Academic System

France’s education system enjoys an excellent reputation. The French higher education system is very comprehensive and offer consistently high caliber.A dual system of education exists in France comprising various types of universities & institutions. These include Universities, Universities institute of Technology, National Polytechnic Institutes, Higher Establishments, Schools of Engineering, Advance Colleges of Commerce & Business Administration, Catholic Higher Education Institutions, Art Institutions of Higher Education, National Veterinary Schools and many more.There are more than 300 public Universities & Institutions and over 500 private institutions that impart quality education to students from all over the world.

All institutions in France follow a semester system. There are two semesters in each academic year. The subjects taught are counted in credits. Students are deemed to pass a semester once they have obtained 30 credits. The language of instruction is French but some universities also offer English as a language of instruction.

Accomodation

Housing in France provides great value for money as it is typically comfortable and yet reasonably priced. All universities in France offer rooms & studio apartments at reduced rates. Universities follow established criteria in allocating space in these apartments, giving preference to scholarship holders over other students. Around 2000 units of university housing are available and costs between 120 and 300 Euros per month. Private housing facilities are also available. Private housing is well furnished and all basic facilities like water, electricity, kitchen etc. are available. At rentals between seven and fifteen Euros per square meters, private housing is very affordable.

Climate

Each region of France is characterized by distinct climatic conditions. There are broadly four types of climatic conditions and these vary according to the region.

The west & the Coastal areas are covered with a true temperate maritime climate. Here, winters are mild and summers are cool. There is frequent rainfall and precipitation occurs for as much as 180 days.

In the interior of the country, a mid-latitude continental climate prevails. Summers are hot and the weather changes sharply during winters. Rainfall occurs on very few days.

At high altitudes, a mountain climate exists. In this area due to high elevation, winters are very cold and last for a longer period. Precipitation increases with height & snowfall is common during winter.

A Mediterranean type of climate is found near the Mediterranean coast. Summers are hot and dry while winters are mild and humid. There are few rainy days in this area.

Visa Regulations

A visa is mandatory for all foreign students who want to study in France except those who are nationals of “the Schengen Agreement”. If the duration of stay is between three and six months then students need only to fill a long term visa application form. However, if the duration of stay exceeds six months then they have to undergo some formalities at the time of arrival in France and obtain a student residency card after entering the country. Students can contact the “Prefecture de Police” to get the student residency card.

Working in France is very easy. If students have a residency permit and are enrolled in an institution, they have the right to work in France. Students are however allowed to work only for 35 hours per week.

Public Transport

The French transportation system is modern, fast, efficient & affordable. The train system is France’s major means of transportation. People generally board trains to travel within the country. It is the best and the cheapest among all means of transport. The rail network is very comprehensive and includes suburban, regional, national & international lines connecting almost every part of France. Railways are managed by a single authority known as the SNCF. All major French cities also have airports that link France with other countries. Buses, metro, trams & local taxis make intra-city travel very comfortable. They also run to remote areas where the railway network cannot reach. These transportation services are very fast and reliable. All these means of transport are grouped under an authority known as the RATP.

National holidays