France, known for its rich culture, world-class cuisine, and iconic landmarks, has also gained a reputation as an educational hub. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and a wide array of programmes, it has become a top choice for international students including those from India looking to pursue higher education after completing their secondary schooling. Media reports suggest that French President Emmanuel Macron has recently announced a plan to welcome 30000 Indian students by 2030 to study in France. Here are the academic programmes that you can avail in France after your class 12.
Undergraduate Programmes
One of the most common options for students after completing Class 12 is to pursue an undergraduate degree. France offers a plethora of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the popular undergraduate courses you can explore.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): France is home to several prestigious science institutions. Whether you’re interested in physics, chemistry, biology, or any other branch of science, you’ll find reputable universities and colleges offering B.Sc. programmes that cater to your interests.
Where: Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): For students with a passion for humanities, social sciences, or the arts, pursuing a B.A. degree in France can be an excellent choice. French universities have a long history of excellence in these fields.
Where: University of Toulouse, University of Strasbourg, University of Lyon.
Engineering Programmes: France is renowned for its engineering institutions. If you aspire to become an engineer, you can opt for programmes like Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE).
Where: École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Paris-Sud University
Business and Economics: France is home to some of the world’s top business schools. You can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ) degree in prestigious institutions
Where: HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, EDHEC Business School
Medicine and Healthcare: For students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or healthcare, France offers medical schools with world-class facilities. You can enroll in a Bachelor of Medicine or a Bachelor of Dentistry program, among others.
Where: University of Paris-Sud (University of Paris-Saclay), University of Bordeaux, University of Strasbourg
Diplomas and Certificates
Apart from traditional undergraduate programmes, France also offers a plethora of diploma and certificate courses that can be ideal for Class 12 graduates who want to gain specialized skills or explore a particular field. These programmes are often shorter in duration and focussed on practical knowledge.
Diploma in Culinary Arts: France’s culinary heritage makes it an attractive destination for aspiring chefs. You can enroll in culinary schools and earn diplomas in the culinary arts.
Where: Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Ferrandi Paris, Paul Bocuse Institute
Language Courses: If you’re interested in learning French or other languages, you can pursue certificate language courses.
Where: Institut Français, Sorbonne University, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis
Fashion Designing: Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, and it offers various diploma programmes in fashion designing, allowing students to tap into the vibrant fashion industry.
Where: Paris College of Art, ESMOD Paris, Institut Français de la Mode
Hospitality and Tourism: France’s thriving tourism industry opens doors to diploma programmes in hospitality management and tourism, arming students with valuable skills for a career in this sector.
Where: ESG UQAM – Université du Québec à Montréal, Ferrandi Paris, Centre International de Glion
Art and Design
France is known for its rich tradition of art and design, and there are numerous art schools and colleges that have specialised programmes for students with a passion for arts. These programmes offer diplomas or bachelor’s degrees in fine arts, graphic design, fashion design, and more.
Where: École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) – Paris, Paris College of Art, Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains
Language and Culture Studies
For those interested in French language and culture, the country has a wealth of programmes allowing students to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. These programmes may range from language courses to cultural studies and can be pursued at both undergraduate and diploma levels.
Where: University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, University of Lille, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis
Sports and Physical Education
Studying in France can be an enriching experience if you choose sports and physical education. Aspiring athletes or sports enthusiasts can go for programmes in sports science, coaching, or physical education. These can open up career avenues in sports management or coaching.
Where: National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, University of Burgundy, University of Paris-Sud
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Given the global focus on environmental issues, France offers programmes related to environmental science, sustainability, and ecology. They arm students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the burning environmental challenges.
Where: Sciences Po, Toulouse School of Economics, University of Strasbourg
Information Technology and Computer Science
The tech industry is thriving in France, and students interested in information technology and computer science can pursue undergraduate or diploma programmes in areas like computer engineering, software development, and data science.
