french higher education recognized as one of the best not only in Europe but throughout the world. This country is located great amount universities. But in order to enter a university and become a student, you need to know some of the nuances.
How the higher education system works in France
This system is presented in the form of technological institutes, higher schools and universities. There are more than 80 public universities in France, and there are private ones. The course of higher education can be divided into several courses. The latter is analogous to graduate school. The learning steps are as follows:
- Basic - training lasts 2 years.
- Additional. As a result, the student receives a bachelor's degree. Requires 3-4 years.
- Master's degree. Lasts one year.
- Postgraduate. Lasts up to four years.
First cycle
It is called the "short" cycle of higher education, which enters high school graduates. It lasts two years and prepares students to receive a DEUG (diploma of general university education indicating the relevant field of knowledge), after which real and quick employment is possible.
Education can be taken at the departments of higher technical education in the lyceums of France (diploma of higher technical education - BTS (brevet de technicien superieur); at technological institutes (university technological diploma DUT (diplome universitaire de technologie); at universities that train engineers (diploma of natural science and technical university education - Diplome d "Etudes Universitaires Scientifiques et Techniques, DEUST); in specialized schools specialties in health and social services.
Second cycle
Designed to expand and deepen the knowledge gained in the first two years of study at a university in France and prepares for obtaining a license (licence) within one year after DEUG and maitrise (one year after licence).
After 1 year - a licentiate diploma is issued, after 2 years - a master's degree. An engineering degree usually requires five years of training, which can be carried out in two ways: a five-year continuous study based on a secondary school or a three-year (final) study based on the first cycle.
Third cycle
It involves an in-depth study of the chosen specialty and is accompanied by independent scientific work, the topic of which applicants with a maitrise degree are required to formulate before entering the program. Those who successfully complete this stage are issued a Diploma of Special Higher Education (DESS), which is a professional diploma, or a Diploma of Advanced Education (DEA), which allows them to continue scientific research in doctoral studies and receive a doctorate degree (Doctorat de Nouveau Regime) (corresponding to the Russian Ph.D.).
It is important to note that medical education is not divided into cycles. After six years of study in hospital medical centers, students pass a competition for a specialized internship, which allows them to become a specialist doctor, or to receive a diploma in "general medicine" by competition after two years of study.
The student chooses the bar for himself. Someone completes their studies after receiving a basic diploma, while someone chooses to enter graduate school. Higher education in France is represented by public and private institutions. The state provides a free course of study not only to French citizens, but also to foreigners. However, every year you need to pay a state fee: it varies from 100 to 800 euros depending on the university. If it belongs to the private category, education is paid, it can reach several thousand euros per year.
How to apply to a university in France
The applicant must decide in which language the training will take place. Programs are available in English and French. Language proficiency must be proven. If French is chosen, the DELF/DALF exam must be taken. Which one is required is specified in the chosen direction. Language proficiency must be at least level B1. To confirm English proficiency, an exam is taken or. You need to score 6.0-7.0 in IELTS or 78-95 in TOEFL. To live in this country you need to know French.
In addition to these certificates, a certificate or diploma is submitted to the selection committee. A certificate is required for a bachelor's degree. The diploma is attached to the general documents upon admission to the magistracy. They are transferred to foreign language and notarized.
The Frenchman does not take entrance exams, but immigrants from Russia will have to pass entrance tests. They are published on the university website. Additionally, you need to pass an interview, during which the researchers are trying to find out the future plans of the applicant, his goals in professional activities.
Some universities require applicants to write a motivation letter, letters of recommendation, which also briefly outlines the purpose of admission, for what reasons this or that specialty is chosen. The submitted documents are considered until a certain date, then the applicants are sent an answer whether the university accepts it or not. For writing a motivation letter, it is also better to choose French.
Universities in France
Studying at universities in France is considered prestigious all over the world. The most famous institutions of the country are:
- Paris Sorbonne University(Universite de Paris). Founded in 1253. It offers many areas of study, ranging from tourism and social specialties, ending with economics and finance. Education is free, you need to pay a fee, which differs depending on the faculty. On average, this is 300-500 euros per year.
- Paris-Dauphine University(Université Paris-Dauphine). This is an economic university founded in 1968. Almost 10 thousand students study here. This is a non-state university, for a year of study you need to pay 10 thousand euros. It is one of the most prestigious.
