Study in France

Higher education system in France (briefly) / Daily life and money matters / Housing

Higher education system in France (briefly)

The French higher education system is characterised by the coexistence of several types of institution. The principal institutions are universities and Grandes Écoles.

Grandes Écoles – these prestigious and uniquely French institutions − are either public or private. There are around 250 Grandes Écoles in France, offering degrees in business, engineering, political science and other specialized fields. Some of the Grandes Écoles are members of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (CGE). The Engineering Schools are controlled by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieurs (CTI).

The higher education system has harmonised the qualifications they award with those of other European countries by adopting the LMD (Licence Master Doctorat or Bachelor’s / Master’s / Doctorate) system.

Each level can be attained by acquiring ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System).

  • Bachelor’s degree: 180 ECTS (BAC + 3 years)
  • Master’s degree: 300 ECTS (BAC + 5 years)
  • Doctorate: (BAC + 8 years)

Daily life and money matters

Monthly budget

Depending on the city where you are going, a monthly budget from 600€ to 1000€ is necessary for the following:

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Transport
  • School fees (photocopies, books…)
  • Clothing and leisure

For the first month of your stay, you must also provide a budget for the following:

  • Administrative fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Student Social Security (compulsory health insurance, 250€ in 2015/2016)
  • Voluntary health insurance (80 to 100 € / year)

Please also note that an international student applying for a visa must provide proof of sufficient solvency to the French Embassy in order to obtain the visa.

Opening a bank account

To facilitate procedures related to money transfer, transactions and paying bills in France, it is recommended to open a bank account.

In order to open an account, the following documents are usually required by the bank:

  • ID
  • Proof of housing (lease, electricity bill…)
  • A student registration certification or a student card

Opening a bank account is free, however, the services are charged (credit card, international money transfers…).

Housing

For the first year of study in France, the EG@ Consortium member schools book a room near the university campus for you.

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