The birthplace of Gothic architecture, the Enlightenment and a breeding ground for intellectual discovery, France has been the venue for some of the world’s greatest advances in civilisation. Whether it is great philosophical figures such as Rousseau, influential political giants such as Jean Monnet or magnificent artists such as Claude Monet, France has produced a wealth of thinkers. On top of these names a whole host of scientists, mathematicians and other researchers can be added making France an excellent place to study with an intellectual heritage that makes its neighbours blush.
More than 17,000 students study abroad in France each year, and international students now make up 10 percent of the country's college student population. To cap it all off tuition fees at France’s leading universities are among the cheapest in the world, with annual fees for the 2013 - 2014 academic year costing only €183 per year for a first degree, and €254 per year for masters degrees for domestic and international students alike. Not only will you receive a superb education as well as experiencing a country that is famed for its excellent architecture, food, and culture, applying to study there will give you the chance to experience these highlights of French heritage first hand.
University of Strasbourg
Founded in 1538 by Johannes Sturm, the University of Strasbourg has become the second largest university in France, with close to 43,000 students, 2,600 professors, and 2,000 staff. Sturm founded the University as an institution where theology, philosophy, medicine and law could all be studied.
The Campus is located close to the centre of Strasbourg, and its architecture is a mix of historical buildings from the University’s past alongside its more recent modern additions. Throughout its history the city university has always attracted foreign students, during the 18th century it became popular amongst students from the Holy Roman Empire, among the most famous students from this time are Klemens von Metternich, Maximilian von Montgelas and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Over 5000 of the University’s current students, and 47% of those studying for Doctorat Diplomas, are foreign students. The University of Strasbourg maintains a high standard of Education, and its location at the heart of one of France’s greatest cities is definitely a bonus.
Paris-Sorbonne University
The Paris-Sorbonne University has a long history; it was formerly a part of the famous University of Paris, one of Europe’s oldest universities that dated back to the 12th century. It was established under its current name in 1971, when the former university was divided into 13 independent universities following France’s 1968 Cultural Revolution. It boasts France’s biggest complex dedicated to Literature, Languages, Civilizations, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and parts of the University are located within the original historic foundations.
Paris-Sorbonne’s seventeen departments offer a wide range of subjects to around 14,000 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate students every year. Courses are taught in French and foreign students are tested on their language abilities upon arrival, but beginner courses are offered to students with less capable or still developing language skills. The University’s history has made it a staple of Parisian culture and studying there provides an excellent cultural experience alongside a fantastic education. Living in Paris is a dream for many people and studying at Paris-Sorbonne University is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
The university Claude Bernard Lyon 1 consist of faculties of sciences, medicine and pharmacy. Based on its budget and the number of its research laboratories, the university is seen as the principal higher education establishment of the region and figures in the top five French universities. The school welcomes each year more than 28 000 students and it is one of the most reputable places to study science.
Most of the scientific disciplines are taught to Lyon 1: actuarial, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, electric engineering, data processing, management, mathematics, mechanics, physics, Earth science and so on. The University Curriculum offers a very wide range of programs in medicine, pharmacy, deontology, etc. The force of the university lies in its high calibre research that is known on the world scale.