- University of Montpellier(University of Montpellier). It is state-owned, for a year of study you need to pay a fee, which is 100-300 euros. Here they teach medicine, natural sciences, and the humanities.
- Strasbourg University(Université de Strasbourg). For training, it is enough to pay only a fee, in the amount of 200-400 euros. Founded in 1538. Here you can learn chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, sociology and law.
- University of Picardy(University of Picardie). Founded in 1970. Refers to public universities, education is free. The fee differs from the chosen direction, it is 300-400 euros per year.
- University of Lyon(Université de Lyon). Is one of the largest. There are about 127 thousand students. Here they teach medicine, natural sciences, philology. law and economics. A huge number of specialties are represented. Founded in 1809, it is a public institution. The amount of the fee must be specified, it all depends on the chosen specialty. Usually does not exceed 500-600 euros per year.
- University of Nantes(Université de Nantes). Located in the city of the same name, founded back in 1460. Three main directions are presented: humanities, natural sciences, law. Programs are presented for teaching bachelors, masters, postgraduates. This is a state university, it implies payment of only a fee in the amount of 100-500 euros.
Higher education in France for Russians
The order of admission of Russians does not differ from the conditions for admission of the French. It is necessary to provide documents:
- Photocopy of pages 3 and 4 of the passport.
- Application for admission. (The questionnaire is available on the website of the university).
- Language proficiency certificate. (TCF, TEF, DELF, TOEFL, IELTS).
- Birth certificate. Translated into English or French at will. (Certificat de naissance).
- Certificate or diploma with an extract of grades. It is desirable to translate into French. (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires complètes, Diplôme de Bakalavre).
Documents in French:
- Resume - CV.
- Motivational letter - Lettre de motivation.
- Letters of recommendation - Letters de recommandation.
- Exams for French: TCF, TEF, DELF, DALF.
The main difference is the confirmation of knowledge of the language. The rest of the procedure is similar: documents are submitted, then the applicant is interviewed. If the faculty provides for entrance examinations, it prepares for them and passes them. Based on the results of the interview, the submitted documents, the university decides whether to enroll the applicant or not. Usually, after 2-3 months, a response comes from the institution, which says whether the citizen entered or not.
Tuition fees vary. If a private educational institution is chosen, on average a person will spend 10-15 thousand euros per year. If a state university is chosen, studies are not paid. Only a fee of 200-800 euros per year is paid. It is different for every institution. The more prestigious the establishment, the higher the fee.
In addition to paying tuition, the student will have to pay for housing. Many establishments provide hostels. They pay 200-300 euros per month. Some students rent housing, but it is more expensive, it costs 500-700 euros per month. On average, 300-500 euros per month will be spent on food, but it all depends on the preferences of the person, the amount of food consumed. Some students actively move around the city during their studies. you will need a pass. Its cost is 50-100 euros per month. IN major cities It is more expensive.
Second degree
Russian citizens can study in France as part of their second higher education. They are enrolled in the 2-3 course, submit identical documents as applicants for the first higher education. The conditions are identical, the only difference is that you need to provide a complete transcript of the diploma with all grades and the number of hours.
This step is available to those who have a bachelor's degree. Education remains free, additional grants are provided to talented applicants. If he wins a grant, then he will be paid a monthly stipend that will cover the costs of housing.
How to get a college education for free
A free option for higher education in France is possible if a person has entered a state university, or won a grant from a university. Grants are published annually on the websites of universities with all the requirements and deadlines for submitting documents. The most talented applicants receive grants. In addition to free education, they receive a scholarship that covers all expenses.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are many benefits of getting an education in this country.:
- Higher education in France for foreigners is provided free of charge.
- The fee for hostel, food is relatively low compared to other European countries.
- A French diploma is valued all over the world. Getting an education in this country is prestigious.
- The package of documents is small.
- Can be trained on English language, not only in French. This is a nice feature of education if a person does not know French.
Despite the pros, there are also cons. These include the need to pass language exams, translation of documents into French in accordance with GOST and certain standards, payment of state fees. No more cons found.
- In French educational institutions very high percentage of deductions. It reaches 70% in some universities. This means that students are expected to take their studies seriously.
- There are very few student hostels. It is believed that only selected, most talented students live in dormitories. Foreigners should prepare in advance to search for housing.
- Universities do not have a 5-point grading system, but a 20-point one. Passing score 10, corresponds to a triple; 12-15 points - four; 16-18 points is a five. Above 18 points is given very rarely, this is a five with a plus. It is received by 1% of students.
