France is a preferred study destination for a lot of international students across the globe. This European country helps students to plan their studies through its network of 260 branches and centres in 123 countries. Most of the students choose France to pursue their higher studies and get into well paid jobs. According to UNESCO reports, French higher education programmes attract around 37,000 foreign students every year. Masters in France has the highest demand amongst all other courses. The universities here offer a wide range masters programs accompanied by a global exposure through training and research facilities. In this blog, we dwell at length about benefits, process as well as prospects of studying masters in France for international students.
Why Study Masters in France?
Studying abroad is a big decision that involves a lot of your valuable time, money and efforts. 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 masters course in France before moving ahead. Let us begin our discussion by having a quick look at some good reasons to pursue masters programs in France:
- 11 universities in France were featured in the top 500 of QS World University Ranking 2022. All of them excel in terms of education, research and training.
- Research is a major domain that enriches a masters 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 masters in France is quite affordable as compared to other European countries. The tuition fees range from €200 - €20,000 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 programmes in English. Therefore, language is never a barrier for international students to study in France.
Top Universities in France for Masters
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 2022 list. Mentioned below is a list of top 10 universities in France for masters:
University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2022 |
Average Annual Fees |
44 |
€250 - €2,500 |
|
49 |
€13,000 - €20,000 |
|
72 |
€240 - €10,000 |
|
86 |
€120 - €300 |
|
130 |
€240 - €500 |
|
245 |
€5,000 - €12,000 |
|
261 |
€700 - €18,000 |
|
261 |
€150 - €500 |
|
290 |
€3,000 - €6,000 |
|
314 |
€4,000 - €5,000 |
Suggested: Comprehensive Discussion about Universities in France
Popular Courses and Specializations for MS 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 concept 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 masters 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 grooms the students to become computer engineers and technology experts who can easily find a professional position anywhere in the world. This program of offered both in English and French at the universities in France. Universities offering the best masters program 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. Best universities for Masters 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. Best universities for 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 focusses on the psychological as well as physiological aspects of the human body. The students of this program gets the required exposure, research and training opportunities to develop critical insights about the workings of the mind and body. Top universities offering MS Psychology in France are:
- Universite de Paris
- University of Bordeaux
- Paris-Saclay University
Suggested: Best Courses to Study in France
Eligibility Criteria for Masters 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 masters 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 - 7.5
- TOEFL – 88 - 100
GMAT/GRE
Courses like MBA, MS Finance, Masters in Management, etc. require a GMAT or GRE score to get admission into best universities in France for masters. While for some courses it is must have a decent GMAT score, for certain other courses it is not compulsory. Ideally, the GMAT score for masters programs in France ranges from 550 to 730.
Work Experience
A minimum 2 to 3 years of work experience is required to study masters 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 prior to the expected date of travel.
Documents Required for Masters in France
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 qualification
- CV or Resume
- LOR or Letter of Recommendation
- SOP or Statement of Purpose
- Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
Admission Process for MS in France
A step by step guide to apply at different universities for masters in France for Indian as well as other international students is given below:
- Finalize the masters 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, GMAT/GRE 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 MS in France
The overall cost of studying masters at different universities in France comes under two categories: tuition fees and cost of living.
Tuition Fees
The masters in France tuition fees range from €200 - €20,000 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 €12,000 per year.
Suggested: All about Cost of Studying in France
Scholarships for Masters in France
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:
Scholarship Name |
Awarded to |
Université Paris-Saclay Scholarships 2022-23 |
|
The Eiffel scholarship program |
|
Émile Boutmy scholarship |
|
CBH Graduate School Funds |
|
Persyval-Lab Graduate Excellence Scholarships |
|
Suggested: Scholarships in France for International Students
Jobs after Masters in France
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:
Job Title |
Annual Average Salary |
Scientific Developer |
€32,000 - €60,000 |
Engineer |
€45,000 - €80,000 |
Chemist |
€39,000 - €57,000 |
Research Scientist |
€50,000 - €75,000 |
Legal Officer |
€23,000 - €80,000 |
Masters in France is no less than an investment which will surely yield benefits for your future and career. After completing your masters degree, you might be interested to opt for a PhD too. For any guidance and assistance for your study abroad journey, our Counselors at Yocket are always ready to help you out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in France
- Is Masters in France worth it?
Ans. Yes. France offers masters degree in a number of fields at some of the best universities. A masters in France enhances your knowledge, expertise and career goals in the long run.
- What is the duration of Masters in France?
Ans. Masters programs in France stretches over a period of 1 to 2 years. It depends with the subject and university you choose.
- What is the cost of a Masters in France for Indian students?
Ans. The estimated cost of studying masters in france ranges from €200 - €20,000 per year. For Indian students, it is around 17070 to 1,705,470 INR.
- What are the best Masters courses to study in France?
Ans. The top masters courses in France include:
- Masters in Data Science
- Masters in Artificial Intelligence
- Masters in Chemistry
- Masters in Law
- What are the best universities for Masters in France?
Ans. Apart from the ones mentioned above, other best universities in France for masters are:
- University of Strasbourg
- Aix Marseille University
- University of Bourdeaux
- CY Cergy Paris University
- University of Rennes 1