Higher studies in foreign countries are a desire of many Indian students, and France has become one of the leading countries in education. France has a diverse ethnic background, famous universities, and low tuition fees; therefore, it is very appropriate for studying. France has opened its doors for you regardless of your love or interest in fashion, business, or wonderful technology. This blog will explain all the information about applying to French educational institutions, the documents needed for applying, eligibility criteria, and other essentials for filing a visa.
You are just a call away from starting your education at a French university, and for that, call the expert France education consultants in Kochi, Guidance Plus.
Intakes in France
In France, while the academic year begins in September, January is commonly referred to as the spring intake, where students can also commence their studies. Thus, this intake is useful for learners who cannot apply before the September deadline or who prefer education to start in the year. Students can use the January intake to join several types of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) study programs, making it a convenient choice for foreign candidates. Guidance Plus, the best France study abroad consultants in Kerala, is here to guide you through all the processes.
Admission Process
The admission process for the January intake involves several steps:
- Identify Universities and Courses: Include colleges and courses that you hold academic credentials in or courses or subjects that interest you.
- Check Entry Requirements: Check whether there are set conditions for entry, such as GMAT/GRE, in some programs.
- Apply to 6-7 Colleges: Some colleges offer admission only once a year; make applications to as many colleges as possible.
- Prepare a Motivation Letter: Your motivation letter is among the most important parts of your application. So, prepare a strong motivation letter focusing on your interest in the course, college and location.
- Submit Documents: Check that all necessary papers are well-fixed and easily readable.
- Attend Campus France Interview: It is compulsory to attend this interview if one wants to be granted a study visa. After submitting the documents and receiving an offer letter from the college, this mandatory interview should be properly attended by students with utmost care. The interview will include questions like why you chose France for higher studies, future career plans, college details, and other relevant details about the course and curriculum. After successfully passing the campus France Interview, an NOC will be issued, which is mandatory for applying for a visa.
- Fund and Finance: If the student is meeting his expenses through his savings or FD, then the fund should be a 3-month matured fund, which is a must factor for completing this whole process. However, if the student is taking out an educational loan, then there is no such thing to deal with. Moreover, the student or the parents should be an ITR filed person or the source of funds should show that he is capable of funding the full course fee after the first-year fee
- Apply for a Visa: If you have been offered admission at the university, apply for a student visa to France.
Eligibility Criteria
For UG Students:
- This candidate must have continued up to the high school level of education.
- May have to pass some specified tests needed to get an entrance in a particular course, if necessary.
- IELTS/TOEFL may be compulsory for a few courses in some universities.
For PG Students:
- The student should at least hold a bachelor’s degree
- Many universities might ask for GRE, GMAT, etc. based on the programme that the student is willing to undertake.
- Admission involves an interview.
NOTE : Although IELTS is a normal procedure to get ready to study in a foreign country, several French universities open their doors to Indian students without the requirement of an IELTS score. However, it’s important to note that some courses may have specific entry requirements, and the final admission decision will depend on the offer letter from the university. Guidance Plus, the best study abroad consultants in Kerala, is here to detail the benefits of studying in France.
Documents Needed
To apply for studies in France, Indian students will need the following documents:
- Mark sheets of X, XII (for UG), and Bachelor’s degree (for PG).
- Authorization from Campus France
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- IELTS certificate (if applicable)
- Personal Resume
- Proof of Funds
- Health Insurance
- Two academic references
- Work experience (if any) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from a manager
The final and most important step for your French education is the visa application procedure. For this, some steps should be properly handled. Let’s have a look at the list of things to note for visa application:
- SOP and Visa Cover Letter – These two letters are the supporting documents that should be submitted highlighting your profile, interest in the course, and all other basic details.
- Fees, Fund, and Finance – This category is crucial for the whole process. First-year full fee payment is not mandatory but to avoid risks, the most recommended way is to pay the full fee.
- Accommodation Proof – If the student has chosen private accommodation rather than university accommodation, then it is compulsory to show the accommodation proof.
Education, for instance, is one of the biggest attractions in France for Indians who would like to achieve their dream education in one of the world’s culturally endowed countries. The beginning of the year also offers a flexible system for those who failed to meet the September entry; hence, it is easy to arrange and start your academic journey. With a well-structured application process, financial planning, and an understanding of the French education system, you can make your dream of studying in France a reality. To start with the procedures of studying in France, connect with Guidance Plus, the top France study-abroad consultants in Kerala.