- In France, there is a huge discount on the travel card for students. For a month it can be bought for 10 cents for all types of transport.
- Examinations at universities are only written, there are no oral exams.
- In the classroom, students do not respond orally, but only listen and write down information.
- The higher school (Grandes Écoles), unlike the university, is more strict towards applicants. Only the most talented can enter it.
- France is an attractive country for foreigners. It allows you to get an education for free, with a minimum package of documents.
France attracts applicants with the absence of entrance exams, the opportunity to learn the realities of the country, and the low cost of studying. But French higher education with the prospect of a good job is not easy to get.
The vast majority of French universities are part of the state system, subordinate to the Ministry of Education. Government subsidies allow free admission to them, the minimum tuition fee.
They share a short, full, post-graduate education ("Doctorat"). Short education (3 years) is designed to work in industry, the service sector, is assessed by the diploma "Universitaire de technologie". Universities and higher schools have adopted the “bachelor-master-doctor” system, which is not regulated by time.
Higher schools are opposed to university higher education, the lack of which industrialists and employers consider the lack of selection (“the principle of free enrollment”), the absence of tuition fees. Fundamental sciences and theoretical disciplines have been reduced to a minimum in higher schools. The practical orientation of higher schools in France is highly rated, in the ranking of "Financial Times" - 18 French higher schools.
The best educational centers
The famous Sorbonne is the oldest (since 1215) of 87 state universities. Having grown from church colleges, the university is now divided into five autonomous universities. His heirs were the "Sorbonne Pantheon", "Paris-Sorbonne University", "New Sorbonne", "University. Rene Descartes". The specialization of universities has been preserved, the educational process is close to historical patterns. The best foreign students of the Sorbonne can receive a scholarship.
The University of Nantes is considered the second in France, it has more than 33,000 students. The University of Nantes gives at the faculties of economics, management, natural sciences, social sciences, law, medicine, philology. The Higher Polytechnic School is also considered a university faculty.
The University of Strasbourg is divided into "Louis Pasteur" universities(Faculties of Medicine, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Earth Physics, Chemistry, Botany, General Biology, Geophysics, Geology), Mark Bloch University (Faculties of Art, Social Sciences, History, Humanities, Philosophy, Sports Sciences, Theology), "Robert Schumann University" (faculties of 160 specialties, including law, economics, criminalistics, industrial property studies). In total, there are more than forty thousand students in three universities, of which 8,000 are foreigners.
Admission, study, life
French universities do not require entrance exams. Some practice an interview conducted by the selection committee. State universities are subsidized from the budget, even for foreigners the payment is minimal, but dropouts from the first courses are significant.
In higher schools there is a big competition, there are entrance exams, which are quite difficult. This is due to the guarantee of full employment for graduates, better prospects for obtaining government positions, prestigious, well-paid jobs. In addition to specialized exams, a positive result of the ESABAC exam (knowledge of French) is required.
Most applicants enter higher schools through specialized two-year courses at the same higher school, passing the first courses of the university. For such applicants, the duration of study is reduced to 3 years. At the Sorbonne, tuition fees are affordable, 250 - 1000 euros, but living in Paris is expensive.
An example of paying for higher education is the Paris Polytechnic School, where the cost of the Ingénieur Polytechnicien (three-year) program is about 22,000 euros, the Master’s program is 11,000 euros (for full course). Many universities have a government “Family Allowance Fund” available to foreign students. It provides subsidies, mainly for housing rent.
Education in higher schools takes place according to its own programs, many universities work according to the Bologna system (accumulation of "credits" for all lectures, tests, work, exams, tests). The oldest universities stick to traditional programs.
Job prospects
After graduating from a higher educational institution, the most promising job is in France, French-speaking countries. University education is faced with the problems of an indefinite status of the licentiate. Many employers do not understand whether a licentiate's diploma is an admission to the next cycle of study, has an independent value of an educational document.
The chances of getting a good job in Switzerland, Belgium, Canada are growing for graduates of technical higher schools. In the third world (francophone countries) French education is highly regarded.
In the post-Soviet space, the rating of French higher education is quoted lower than English. Adequate value of it is understood by a small part of employers. The chances of a successful job search are higher in foreign representative offices of French companies, in the automotive industry, design and fashion, restaurant, hotel, and tourism businesses.
