With over 343,000 foreign students settling in France every year, the country is enjoying an appeal that exceeds borders.
Proudly ranked fourth on the list of main host countries for overseas students, France can boast about being one of the top non-English speaking host countries. But why does it attract so many foreign students? Is France an obvious choice as a host country?
Why choose France over another country?
For the quality of its higher education system
We often hear about the French “savoir faire”, thus proving the excellent quality of professional training provided in France. The country itself is a guarantee of quality: training in France means earning your stripes in the best conditions. Today, several French schools have received labels and certifications due to the high quality of their teaching (Excelia, accreditations and labels). But beyond official recognition, students are attracted by the beaming image that France radiates globally. Hence, coming here has become a way to capture the essence of French skills. Excelia now holds the “Bienvenue en France” label, which only 11 management schools hold in France.
For its inexpensive tuition fees
Choosing to study in France for a semester or a full year is also a good way to reconcile a high quality training with savings. Indeed, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and even Canada are amongst the most expensive countries in which to study. France, on the other hand, houses many renowned schools with lower tuition fees than those observed in the above-mentioned countries. Thanks to more affordable academic fees, France attracts students from all over the world.
For its pleasant living environment
France is famous for its many student cities nestled across the country (Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Rennes, Toulouse, La Rochelle…) Beyond campus walls, international students enjoy a pleasant living environment and numerous cultural, sports and tourist activities. A change of scenery and wonderful souvenirs are guaranteed.
Even more overseas students in France in the coming years?
While France welcomes many foreign students every year, it struggles to increase the number of French students who leave the country to study abroad. So that this trend may balance itself out, the French government wishes to simplify procedures regarding international mobility and university exchange programs.
Simplified visa applications
Putting an end to administrative paperwork is one of the Ministry of Interior’s priorities, which is why fully dematerialised procedures to simplify the arrival of foreign students are being considered. This implementation would enable France to reach half a million foreign students in the country by 2027!
An increase in foreign language courses
One of the goals for the coming years is to create more courses in English and in foreign languages. This decision will bring many benefits, both to French and international students. Mastering a foreign language - especially English – is a requirement nowadays to make your way through the corporate world.
More financial support for students
To encourage students to come to France, the government plans to increase the allocation of grants to those who decide to study in a French school of higher education for a few months (or more!). This is a great way to open the doors of many schools to all and to show off a variety of profiles.
France is a very popular destination for overseas students not only thanks to its world renowned education system but also for its pleasant living environment which is perfectly suited to young people seeking personal and professional fulfilment. These new measures, which will soon be implemented, seem to ensure France will remain a choice destination for studies abroad!
