Studying in French Schools
French schools are either public or private, with public schools offering free education in French and private schools teaching in English. Public school education is free for residents, while non-residents must apply to private or international schools, where fees range from €35,000 to €40,000 annually, including accommodation and meals. Parents can visit their children with a tourist visa, as visas for accompanying minors are not issued.
For more details on studying in France, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation. In the comments section, you can post your questions about immigration to France and receive a response in a short time.
Educational System of French Schools
The French education system is divided into three stages: primary education, lower secondary education, upper secondary education (high school), and higher education.
- Preschool
Education in French schools starts at the age of three, with children attending preschool (maternelle). However, formal and compulsory education begins in primary school at the age of six.
- Primary Education
Primary school, or école primaire, lasts for five years, and students in this stage are between six and eleven years old.
- Secondary Education
Secondary education is divided into two stages: lower secondary and upper secondary. Lower secondary education occurs between the ages of 11 and 15. On the other hand, upper secondary students enter high school during the last three years, and after completing their studies, they can apply for a bachelor’s degree from best universities in France.
- Higher Education
Higher education includes obtaining either a vocational degree or an academic degree (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees).
The table below explains all the related details about the educational levels of French schools:
| School | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ecole Maternelle & Creches (Preschool) | 3 to 6 years | Learning reading and writing, introduction to numbers, foreign language learning, art activities |
| Ecole Primaire or Ecole Elémentaire (Elementary School) | 6 to 11 years | Covers grades 1 to 5 (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2), including French, mathematics, geography, history, art, foreign languages |
| Collège (Middle School) | 11 to 15 years | At the end of this stage, students take an exam called “Brevet,” which determines if they can continue to Lycée or Lycée Professionnel. Subjects include French, mathematics, geography, history, art and music, foreign languages, vocational skills, sports, and science |
| Lycée (High School) | 15 to 18 years | Includes general, classical, and technical high schools. Students take the “Baccalauréat” (Bac) exam at the end, equivalent to a high school diploma |
| Lycée Professionnel or Lycées Pros (Vocational High Schools) | 15 to 17 years | Offers direct entry to the workforce after graduation. Includes two types of qualifications: “Baccalauréat Professionnel” (Bac Pro), combining general and vocational subjects, and “Brevet d’Enseignement Professionnel” (BEP) or “Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnel” (CAP) for apprenticeships (technical, construction, agriculture, gardening jobs). |
Conditions for Studying in French Schools
Admission to French schools varies by institution. International students must apply 3-4 months in advance, contacting the school and submitting required documents. For primary and middle schools, language proficiency is not typically required, though a language certificate may be needed for 11th and 12th grades.
Good grades and financial resources are essential for acceptance and obtaining a student visa. Once accepted, tuition fees for one year are required upfront. French schools maintain high educational standards, and their programs align with European standards. Knowledge of French is sufficient for enrollment, with no certificate needed. It’s recommended to explore multiple school options for the best fit.
Steps for Registering in French Schools
To register your child in French schools at the pre-school and primary levels, you must follow these steps:
- Initial registration at the Mairie or the Prefecture
- Collecting the required documents
- School insurance (Assurance Scolaire)
- School registration
After obtaining the registration certificate from Mairie, you must visit the designated school to complete the process. To register in high school, as previously mentioned, you must contact the school directly. The town hall or department office will guide you if needed.
Studying in Public Schools in France
The cost of studying in public schools in France (écoles publiques) is free. Parents of students who reside in France can register their child in public schools. The language of instruction in public schools is French and no tuition fees are collected from the students; in other words, applicants benefit from free education in France. Students are not required to wear school uniforms in public schools, but in some private schools, this rule is applied.
It is interesting to note that contrary to schools in Iran, French schools do not have compulsory religious education, and this subject is taught optionally in schools. In the next section, we will discuss tuition fees for studying in French schools and introduce some of the top schools in France to you.
Studying in Private Schools in France
Private schools in France, particularly bilingual international schools, are a popular choice for non-French nationals. These schools provide a multicultural environment that enhances language skills, broadens vocabulary, and helps overcome language barriers.
Boarding schools in France offer high-quality education aligned with European standards, and their graduates often gain admission to top global universities. Many boarding schools teach both English and French, with some offering additional foreign languages. This setting also allows students to form international connections and build successful careers.