France, this cradle of revolutions and a recognized trendsetter, has been a leader in the field of education for centuries. Over 250,000 foreign students come here every year. One of the most advanced and efficient, the system of higher education in France is not by chance so popular among applicants from all over the world.
Features of higher education in France
How can higher education in France attract our compatriots? Universities in France, being funded by the state, allow you to get an education almost free of charge - about 1.5% of the country's GDP is spent annually on higher education. As a result, studying at state universities costs only 130-700 euros per year for students, including foreign ones. In addition, universities are very loyal to applicants and are ready to accept everyone. The role of entrance examinations here is played by an interview and (in some universities) a dossier competition.
In total, there are about 90 state universities in the country. Regardless of whether they are located in the capital or the provinces, French universities provide the same high quality of knowledge. Therefore, you can safely choose any university in any city that seems most attractive to you.
Despite the fact that higher education in France complies with common European standards (LMD), it also has its own national peculiarity: differences in the systems of diplomas, academic degrees, in the division of the educational process into cycles.
The main stages of education at universities are the degrees of licentiate, master and doctor. A licentiate degree - License - students receive after three years of study at a university, a master's degree - Master - after five, and a doctorate degree - Doctorat (PhD) - can be obtained after studying at the university for eight years. Thanks to a special system of equivalence of French diplomas, students can change training courses, moving to other universities and faculties. This is also considered one of the benefits of higher education in France.
Depending on the degree of duration, the entire educational process can be divided into two directions: "short" (les formations courtes) and "long" (les formations longes) cycles.
"Short" cycle in French universities
This cycle, designed for two years, allows, without delaying the learning process, to start an independent professional activity faster. Those enrolled in the "short cycle" universities in France provide an opportunity to receive specialized education in the field of economics, communications, services, electronics, etc.
Upon completion of " short cycle”, graduates receive a technological diploma (DUT) or a diploma of higher technical education (DEUST). After that, training can be continued to acquire an additional specialty, or a transition to a “long cycle” is possible. After that, diploma holders are issued a professional license (Licence professionnelle) or a national specialized technological diploma (DNTS).
"Long" cycle at universities in France
"Long cycle" is studying at the University of France in several successive cycles, each of which ends with the receipt of a separate state diploma. There are three of them.
The first cycle, two years, ends with a diploma of general university education - DEUG. As a rule, the majority then continue their education, since at this stage they pass only the basic program.
During the second cycle, the knowledge acquired over the previous two years is improved, and a year later the student has a licentiate diploma (Licence), a year later - a Master 1 specialist diploma (former MST).
Education in the third cycle - another 1-2 years - is a postgraduate education, an analogue of our postgraduate studies, which includes the improvement of knowledge in the specialty and scientific work. Based on the results of this stage, a master's degree in advanced study is issued. research work- Master 2 Recherche (former DEA), or Master 2 Professionnel diploma (former DESS).
The next three or four years will take doctoral studies. During it, students are preparing to write a dissertation and receive a doctoral degree.
For citizens of other countries who want to get a doctorate, the doors of French universities are wide open: here, among doctoral students, one in four is a foreign citizen.
Grandes écoles - higher schools
In addition to universities, the system of higher education in France includes higher schools, some of which are private. It is from these walls that most of the top management for the largest enterprises in France comes out. Among the most prestigious are the Central School (École Centrale), opened in 1829, the Higher Commercial School (HEC), founded in 1881, or the National School of Administration (ENA), which was created in 1945. schools are usually limited. You can enter there only after passing the competitive exams. In turn, preparation for them takes place at specialized courses for 2 years or at our own preparatory department. You can also enroll in them after the second year of university. After that, education in higher schools lasts 3 years.
Higher education in France in English
Despite the fact that English is an international language, French educational institutions, like the whole nation as a whole, are distinguished by a great love for their native language. Nominally, there are over 600 programs in English in the country, but this is only an apparent variety. Mainly we are talking about programs in higher schools. Indeed, in English you can get higher education in France in such disciplines as management, economics, hotel and restaurant business, law, as well as a number of technical sciences. If we talk about bachelor's programs and programs in state universities of the country, the choice will not be great at all.
Higher education in France for Russians
The good news for Russian applicants who plan to receive higher education in France is that the school certificate of the Russian Federation is recognized as a sufficient basis for submitting documents. In the French education system, it corresponds to a bachelor's degree (Le Baccalauréat Français). Of course, you should take care of a good GPA.
