Studying abroad is a cherished dream of many Indian students. It opens a gateway to global opportunities and high-paying jobs. However, the decision comes with its challenges. One of the biggest struggles is choosing the country. A student must evaluate factors such as study expenses and working opportunities during their studies.
On this basis, students currently prefer to study in France more than in any other European country. According to University Living’s European Student Landscape report, France has emerged as a key destination for Indian students. 7,344 Indian students have enrolled in the 2023-24 academic year.
As per experts, the number is projected to increase by 200 per cent by 2030. If you are an aspiring student and are debating between the UK and France, France is the better option for you.
Reasons You Must Consider Studying in France
Affordable Education
The public universities in France are extremely affordable. They offer affordable education through various measures, and some of them are-
- The government offers subsidies for popular courses.
- Although the course fees at private universities may be higher, they are still significantly lower than those in the UK.
- Educational institutions offer specialised courses, such as MBA programs or medical programs. They are more affordable in France than in the UK.
Financial Support from the Authority
France is known for their support of international students. They offer notable financial support for this, and here is a glimpse of it-
- Two of their most popular scholarships are the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the Charpak Scholarship Program.
- The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship provides financial support for Master’s and PhD students.
- The Charpak Scholarship Program provides financial support in conjunction with other initiatives.
- The Charpak Scholarship Program offers exchange programs and summer training scholarships.
There are university-specific scholarships available to help students alleviate their financial burden.
The UK also offers scholarships for Indian students. Nevertheless, due to higher competition and a multitude of eligibility factors, it becomes difficult for students to secure one. This is making the UK study programs expensive for Indian students.
Work Opportunities During Study
Working while studying helps manage education funds easily and gain valuable experience. The experience helps kick-start your professional journey with fewer difficulties.
- If you study in France, you can opt for part-time work of up to ~20 hours per week (≈~964 hours per year).
- The French government has a dedicated scheme for postgraduate students.
- The French government grant Europe-wide APS visas (up to 2 years for Master’s and PhD graduates) and offers time to seek employment or start a business.
The UK government also has a similar scheme. Nonetheless, due to higher costs and stricter immigration rules (fees and health surcharges), the majority of students failed to take advantage of this opportunity. Adding fuel to the fire, in their new policy, the UK authority has reduced this period to 18 months.
If you have a long-cherished dream of studying for a master’s in the UK, you can proceed with it. However, if you are looking for a country that offers world-class education at an affordable cost and provides strong financial support and opportunities for work, choose France.
At Orion Edutech Study Abroad, we provide support for students to fulfil their dream of studying abroad, whether in France, the UK, or any other country. Connect with us for detailed support and guidance.