Everything you always wanted to know about living or studying in France
- High-quality Education. French universities are internationally recognized and provide a wide range of programs. The 83 universities offer programs providing technological and professional coursework and cover all fields of study, and the “Grandes Ecoles” and specialist schools offer programs leading to specific professions.
- International recognition. The BaMaD reforms (Bachelor- Master – PhD) allow for better integration of study programs at French universities, “Grandes Ecoles” and research institutions within the global market.
- Top-ranked universities. Many French “Grandes Ecoles” and Universities consistently rank well in the tables of top universities in Europe and/or the world carried out by specialist international newspapers. In the 2015 Financial Times European Master’s Programs, 22 of the 85 European institutions featured in the winners’ list are French, with HEC in second place, followed by INSEAD in third place.
- Excellence in research. Scientific research plays an important role in France. France is ranked 4th in the world for patents, 5th in the world for scientific publications and 5th in the world for hosting international researchers. The number of French Nobel Prize winners (for example, Serge Haroche – 2012 Nobel Prize for Physics, Jean Tirole – 2014 Nobel Prize for Economy), the fact that France boasts the greatest number of Nobel Prize winners in literature, as well as the number of Fields Medals in Mathematics (for example Cédric Villani, 2010, Artur Avila, 2014) confirm that France is a dynamic, innovation and research-rich country.
- Affordable education. Higher Education in France is very affordable and international students pay the same tuition fees as local students. In additional to this, the French Government contributes an average of C$14 000 per student per year – whether they be French or international.
- Work opportunities. As an international student, you will enjoy the same benefits as French students; student accommodation supplements, student social security cover and the possibility of engaging in professional paid employment, provided the hours worked do not exceed 60 % of full-time employment over a one year period.
- French culture. France is a very multicultural society, and yet has a very distinctive French ‘way of life’. France is the world’s number one tourist destination (60 million visits per year!) and people come from all over the world to enjoy the rich culture, beautiful landscapes and history and, of course, food and wine. In fact, Paris is considered the capital of the world in terms of quality of life (Healey and Baker).
- Travel opportunities. An international study program is not just about the studying. Encouraging you to go on trips to explore the rest of the country is very much part of the agenda, and there are so many great places to visit. France is also a great stepping point for trips to major European cities like London, Madrid, Brussels, and Milan.
- Student life. Higher education institutions are often conveniently located in the downtown core, close to everything – museums, bookshops, cinemas, theatres and libraries – and by the way, as an international students (like French students) you can get reduced ticket prices for cinema, theatre, public transport, university restaurants, etc.
- Last but not least … living in France, you will get to see the world from a different perspective. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity for personal growth that will change your life!
For more information, contact your nearest Campus France office in Canada (check the website for more information).
Nancy Gill, Campus France Advisor
