language. Language tests such as DELF or TCF may be required.
3. Choosing a university: After choosing your major and improving your language skills, you need to select a university in France for your studies. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the universities and their programs.
4. Online application: You can apply for admission by uploading the required documents through the university’s website.
5. Entrance exams: Some bachelor’s programs require passing entrance exams, and you must achieve the required scores in tests like SAT or ACT.
6. Interview: Some universities may conduct an interview for admission.
7. Financial options: For studying in France, you must have the necessary financial means to cover your tuition, living, and accommodation expenses.
8. Admission: After the stages of choosing a major, exams, interviews, and financial considerations, you may receive an official admission letter from the university.
9. Immigration and residency: After acceptance, you need to apply for residency permission.
10. Start of studies: Upon admission to the university, you can start your studies in France.
Required Documents for Admission to Bachelor’s Degree in France
After being accepted into their desired university, undergraduate students in France must complete and submit the required documents. The required documents for admission to a bachelor’s program in France include:
- A 12-year diploma recognized by the French education system
- High school transcript
- Payment of tuition fees for at least one year
- Language proficiency certificate: IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 or B2 in French
- Identification documents including passport, recent photo, birth certificate, national ID card, etc.
- A motivational letter showing your purpose for studying
Language Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree in France
In France, undergraduate degrees are primarily taught in French, with a few programs offered in English. While an IELTS score of 6 or a TOEFL score of 550 is required for English programs, a B2-level French certificate is needed for French-taught degrees.
Students lacking a B2 certificate can improve their French skills by attending language courses after admission. Those with beginner-level French (A1-A2) and a strong motivation to study in France can still pursue a bachelor’s degree by enrolling in language courses to enhance their experience.
Grade Requirement for Bachelor’s Degree in France
To apply for a bachelor’s degree in France, a minimum grade of 12/20 (equivalent to a B in the European grading system) is typically required. A high GPA, along with financial stability and proficiency in French, significantly increases the chances of admission and success.
A strong GPA not only helps secure a French student visa but also makes students eligible for financial aid and attracts employers, facilitating easier entry into part-time job markets, especially in competitive fields like medicine and dentistry.
Age Requirement for Bachelor’s Degree in France
In France, there is no strict age limit for pursuing a bachelor’s degree, making it accessible to immigrants of all ages. However, to streamline the visa process, it’s best to apply before 23 for a bachelor’s, 30 for a master’s, and 35 for a doctoral program. Applying early not only helps with visa approval but also accelerates the path to permanent residency and French citizenship after graduation.
Best Universities in France for Bachelor’s Degree
France’s government allocates significant funding for education, creating an ideal environment for students, especially international ones, pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Public universities offer free education and essential student services such as health insurance, transportation passes, meal options, and discounts on dormitories. Paris is home to top-ranked universities, making it an attractive destination for higher education. These factors, combined with strong support services, make France a popular choice for students.
The names of the best universities in France at the bachelor’s level are listed below:
- Sorbonne University (Paris University)
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- École Polytechnique
- University of Paris Sciences
- PSL University
- Pierre and Marie Curie University
- École Normale Supérieure
- University of Paris
- Sorbón, Pantheon-Sorbonne University
- University of Technology
- Diderot University
- Dauphine University
Several of the above universities are located in the best areas of Paris, such as next to the National Museum of Natural History, the Seine River, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Luxembourg Garden, while others are situated in the suburbs, all boasting excellent facilities.
Cost of Studying in France at the Bachelor’s Degree
In France, public universities offer free education for EU students, with a small annual fee of 400 euros for registration and additional costs. Non-EU students must be proficient in French to study at public universities or opt for private institutions, where tuition ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 euros per year.
The average student living cost is 1,000–1,200 euros per month in Paris and 700 euros in smaller cities. To minimize expenses, students should study in French at public universities, live in dormitories (30-40% cheaper than renting), and consider student jobs, which pay up to 12 euros per hour.
Scholarships for Bachelor’s Degree in France
Scholarships in France, supported by the government and financial institutions, primarily assist financially disadvantaged and high-achieving students. To apply, students must complete an online form. While bachelor’s degrees in France are generally tuition-free for students with B2-level French proficiency, scholarships, such as the Emile Boutmy scholarship (8,000–12,000 euros), are available to help with costs.
These scholarships often cover travel, accommodation, and healthcare expenses. Most scholarship programs are focused on research and are more common at the master’s and doctoral levels.
- École Normale Supérieure scholarship
- Grenoble Institute of Technology Scholarship
- Emile Boutmy scholarships (founder of Sciences Po)
- Lyon École Normale Supérieure Scholarship
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
Duration of Bachelor’s Degree in France
The duration of bachelor’s degree in France is usually three years and includes 180 credit hours. To graduate in most fields available at the bachelor’s level in France, there is no need to present a thesis or final paper, and students successfully obtain this degree simply with passing grades. It’s noteworthy that some institutions and universities offer shorter courses that can last from one to two years.
These short-term courses are language courses and internships offered at many colleges and universities in France. For participating in academic courses lasting less than six months, obtaining a “temporary long stay visa” is essential, and for studies exceeding six months, a “long stay visa” must be acquired.