Required Documents for Admission to French Schools
For international students seeking admission to French schools, generally, specific documents are required for registration, although requirements may vary slightly depending on the institution and program:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate (translated and certified if necessary)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Academic certificates with transcripts
- Official letter of acceptance from the French institution
- Proof of residence in France (e.g., rental contract or confirmation of university housing)
- Financial documents demonstrating the ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Study visa
Cost of Studying in France
The cost of studying in France is one of the most important issues that applicants should pay attention to. The cost of studying in French schools depends on the type of schools chosen by the applicant. Public schools do not have fees, and the applicant can study there for free.
Conversely, international students are required to pay tuition fees for studying in private schools. Generally, the average cost of studying in boarding and international schools in France can be considered between 30,000 to 40,000 euros.
Conditions for Accommodation for Students in France
Student accommodation in France is available as home stay (living with appointed guardians) or in dormitories at boarding schools. For the 5-day accommodation model (Sunday night to Friday afternoon), schools organize recreational activities like museum visits, shopping, and sightseeing. Boarding school costs typically cover tuition, food, and related expenses, while home stay accommodation costs around 500 euros per week.
Student Visa for French Schools
To apply for a student visa in France, the student must first obtain admission from their desired school and then submit the required documents to the French embassy. The French student visa is called VLS-TS and is considered a type of long-term visa for France, which can be renewed annually until the end of the study period. Naturally, the accuracy and completeness of the documents submitted to the embassy will increase the chances of obtaining a French student visa.
The required documents for obtaining a student visa in France are as follows:
- Academic Admission
- Completed Student Visa Application Form
- Certificate of travel history to France (if applicable)
- Passport photo
- Valid passport
- ID card
- Parental consent
- A letter of motivation for study
- Health certificate
- Study insurance
- Determination of accommodation status during the period of study
- Certificate of financial means
- School tuition payment receipt
- Visa fee payment receipt
All mentioned documents must be translated into English or French and have the stamp of the judiciary and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dependent Visa for Studying in French Schools
Some countries have provided an opportunity for parents of individuals under 18 years of age studying in their country to obtain a guardian visa, allowing one or both of them to travel to France and be near their children; unfortunately, this option does not exist in France, and the French government only provides accompanying visas at the university level and only for the spouse and children of the visa holder.
Dear parents can be present alongside their children in France by obtaining a French tourist visa or through the method of self-sufficiency visa in France. This method is one through which individuals can obtain residency in France simply by demonstrating the necessary capital without paying it to the French government.
Introducing the Best Schools in France
The best schools for further education in France include:
| Public Schools in France | International Schools in France |
|---|---|
| Lycée Saint Joseph Public School | ETRE ET DÉCOUVRIR ECOLE INTERNATIONAL BILINGUAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL |
| Lycée Sainte Marie Public School | PRUNELLE SCHOOL MONTESSORI BILINGUAL |
| Lycée Blanche de Castille Public School | LENNE BILINGUAL SCHOOL |
| Lycée Sainte Agnès Public School | OPEN SKY INTERNATIONAL |
| Lycée Louis Querbes Public School | MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARIS |
| Lycée Bourg Chevreau St Anne Public School | BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PARIS |
Residency in France After Completing Education
After finishing classes in France, students must extend their visa for the new school year and after graduation, they must return to their home country. However, students who have completed their university education can, if they find work in France, have the opportunity for permanent residency after 5 years of residency and compliance with the laws of the country, and ultimately obtain citizenship and French passport.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Studying in French Schools
- What is the language of instruction in French schools?
French schools are divided into two types, public and private. In public schools, the language of instruction is French, while in private schools it is English.
- What is the cost of private schools in France?
The average cost of studying in boarding and international schools in France can be considered between 35,000 to 40,000 euros.
- Is it possible to bring an accompanying visa while students study in French schools?
If the parents hold residency in France, they can be the guardians of the student; otherwise, the school itself will act as the guardian.
- Is hygiene maintained in French schools?
Yes, hygiene in French schools is a very important matter, and the management of schools, especially private ones, pays attention to this and is maintained by students.
- Are Iranian schools found in France?
Yes, Saadi High School in Paris is one of the notable examples.
Conclusion:
This article outlines the conditions for studying in French schools, including public and private options. Public schools offer free education in French, while private schools charge tuition and offer programs in English. A major benefit of studying in France is the opportunity to continue education at French universities for free. Student accommodation options include dormitories or homestays. For more information or free consultation, contact the Malekpour Institute or leave your questions in the comments section.
