France produces over 15,000 doctorates graduate each year. Thus it isn’t wrong to say that studying PhD programs in France is a wise decision. France’s education system is globally recognized but apart from this, the affordable fees is a turning point that attracts millions of international students to continue their higher education here.
PhD is one study level that is garnering popularity. The country also offers multiple scholarship opportunities to conveniently assist PhD research and studies. Thus if you’re keen to study PhD in France, this blog covers all the essential information to help you get started.
Why Study PhD in France?
Before you can apply for PhD in France, let’s understand why this country is the preferred choice by multiple international students:
- Affordable Tuition Fees
To study PhD in France for international students the fee ranges between 243 EUR- 30,000 EUR/year. However, most French universities waive off the tuition fees and instead ask students to pay the registration fees.
- Work Contracts
Most French host universities fund doctoral programs in the form of fellowships. This means that PhD students here receive work contracts of up to 3 years or in another equivalent format.
- PhD in English
The great news for international students here is you can study PhD in France in English as well. The language of instruction is also available in French and covers other languages as well based on the universities offerings.
- Top PhD Universities
Lastly, pursuing PhD in France for Indian students takes place with QS-ranked universities. To name a few are HEC Paris, University PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Toulouse School of Management, etc.
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An Overview Of Ph.D In France For Indian Students
So what to expect from a PhD in France? Here is an overview of PhD studies in the best education system globally:
|
Course |
PhD |
|
Study Duration |
3-6 years |
|
Total PhD universities in France |
194 |
|
Total PhD programs in France |
266 |
|
PhD application openings |
January and April |
|
France Admission Intakes (All study levels) |
January and September |
|
Average PhD tuition Fees |
380 EUR- 30,000 EUR/year |
|
Language of Instruction |
French, English (other languages too) |
|
Popular PhD courses |
Arts, Management, Sciences, Engineering, Business, etc |
|
Total PhD awards |
13,729 |
Top 5 PhD Universities In France To Consider In 2022
There are multiple popular PhD universities in France. All of them are QS-ranked and offer multiple PhD programs and specializations. Here is an overview of the top 5:
- University PSL
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- Toulouse School of Management
- HEC Paris
- Rennes School of Business
|
University Name |
Popular PhD programs |
Average Tuition Fees |
Location |
|
PhD in Economics, Literature, Geography, Health, etc. |
380 EUR/year |
Paris, France |
|
|
Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
PhD in Physics, Biology and Chemistry, Mathematics, etc |
Annual registration fee ( 256 EUR- 391 EUR/year) |
Palaiseau, France |
|
PhD in Finance, Marketing, Human resource management, and organizational behaviour, etc |
Tuition fee waived. Annual registration fee ( 243 EUR- 980 EUR/year) |
Toulouse, France |
|
|
PhD in Management, Finance, Accounting, etc |
12,000 EUR- 30,000 EUR/year ( Tuition fee waved) |
Jouy-en-Josas, France |
|
|
PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Qualitative Methods, etc |
500 EUR/year |
Rennes, France |
Eligibility Criteria For PhD In France
French universities have certain eligibility criteria that need to be met. While these criterias differ from one university to another, there is a standard criteria that is followed by all:
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree
- English language proficiency
- Motivation to join the university
- Good Academic record
- Professional Experience
1. A Bachelor's or Master degree
To join any PhD program in France, international students need to clear either a Bachelor's degree or Masters in France in the respective field of the course chosen or equivalent.
2. English language proficiency
International students need to pass an English language proficiency test as part of their application process. The widely accepted exams are TOEFL (100) and IELTS (7.5).
3. Motivation to join the university
Most French universities accept students who have the right zeal, energy, and purpose to join the university.
4. Good Academic record
International students with good academic records are highly considered and have better leverage over others.
5. Professional Experience
While professional experience isn't mandatory in most French universities, having one can enhance your application better.
Admission Requirements To Pursue PhD Programs In France
Here is an overview of the admission process for PhD in France requirements:
- Find a PhD in France you wish to pursue
- Choose your thesis and thesis supervisor. Get it approved by the university
- Apply to the university and ensure you fit all entry requirements
- Attend scheduled interview either online or face to face
- Once confirmed, apply for a student visa and funding
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Documents Required for PhD In France
To complete your PhD in France requirements, international students need to submit all supporting documents. Ensure the below is checked:
- Degree certificates
- CV (Resume)
- All educational transcripts
- Personal statement
- GMAT/GRE score
- Thesis chosen + Thesis supervisor selected
- English language proficiency test results
- Two online references
- Passport photo and ID proof
- Research material
- Application Fee payment ( 50 EUR- 60 EUR)
Cost of Studying PhD In France In English
The cost of studying PhD in France is determined on two factors, tuition fees and cost of living.
Let’s learn about them one by one:
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee to pursue PhD programs in France is 380 EUR- 30,000 EUR/year. However, most French universities waive off the tuition fees for all PhD students and instead ask them to pay an annual registration fee that ranges between 243 EUR- 980 EUR/year.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in France ranges between 600- 800 EUR/month. If you’re studying in the top cities in France, living costs will range between 650- 1800 EUR/month. Your expenses will be accommodation, transportation, health insurance, personal expenses, etc.
Scholarship Opportunities For PhD In France For International Students
While France offers affordable fees to pursue PhD in France for Indian students, the country also provides fully funded PhD in France scholarship opportunities too. Here is an overview of the popular ones:
|
Scholarship Name |
Amount/Benefits/Covers/Value |
|
Raman Charpak Fellowship |
Pursue PhD programs in France in any science-related subjects (material sciences, computational sciences, etc)
|
|
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program |
Pursue doctoral research in France while being a part of a joint doctoral program. Subjects include science, social and human sciences)
|
|
PSL PhD Track Grants |
Pursue Masters and then continue PhD studies for the same
|
|
HEC Paris- Specialised Fellowship in Strategy and Business Policy Specialization |
Pursue PhD studies Awards 20.000 EUR broken into 5 years of PhD studies. |
|
Rennes SB Scholarships |
Pursue PhD research positions
|
Suggested: Best scholarships in France for international students!
Career Opportunities To Study PhD In France
After you graduate from PhD universities in France, there is a range of job profiles available for you to choose from. On average PhD graduates can earn up to 46,000 EUR/year.
The job profiles differ based on your subject choice. Here is an overview of PhD job profiles available and the average expected salary:
|
Job Profile |
Average Salary |
|
Assistant Professor (French Literature) |
67,407 EUR/year |
|
High School Teacher |
54, 188 EUR/year |
|
Management Consultant |
45,711 EYR/year |
|
Senior Data Scientist |
62,113 EUR/year |
|
Sales Consultant |
63,465 EUR/year |
France has a new identity in 2022, the new choice for higher education abroad. Pursuing PhD in France opens doors to the best experts in the industry, graduate from QS-ranked universities, and indulge in meaningful learning that will enhance your career path. While this information is sufficient, make a confident choice by speaking to our Yocket counsellors today.
