If you are confused and worried about studying in France, Yes-Asia is here to help you with professional consultation!

It is indeed very critical for students to choose what major they would take and what university in France they intend to attend. However, the following suggested procedures are helpful.

1. How to Inquire about French Universities
You can ask from your friends or relatives in France about universities you wish to attend. In addition, you may seek some helpful information about France’s colleges and universities from the Cultural Department of the French General Consulate in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. The consulate could provide you a reference book such as the "Je Vais en France" which contains information about the colleges and universities in France. ,  

2. School Calendar and Pre-Registration Procedure
France and China have similar school year. The first semester usually starts from October and ends in February. After the winter vacation, the second semester starts in March and ends in July. Then follows the long summer vacation. Some schools implements a policy that students who have applied in October (first semester) are no longer obliged to apply in March (second semester). However, Some schools obliged students to re-apply for the second semester. The private schools and other specialized schools have flexible semester system. Students may choose as to what semester they wish to attend.

The first step in applying to a school is to contact the Secretariat through correspondence or through on-line. Inquire about the application checklist and other important information regarding enrolment process. In particular, ask about the general requirements, qualifications, length of study, and course objectives. In submitting your application materials, make sure you include your birth certificate, transcript, French examination certificate (if any), etc. Students may apply to more than one school.

If the applicant is admitted to the school, he/she will be sent an admission notice direct from the school. Attached to the notice of admission are the application form and other additional requirements. The students have to review all the requirements. Pay attention to contact information.

3. Qualifications
Chinese students who have secondary or high school diploma can apply for university study in France. They may attend the first stage of the university of D.E.U.G. or D.E.U.S.T. Students holding a college or post-secondary diploma can apply for the second phase of the French University of License or Maitrise, or may even apply to attend the third stage for the DESS or DEA (doctoral). Enrolment to this stage is quite competitive and difficult though. Chinese students who hold a master’s degree may apply to attend for direct admission. (Please refer to French Higher Education Profile). As for the specialized schools, such as language, art, music, costume design, business management, students may contact them through the school to which they are affiliated with. Take note that students attending Public schools pay low fees, may obtain visa easier but admission to these schools are quite difficult. For those private schools, the admission is easy, but fees are relatively expensive.

In recent years, there is a popular strategy at how to obtain visa easier. First, you have to apply for a private university in France to show that you are financially capable. This is one of the factors that Visa Officers look into. Secondly, apply for the visa. Thirdly, upon arrival in France, you may apply for admission to public schools to avail of the low cost of fees. This strategy has proven great success among students.

Visas Application requirements:

In applying for the French visa, students must present the following materials and documents: valid passport, birth certificate, relevant qualifications and school certificate, French school notice of admission, accommodation information, security and others. Detailed information is available at France Consular Office in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

1. Academic Qualification
This includes the high school and university qualifications, which can be proven through your transcript of record. The admission letter must also indicate what stage of the university the student is admitted to. For the student to attend the first stage of the university (D.E.U. G.), high school diploma or vocational degree diploma are required. For the second stage (License, ma?trise, D.E.A., D.E. S.S., Doctorat), the need for undergraduate diploma and other academic accomplishments are required. Take note that all documents must be notarized.

2. Scholarship Certificate
Aside from the pre-registration form, the school also issues certificate of scholarship to qualified students. This certificate can also be used in applying for visa. Schools will also indicate the details of the students such as the name, date of birth, place of birth, complete address, registration, major, degree, period of study, and the signature of the admission officer.

3. Financial Guarantor
Financial guarantor must have a French nationality or having a permanent residence permit of ten years (Carte de residence). He /She must apply to the government and provide proof of identity including the average income for the last three months. He/she must have some cash deposit in the bank which can be withdrawn only after your arrival in France or that upon denial of visa. The new standard for average income must be no less than 2,500 francs per month or an annual income of 30,000 francs.

4. Accommodation Guarantor
Contact a French national or someone who hold a permanent residence certificate of ten years to serve as guarantor for your accommodation. Application forms for your guarantor are available at the district government. However, if the students could provide financial capacity to finance accommodation, they can rent out an apartment near the university they attend to.

5. Interview Preparation
First, you must know at least some basic French words, especially if you will be attending a French university that has no English courses.

Secondly, take note that the visa officer will ask you questions about your purpose of going to France. In which case, you have to bear in mind these two points: first; that you are going to France just to study; secondly; that you will not seek employment instead of studying.

Finally, dress up appropriately and be mindful about your proper behavior.