‘Imaginer c’est choisir,’ a French proverb meaning ‘to imagine is to choose’ stands true for the international students who want a research-based career. The astonishing land of France is full of opportunities for students and offers a wide range of universities for Masters in France. The excellent higher education system of France and elite universities have so far produced the highest number of Nobel Laureates. Paris, the second-highest-rated city for students,, is the centre of global art, culture, music, theatre, nightlife, and cuisine.

Over the past few years, the number of international students choosing to pursue a Masters in France has grown drastically. In France, the universities, cultural life, and an increased number of courses in English are some of the factors contributing to the boost.

In this blog

• French Postgraduate Study Institutions
• Why should you pursue a Masters in France?
• Masters in France: FAQs

French Postgraduate Study Institutions

France boasts 140 public institutions which are referred to as Public Establishments of a Scientific, Cultural or Professional Character: ‘Éstablissement public á caractére scientifique, culturel et professionnel’ (EPSCP). France also has highly specialised, elite private higher education institutions (Grandes Écoles), similar to the Ivy League in the United States.

Grandes Écoles are not part of the EPSCP and include the elite public funded universities like Écoles Normales Supérieures, and high-profile business and engineering schools like Grandes Écoles de Commerce and Grandes Écoles d’Ingénieurs.

Why should you pursue a Masters in France?

Pursuing a Masters in France offers international students a wealth of unique advantages. France is renowned for its rich academic tradition, offering a diverse range of high-quality programs across various fields. Its universities and grandes écoles are celebrated for their high academic standards and innovative research.

A key benefit of pursuing a Masters in France is the opportunity to immerse oneself in a vibrant and culturally rich environment. France’s cultural heritage offers a stimulating backdrop for personal growth and exploration. From its museums to renowned literary and artistic traditions, students can engage with a culture that has significantly influenced global thought and creativity while pursuing their Masters in France.

Moreover, France’s strategic location in Europe makes it an ideal hub for exploring the continent. As they pursue their Masters in France, students benefit from the country’s strong connections within the European Union, which facilitates travel and networking opportunities across Europe.

MS in France is also known for its relatively affordable tuition fees compared to other Western countries, and numerous scholarships are available to help alleviate financial burdens. The French government and institutions offer various funding options to students who want to pursue a Masters in France, making high-quality education more accessible.

In addition, French universities often emphasise a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the global job market. France’s strong industry connections and innovative sectors, particularly in engineering, business, and science, provide valuable internship and employment opportunities.

TL;DR: pursuing a Masters in France offers international students a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and practical benefits, positioning them advantageously in their future careers.

Masters in France: FAQs

Do any French universities teach in English?

French universities conduct more than 1,100 study programs that are taught entirely in English for Masters in France. All levels of academics are covered under these courses but most degrees close to 900 are for Master’s degree programs.

Here is the list of universities that teach in English:

Université PSL

École Polytechnique

Sorbonne University

CentraleSupélec

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

École des Ponts Paris Tech

Sciences Po

Université de Paris

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

ENS Paris-Saclay

What are the most popular programs for Masters in France?

French universities offer many programs in English, especially within the popular fields like International Studies, Engineering, Technology, Law, etc. to name just a few. With a Masters in France, graduates have excellent opportunities for careers in the region as well as around the world.

What is the cost of a Ph.D./Masters in France?

International students are charged higher amounts for Bachelor’s and Masters in France. The tuition fees* for international students are:

Doctorate (Ph.D.) programs — 380 euros per year (same amount as for Europeans).

Bachelor’s (Licence) programs — 2,770 euros per year

Master’s programs — 3,770 euros per year

The cost of tuition at the private universities in France is higher which generally range from 3,000 to 20,000 euros per year.

*The values above refer only to public universities only.

Is studying for a Masters in France cheap?

Partial and full funding opportunities are offered by the French government for Indian students who want to pursue an MS in France. The scholarships can be availed based on merit and need. There are 100% scholarship programs that fund the entire tuition fee and some financial aid to support living costs.

What are popular scholarship programs for Ph.D. in France?

Conventions Industrielles de Formation par la Recherche (CIFRE)

The Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence

French Research Institute for Exploitation of the SEA

Women In Finance Scholarship 2021–22

National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

Microsoft Research Ph. D. Fellowship 2021

CROUS Scholarship

Institute for Research and Development (IRD)

Why should you pursue a Ph.D./Masters in France?

The major reason to pursue a Ph.D./Masters in France, besides its unique higher education system, is affordability. The French government covers most of the students’ fees at public institutions irrespective of nationality which results in significantly lower tuition costs as compared to other countries.

12% of students doing Masters in France are international as France is very welcoming to international students. Also, there are a number of scholarships that attract the top global minds for MS/Ph.D. study.

Its rich culture and historical sites make France the best place to stay for students. The truly global experience enriches and widens the perspective of international students.