MS in France: Top Universities, Courses, Fees & Jobs

In the last few years, France has established itself as a top choice for international students seeking a world-class education and a vibrant cultural immersion experience. According to Erudera, with over 370,000 international students enrolled in French institutions as of 2022, France's appeal is undeniable. But what factors contribute to France's allure for overseas learners?

France boasts a remarkable reputation for academic excellence. Forty-four of its universities are ranked among the top 1,000 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, demonstrating the high caliber of education offered across the country. This recognition not only increases the value of a French degree but also opens doors to global opportunities for graduates.

France offers a diverse range of educational opportunities, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Among these, master's programs have gained particular popularity among international students. French universities provide comprehensive education across various fields, including STEM, business and management, art and literature, and many more. Language barriers need not be a concern, as France offers programs in both English and French.

If you are considering pursuing your master's degree abroad, France should be a top contender. France offers a world-class education, diverse job opportunities, and global exposure, making it an ideal destination for ambitious students. Connect with Yocket counselors for expert guidance on university selection, program selection, and other crucial aspects of your study abroad adventure.

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In this blog, we dwell at length on the benefits, processes as well and prospects of studying master's in France for international students.

Studying abroad is a big decision that involves a lot of your valuable time, money, and effort. Hence, you must be clear about your choices and plans. The same is true for studying in France for international students. The first step here is to be aware of the benefits and future possibilities of the master's course in France before moving ahead. Let us begin our discussion by having a quick look at some good reasons to pursue master's programs in France:

• 12 universities in France were featured in the top 500 of QS World University Ranking 2024. All of them excel in terms of education, research, and training.
• Research is a major domain that enriches a master's degree program in France. France tops in the field of research and innovation with 64 Nobel Laureates and 15 Field Medals
• The cost of studying master's in France is quite affordable as compared to other European countries. The tuition fees range from INR 17,800 - INR 17,83,000 per year. At most public universities there are subsidies from the government for certain courses.
• French universities offer more than 500 scholarships for Indian students. Some are offered by the Government of France and others by French universities. All the scholarships in France are well-funded and beneficial to managing your studying costs in France.
• Universities in France offer more than 1,500 programs in English. Therefore, language is never a barrier for international students to study in France.

As mentioned earlier, France is home to some of the best universities globally. Due to their advanced education system, emphasis on practical learning, research, and achievements, overall 32 universities in France made their way to the QS WUR 2024 list. Mentioned below is a list of the top 10 universities in France for master's:

Suggested: Comprehensive Discussion about Universities in France

Now let us move on to explore some of the top courses and specializations for masters in France, along with the best universities offering them:

Masters in Finance

Masters in Finance in France is a blend of theoretical and applied concepts in the study of finance, banking, and related aspects. The rigorous training during this 2-year program polishes the quantitative and analytical skills of the students. Universities offering the best master's program in France for Finance are:

• HEC Paris
• Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
• Université de Paris

Masters in Computer Science

Masters in Computer Science in France groom students to become computer engineers and technology experts who can easily find professional positions anywhere in the world. This program of offered both in English and French at the universities in France. Universities offering the best master's programs in France for Computer Science are:

• Paris-Saclay University
• Polytechnique Institute of Paris
• Sorbonne University 

Masters in Management

Masters in Management is an elite program offered at the universities of France for students from all educational backgrounds. An undergraduate degree with desired marks or equivalent from a recognized college/university is the primary requirement for admission. The best universities for a Master in Management in France are:

• Sorbonne University
• Université Grenoble Alpes
• HEC Paris

Masters in Public Health

Masters in Public Health in France is a multi-disciplinary program offered both in English and French. The program explores the areas of health and wellness on a global level. Graduates here are prepared to deal with all the challenges in this field. The best universities for a Masters in Public Health in France are:

• Université de Paris
• University of Strasbourg
• Paris-Saclay University

Masters in Psychology

Masters in Psychology in France is a 2-year program that focuses on the psychological as well as physiological aspects of the human body. The students of this program get the required exposure, research, and training opportunities to develop critical insights into the workings of the mind and body. The top universities offering MS Psychology in France are: 

• Universite de Paris
• University of Bordeaux
• Paris-Saclay University 

Suggested: Best Courses to Study in France

To study MS in France you must fulfill certain requirements and eligibility criteria. Let us have a look at them:

• Undergraduate Degree

• Language Requirement

• GMAT/GRE

• Work Experience

• Passport and Visa

Undergraduate Degree

The first eligibility requirement to study master's in France is a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Although the scores differ across courses and universities, a minimum score of 50% for a bachelor's 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 - 7.5
• TOEFL – 88 - 100

GMAT/GRE

Courses like MBA, MS Finance, Masters in Management, etc. require a GMAT or GRE score to get admission into the best universities in France for masters. While for some courses it must have a decent GMAT score, for certain other courses it is not compulsory. Ideally, the GMAT score for master's programs in France ranges from 550 to 730.  

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Work Experience

A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required to study master's in France. However, some courses do not ask for work experience as a mandatory requirement.

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 before the expected date of travel.

Admission to colleges for masters in France for Indian students requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:

• Transcripts of all educational qualifications
• CV or Resume
• LOR or Letter of Recommendation
• SOP or Statement of Purpose
• Scorecards of IELTS/ TOEFL/ GMAT
• Work experience certificate (if applicable)

A step-by-step guide to applying at different universities for masters in France for Indian, as well as other international students, is given below:

• Finalize the master's 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, resume, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT/GRE scorecards)
• Fill out 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.

The overall cost of studying master's at different universities in France comes under two categories: tuition fees and cost of living. 

Tuition Fees

The master’s in France tuition fees range from INR 17,800 - INR 17,83,000 per year. In some cases, the state covers two-thirds of your tuition fees. In that scenario, the universities charge quite lesser fees. 

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 INR 10,70,000 per year.

Suggested: All about Cost of Studying in France

Non-European students who have completed their MS in France can apply for a work permit to stay in the country and continue working. There are two main types of work permits for non-European students in France: 

• APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour): APS is a temporary residence permit that allows students to stay in France for up to one year after graduation to look for work.
• VLT-TS: The VLT-TS is a two-year visa that allows students to stay in France after graduation to look for work.

To be eligible for either type of work permit 

• Students must have a professional Bachelor's or Master's degree from a French institution. 
• The salary requirement for work permits is typically 1.5 times the minimum wage. 
• Work permits are not required for students who are planning to work in internships or volunteer positions. 
• Students who are married to French citizens or have French children are eligible for a long-stay visa that does not require a work permit.

Although the cost of studying in France does not burn your pockets to a great extent, getting a scholarship makes it even more convenient. The French government and universities offer many well-funded scholarships for both domestic and international students. Most of them are merit-based and university-specific. 

Some popular scholarships for masters in France for international students are

Suggested: Scholarships in France for International Students

France offers a global outlook in terms of job opportunities. Graduates in France are highly sought-after by world-famous companies like:

With decent scores and outstanding skills you may crack the best jobs in France that are highly paid. Some popular jobs and their average salaries are mentioned below:

A master's degree from France is a valuable investment in your future, opening doors to a world of rewarding career opportunities. With its renowned universities, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching practices, France offers an exceptional educational experience that will prepare you for success in your chosen field.

Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in business, engineering, science, or the arts, a master's degree from France will give you the knowledge, skills, and global network to excel. And if you're considering pursuing a Ph.D. your master's degree will provide you with a strong foundation for success in your doctoral studies.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future. Contact Yocket Counselor to learn more about how you can get into the top France universities.