What should parents know before sending child to France?
Absolutely, sending your child to study in France is a big decision, and as parents, it’s essential to be well-informed. Here’s a comprehensive overview to help you prepare:
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- Medium of Instruction: Many programs in France, especially at the postgraduate level, are available in English. However, some undergraduate and most public university courses are in French.
- Language Requirement: For English-taught programs, students may need IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. For French-taught programs, a French language proficiency test like DELF/DALF is required.
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- Grandes Écoles: Highly selective institutions, often focused on engineering, business, or public administration.
- Public Universities: Offer a wide range of programs at a relatively low tuition fee.
- Private Institutions: Higher tuition but flexible entry requirements and more English-taught programs.
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- Tuition Fees: Public universities are subsidized; fees are relatively low (around €2,770/year for undergraduate and €3,770/year for master’s). Private institutions and Grandes Écoles can be higher.
- Living Expenses: Average €10,000–€12,000 per year (approx. €800–€1,000 per month, higher in Paris).
- Proof of Funds: Students must show financial capacity—around €7,380 per year or as required by French authorities.
- Scholarships: Several options, including French government scholarships (Eiffel, Charpak, etc.) and university-specific scholarships. Pollster Education can guide you through applications.
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- Student Visa (Long-Stay Visa – VLS-TS): Needed for courses longer than 3 months.
- Documents: Offer letter, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance, and language proficiency.
- Campus France Interview: Mandatory step before visa application.
- Processing Time: Usually 3–6 weeks.
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- Options: University residences (CROUS), private student residences, shared apartments, or homestays.
- Recommendation: Apply early, as student housing is competitive, especially in cities like Paris and Lyon.
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- During Studies: Students can work up to 964 hours a year (approx. 20 hours/week) while studying.
- Post-Study Work (PSW): After graduation, students with a Master’s degree or higher can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS) to look for work or start a business for up to 2 years.
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- Mandatory Health Insurance: Students must register with the French Social Security system (free for students under 28). Private insurance is recommended for extra coverage.
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- France is generally safe for international students.
- Emergency numbers and student support services are available at most universities.
- Encourage children to register with the local Indian embassy or consulate.
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- Cultural Differences: Encourage your child to learn basic French, understand local customs, and be open to new experiences.
- Support Systems: Most universities have international student offices and orientation programs.
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- End-to-End Guidance: From choosing the right course and university to visa application, accommodation, and pre-departure briefings.
- Exam Preparation: Assistance for IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, etc.
- Career Counselling: Advice on post-study options and career pathways.
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If you’d like to discuss your child’s specific profile or need help with applications, you can contact Pollster Education at +91 9324480791 or email info@pollstereducation.com. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Would you like more information on specific universities, scholarships, or the application process?
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1. Education System & Language
- Medium of Instruction: Many programs in France, especially at the postgraduate level, are available in English. However, some undergraduate and most public university courses are in French.
- Language Requirement: For English-taught programs, students may need IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. For French-taught programs, a French language proficiency test like DELF/DALF is required.
---
2. University Types
- Grandes Écoles: Highly selective institutions, often focused on engineering, business, or public administration.
- Public Universities: Offer a wide range of programs at a relatively low tuition fee.
- Private Institutions: Higher tuition but flexible entry requirements and more English-taught programs.
---
3. Costs & Finances
- Tuition Fees: Public universities are subsidized; fees are relatively low (around €2,770/year for undergraduate and €3,770/year for master’s). Private institutions and Grandes Écoles can be higher.
- Living Expenses: Average €10,000–€12,000 per year (approx. €800–€1,000 per month, higher in Paris).
- Proof of Funds: Students must show financial capacity—around €7,380 per year or as required by French authorities.
- Scholarships: Several options, including French government scholarships (Eiffel, Charpak, etc.) and university-specific scholarships. Pollster Education can guide you through applications.
---
4. Visa Process
- Student Visa (Long-Stay Visa – VLS-TS): Needed for courses longer than 3 months.
- Documents: Offer letter, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance, and language proficiency.
- Campus France Interview: Mandatory step before visa application.
- Processing Time: Usually 3–6 weeks.
---
5. Accommodation
- Options: University residences (CROUS), private student residences, shared apartments, or homestays.
- Recommendation: Apply early, as student housing is competitive, especially in cities like Paris and Lyon.
---
6. Work Opportunities
- During Studies: Students can work up to 964 hours a year (approx. 20 hours/week) while studying.
- Post-Study Work (PSW): After graduation, students with a Master’s degree or higher can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS) to look for work or start a business for up to 2 years.
---
7. Healthcare
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Students must register with the French Social Security system (free for students under 28). Private insurance is recommended for extra coverage.
---
8. Safety & Wellbeing
- France is generally safe for international students.
- Emergency numbers and student support services are available at most universities.
- Encourage children to register with the local Indian embassy or consulate.
---
9. Cultural Adaptation
- Cultural Differences: Encourage your child to learn basic French, understand local customs, and be open to new experiences.
- Support Systems: Most universities have international student offices and orientation programs.
---
10. Support from Pollster Education
- End-to-End Guidance: From choosing the right course and university to visa application, accommodation, and pre-departure briefings.
- Exam Preparation: Assistance for IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, etc.
- Career Counselling: Advice on post-study options and career pathways.
---
If you’d like to discuss your child’s specific profile or need help with applications, you can contact Pollster Education at +91 9324480791 or email info@pollstereducation.com. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Would you like more information on specific universities, scholarships, or the application process?
3 months ago
