Why study in France ?

Diversity and quality – trademarks of French higher education

French higher education offers foreign students a wealth of opportunities ranging from broad-based education, vocational education, to specialised or tailor-made courses.

One of its main features is to build bridges from one area of study to another or from a short course to a more extensive at any stage of the student’s learning pathway.

It has achieved international recognition for its multiple assets and scholarly excellence meeting each and every need, as well as its many links with the business world and the international scene. French higher education provides foreign students with a supportive environment regardless of their country of origin.

According to the latest TNS Sofres survey carried out for Campus France, 94% of foreign students consider that their period of study in France was a rewarding experience, while 86% believe it enhanced their university studies, and 70% think it boosted their employability.

    

With its extensive diversity of subjects and programmes, French higher education has something for everyone in its universities, Grandes écoles, or technological courses. To find a training course tailored to your individual needs, refer to the Campus France catalogue.

Boost your French language skills

With some 550 million speakers throughout the world, French is the fourth most widely spoken language. It is the official language of many countries and is used as working language in numerous international institutions such as the European Commission or the UN.   

For a long time French was regarded as the vehicle for spreading innovative culture, literature and philosophy; it is currently the reference language in such areas as gastronomy, fashion, luxury goods, the automotive and aeronautics industries, and large-scale distribution.

In recent years, French has grown in popularity, especially in American bilingual schools. French as a foreign language (FFL) is taught on all continents and more particularly in the “Alliances françaises”, language centres and universities in France and overseas.  

Vocational training within our academic programmes

Internships

At UCO, internships are an integral part of our academic curricula. They acquaint students with working life, putting their knowledge and skills into practice as well as reinforcing their choice of a career. In France, internships may vary from 14 days to a maximum of 6 months per academic year. The law requires that a minimum amount of 480 € per month be paid to the student if the internship lasts at least 2 months.

Sandwich training courses

An increasing number of sandwich training programmes (workplace learning supported by academic training on a part-time basis) are currently available and enable students to gain real work experience whilst carrying on with their academic education.

France is famous for its way of life and rich cultural, architectural and artistic heritage.

Some 85 million foreign tourists visit the country every year.

Among its other attractions are areas of excellence such as gastronomy, wine, haute couture, perfumes, new technologies, health, energy, and aeronautics.   

The diversity of its landscapes (whether coastline, mountains or countryside), the beauty of its major cities (Paris, Nantes,Angers…) and its numerous sites listed by UNESCO (Mont Saint-Michel, the Loire Valley, Rheims cathedral, the Lascaux caves…) can also explain its continuing popularity with international students.

Located at the heart of Europe, France is the most visited country in the world.

Its health services and road network are at the leading edge of progress. Higher education institutions, usually located in major cities, offer students access to both a rich cultural and invaluable social life ─ museums, bookstores, cinemas, theatre and cafés ─ that give them an opportunity to settle smoothly into their new life. And all the more so since a student status provides easy and often cheaper access to a large number of cultural, sport and tourist activities, as well as to public transportation.