France : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

The French higher education system has three tiers:

• Licence - equivalent to a Bachelors degree, usually takes three years of study;
• Master - equivalent to a Masters degree, usually takes two years of further study - students choose a ‘professional masters’ if proceeding to employment, or a ‘research masters’ if they wish to continue to a doctorate;
• Doctorat - a PhD, usually takes three further years of study.

Higher education institutions in France fall into three broad groups:

• universities;
• grandes écoles;
• institutes of technology.

Grandes écoles and technology institutes are high profile institutions where entry is by a very competitive entrance exam. See the French Ministry of Education website for more information on the French education system.

What courses are available?

See Campus France for a list of courses available and information on all aspects of student life. It also provides information on courses taught in English.

Where can I study?

• Campus France has information on the various institutions offering study at postgraduate level.
• The Top Universities website provides a list of the top universities in France as well as further information on studying in France. It also includes a list of the top European and world universities.

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

The university system is open to all students, including those from other countries, as long as they hold the appropriate entry qualifications (usually the equivalent to a French baccalauréat). Contact individual institutions for full entry requirements.

You will need to have your undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts translated into French and authorised. Visit the ENIC-NARIC France website for more information on how to obtain a certificate of recognition of your level of study.

Before studying in France, consider taking the DALF (diplôme approfondi de langue française). This qualification is accepted by all French universities as proof of competence in French. Students who do not have the DALF may be required to take a language test for entrance to French universities.

When do I apply?

Applications for the following academic year of study usually need to be submitted by January or early February.

How do I apply?

Check with the individual institutions about their application procedures as each institution operates differently. Online applications are the norm.

How much will it cost?

Fees are normally much lower than in the UK, except for some postgraduate courses and the grandes écoles.

The CNOUS website provides general information on budgets for international students studying in France. Campus France estimates the monthly budget for an international student at around 1,140 Euros. Both websites provide sample monthly budgets.

Are any scholarships available?

Entente Cordiale scholarships are open to British and French nationals who plan to study at postgraduate or postdoctoral level in each other's country. The closing date is usually in March and the scheme is administered by the French Embassy in London. Irish students should consult the French Embassy Ireland .

The Campus France website has a searchable database of grants available to fund undergraduate and postgraduate study. Also visit the websites of individual institutions to find out what scholarships are available.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree courses, Masters programmes or some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in France through the Erasmus scheme. This programme covers all subject areas, but check what links your university has with your university’s Erasmus coordinator (usually based in the international office).

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Qualifications you gain in France should be recognised in the UK, although you may need to have the certificate translated into English. France is a member of ENIC-NARIC , a network of national centres that aims to improve academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study in European Union (EU) member states, EEA countries and associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The website includes information on current issues in international academic and professional mobility, and procedures for the recognition of UK (and other European) qualifications.