The second necessary condition is the presence of a certificate confirming knowledge of the French language at a level that will allow you to listen to lectures, engage in scientific work and pass university exams without any problems. In French universities, the results of the DALF language exam or the TCF French language test are accepted.
The conditions for admission to private universities, higher schools and medical faculties of universities have their own characteristics (special pre-university training is required), so it is easiest for a Russian applicant to start from the first university cycle.
The cost of studying at universities in France
As mentioned above, the cost of studying at public French universities is very modest and for all students - both foreigners and residents of the country is less than 1000 Euros per year. In higher schools and private universities of the country, it is worth counting on an amount from 6,000 to 12,000 Euros.
The cost of living in the country varies greatly depending on the city. So, a student in Paris will spend 1000-1500 Euros per month on modest housing, food and basic expenses. In the provinces, 800 Euros may be enough.
A few years ago, our students at French universities could literally be counted on the fingers. But over the past two or three years, the situation has changed dramatically.
If we take the dry statistics, the French higher education looks very attractive. About two million students study at universities in France. Every two out of three students study at universities. 16.6% of their total number are in two-year engineering courses ending with BTS (brevet de technicien supérieur) or DUT (diplôme universitaire de technologie), 7.5% study at higher schools (grande école), of which 4.3 % - in engineering schools and 3.2% - in business and management schools.
In the 2001-2002 academic year, more than 190,000 foreign students studied at higher educational institutions in France, which accounted for 11.4% of the total number of students. In terms of the number of foreign students, France took second place, leaving behind the UK and leaving Germany, traditionally famous for its hospitality, in third place. Compared to 2000, the growth in the number of foreign students in France was 12.6%. Since 1998, economics has taken the first place in popularity among the studied specialties in French universities, displacing medicine from the first place (after economics are law, literature and the humanities, the exact sciences and sports).
Most of the foreign students came to France from Asia, Africa and America. There are fewer students from Europe, but their number is steadily increasing. According to 2002 data, six out of ten Americans, as well as many Europeans and representatives of Asian countries, study literature and humanities in France. Of the French cities chosen by foreigners as a place of study, Paris is in the lead - 38%, followed by Montpellier, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg and Toulouse. It seems to us that the main reasons why conservative France has dramatically changed its attitude towards foreign students is the deteriorating demographic situation in the country and the desire to keep up with personnel issue from EU neighbors, primarily Germany. As a result, for two years in a row, the government agency EduFrance has been organizing an exhibition of French education in Moscow and other major cities of Russia, which traditionally attracts a large number of visitors. By the way, this year the exhibition will be held in Moscow on March 5-7.
If France's interest in foreign students is understandable, then the opposite interest is understandable all the more: the main thing that attracts foreign youth to French universities is the free French higher education.
Of course, this freeness should not be understood in an absolute sense. I would like to emphasize this, because in the process of consulting on obtaining higher education in France, sometimes you have to answer such anecdotal questions as “who will pay for the ticket to the place of study - the French themselves?”.
Indeed, there is no need to pay for education in public universities in France. However, a small fee, which ranges from 130 to 700 euros per semester, depending on the university and the chosen specialty, must be paid for the use of the library, laboratories, campus infrastructure, etc. Living in a hostel will cost 140-400 euros per month, food - 130-200. That is, education "in the French side" can be cheaper than in another Russian private university. The second important point is that foreigners are enrolled in universities without exams. And graduates of Russian schools are no exception.
Unlike Germany, in France, one does not need a year of study at a Russian university to enter a university. You can become a student of a French university immediately after school. The main requirement, in addition to the certificate of complete secondary education, is the knowledge of French, confirmed by the DELF / DALF exams. Let's make a reservation right away that these exams cannot be called easy and you need to prepare for them in advance. And your grades in the school certificate will determine how your candidacy is suitable for a particular French university or its faculty. The third extremely attractive feature of French higher education is the partial reimbursement by the government of student housing costs.
This compensation ranges from 20% to 40%. Amount, you see, decent. There is also the possibility of part-time work: French law allows foreign students to work during their studies, but the total number of working hours should not exceed 884, i.e. 19.5 hours per week or 84.5 per month. A temporary work permit is issued by the prefecture of the place of study. The minimum wage is 6.72 euros per hour. The very system of higher education in France is noticeably different from the Russian one we are used to.
