Higher education in France: what are the differences with other countries?

Studely
December 4, 2025

Are you hesitating between France, Belgium and Germany for your studies? This guide compares cost, language, admissions, student life, internships, and job opportunities to help you choose. Discover the concrete differences, advantages and constraints of each country in order to find the option that fits your project and your budget.

Why choose France for your studies? What is changing compared to Belgium and Germany


Are you wondering what really sets the france, the belgium And thegermany ?
In summary: substructure, tongue and reconnaissance.
En france, you will find a mixture ofpublic universities, ofspecialized schools (engineers, commerce, art, etc.) and institutions Private post-baccalaureate.
En belgium, the courses depend on the regions, between universities and colleges.
En germany, the system is based on universities And the Fachhochschulen (applied education schools).

In terms of degrees, licenses, masters and doctorates follow the European LMD model, widely recognized across Europe.
Before you start, remember to check the equivalences on the site of Campus France to avoid unpleasant surprises.

  • Language is really a game changer:

En france, the training offer in English is expanding, especially at the master level.
En belgium, you can study in frenchmen, in dutch Or in English, depending on the region.
En germany, most licenses are still in german, but international masters in English are multiplying.
In terms of professional integration, each country has its advantages:
Thegermany focuses on the practical training of Fachhochschulen,
The france Valorize Its Grandes Écoles in some sectors,
And the belgium Constitutes a Excellent door of entry to Europe thanks to its positioning and the diversity of its degrees.

Cost, Language, and Admissions: What You Need to Know Before Applying

  • Tuition fees
  • En france, public universities remain very affordable for international students (reduced Campus France fees), even if some international programs or private schools may be more expensive.
    En germany, most public training courses are free, only administrative contributions are requested.
    En belgium, the amounts vary according to the region and your student status (European or not).
    The cost of living

    Living in Paris is more expensive than elsewhere: account 800 to 1,200€ per month, against 500 to 800€ in a medium-sized city. This budget includes housing, transport and food.
    Admissions

    The procedures differ depending on the country:
    En france, bachelor's degree applications go through Campus France or Parcoursup.
    En germany, some universities use the platform Uni‑assist.
    En belgium, enrolments are made directly at the university level or often depend on the linguistic community (French, Flemish or German-speaking).
    Language and tests

    Prepare the right certificates according to the language of instruction:
    DELF/DALF for French,

  • TestDaF/DSH for German,
  • TOEFL/IELTS for English.
  • Also, consider having your statements translated by a sworn translator.

    Studely's role in your career


    Studely accompanies foreign students at each stage of their projectStudying in France :

  • Opening of blocked account (AVI) for the student visa,
  • health insurance and housing,
  • support for the residence permit and daily life once in France.

  • Thanks to Studely, you can focus on your academic success without worrying about administrative procedures.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025
    The company STUDELY, whose head office is located at 12 rue des Bateliers — 92110 Clichy, registered with the NANTERRE RCS under number 820 541 449, exploiting the trade name and the STUDELY brand as a payment service provider for OuiTrust. OuiTrust is the commercial name of Harmoniie SAS, whose head office is located at 1 Rue de la Bourse, 75002 Paris, France. Harmoniie SAS is an electronic money institution approved by the French supervisory authority, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), under the approval number 17478.To find out more about the entity that provides your services, please contact customer service.