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Study Abroad in Paris 2023: Requirements, Schools, Cost of Living

Why study abroad in Paris?  Paris is known for its wide boulevards and impressive architecture, and there is much more that international students enjoy.  It is home to world-famous monuments, galleries and museums and is an ideal place to study abroad.

If you are a college student, you are probably planning your study abroad trip.  If you are lucky enough to come to Paris, you have a lot to look forward to!  Summer students have just descended on the streets of Paris, and fall semester and year-round students are on their way.

If you are coming to study in Paris, you will surely have a great time in the City of Lights.  Here are some tips to make your time away from home its best.

Make the City of Light your classroom when you study abroad in Paris.  Paris offers limitless opportunities from business to biology, from finance to fashion, and from the art scene to the foodie scene. 

The French capital has always been a center of intellectual thought, politics, art, and social change, where diversity and modernity flourish alongside centuries of rich history. 

Home to high fashion, world-famous cuisine, and some of the best museums and galleries in the world, Paris attracts thinkers, artists, writers, and thousands of students worldwide. 

Study abroad in Paris at the CEA Center and our three Parisian partner universities offers stimulating avenues for learning by combining classwork, group projects, co-curricular activities, and excursions, all designed to foster a deeper understanding of the local language and culture, as well as a broader global perspective.

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Should I study Abroad in Paris?

  Paris attracts tens of thousands of students from all over France and from all over the world every year.  When you study in Paris, you will chat with your classmates in cafes, look for cinemas of the arts in the alleys, and join with friends for a weekend concert. 

Paris has more attractions than you can shake off, but it is also filled with beautiful libraries, quaint historic sights, and ethnic neighborhoods that take you straight to West Africa.  There is more to study abroad in Paris than in the Eiffel Tower. 

France is the place to go if you desire to study in a multicultural nation with a stellar academic reputation. It is among the most well-liked places to study, making it ideal for students from other countries.

For all foreign students, the nation provides a great atmosphere. It offers excellent research possibilities, talks, and educational opportunities. Discover a city that has fascinated artists and thinkers for centuries: Study abroad in Paris!

While you are here, check out: Should I Study Abroad in 2023? 17 Reasons Your Country Is Not The Best

How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Paris?

France is part of the European Union and embraces the euro as its official currency.  In early 2014, 1 euro was equivalent to roughly $ 1.40.

Rent in Paris varies depending on where one wants to live.  According to Numbeo, downtown rent is around $ 1,200 to $ 2,500 per month for one- to three-bedroom apartments.  Outside the city center, rent ranges from $ 850 to $ 1800 for one- to three-bedroom apartments.  Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, and garbage) cost about $ 175 monthly.

The cost of food, of course, depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.  Again according to Numbeo, eating out can cost from $ 8 (for fast food) to $ 75 (at more expensive restaurants).  Food from the grocery store is relatively similar to food costs in more expensive cities in the United States. However, grocery costs depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences.

  Public transport is available in Paris and is commonly used throughout the city.  According to Numbeo, a monthly bus ticket costs around $ 65, and taxis usually charge a start-up fee, a flat rate per kilometer, and a parking fee. 

The price for one liter of gasoline (roughly 4 liters in a gallon) is roughly $ 2.  The prices of other goods, such as clothing and entertainment, depending on consumers’ preferences.

How Much is Tuition Fees in France for International Students?

In essence, public university bachelor’s degree costs might approach 200 euros. On the other hand, they vary from 400 to 600 euros at the same universities for degrees in engineering and medicine. Depending on the chosen major, it varies from 300 and 400 euros for masters and doctorate degrees.

Additionally, most business management programs at colleges that grant full degrees are private. In essence, the yearly rates range from 4,500 to over 6,000 euros.

Last but not least, Grandes écoles in France determine their own tuition rates, ranging from 500 to 600 euros per year to as much as 10,000.

Visa Requirements to Study Abroad in Paris

We will begin the discussion by listing the different types of French students visa you may need for your study abroad in Paris experience with their brief descriptions.

There are several types of French student visas, and the type of visa you request will differ depending on how long you plan to study in France.