The university learning process is divided into three cycles. Each of them ends with passing exams and obtaining a diploma. The first cycle, where the French enter after graduating from the Lyceum, lasts 2 years and provides general education. The French baccalauréat has nothing to do with the English bachelor. In France, bac is taken at the end of the lyceum, and only those who have passed all the exams successfully receive a bachelor's degree and are eligible to enter a university. After two years of study, students take exams and receive a diploma of general university education - DEUG, or a diploma of scientific and technical education - DEUST.
During the second cycle of education, which also lasts two years, students receive more specialized knowledge. The first year of the second cycle, called licence, ends with the award of a licentiate degree. Licensees, having studied for another year, receive a master's degree - maitrise. To do this, the student must choose a topic and write a thesis.
The third cycle, which many foreigners aspire to enroll in, lasts one year and ends with a full diploma of higher education. There are two types of diplomas. First: DESS diploma - diploma of special higher education. It is issued after a year of narrow specialization in a certain professional area and provides for an internship from 3 months to six months. From right choice internship significantly depends on further employment. Second: DEA Diploma - Diploma of Advanced Higher Education. Allows its owner to continue scientific work and apply for a dissertation. A full third cycle of study can last another three years and end with a dissertation, defense and doctoral degree.
However, this path is easy only on paper. In practice, up to 40% of first-year students cannot stand the academic load of French universities and leave their walls.
So, you have successfully passed the language exam, filled out by yourself or with the help of specialists required documents... The question remains small: the name of which two more universities should be included in the registration form sent to the university of your choice? What a question, you say - of course, the Sorbonne! And you can be wrong.
Yes, the Sorbonne, or rather Paris I, II (and further, up to VIII) is still a symbol of French higher education. However, not the only one. It makes sense to enter the Sorbonne to study the humanities: philosophy, French literature, law - but when it comes to the exact, natural and applied sciences, it is better to choose universities in other cities. And it is better for future engineers and managers to go to specialized higher schools. And Parisian life is not affordable for everyone.
So our advice: focus not on ancient glory, but on how much this university corresponds to your aspirations. With the modern wealth of faculties, directions, specializations and specialties in French higher education, everyone can find something of their own here.
Higher education in France is not limited to one. The system of lyceums, universities and higher schools in the country is well developed. For Russian applicants, France offers ample opportunities for learning.
The French Lyceum is a kind of intermediate link between high school and the university, so lyceum graduates who have received a bachelor's degree can receive a basic higher education under a shortened scheme in just two years. However, in order to become a certified lawyer or engineer, you will have to study for another 2-3 years. In fact, despite the apparent complexity of the French education system, the presence of different levels and short and long cycles, it has much in common with the Russian one, and the university bachelor's system (in France it is called Licensé) does not differ from similar ones in other European countries.
To enter a French university, you do not need to pass entrance exams - it is enough to confirm language proficiency (you will need to pass an exam for a DELF or DALF certificate) and provide all the necessary documents.
Russian applicants can do this through the website of the French agency Campus France, and you can send documents to several universities at the same time. chances of 
admission will be higher if you first study for a year or two at a Russian university, and only then enter the first course of French. Yes, compared to the Russian education system, you lose a couple of years, but given that in France they finish school at the age of 18, higher classmates at a French university will be your peers.
In addition, many universities have training programs for international students. Graduates of Russian schools can also enroll in these programs. Priority is given to the French language, and if you successfully pass the exams, you can be enrolled in the university.
France offers great opportunities for learning and is not limited to the famous Sorbonne. By the way, today it is not one university, but several, for example, Panthéon-Sorbonne, New Sorbonne, Paris-Sorbonne. Universities in other cities should not be discounted either. Unlike Parisian universities, they have a narrower specialization. If you have chosen the natural sciences, you should pay attention to the University of Montpellier, and the University of Strasbourg is suitable for future lawyers.
In addition to public universities in France, there are higher schools. These are paid universities, education in which is considered prestigious, and the quality of education is very high. Getting into higher schools is not easy: you need to pass difficult entrance exams and overcome a big competition. Education in higher education costs from 5 to 25 thousand euros per year. True, you can get a state scholarship, but in this case, after receiving a diploma, you will have to work in the civil service for almost 10 years. Among the most prestigious higher education institutions are the ParisTech Technical Schools, the ENS School of Education in Paris, the Veterinary Schools in Lyon and Toulouse and the ESCE School of Economics in Paris and Lyon.