Reasons to Study in France: Benefits for International Students

Who hasn't fantasized about strolling along the banks of the Seine River or immersing oneself in the enchanting lavender fields of Provence at least once in their life? France is one of the most popular tourist as well as study abroad destinations in the world for a reason. The country is home to prestigious universities and institutions renowned for their high-quality education in various fields. From humanities and arts to science and engineering, French universities offer an array of traditional and niche programs. Read on to learn more about it and embark on your dream of getting education from abroad.

Top Reasons to Choose France for Study- Quick Facts

Why Study in France

Now that you have glanced at the quick facts, given below are the detailed reasons why you should choose France for your study:

1. Home to Some of Best Universities in World

The country has a network of 3,500+ institutions that consists of universities, Grandes Ecoles, and schools of art or architecture. As many as 35 French Universities have ranked in the QS University World Rankings 2025. These universities offer access to some of the top courses and specializations in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Here are the top 10 universities that bagged a place in the QS Rankings:

• Université PSL
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• Sorbonne University
• Université Paris-Saclay
• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
• École des ponts ParisTech
• Université Paris Cité
• Sciences Po
• Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonn
• Université Grenoble Alpes

2. Best Courses to Study in France

When choosing the best course to study in France, international students can select from some popular courses such as:

1. Engineering: France is known for its strong engineering programs. Top institutions such as École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, and INSA Lyon offer world-class engineering courses in various disciplines. 
2. Business and Management: The country is home to some of Europe's leading business schools. 
3. Fashion and Design: France has a rich fashion and design heritage. Schools like Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) and ESMOD Paris provide excellent programs in fashion design, luxury brand management, and fashion business.
4. Hospitality and Tourism: With its vibrant tourism industry, France offers top-notch hospitality management and tourism programs. 
5. Arts and Humanities: France has a strong tradition in arts and humanities. Universities like Sorbonne University and Sciences Po Paris offer various literature, philosophy, history, and political science courses.

3. Career & Business Prospects

France is one of the biggest and most flourishing global economies and has access to the entire European market. According to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report, the frontier technologies market (including AI) shall grow from $350 billion to over $3.2 trillion by 2025. France ranked as the top 13th country on the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index, highlighting the growing AI market in France. Additionally, nearly 47,000 new jobs in France were created in the year 2022 alone by its deep tech startups.  

After graduating, international students can expect to find attractive employment opportunities in varied sectors. Tourism, technology, transport, manufacturing, energy, tourism, and agriculture are major contributors to the French economy. The country is popular for its fashion, luxury goods, and cosmetics industry. Some of the popular job sectors in France include management consulting, marketing, and engineering – aerospace, automobile, mechanical, metallurgy, and energy management. 

Here are some of the top multinational companies in France that hire graduates from various fields. 

• Airbus
• Michelin
• AXA
• L’Oréal
• Citroën
• Ubisoft
• Total
• Renault
• Peugeot

4. Compelling French Culture & Lifestyles

French culture is unique and captivating. The country offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences to fall in love with. International students get to see some of the world's most iconic monuments, like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Pantheon, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower, among other landmarks. 

Cuisine is another aspect of French culture. Students can discover local favorites across the country's charming local cafes, eateries, and restaurants. Paris, especially, is home to some of the world's best-ranked restaurants for fine dining while offering a buzzing nightlife circuit. 

France's rich culinary history and traditions make the country a top destination for learning cooking and the culinary arts. 

The country is also synonymous with fashion too, hosting the iconic Paris Fashion Week every year. 

5. Financial Aid for Students

Another major reason to study in France is the financial support offered to international students. There are numerous scholarships available from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Studying at public universities also means paying negligible tuition costs. Many students choose to apply for aid to receive monthly funding to cover their living costs. Listed below are some of the scholarships offered to Indian students in France.

• Eiffel Scholarships
• Ile-de-France Masters Scholarships
• Ampere Scholarships of Excellence
• The Charpak Scholarship Programme
• Raman Charpak Fellowship
• La Femis
• Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
• The Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships for Foreign Students

6. Research Opportunities and Innovation Ecosystem: 

France is renowned for its world-class research opportunities, top-tier infrastructure, and vibrant innovation ecosystem. Students in France have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge facilities, and advanced technological resources. This develops a culture of research and development, making it one of the primary reasons to study in France. 

France has the most innovative companies in Europe among the top 100! This means students will be learning alongside cutting-edge ideas and companies. This incredible innovative ecosystem is formed by 71 competitiveness clusters. These clusters bring together universities, businesses, and inventors to work on projects. 

The French government is putting EUR 200 million behind a program called French Tech. This initiative directly supports the development of digital companies, creating a magnet for talented young minds seeking to make their mark on the world. This is another way France is enhancing their research and innovative ecosystem. 

France’s rich intellectual heritage is undeniable.  Several people from France have won a bunch of Nobel Prizes in subjects like Physics, Literature, and Economics. In addition, France has the most champions in a special math competition called the Fields Medal.

7. Language Immersion and Proficiency: 

Studying in France offers a great opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the French language. Mastering French is a skill that can significantly enhance your resume and lead to plenty of global career opportunities. With over 300 million speakers across the world, French is the 5th most spoken language globally. It is also the most popular language for study after English, which is why studying in France is beneficial. 

If you are fluent in French, it allows you to confidently manage professional interactions in more than 30 countries across 5 continents. From France, Monaco, and Belgium to Switzerland and Luxembourg, French is an official language that gives plenty of potential employment opportunities within the European region. 

Notably, French has a significant role in business because it is the 3rd most prominent language for international trade, finance, and diplomacy. In addition to that, its influence extends to the digital sphere, where it reigns as the 4th most prevalent language on the internet. In addition, speaking French helps in building connections with people in French-speaking countries. This way, you can expand personal and professional networks.

8. Career and Business Prospects 

France has an employment rate of 64.7% and offers a wide variety of career and business opportunities for students, thanks to its robust economy, diverse industries, and thriving job market. France is a major player in various sectors, including agriculture, banking and insurance, information technology, energy production, food processing, and manufacturing. As a result, it provides a wide range of career paths for graduates, which are some of the main benefits of studying in France. 

France is famous for its luxury goods, fashion, and cosmetics industries and is home to many large multinational companies. Tourism is another critical part of the French economy, offering numerous seasonal job opportunities. Additionally, according to Times Higher Education, France is highly regarded for the employability of its graduates, ranking second globally.

France is one of the world’s leading economic powers, ranking 7th globally and 2nd in Europe in terms of GDP. It is the top destination in Europe for international investments, reflecting its dynamic and robust economy. 

Many universities offer internship programs that provide valuable work experience and help you build your network. Additionally, job placement services can assist you in finding your dream position after graduation. Even if you are not an EU national, French companies can recruit you after you complete your studies. The French degree you earn is highly respected and can significantly enhance your career prospects both in France and internationally.

Conclusion 

France offers a wide variety of career and business opportunities for international students, making it perfect for those who are wondering why to choose France for higher studies. Its strong economy, supportive work policies, and prestigious educational institutions create an environment where students can thrive well during and after their studies. Whether you want to stay in France, return to your home country, or explore other international prospects, studying in France provides a solid foundation for a successful career.