The quality of French higher education is widely recognized throughout the world. French institutions figure prominently in global education rankings.

Each year, France makes massive investments in education and research.

In fact, education is the largest category of government spending, accounting for more than 20 percent of the budget.

Yet another French paradox: one of the best systems of higher education in the world is also one of the most financially accessible.

French successes in manufacturing, technology, and science (space, transportation, medicine, mathematics), and the number of Nobel prizes and field medals that French citizens bring home, demonstrate that France is one of the world’s most dynamic centers of innovation and research.

In France, higher education programs are grounded in accredited research laboratories or the knowledge of seasoned professionals: whatever your field of study, you will always be in contact with renowned experts.

Each year more than 278,000 international students choose France for their higher education.

France, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is also the fourth most popular destination for international students.

The country remains committed to its long-standing policy of equal treatment for domestic and international students.

Some examples of that policy: tuition rates at French institutions are identical for all students.

For programs leading to national diplomas, tuition rates are set by law.

All students, regardless of origin, enjoy the same benefits (health coverage, housing assistance). 

France spends about 23 billion euros annually on higher education.

Financing for higher education is predominantly public (87 percent).

France’s spending for higher education represents an investment of about 10,800 euros per student, including international students. 

It is an entire indirect scholarship that is granted to every student by the French government.

With 278,000 international students (12 percent of the country’s total postsecondary enrollment), including 25,000 doctoral candidates, France is the world’s fourth-largest host country after the US, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

France’s institutions award degrees that adhere to the common European architecture known as LMD (for License, Master and Doctorate).

French diplomas are therefore recognized and accepted throughout the world.

For many students, studying in France means an opportunity to learn French or to extend one’s command of the language. Doing so allows them to join a global community of 250 million speakers of language of Voltaire, Hugo, and Camus, an official language of the Olympics, UN and the European Union.

In France, international students of all nationalities enjoy the same rights and advantages as French students.

In the last 10 years, the number of international students in France has grown by 75 percent.

Many of France’s institutions of higher education are found in city centers in immediate proximity to the vibrant social and cultural life of French cities.

Museums, bookstores, cinemas, theaters, and cafes are always within easy reach. You’ll have access to a vast array of athletic, touristic, and cultural opportunities that your student discount makes very affordable.

France is finally a safe and tolerant country.

To learn more about studying in France: visit www.campusfrance.org and contact Spaces in Riyadh or Jeddah: http://www.ambafrance-sa.org/Etudier-en-France-Studies-in