Where is France
France is a country located in Western Europe, known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and historical significance. It shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. To the west, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. France is a founding member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area, making it well-connected for international travel. Its capital city, Paris, is a global center for education, fashion, and the arts. In addition to its European territory, France also has overseas regions around the world.
Interesting Facts About France
- World’s Top Study Destination
- France is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with over 370,000 international students choosing to study there each year.
- Home to the Eiffel Tower
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It was originally meant to be a temporary structure for the 1889 World Fair.
- Baguettes Are a Cultural Icon
- The French eat around 10 billion baguettes a year! In fact, the French baguette is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage item.
- Oldest University in Europe
- The University of Paris (Sorbonne) dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world.
- Birthplace of Cinema
- The world’s first public film screening took place in Paris in 1895, organized by the Lumière brothers — pioneers of modern cinema.
- Fast Trains (TGV)
- France has one of the fastest trains in the world, called the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), which can travel over 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Cheese Heaven
- France produces over 1,000 different types of cheese, from soft Brie to strong Roquefort.
- ️ Fashion Capital
- Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world, home to luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.
- Most Visited Country
- France is the most visited country in the world, attracting over 90 million tourists every year.
- Rich Cultural Life
- From art museums like the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa) to hundreds of festivals and theaters, France has a thriving cultural scene.
Why Choose France for Studying Abroad?
France is one of the most attractive destinations for international students — and for good reason. From world-class education to vibrant cultural experiences, studying in France offers more than just a degree.
1. Internationally Recognized Education
French universities and “Grandes Écoles” are known for academic excellence and innovation. Institutions like Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, and École Polytechnique consistently rank among the best in the world.
️ 3. Programs in English and French
Whether you’re fluent in French or not, you can still study in France. Hundreds of degree programs are offered entirely in English, especially at the master’s level.
✈️ 4. Located in the Heart of Europe
France is part of the Schengen Zone, which means students can easily travel to 26+ European countries without a separate visa — perfect for weekend trips and cultural exploration.
️ 5. Cultural and Historical Richness
From art and architecture to cuisine and cinema, France is a cultural powerhouse. Living in cities like Paris, Lyon, or Toulouse gives students access to centuries of history and modern city life.
6. Post-Study Work Opportunities
France offers favorable post-study visa options, allowing international graduates to stay and work after completing their degrees — especially in sectors like tech, business, and engineering.
7. Welcoming to International Students
With over 370,000+ international students, France has a strong support system, including student housing assistance, language classes, and integration programs.
Diverse Range of Study Programs
France offers a huge variety of academic disciplines — from engineering, business, and medicine to fashion design, culinary arts, and philosophy. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, or PhD, there’s a program to match your goals.
9. Gateway to a Global Career
French degrees are highly respected internationally. Studying in France can open doors to careers not just in Europe but around the world. Many top global companies — like Airbus, Renault, L’Oréal, and BNP Paribas — are based in France and actively recruit international talent.
10. High-Quality Teaching Staff
Professors in French universities are often researchers, scientists, and industry experts. The teaching style emphasizes critical thinking, independent learning, and real-world application.
11. Strong Student Support System
International students in France benefit from:
- Affordable health insurance
- Subsidized student housing
- Discounted transportation
- Campus support services for integration, language, and visa help
12. Quality of Life
France offers a high standard of living with excellent public transport, beautiful parks, world-famous food, and a strong sense of work-life balance. Even student life feels rich and rewarding here.
13. Internship and Work Opportunities
Many French degrees include internships as part of the curriculum. International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies (up to 964 hours/year), helping them gain experience and earn extra income.
14. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Cities
France has numerous student cities like Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Montpellier, and Bordeaux that are also cultural hotspots and UNESCO-listed for their beauty and heritage.
15. Innovative Research Ecosystem
France is a global leader in science, innovation, and technology. Students interested in research can benefit from access to cutting-edge labs, international conferences, and research fellowships.
16. Sustainability Focus
Many French universities are going green, incorporating eco-friendly campuses, sustainable development goals, and climate-focused research — ideal for environmentally conscious students.
Requirements
Documents for Admission
- SSC
- HSSC Minimum(60%)
- Bachelors (60%)
- Recommendations Letters
- Europass Cv
- Motivation Letters
- IELTS or PTE if any
- Passport
- Pic
Application Fee
- 30 to 100 Euros
Tuition Fee
1 Public Sector
- For Bachelors 3000 to 5000 Euros
- For Masters 4000 to 6000 Euros
- PHD (scholarship )
2 Private Sector
- For Bachelors 5000 to 18000 Euros
- For Masters 5000 to 20000 Euros
Documents for Visa
- Visa Application Form
- Educational Documents (BOARD, IBCC, HEC, MOFA Attested)
- Passport
- Health Insurance
- Campus France Registration
- Police Character Certificate (Apostille)
- Bank Statement 12000 Euro (but Recommended 15000+ Euros) Well Maintained (6 Month)
- Proof of Funds
- Business Proof or salary slip if any
- SOP
- Dummy Flight Reservation
- Visa Fee paid voucher
- Tuition fee paid voucher
- University Acceptance Letter
- Accommodation Letter
IELTS Requirements
With and Without IELTS
Many universities and colleges are accepting students without IELTS on the Basis of MOI
Embassy in Pakistan
Yes, in Islamabad.