1. Schengen student visa (short stay)

  If your studies will last less than three months, and you are sure you will not spend more time in the country, you should apply for a short-stay or Schengen student visa.  The Schengen student visa is issued free of charge and cannot be renewed.

2. Entry visa for entrance exams

  Suppose you must travel to France to take one or more university entrance exams. In that case, you can apply for the Visa de court séjour étudiant concours, a visa for entrance examinations. 

If you take the exam and pass the test, you can apply for a one-year renewable residence permit.  For more information, contact the admission department of the French institution you wish to study at.

4. Long-term residence visa

  Visa de long séjour temporaire pour études is a temporary student visa that allows you to study in France for up to six months.  With this student visa for France, you do not need to submit a separate application for a residence permit.

5. Long-stay visa

  The long-stay visa, known as the studies long-travel visa or VLT-TS for long stays, is what you need to study in France for more than six months.  This visa is a residence permit and lasts throughout your studies (usually three years for a bachelor’s degree, two years for a master’s program, and four years for a doctorate). 

Algerian citizens do not need a VLS-TS but are subject to various provisions.  Contact your institution or the French consulate/embassy in your country for more information.

Also, see: 11 Cheapest Universities in Europe to Study Abroad (Almost Free)

  How to Apply for a Student Visa in Paris, France

  Citizens of several countries will apply for a French student visa through Campus France, the official national agency for higher education and international students in the country. 

These students must also use Campus France to apply to the French institutions of their choice via the CEF procedure.  Review this list of countries to see if you need to apply for your visa and be accepted this way.

If your country of origin is not listed in the link above, you will be responsible for both the university admission and study visa applications.  Once you gain admission to a program at a French institution, you can apply for a student visa for France.

  Tips to Study Abroad in Paris

If studying in Paris s one of your best study-abroad dreams, here are the top tips you need to make the most out of it:

1. Plan ahead

  You may have heard of the famous dangers of the French bureaucracy.  Before you board your plane, ensure you have everything in order – from your administration forms to your French visa.  You don’t want to deal with French administrative details when enjoying the perfect afternoon at a café in Paris.  Believe me.

2. Organize all your finances

  You may want to check with your bank about fees abroad.  You will be shocked at the international fees you can incur if you use your debit card at an ATM here. 

There may be a French sister bank to the bank (for example, BNP Paribas and Bank of America), or a specialist travel credit/debit card for you to take advantage of.  RELATED: How to Avoid ATM Fees While Traveling in Paris

3. Light package

  You may feel you need to bring two or three bags with you, but you will never wear most of these clothes.  Life in Paris is all about having classic items, like your favorite jeans, jacket and leather jacket.  And save some space for your new purchases!

4. Learn some French!

  Seriously, he learned at least a little French before getting to Paris.  Many people speak English, but why miss this great opportunity to develop your language skills?  Before your arrival, you’ll need to know some basic French to get hold of it. 

While in Paris, exchange the language!  There are many great services in Paris for practicing French with French speakers, such as Franglish, an informal get-together at the bar.

6. Make some French friends!

  The best way to practice your French is to make friends.  It might be a little difficult at first but talk to your French classmates or the people you meet abroad.  You will be amazed at how much better your French language has been and how much you will learn about French culture.

7. Think about alternatives to university housing

  There are many wonderful apartments all over Paris, and many great apartments to take advantage of.  Why not rent a room in an apartment with French students?  Or get an apartment with some friends?  You can have a real kitchen, host parties, and explore different regions of Paris. 

8. Take advantage of the wonderful public transportation

  Paris has a great metro, bus, and bike rental system.  Most of the time, you can get to anywhere you want in just two minutes!  Learn metro basics and try the bus – you won’t regret it.  And if you love cycling, check out Velib, Paris’ bike share. 

You can rent a bike for a day, a week, or even a year.  There is no better feeling than returning from a party at night with the Seine as your guide!

