Film studies or filmmaking is the act of storytelling that requires creativity and technical skills. While creativity is an inborn talent, one needs guidance to develop technical expertise in any genre. Film schools in France are the perfect place to polish these skillsets and embark on a journey of filmmaking and entertainment. In this blog, we dwell at length on the best film schools in France for international students and the various courses with their specifications like production, editing, screenwriting, cinematography, and so on.
Why Study at Film Schools in France?
Before moving any further, let us first explore the benefits of studying filmmaking courses in France:
- France is home to some of the top film schools in the world. For instance, the EICAR International Film and Television School in Paris is the first film school to be honored with the “Bienvenue en France” certification.
- France takes a special interest in the filmmaking and glamour industry. Hence studying at the best schools in France offers a good opportunity to kickstart your career in France.
- The film schools in France are affordable for international students. The average tuition fees per year range from 10,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR.
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Now let us look at the best schools and courses of filmmaking in France:
Popular Film Schools in France
As it has already been mentioned, France offers a wide range of filmmaking courses through its distinguished film schools at different levels. Let us have a look at some of the best film schools in France for international students:
- 3is
- ESRA
- University of Paris
- EICR
- Paris College of Art
Now let us go through each of them one by one:
3is
With campuses at four different locations in Paris, 3is is a private higher institution that specializes in TV, film studies, sound, animation, performing arts, audiovisual, etc. If you are looking for film schools in France in English, 3is is a perfect choice. The school offers all three programs relating to filmmaking entirely in English. It welcomes students 2,200 students every year from different parts of the world.
Location |
Paris, Bordeaux, Nates and Lyon |
Programs Offered |
BFA Film & TV BFA Filmmaking MFC Cinematography |
Average Fees Per Year |
10,000 EUR - 12,000 EUR |
ESRA
ESRA International Film School is amongst the best film schools in France offering filmmaking courses for domestic and international students. It offers a 3 year bachelors course alongwith a 1 year course in filmmaking. Besides there are also summer programs that the school frequently conducts. Such programs are mostly of 2 to 3 weeks long. Lectures, workshops and professional internships are an integral part of all the programs.
Location |
Paris |
Programs Offered |
Bachelors in Filmmaking Diploma in Filmmaking |
Average Fees Per Year |
11,500 EUR |
University of Paris
University of Paris offers some popular filmmaking courses in France. The master LLCR in film studies here is a combination of filmmaking and Anglophone studies. The course is mainly famous for the training programs that is a part of its curriculum. The medium of instruction here is both French and English. Combining both languages' knowledge is indeed an advantage in the long run.
Location |
Paris |
Programs Offered |
Master LLCR in Film Studies |
Average Fees Per Year |
12,000 EUR |
EICR
EICR: The International Film & Television School amongst the best film schools in France. It offers filmmaking courses both at bachelors and masters level. If you are looking for film schools in Paris France, EICR is your place. Founded in the year 1972, this school offers all it programs in English by emphasizing on the practical aspect of filmmaking and team working processes.
Location |
Paris |
Programs Offered |
BFA Filmmaking MFA Filmmaking |
Average Fees Per Year |
14,250 EUR - 19,250 EUR |
Paris College of Art
Filmmaking occupies a prominent place amongst the programs offered at Paris College of Art. The bachelors and masters in filmmaking here is a blend of technical knowledge and practical exposure. The studio classes give a real life experience to students to get the hang of the core filmmaking processes. Creativity is adorned and valued to a great extent at Paris College of Art.
Location |
Paris |
Programs Offered |
BFA in Film Art MA in Fashion Film and Photography |
Average Fees Per Year |
15,000 EUR |
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Eligibility Criteria for Film Schools in France
To study best film schools in France you must fulfill certain requirements and eligibility criteria. Let us have a look at them:
- High School Certificate
- Undergraduate Degree
- Language Requirement
- Passport and Visa
High School Certificate
If you want to apply for an undergraduate filmmaking course in France, you must have a high school diploma or certificate with desired scores. Do check the official university websites to know the exact requirement in this regard.
Undergraduate Degree
The first eligibility requirement to study masters of fine arts in filmmaking in France is a bachelors degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Although the scores differ across courses and universities, a minimum score of 50% in bachelors degree is asked by most universities.
Language Requirement
The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to MS in France for Indian students. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
- IELTS – 6.5 - 7.0
- TOEFL – 88 - 94
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any university in France. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.
Documents Required to Study at Film Schools in France
Admission to filmmaking colleges in France for Indian students requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:
- Transcripts of all educational qualification
- CV or Resume
- LOR or Letter of Recommendation
- SOP or Statement of Purpose
- Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
Admission Process for Film Schools in France
A step by step guide to studying filmmaking courses in France for Indian as well as other international students is given below:
- Finalize the filmmaking course that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering that course.
- Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, scorecards)
- Fill the desired application form and pay the fee.
- Go through an interview with the respective university directors. This is a great opportunity to display your soft skills and presence of mind.
- Once you receive the conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
- Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university. The deposit here is non-refundable.
Cost of Studying at Film Schools in France
The overall cost of studying at film schools in France comes under two categories: tuition fees and cost of living.
Tuition Fees
The cost of studying at the film schools in France range from 10,000 EUR - 20,000 EUR per year. It depends upon the course and university you choose.
Cost of Living
Your lifestyle determines the cost of living in France as an international student. On average, the inclusive (accommodation, food, stationery, entertainment, miscellaneous) cost is around 12,000 EUR per year.
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Jobs After Studying at Film Schools in France
Now let us look at some popular jobs and their average annual salaries that you may apply for after completing your courses at the film schools in France:
Job Title |
Average Salary Per Year |
Video Editor |
30,000 EUR - 50,000 EUR |
Motion Designer |
25,000 EUR - 45,000 EUR |
Senior Video Developer |
60,000 EUR - 85,000 EUR |
3D Artist |
30,000 EUR - 45,000 EUR |
Film Art Development Instructor |
30,000 EUR - 60,000 EUR |
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We hope this blog is helpful for you to gather all details about studying at different film schools in France. If you have further doubts do get in touch with our counselors at Yocket now!