2024 is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and the Year of Culture and Tourism between China and France. During his visit to China in April 2023, France** Macron said during his visit to Sun Yat-sen University that Chinese students are welcome to study and exchange in France. China and France have a long tradition of exchanges, and France has always been an important destination for Chinese students. In recent years, French majors such as business, engineering, art and design have attracted a large number of Chinese students. In 2023, out of about 400,000 international students in France, there are nearly 2 Chinese students80,000, which is the third largest group of international students in France.
What are the advantages of studying in France in 2024? What are the policies and costs of studying in France? What kind of support measures does France offer to international students? Are international students encouraged to work in the local area after graduation? In response to these problems, our reporter interviewed the relevant staff of the French Higher Education Agency of the French Embassy in China.
France's scientific research strength makes it more attractive to study abroad
What are the advantages of studying in France?
According to statistics, since 2010, France has won 11 Nobel Prizes and 3 Fields Prizes in Mathematics. France invests nearly 48 billion euros a year in scientific research, accounting for 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP).24%。France's largest research institutes, such as the French National Center for Scientific Research, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, and the French National Institute for Agri-Food and the Environment, are located within the university.
France has 72 comprehensive public universities and more than 300 engineering, business and other professional colleges and universities throughout France. These universities cover all areas of humanities, natural sciences, arts, and professional skills training. It is worth mentioning that all subjects in France are now taught in English, and more than 1,600 programmes can be taught in English. At the same time, French higher education adopts the academic system common to EU member states, that is, bachelor's, master's and doctorate, which is also recognized by our country.
French is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with 300 million speakers worldwide, and is the world's third most spoken language for business and the second most spoken language for international communication. Hundreds of language centers are scattered across university campuses to help international students improve their French when they arrive in France before their professional studies begin.
In addition, France is located in the heart of Europe and is also at the center of people-to-people exchanges. There are about 40,000 heritage sites in France and 49 cultural sites listed as UNESCO cultural sites, providing a unique cultural environment for international students.
Higher education in France costs less
What are the policies and costs of studying in France?
According to the data of the French Embassy in China, more than 90% of Chinese students who wish to study in France have obtained study visas every year, and the master's degree is the first choice for Chinese students to go to France, accounting for 48% of the total number of Chinese students in France. At the same time, many Chinese researchers have also chosen France. Chinese doctoral students are the largest group of foreign doctoral students in France, accounting for 6% of the total number of Chinese students studying in France.
Higher education in France costs lessIn France, in order to make higher education accessible to all, the higher education system is heavily subsidized, including for international students. The average annual education expenditure for a university student in France is almost 10,000 euros. Public universities have tuition fees ranging from 170 to 3,770 euros per year, depending on the stage of study; Private universities have tuition fees ranging from 3,000 to 17,000 euros per year, depending on the type of course. There are many types of scholarships, especially study, research, and internship scholarships.
The cost of living in France varies depending on the city in which you are located, with the capital and the level of consumption in large and small cities quite different. As a result, the average monthly cost of living ranges from 600 euros (in medium-sized cities) to 1,200 euros (in Paris), including accommodation (rent, insurance, intermediary fees), transportation, food, clothing, leisure, internet fees, etc.
France has increased its support for international students
What kind of support measures does France offer to international students?
In France, international students have access to grants, subsidies and social allowances for accommodation, libraries, meals, cinemas, public transport, sports and leisure activities.
According to the 2023 Opening Guide issued by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, France** provides living support to all French students and international students in France, including continuing to provide socialized meals for students receiving financial aid and students with financial difficulties**, and from the 2023 academic year onwards the pricing of meals in university cafeterias will be fixed at 1 euro per serving** and 3 per serving for other students3 euros. At the same time, the Ministry of Higher Education also offers an immediate assistance program for students, which provides a one-time grant in case of temporary hardship, and students who do not have a scholarship can also receive a meal of 1 euro after applying.
International students can enjoy reimbursement of medical expenses by participating in compulsory and free social insurance. Student health care is available to all students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in a university or not, and whether they come from a public or private school.
International students are encouraged to work and start businesses in France after graduation
What are the rules for international students to work in France after graduation?
France** stipulates that international students and research scholars who have obtained at least a master's equivalent diploma or a vocational bachelor's degree can obtain a temporary residence permit (non-renewable) marked "student seeking employment or starting a business" at the end of the validity period of the temporary "student" residence permit, which is valid for one year.
After the expiration of this temporary residence permit, you can apply for a work residence permit if you are employed by a local company or start a business in France. In addition, as of March 1, 2019, foreigners who have obtained a master's degree in France and have returned to their country of origin can obtain a residence permit to return to France in search of work within 4 years after obtaining the diploma.
France** issues a "Talent Passport" for high-level talents, valid for 3 years, based on the importance of the research project to France and the country of origin. This passport is equivalent to a work permit that allows for a project-related occupation.
Since the education departments of China and France have already signed an agreement on mutual recognition of diplomas, Chinese students studying in France will have strong local employment competitiveness after graduation.
China Education Daily, February 29, 2024, page 9
Author: Reporter Li Ping.