Study in France is becoming popular among international students as French institutions offer inexpensive tuition rates, while providing world-class education and outstanding research opportunities. France offers a unique blend of high-quality education, cultural richness, and a vibrant student life. The French government’s scholarship programs can significantly reduce tuition fees, making it more affordable than many universities in the US and Europe. France also offers low-cost transport options, such as student discounts on the TER network and the affordable Vélib’ bike rental system. Financial aid for accommodation through the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) is available to both French and international students, offering support for housing costs.

France is home to leading international corporations like Airbus, Total, and L’Oréal, and it values young talent in innovation and entrepreneurship so study in France can open life changing avenues for you. Post-graduation, students can apply for a one-year work permit, easing the transition into the workforce. As a world-class economic power with Paris as the #1 student city (according to QS Best Student Cities 2014), France is an appealing destination. French, being the third most common business language, adds further value. It’s no surprise that 9 out of 10 international students recommend France as a study destination (Baromètre Campus France, 2013).

To study in France, a student may follow one of the two application procedures described below:

1. Study in France: Application Through University Portals

To enroll in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate program, contact the institutions directly using the information from the Campus France catalogues. You can also go directly to the webpages of the university you want to apply for. Search your programs of interest from the program catalogue. Check the program requirements. Collect the required documents. Apply directly through the university portals.

Upon acceptance, you will receive a document confirming your admission. Use this document to apply for a student visa (for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs) or a talent passport visa (for Doctorate programs) at the French Consulate in your country. Some universities may require you to apply through Campus France (the process is described below). Some universities would prefer applications directly to the university portal.

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2. Study in France: Application Through Campus France

The “Etudes en France – EEF” (Study in France) platform offers prospective students comprehensive guidance and support throughout the admission process, from application to enrollment. This platform also allows applicants to apply for their visas online and track their application progress. Below are the detailed steps on how to apply:

Application Procedure – “Candidature”

Step 1: Application Procedure

1. Browse Programs: Explore the online catalogue on the Campus France website to shortlist degree programs you wish to apply for.
2. Create an Account: Visit the Etudes en France website and create your account by clicking on “Register.”
3. Fill in Details: Complete the account creation form. You will receive an email to choose a password. Note down your Campus France Registration Number (EEF Number).
4. Access Your Account: Go to the Campus France website, click on “Login,” and enter your chosen username and password.
5. Apply as a Candidate: Select “I am a candidate” to apply to French institutions through the portal.
6. Complete Your Profile: Fill in your personal information, academic records, language skills, and CV/SOP sections. Upload required documents such as your CV, photograph, passport, and academic records.
7. Select Programs: Choose degree programs from the portal.
8. Submit Motivation Letters: Submit a motivation letter for each program separately.
9. Advisor Review: Wait for a Campus France advisor to review your file and schedule an appointment. Be responsive to any requests for additional information or corrections.
10. Pay Fees: Pay the registration fee of PKR 30,000 for Pakistan. Deposit the fee online or through bank deposit at Askari Bank.

Bank Details for Fee Payment:

• Account Name: Alliance Francaise Karachi
• Bank Name: Askari Bank
• IBAN: PK1ASCM0000151650508250
• Account Number: 0151650508250

Do mention your EEF number otherwise your payment will not be identified.  Once paid, update your payment information on EEF portal in the section: Declare your payment.
After validation, email the deposit slip at: cooperation.islamabad-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr . Rename the slip as “EEF/FULLNAME/EEF Applicant Number” before sending.

The Campus France processing fee in India for all any mobility exceeding 90 days is 18,000 INR (online processing fee applicable). The payment is to be done online, through the following portal https://payment.ifindia.in/

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Step 2: The Academic Interview

1. Schedule Interview: Your Campus France office will contact you to schedule an academic interview.
2. Prepare for Interview: Attend the interview either online or in person with the Campus France Manager. Be ready to discuss your motivation for studying in France and the institution you chose.
3. Document Verification: Bring all mandatory documents (originals + photocopies) and the Campus France fee payment receipt. Photocopies will be verified against the originals.

Step 3: Confirmation and Visa Procedure

1. Receive University Responses: Once your file is validated by a Campus France Manager, you will start receiving responses from universities.
2. Make Your Choice: Choose the university to which you wish to take admission.
3. Start Visa Procedure: Once you have your acceptance letter, print the “Agreement Prealable d’Inscription” and start your visa application.

Step 4: Online Visa Application

1. Prepare Documents: Check the list of required documents for your visa application.
2. Complete Application: Complete your application on the France-Visas portal (https://france-visas.gouv.fr/).
3. Schedule Appointment: For Pakistanis schedule an appointment with AEG French Visa Service (https://frenchvisa.aeg.com.pk). Note that all visa applicants must register their biometric data in person at the French Embassy. For Indians, schedule an appointment with VFS – France through the France Visa portal. All visa applicants must register their biometric data in person at the VFS centers.

3. Study in France: Scholarships

To ease the financial burden of students and help them study in France, there are several scholarships provided by the French Government and other welfare organizations in France. You can apply for one of the following scholarships:

1. IDeX Masters Scholarship Universite Grenoble Alpes: You can read more about it here.
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Read more about it here.
3. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program. Read about it here.
4. FRANCE EXCELLENCE EUROPA Scholarship program. Read about it here.
5. Master’s Scholarship Program IDEX Universite Paris Saclay. Read about it here.
6. Ampere Excellence Scholarships. Read about it here.
7. Emile Boutmy Scholarships. Read details here.

Looking to maximize your chances of acceptance?

Consider using our Professional Services to polish your application and stand out from the crowd.

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Study in France offers a wealth of opportunities and a rich cultural experience for international students. Make use of the Etudes en France platform to ensure a well-guided application experience and with careful planning and attention to detail, the process can be managed smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)