Foreign student: why come and study in France

Studely
December 4, 2025

Discover why studying in France changes everything: a rich culture that shapes your daily life, recognized higher education (diplomas, colleges, universities) and a dynamic job market. Follow us to explore opportunities, courses and advice to succeed in your study project.

Why French culture makes your studies unique

You come to France to study, but you leave with a different perspective on the world. Linguistic immersion — speaking French on a daily basis, attending seminars and debating in an auditorium — accelerates your level and makes you more competitive on the job market. University libraries and collections (such as those of the Sorbonne) become fields of exploration where theory and culture intersect.

The arts and cultural life nourish your creativity: museums, festivals, film clubs and workshops give you concrete examples for your projects and dissertations. Local food and markets facilitate informal meetings — a shared lunch can lead to a working group or an internship. Heritage (visits, castles, historic districts) serves as a living laboratory for history, architecture or tourism.

Community life and student projects offer a real training ground for leadership: you will find responsibilities, events to organize and an international network. Practical advice: join an association at the start of the school year, do language tandems, participate in field trips and accept odd student jobs to broaden your circle.

In summary, studying in France means learning in a complete cultural ecosystem — your CV is getting as rich as you are.

The quality of higher education in France: diplomas, schools and international recognition

Do you want a degree that matters? The French system combines public universities (theoretical training and broad access), Grandes Écoles (competitions, professional networks) and specialized schools (design, engineering, business). The course LMD (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) structures diplomas and facilitates recognition in Europe and internationally. According to Campus France, many courses are bilingual or offered in English, and several schools have international accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) that reinforce the value of the degree abroad.

On the research side, universities work with the CNRS and recognized laboratories: you can join teams on funded projects, win doctoral contracts or CIFRE grants. Schools also offer long internships and industrial partnerships that improve employability. Practical tip: check the accreditations and international partnerships on the institution's official page before applying — a double degree or a semester erasmus multiplies opportunities.

In summary, Studying in France, means obtaining a solid, recognized degree that is often connected to the professional world and to international research.

Economy, job opportunities and what programs can you follow in France

France is not only pretty — its economy offers real opportunities for graduates: tech and startups in Paris, industry and engineering in the regions, health, green energy and the luxury sector that recruits everywhere. Links between universities and companies facilitate internships and work-study programs, often the springboard to a first job.

What programs should you choose? Bachelor and Bachelor (3 years) to acquire the basics; Master (2 years) to specialize; MSc for professional international training; Doctorate for research. Many courses are offered in English, especially at the Master/MSC level, which broadens your access to international companies.

How to apply in concrete terms:
Choose your level and specialty.

  • Check the language of instruction.
  • Prepare your documents (CV, cover letters, transcripts, certificates — TOEFL/IELTS or DELF/DALF if requested).
  • For a license:

  • If you are already in France → go through Parcoursup.
    If you are abroad → use the procedure Campus France/ “Studies in France

    5. For a master's degree: apply directly to the university or via its online platform.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025
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