Deadline and Start Dates for Bachelor’s Degree in France
The deadlines and start dates for bachelor’s degree in France are announced through university websites; however, generally, the fall semester begins in late September and the spring semester in early February, with student registration usually occurring in June.
According to this information, students need to submit their applications online two months prior to the start of the semester. Another point is that some universities in France are very sensitive regarding deadline dates, while others allow students to complete their application forms even a few days after the semester starts by keeping the admissions section open.
List of Bachelor’s Major in France
Choosing a high-demand major for a bachelor’s degree in France can expedite permanent residency and obtaining a French passport. Medicine and dentistry are among the best fields for this, with no entrance exams required, but strong performance in the first-year exams is essential for progression. Medical education in France lasts 9 years and includes paid internships starting from the third year. Other lucrative fields of study include engineering and technology, benefiting from France’s strong industrial economy.
| Persian | English |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | Archaeology |
| Biomedical Engineering | Urban Planning and Environment |
| Aerospace Engineering | Medicine |
| Economics | Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Computer Science and IT | Law |
| Management | Transportation |
| Arts | Dentistry |
| Life Sciences and Biotechnology | French Language |
| Political Science | Social Sciences |
Required Documents for Student Visa for Bachelor’s Degree in France
The student visa for France comes in various types and is issued depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the duration of their intended stay. Types of study visas in France include student Schengen visa, visa for participating in university entrance exams, temporary long-term visa, long-term student visa, and research visa.
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in France is impossible for non-European students without a student visa. The application for a French student visa is submitted through the online DAP application system, which provides results to students in French. Required documents for the student visa for bachelor’s degree in France include:
- Admission letter from the university
- Applicant’s passport
- Copy of passport pages
- Completing and submitting the visa application form
- Copy of diploma and transcript, translated into French
- Translation of birth certificate and national ID card into French
- Complete CV
- Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background
- Financial competence statement
- Opening a bank account in France and depositing 6,000 euros
- Health certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Documents proving residence in France (rental agreement, address, etc.)
Student Work in France During Bachelor’s Degree
In France, undergraduate students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during breaks. Student jobs are flexible, not limited to university domains, and can be arranged outside of class hours to avoid conflicts. This opportunity helps students cover living expenses and gain experience in the French job market, which can be beneficial for future permanent residency in France. Students with disabilities can also work from their first semester.
Dependent Student Visa in France for Bachelor’s Degree
Applying for a bachelor’s degree in France offers free education and the opportunity to obtain a student visa. A key benefit is the ability to apply for a dependent visa for the spouse and children under 18, which can be renewed for up to five years. The dependent visa is similar to a tourist visa, initially valid for one year. This option also applies to EU nationals. To apply for the French student visa, certain requirements must be met, including proof of financial support and enrollment in a recognized institution.
- The applicant must hold a valid residency permit for at least one year
- Proven financial capacity for housing for themselves and dependents and living expenses
- Clearance certificate
- Providing documents regarding the place of residence
Advantages of Studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in France
International students wishing to participate in bachelor’s programs in France should be aware of the benefits associated with studying at this level. Some of these benefits include:
- Studying in significant fields such as photography, design, and fashion
- Affordable tuition costs compared to other countries
- Possibility of completing internships with a wage
- Supportive environment for innovation
- Offering undergraduate courses in English and Spanish
- Streamlined visa processing
- Access to scholarships
- Quality education
Residency in France After Completing Bachelor’s Degree
In immigrant-friendly countries like France, work and self-sufficiency are faster paths to permanent residency compared to methods like marriage, birth, asylum, business registration, or real estate purchase. After completing a bachelor’s degree, students have one year to transition from a student visa to an employment or business visa.
During this time, they can work up to 20 hours per week with a temporary job permit. After securing full-time employment or running a successful business for five years, they can apply for permanent residency. Two years after obtaining permanent residency, they are eligible for a French passport.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bachelor’s Degree in France
- What three factors significantly influence the success of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in France?
High GPA, proficiency in French, and financial capacity.
- Is it possible to study in France at the bachelor’s level without a French language certificate?
Yes, if you have at least a basic understanding of the French language, you can improve your skills to the desired level by participating in college programs before starting your main study.
- What are the best fields for studying in France at the bachelor’s level?
Medicine and dentistry are the most financially rewarding fields in France, with students receiving salaries from their third year onwards.
- What is the annual cost of studying bachelor’s degrees in France at private universities in English?
Typically ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 euros, depending on the field, it may rise to 8,000 euros.
- Is it possible to work while studying for a bachelor’s degree in France?
Yes, undergraduate students in France are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours a week.
Conclusion:
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in France has become increasingly popular, thanks to government funding for education. EU students enjoy tuition-free education, while non-EU students pay affordable fees at public universities. Paris, home to many internationally recognized universities, is also a hub for tourism. Graduates can apply for a work visa, leading to permanent residency and a French passport after five years of full-time work. Admissions are generally straightforward, and no entrance exams are required. Scholarships are mostly available for research and higher-degree programs.
For more information on studying in France and services provided by Malekpour Institute, contact us or fill out the contact form on our website.
