France vs Australia: Which is Better

France vs Australia is a conundrum you may face, especially if you are confused about the two countries for your higher education. Here are some key pointers that will help you make a better decision. 

Parameter	France	Australia
Total Number of Universities	72	41
Number of Universities in QS World University Rankings- 2024	35	38
Best Student Cities (In Order-QS Best Student Cities, 2023)	Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier	Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast
Average Annual Tuition Fees	€2,770-3,770 per year	AU$20,000-50,000 per year
Admission Intakes	January (Spring) and September (Fall)	February, July, September, and November

Top Universities in France and Australia

The leading universities of both countries merit discussion regarding the Aus vs France debate. Here is a closer look at the top 10 universities in both countries with their rankings as per the QS World University Rankings 2024 list. 

France- 

University Name	QS World University Rankings 2024
Universite PSL	24
Institut Polytechnique de Paris	38
Sorbonne University	59
Universite Paris-Saclay	71
Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon	184
Ecole des Ponts ParisTech	192
Universite Paris Cite	236
Universite Grenoble Alpes	294
Sciences Po	319
Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne	328

Australia- 

University Name	QS World University Rankings 2024
University of Melbourne	14
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	19
University of Sydney	19
Australian National University (ANU)	34
Monash University	42
The University of Queensland	43
The University of Western Australia	72
The University of Adelaide	89
University of Technology Sydney	90
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)	130

Admission Requirements in France and Australia 

Another aspect of the France vs Australia debate is the admission requirements in both countries. Here is a guide to the same for your benefit. 

France- 

While these may vary across institutions, international undergraduate applicants usually have to apply using the national pre-registration platform for higher education, which is known as Parcoursup. Other requirements include a secondary school diploma (translated into French), identity proof, cover letter, resume, and other documents as per the stipulations of the institutions. Graduate students must abide by individual and institutional requirements while furnishing proof of their bachelor's degree and other relevant transcripts. They may also have to provide documents like professional references, certified language test scores, supporting professional experience/internship documents, research project details, CVs, and work-study contract details. 

Language proficiency scores are required since those wishing to study in French should appear for the TCF (Test de connaissance du Francais), DELF (Diplome d’Etudes en Langue Francaise), DALF (Diplome Approfondi de Langue Francaise), or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages examination. Every university will have its own minimum score requirements. Some institutions may also require English language proficiency scores (mostly the TOEFL or the IELTS). 

Australia-

Students have to prove their English language proficiency for all courses with score certificates. Undergraduate applicants should prove that they have studied in or completed a qualification that is recognized, with the grades that are required by the institution. Postgraduate applicants should have finished their tertiary qualification (recognized), and the criteria may include previous study in the field along with a minimum score in terms of GPA. 

Additional criteria for admissions may include interviews, portfolios, specific course knowledge or research/professional experience, and more. Candidates must submit English language proficiency scores, academic transcripts, degree certificates, identity copies, and other necessary documents. 

Tuition Fees in France and Australia

Tuition fees for both countries are listed here for your benefit (average estimates and subject to change at any time as per the guidelines of the institutions). 

Course Type	Australia	France
Undergraduate	AU$20,000-45,000 per year	€2,770 per year
Postgraduate	AU$22,000-50,000 per year	€3,770 per year

Living Expenses in France and Australia

Comparing the living costs in both countries is essential before making a final decision. Here is a brief guide for your perusal, giving you an idea of the monthly living costs that you can expect. 

Category	France (Per Month)	Australia (Per Month)
Food and Groceries	€300	AU$560-1120
Utilities	€60	AU$120-240
Internet and Connectivity	€50	AU$60-120
Transportation	€70	AU$120-240
Accommodation	€575-660	AU$640-1760
Entertainment and Lifestyle	€250	AU$320-600
Total Living Costs (Basic Estimate)	€1305-1390	AU$1820-4080

Know More About Cost of Living France and Australia:

Cost of Living in France

Cost of Living in Australia

Work Permit and PR

Finding a work permit to stay back in the country and obtaining permanent residence are other aspects worth evaluating for international aspirants. Here is a brief guide to the core factors involved in these processes in both countries. 

France- 

Resident cards are available for those living in France for some years and with a desire to settle in the country for a longer duration. The card is the authorization of the holder to take up a salaried profession/job in the country or even self-employment. The first resident card is given upon meeting conditions like the republican integration into French society and the knowledge of the core French Republic principles and the language. Those staying for a minimum of five years in the country can apply for the EU long-term resident card. They should have health insurance and proper proof of funds (€21,203 as of the 1st of January, 2024, which is the resources equal to the minimum wage) along with proving their republican integration into French society. 

For staying in the country after graduation, non-European aspirants should have a work contract or employment offer while being paid a minimum of 1 ½ times the country’s minimum wage. They can request the APS-Temporary Resident Permit or the Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour without any employment guarantee. This requires a professional master's/bachelors-level degree from students or they should be about to start a company. India has a bilateral agreement with France, and students will gain from specific conditions regarding their provisional residence permits. 

Australia- 

Australia offers a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which is for international students graduating from an institution in the country with a degree. It helps temporarily stay and work in the country. The duration may vary between two and four years, depending on the aspirant’s qualifications. Those with select degrees may also apply for an extended duration of two years on this visa. Those on this visa may also bring their family members to stay with them in Australia. 

Permanent residency is available in Australia if the aspirant has received a permanent visa that enables him/her to stay indefinitely. The common types of such visas cover family and skilled work visas. Being a permanent resident allows individuals the legal right to re-enter the country after traveling abroad, provided the permanent visa has a valid travel facility. Citizenship may be possible in the future after staying in the country for a particular duration and being a permanent visa holder. 

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Average Salaries in France and Australia

Here are the average salaries for some jobs in both France and Australia (annual). 

Job	Australia	France
Engineer	AU$98,901	€46,040
Accountant	AU$75,790	€37,440
Teacher	AU$93,870	€32,558
Pharmacist	AU$94,700	€43,000
Lawyer	AU$108,615	€60,173
Doctor	AU$96,904	€45,000

To sum up, the France vs Australia comparison illustrates the core differences in terms of living and tuition costs, admission requirements, leading universities and other crucial aspects like post-study work visas and permanent residency. You should look at each parameter closely before zeroing in on the country that best matches your needs and preferences. 

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