There are two different type of educational institutes you can choose from. Universities and "Grandes Ecoles" (Described as Competitive Institutes). There are about 87 universities and over 300 Grandes Ecoles in France. A large number of students go to universities which offer general courses and professional courses. The universities cover all disciplines and trains students for research.

The Grandes Ecoles take in a lower number of students after a rigorous selection process and offer courses that specializes students in areas that have a direct career applicability. These can be either Public or private institutions.

French higher education employs the "LMD system"—licence, master, doctorate—now used throughout the European Union. The system is designed to facilitate student mobility within Europe and around the world.

Using this common architecture, degrees are awarded on the basis of the number of semesters the student has completed since entering higher education and the corresponding number of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits earned.

Licence: 6 semesters (3 years) completed and 180 ECTS credits earned

Master: 4 more semesters completed and 120 additional ECTS credits, for a total of 5 years of study and 300 ECTS credits earned

Doctorate: Usually obtained after 16 semesters (8 years)

The education systems in India and France are very different. You will have to apply to universities and let them decide on the applicability of your previous academic background and experience to the course you are interested to study in.

When to apply?

The academic year in France starts in September or October. Some institutions may also enroll students for spring, summer or winter semesters as well.

Intakes
Summer - January/March
Winter - September/October

General Deadlines for Applications
Summer -Up to 15th January
Winter -Up to 15th July

Some institutions accept applications beyond deadlines on case to case basis.

Documents required for making an application

• CV/Resume
• Academic Records
• Two Letters of Reference
• Statement of Purpose
• Valid Passport

Once accepted by a French institution, the student needs to apply for a visa, which also includes a residence permit, called the VLS-TS. This is valid for a year at a time. In order to obtain the visa, the student will have to present a completed application form, passport photos, your passport, proof of previous qualifications, a police certificate attesting the lack of a serious criminal record and proof of  sufficient financial means.

The following documents are required to obtain a student visa.

• A valid passport
• Certificate of registration from a French University/Grandes Ecoles
• Proof of having sufficient resources to cover expenses for one year of stay. Please check the exact amount to show from the French Consulate.

All international students have the right to work while studying in France as long as they are registered in an institution that participates in the national student health-care plan (and they have a resident permit if not a EU national). The right to work applies to all students, including students who come to France for the first time, registered in the first year of a university program, or registered full-time in a language school.

Q. What are the popular courses to study in France?
A. The popular courses to study in France are as mentioned below
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• International Business
• Information Technology
• Luxury Brand Management
• MBA

Q. Is IELTS / TOEFL mandatory to get admitted to a French University?
A. No. IELTS/TOEFL not mandatory for admission but having the same will have added advantage. It is advisable to learn French though almost all universities offer language classes.

Q. Am I eligible to work while studying?
A. Students, registered at an Institution approved by the French Social security system can work up to 20hours per week. Typical part-time earning is 8-10EUR per hour.

Q. Will the University provide accommodation?
A. Housing plans are available at French Universities & institutions. All students are eligible on a case to case basis to apply for assistance and receive subsidy on cost of accommodation from up to 40% to 50% of the rent from the French Government.