Study in France
If you want to study in France you are probably doing languages already and perhaps French is one of these. You will no doubt want to continue your studies at a higher level as well as learn French in its native environment.
In order to be accepted at a university in France you will of course be expected to have a reasonable command of the language, whatever subject your degree might be in. It is anticipated that you will take an officially-recognised proficiency test in French. One of these could be the DALF which is administered by the Centre international d’tude pdagogiques. This test has multiple levels which are designed to test your reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Applying to study in France is very straightforward, as the admissions system is similar to that of UCAS here in the UK. You can apply online during the period January-March, and before you get your ‘A’ level results. Then, as in Britain, you will get a provisional acceptance, enabling you to finish the online application process. Of course all of this will be done in French. If you are from a European Union member state, you will not need a visa.
To complete your aim of studying in France you need two documents related to your academic study. Once is the enrolment form – ‘dossier d’inscription’ – and the other is the ‘demande de validation des acquis’. This will validate your UK qualifications so as to enable you to study in France. You will also need to contact your chosen university to gather information about your programme of study and possible accommodation.
In order to study in France successfully, you will need to investigate the various towns and cities that have universities and see which ones suit you best not just for what they offer as an academic institution but also for your transport links back to the UK. If you chose carefully, you might even be able to return to Britain for a semester or even longer as part of your studies. You will need to look out for a university that participates in the European Union’s Socrates or Erasmus programmes.
Some university programmes may be bilingual, others taught entirely in French, giving you a range of options.
With the cost of living being about the same as in other European countries, and lots of student discounts in shops and restaurants, on public transport and for museums, a decision to study in France can be very tempting. And, although student life in France may not be as exciting as it might be in the UK, there are student unions which will organise social events. And, universities will of course have special offices to help and advise international students in settling down to study in France.
Known globally as a centre of renowned intellectual reputation, to study in France is to think of Voltaire, de Tocqueville, Curie, Sartre and Dumas. Think also of the beautiful cities, enchanting villages and the relatively short journey home.