See also: How to Write an Irresistible Study Abroad Essay

 Top Universities to Study Abroad in Paris

Here are our top picks on the best universities to study abroad in Paris:

  1. Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)
  2. École Polytechnique (ParisTech)
  3. Sorbonne University
  4. Sciences Po Paris
  5. University of Paris

1. Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)

  Paris Sciences et Lettres Research (PSL) ranks first among the best universities in Paris and France as a whole and was ranked 52nd in the QS World University Rankings this year and is a university, formed in 2010 and consisting of nine members, including the École Normale  Supérieure (ENS Paris), it is one of the most selective and prestigious major schools (major schools and institutions) in the country.

  PSL ranked in the top 20 globally for its reputation with graduate employers and the faculty-to-student ratio (two of the six indicators used to compile the rankings), with 19,450 students and 4,729 teachers and researchers.

The university enjoys excellent links with employers and maintains strategic partnerships with other elite universities worldwide, such as the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Cambridge, UK.

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2. École Polytechnique (ParisTech)

  Down eight places to number 68 in the world, École Polytechnique (ParisTech) is a founding member of ParisTech (an affiliated group of colleges focused on science and business topics) and receives the highest ranking in the QS World University Rankings by Subject-Wide Area of ​​Natural Sciences, joint 26th  In the world.

  Although it was located in the Latin Quarter, the ParisTech site moved to the south of the city in 1976. Now it is located about 30 kilometers outside the center of Paris and with a community of more than 4,600 students and teachers, the main campus of ParisTech offers more than 160 hectares  From open spaces. 

A space and a set of outdoor sports facilities that only many universities within the city center could dream of.

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3. Sorbonne University

  Sorbonne University is one of the best universities in Paris to be formed through the merger of previous institutions, it was ranked 83rd in the world in 2020 and remained the third-highest university in the city. 

Founded in 2018 by the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and the University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Sorbonne University houses the largest Faculty of Arts and Humanities in France and a student community of 55,600 students, including 10,200 international students.

  Sorbonne University has an innovative and global outlook and is committed to long-term partnerships with international universities to pursue scientific research.  It also operates a campus in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where students can study literature, languages, humanities and the sciences.

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Before you go, see: 9 Top Colleges in Italy for Study Abroad

4. Sciences Po Paris

  The Institute for Political Studies in Paris, better known as Science Po Paris, specializes in the humanities and social sciences. 

The University of Science Po Paris is currently ranked 242 in the world, and has seven campuses across France, with around 14,000 students overall, of which 46 percent are international (which means it also ranks high in the international student index).

  The main campus of Science Po Paris is in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of the capital, which was once the center of the existential movement associated with author Simone de Beauvoir and philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. 

Today, the area remains a center of creative culture and is home to several popular Parisian cafés.

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5. University of Paris

  Not to be confused with the historical institution of the same name (which existed between 1150 on and off until its division into 13 separate universities in 1970), the Université de Paris ranked 275th in this year’s QS World Rankings. 

The universities from the merger of the University of Paris Descartes, the University of Paris Diderot (Paris 7), and the Institute of Physics of the World in Paris (Paris Institute for Geophysics, IPGP).  It is a large university, hosting around 61,000 students, with a large selection of campuses and locations across the city.

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Conclusion

That is it for the tips on studying abroad in Paris. We hope we have highlighted all the living and studying costs and all other information you will need to decide on studying abroad in Paris.

FAQs – Study Abroad in Paris

How much money do I need to live in Paris as a student?

It costs a fair amount of money to attend one of the colleges in Paris and pay for all of your fees. If you manage your money well, the cost of living in Paris is moderate and within reach for students. The average monthly cost of living in Paris is about 1200 EUR for students.

Where should I study in Paris?

Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)
École Polytechnique (ParisTech)
Sorbonne University
Sciences Po Paris
University of Paris

How much does it cost to live in France as an international student?

You need between 600 and 800 euros per month to live in France to cover accommodation, transportation, and food costs. Of course, this sum fluctuates according on the student’s residence’s location or style.

Is Paris a good city to study abroad?

When you wish to leave the huge metropolis, there are several fantastic day excursions that you can do from Paris. According to rankings from QS Best Student Cities, Paris is the ninth-best city in the world to study abroad. It is a great destination to continue your education because it is home to 17 of the best institutions in the world.

References

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