France is internationally known for being the center of arts, philosophy and culture as it is the homeland to some of the greatest thinkers of all time like Descartes, Foucault, Voltaire, Jean-Paul Satre or Simone de Beauvoir. The French education system is divided in three stages: The primary, secondary and higher education, all under the administration of the French Ministry of Education.

Studies in France consist of public universities such as the famous Sorbonne University, specialized schools and the prestigious Grandes écoles, such as Sciences Po Paris for Political studies, HEC Paris for Economics, Polytechnique, the École des hautes études en sciences sociales for Social Studies to name a few.

The universities are public institutions that offer academic, technical and professional degrees to students who have graduated from high school, obtaining their baccalauréat and degrees are awarded at three different levels of achievement, called cycles. Each high school is responsible for providing the relevant preparation regarding entrance into universities, Grandes écoles or specialized schools. The most popular studies in France include majors such as economics and business, fashion, hospitality, technology and tourism.

The Grandes écoles are selective public and private institutions similar to universities, but typically offer more intensive and specialized three-year studies in majors such as business, public administration, or engineering. Admission to the Grandes écoles is pretty competitive based on the student’s scores on exams. However, students that aim to get admitted to Grandes écoles need to have received their baccalauréat and attend a two-year preparatory course called cours préparatoires or prépas. Students graduate from a Grande école with a Master’s degree.

Finally, studies in France also offer specialized schools which are public or private and train students for professional careers in various fields, such as art, architecture, social work, or tourism. They also offer Master’s degrees.

Studying in France as an international student in 2025 offers a wealth of opportunities, with numerous scholarships available to support your academic journey. The French government, along with various institutions and private organizations, provides financial aid to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program, which is awarded to top international students, and regional grants like the Rhône-Alpes Scholarships, are designed to attract talented individuals from around the world. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria, including academic excellence, field of study, and country of origin.

In addition to governmental and regional scholarships, many French universities offer their own funding options. Institutions like Sorbonne University and University of Paris-Saclay provide merit-based and need-based scholarships for outstanding international students. To be considered, applicants typically need to demonstrate academic achievements, provide letters of recommendation, and sometimes show proof of financial need. With a strong emphasis on fostering global talent, studying in France can be an enriching experience both academically and culturally, thanks to the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class educational institutions.