Where: Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique, University of Paris-Sud
FAQs
Undergraduate Programmes
One of the most common options for students after completing Class 12 is to pursue an undergraduate degree. France offers a plethora of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the popular undergraduate courses you can explore.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): France is home to several prestigious science institutions. Whether you’re interested in physics, chemistry, biology, or any other branch of science, you’ll find reputable universities and colleges offering B.Sc. programmes that cater to your interests.
Where: Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): For students with a passion for humanities, social sciences, or the arts, pursuing a B.A. degree in France can be an excellent choice. French universities have a long history of excellence in these fields.
Where: University of Toulouse, University of Strasbourg, University of Lyon.
Engineering Programmes: France is renowned for its engineering institutions. If you aspire to become an engineer, you can opt for programmes like Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE).
Where: École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, Paris-Sud University
Business and Economics: France is home to some of the world’s top business schools. You can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ) degree in prestigious institutions
Where: HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, EDHEC Business School
Medicine and Healthcare: For students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or healthcare, France offers medical schools with world-class facilities. You can enroll in a Bachelor of Medicine or a Bachelor of Dentistry program, among others.
Where: University of Paris-Sud (University of Paris-Saclay), University of Bordeaux, University of Strasbourg
Diplomas and Certificates
Apart from traditional undergraduate programmes, France also offers a plethora of diploma and certificate courses that can be ideal for Class 12 graduates who want to gain specialized skills or explore a particular field. These programmes are often shorter in duration and focussed on practical knowledge.
Diploma in Culinary Arts: France’s culinary heritage makes it an attractive destination for aspiring chefs. You can enroll in culinary schools and earn diplomas in the culinary arts.
Where: Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Ferrandi Paris, Paul Bocuse Institute
Language Courses: If you’re interested in learning French or other languages, you can pursue certificate language courses.
Where: Institut Français, Sorbonne University, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis
Fashion Designing: Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, and it offers various diploma programmes in fashion designing, allowing students to tap into the vibrant fashion industry.
Where: Paris College of Art, ESMOD Paris, Institut Français de la Mode
Hospitality and Tourism: France’s thriving tourism industry opens doors to diploma programmes in hospitality management and tourism, arming students with valuable skills for a career in this sector.
Where: ESG UQAM – Université du Québec à Montréal, Ferrandi Paris, Centre International de Glion
Art and Design
France is known for its rich tradition of art and design, and there are numerous art schools and colleges that have specialised programmes for students with a passion for arts. These programmes offer diplomas or bachelor’s degrees in fine arts, graphic design, fashion design, and more.
Where: École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) – Paris, Paris College of Art, Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains
Language and Culture Studies
For those interested in French language and culture, the country has a wealth of programmes allowing students to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. These programmes may range from language courses to cultural studies and can be pursued at both undergraduate and diploma levels.
Where: University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, University of Lille, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis
Sports and Physical Education
Studying in France can be an enriching experience if you choose sports and physical education. Aspiring athletes or sports enthusiasts can go for programmes in sports science, coaching, or physical education. These can open up career avenues in sports management or coaching.
Where: National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, University of Burgundy, University of Paris-Sud
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Given the global focus on environmental issues, France offers programmes related to environmental science, sustainability, and ecology. They arm students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the burning environmental challenges.
Where: Sciences Po, Toulouse School of Economics, University of Strasbourg
Information Technology and Computer Science
The tech industry is thriving in France, and students interested in information technology and computer science can pursue undergraduate or diploma programmes in areas like computer engineering, software development, and data science.
Where: Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique, University of Paris-Sud
FAQs
- Does France offer English-taught programmes?
Yes, many universities offer programs in English to cater to international students. - What are the average tuition fees for IT courses in France?
Tuition fees vary but are generally competitive compared to other European countries. It can range from €1,000 to €10,000 per year. - Can I work part-time while studying in France?
Yes, as an international student, you can work part-time during your studies. The allowed duration is generally up to 20 hours per week. - Are there scholarships available for international students?
Yes, there are numerous scholarships and financial aid options that international students can avail. Check with the authorities of your chosen university for specific opportunities. - Is it necessary to learn French before coming to France?
While many courses are offered in English, having a basic knowledge of French can be beneficial for daily life in France.