Students interested in studying in France can now look forward to a range of new measures. With the introduction of a centralised online admission procedure, they can now apply to multiple courses in various universities in France. On the website www.edufrance.in, students can rank courses and universities according to their preference. These changes come as an initiative of CampusFrance — the renamed version of EduFrance — a French ministry of foreign affairs and national education initiative to promote higher education in France.

This digitisation of the admission process necessitates that all higher education institutes in France alter their intake procedures and get “connected” to CampusFrance. “This process is well on its way and about 200 French institutes now subscribe to this system. By the next intake in September 2008, all French public universities and over 80 per cent of French professional colleges would have switched over to this new system,” says Archana Chaudhary, India co-ordinator, CampusFrance.

Further, after the completion of a masters level degree programme in France, foreign students will now be granted a residence permit for six months. If they find a job within these six months, they will be granted work and residence permits for two years. Also, from 2007 the French government has introduced 36 new scholarships (12 scholarships each) in the following disciplines: design and applied arts, journalism and cinema and audiovisual studies. “With the introduction of these measures, France has become an attractive destination for Indian students now,” points out Chaudhary. Over the years, the number of Indian students going to France has been steadily rising. From just 200 in 1997, the numbers increased to 1,200 in 2006.

And if you thought knowing French is a pre-requisite to study in France, then think again. The country offers over 500 study programmes in English. Increasingly, French educational institutions are opting for language adaptation. “We have gradually introduced courses taught in English” says Sylvaine Trinh, director, master of sustainable development and organisations at the University Paris-Dauphine, France. Paris-Dauphine University offers 70 programmes in management, economics, sociology and law. Most management courses and the masters course in sustainable development are offered in English at Paris-Dauphine.

The most popular courses among Indian students in France are in management, sciences and languages. According to enrolment trends in 2005-2006, 25 per cent of Indian students who applied for admission in France chose fundamental and applied science programmes, 22 per cent chose management and economics while 13 per cent chose language and literature.

“Among Indian students our MBA full-time programme (in English) and the master of science in European management are the most popular ones,” points out David Butler, director, postgraduate programmes, Rouen School of Management, France.

ready reckoner

Deadline: For undergraduate studies in public universities, students have to apply by January 31 of the academic year for which they are applying.

For master level courses in public universities, the deadline is usually between end-May and mid-June.

In professional colleges, students have to apply by the end of May.

For MBA and PhD courses, admission is open all year long.

Eligibility: For bachelors and masters degree programmes taught in English, students need at least 55 per cent at the Plus Two level and the graduation level respectively.

Students need a first division and work experience for specialised masters courses.

MBAs require GMAT scores and work experience.

Application procedure: Along with the form, students need to send a CV, a statement of purpose, academic certificates (Class X, Class XII, degree mark sheets), two recommendation letters (academic and/or professional), work experience if any, language competence certificate if required, portfolio if required (for design or architecture).

Tuition costs: For a bachelors or masters degree from a French public university, students would need to shell out 300-500 euros annually.

The fee for courses in professional colleges range between 3,000 and 40,000 euros annually.

Living expenses: Approximately 6,000 euros annually.

Accommodation: Most international students stay in CROUS university hostels. Costs there vary from 130 to 250 euros per month. The French government provides lodging assistance allowance to all international students that may be up to 30 per cent of the total rent.

Scholarships: Approximately 250 scholarships are offered to foreign students. There are incentive scholarships of 615-750 euros per month for all study disciplines and Eiffel scholarships of about 1,100 euros per month. Corporate organisations like Thales, Safran, Accor also offer scholarships along with the French ministry of foreign affairs.