France is one of Europe’s leading economies, known for its wine, sophisticated food and fashion. Its history and politics have dominated the Old Continent for centuries and keeps guiding the current direction of the European Union. The country’s reach extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and culture.

Here are 9 interesting facts about France:

• France is the world’s most popular tourist destination by country. Nearly 87 million people visited the country in 2017, the most recent year that data is available, according to the U.N.’s World Tourism Organization.
• France is an influential player and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the European Union, and multiple other multilateral organizations.
• The country hosts well-known worldwide companies such as Airbus, Renault or France Telecom.
• France is a nation known for its high levels of public expenditure. In 2017, France’s public debt reached 97 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), up from 89.5 percent of GDP in 2012.
• France is known for its cheese. Each cheese type is connected to a particular region in the country and is a reason of pride for the area. Some of the most famous types of cheese in France are Beaufort from Savoy, Cantal from Auvergne, Camembert from Normandie, Chabichou from Poitou, Comté from France-Comté, Maroilles from Nord-Pas-De-Calais, and Roquefort from Midi-Pyrénées.
• The main types of grapes in France are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc for red grapes, and Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for the whites.
• The Paris metro system is one of the most famous and most transited public systems in the world. It covers about 250 stops.
• The famous “macaron” pastry made of a crunchy sandwich-like cookie with cream in the middle is said to not be French, but actually Italian, from Florence.
• Nuclear energy produces roughly 75 percent of the country’s electricity, making France one of the world’s largest users of nuclear power in the world.

France is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Among its major advantages are the high quality of education, the remarkably low tuition fees, and the enjoyable French way of life.

Universities in France: The French higher education system is one of the best in Europe, and the world. Dozens of French universities are regularly placed high in international university rankings. Among the well-known universities are École Normale Supérieure, École Polytechnique, Pierre and Marie Curie University, and University of Paris-Sud. There are also many great options to study for an MBA in France: The country is home to many of the best-ranked elite business schools in Europe. Among them are HEC Paris, Insead, ESCP Europe (which also has campuses abroad), and Edhec Business School, to name but a few.

Tuition fees in France:Not only do you get a world-class education in France – the tuition fees at public universities are relatively modest. Citizens and permanent residents of EEA countries and Switzerland can study tuition-free (except for an immatriculation charge of around 200 euros per year), whereas students from outside Europe will have to pay around 3,000 to 4,000 euros per year at public universities. Private universities usually charge more, up to 20,000 euros annually. Read our detailed guide to tuition fees in France to learn all the details.

Student life: The standard of living in France is remarkably high, and one thing is certain: Studying in France is going to be a great, life-changing experience for you.

France caters to every taste: and that does not only mean wine and cheese enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bustling urban environment, quiet mountains, or the relaxed atmosphere on the Mediterranean shore, you will find a fitting destination for yourself. Paris offers a unique metropolitan vibe in a charming environment. Marseille and Montpellier are directly off the Mediterranean coast; summer beaches included. Rennes or Nantes are close to the rougher Atlantic coasts. And from Grenoble or Lyon, the Alps are within reach.

Speaking French:Even when studying in France in English, you should not miss the opportunity to learn French. Not only because you will learn a beautiful language that enables you to speak to around 270 million people in almost 30 countries; but also because you will need some French in your everyday life. While many locals in France speak solid English, they simply prefer their native tongue, and will appreciate it when foreigners make the effort. Even if that effort is limited to something like “je ne comprends pas” – “I do not understand”.

Working in France after graduation: The French language is also one of the larger hurdles if you plan to stay after your graduation from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in France. To find a job, you will almost inevitably need to be fluent or at least near-fluent in French. Other than that, when compared to other countries in Europe, it is relatively easy for international students to start their career in France after graduation.

Getting there and around:If you study in Paris, fear not: There are direct flights to Paris from virtually anywhere in the world. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the busiest airport in continental Europe; the second-largest local airport is Paris Only. From there, many domestic flight or train connections are available, so you can easily reach every corner of France.

If you plan to explore Europe while you study in France, you will be pleasantly surprised. The country is conveniently located for short trips; it borders on Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain, and the United Kingdom is only a stone’s throw across the Channel.

Working In France During Your Studies: Study in France for Indian students entitles them to work part time for up to 20 hours a week, off campus. In France there is a guaranteed minimum salary which is € 9.61 gross per hour.

Working in France after your studies: Students who have earned at least a Master’s Degree or the equivalent may apply for a one-time (non-renewable) temporary residency authorization (APS, autorisation provisoire de séjour) which is valid for 12 months beyond the date of expiration of the student’s residency permit. The authorization enables the student to work at any job up to the limit of 60% of the official work week (that is, just over half-time employment).

Students who obtain a job related to their academic program at a rate of compensation equal to at least 1.5 times the national minimum wage, may enter full-time employment by filing a request for change of status (from student to employee) in their prefecture.

At the end of your studies, you can also be recruited by a company even if you are not an EU national.

Upon completion of education in France for Indian students, if they aim to come back to India and start their own career here, then their French degree will allow them to avail a circulation visa to France and Europe for 5 years, which will be extended throughout their life.

University – Affordable and quality education, ECTS.

Earnings during studies – International students are entitled to work part time while completing studies.

Scholarships – Up to 10,000 euros based on academic merit.

Living expenses – 1000EUR per month.

Tuition fee – BBachelors: 600 euros/year, Master: 20,000 euros/year

Intakes – Jan/Feb – Sep/Oct

Settlement & PR – 2 years PSW