Appointment issue
No
Intake
February, September but Maximum Courses are offered in September intake
Spouse Allowed
No
Processing Time
2 to 3 Month
Part Time Work Allow
Yes
Average Earning
During Study 700 to 1200
During Holidays and vacation 1200 to 1800
Visa Ratio
80% Well managed documentation can secure visa
- Public Universities
France has around 45 public universities recognized as établissements publics scientifiques, culturels et professionnels (EPSCP)
These institutions grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and are spread across all regions of metropolitan and overseas France (including Corsica and overseas territories)
A non-exhaustive alphabetical example list includes:
- Université d’Aix‑Marseille (Aix‑Marseille University)
- Université de Bordeaux
- Université de Caen Normandie
- Université de Strasbourg
- Université Claude‑Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon 2, Lyon 3
- Université de Montpellier
- Université de Nantes
- Université de Rennes 1 & 2
- Université de Toulouse (Jean Jaurès, Capitole)
- Université de Paris‑1 (Panthéon‑Sorbonne), Paris‑8 Vincennes‑Saint‑Denis, Paris‑13 etc.
- Selective Institutions (“Grandes Écoles” & Clusters)
France also has elite engineering, business, and research institutions—often grouped into university clusters like PSL, Paris‑Saclay, and Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Though technically separate from standard universities, many collaborate closely.
Top-ranked clusters (2025)
- Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) – a collegiate research university in Paris
- Université Paris‑Saclay – a cluster combining universities, grandes écoles, and research organizations
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris – independent engineering cluster
- Sorbonne University (Sorbonne Université) – major Parisian public university
- Université Paris‑Cité
Additional prestigious institutions:
- École Polytechnique (Palaiseau)
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
- Sciences Po (Paris)
- CentraleSupélec, École des Ponts ParisTech, INSA Lyon
- Notable Universities by Ranking and Region (2025–26)
| Institution | City | Notes | |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) | Paris | Top French university in THE ranking (World #42) | |
| Université Paris‑Saclay | Paris area | World #64, #12 in Shanghai ranking among European institutions | |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Paris | World #71 | |
| Sorbonne Université | Paris | World #76 | |
| Université Montpellier | Montpellier | Ranked in THE World #351–400 | |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | Grenoble | Among the top 50 in France; ~60,000 students | |
| Université de Strasbourg | Strasbourg | Also within THE top rankings | |
| Université Aix‑Marseille | Marseille | One of France’s oldest public universities | |
Types of Private Institutions in France
- Private Universities (rare, often Catholic-affiliated)
- Grandes Écoles privées (elite private schools, especially for business & engineering)
- Specialized Colleges (fashion, design, hospitality, IT, etc.)
- Business Schools (many and are privately and internationally accredited)
Top Private Universities and Colleges in France
Business and Management
| Institution | City | Notes |
| INSEAD | Fontainebleau | Top global MBA school (#1 in Europe) |
| EDHEC Business School | Lille, Nice | Triple-accredited (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA) |
| ESCP Business School | Paris + EU campuses | One of the oldest business schools |
| ESSEC Business School | Cergy | Highly ranked in business & analytics |
| EMLYON Business School | Lyon | Well-known for entrepreneurship |
| KEDGE Business School | Bordeaux, Marseille | Top private French business school |
| Grenoble École de Management | Grenoble | Strong tech-business blend |
| IPAG Business School | Paris, Nice | Private business education with internships |
Engineering and Technology
| Institution | City | Notes |
| EPITA | Paris | Focused on computer science and AI |
| ESIEA, ECE, EPITECH | Various | Private tech schools |
| ISIMA, EIGSI, ESIGELEC | Various | Private engineering institutions |
Fashion, Art & Design
| Institution | City | Notes |
| IFA Paris (International Fashion Academy) | Paris | Fashion design & business |
| LISAA (L’Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués) | Paris + cities | Art, design, animation |
| Studio Berçot | Paris | Renowned fashion design school |
| École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne | Paris | Couture & luxury fashion |
| École Conte / ESMOD | Paris | Fashion & textile design |
| ISART Digital | Paris | Video game & animation school |
Hospitality & Culinary
| Institution | City | Notes |
| Le Cordon Bleu Paris | Paris | International culinary institute |
| Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School | Nîmes, Paris + global | Highly rated for hotel management |
| Ferrandi Paris | Paris | Culinary arts & restaurant management |
Catholic and International Private Universities
| Institution | City | Notes |
| Université Catholique de Lyon | Lyon | Offers theology, arts, business, law |
| Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP) | Paris | Prestigious liberal arts and theology |
| American University of Paris (AUP) | Paris | U.S.-style liberal arts college |
| Schiller International University | Paris campus | U.S.-based international education |