This post is dedicated to the public education in France. Before starting telling you about it, I want to say that I don't really know why this country is so good to everyone, but I appreciate and embrace it! So should you!
French education institutions are known to be excellent and among the best worldwide, La Sorbonne for example has been compared to the top 5 Universities in the world, sharing places with Oxford University and Yale, among others.
Thus education in France is very strict and at some point could even be considered old fashion, you can rock any interview having on your resume "Pantheon - La Sorbonne" or "Universite Lyon Lumiere" or simply any French school. Their diplomas are recognized and approved by the state, valid all thru the European union and easily 'homogenized' by all the countries.
(Usually once you've studied abroad and you go back to your country, - depending on ITS legislation - you can be asked to pass thru the international affairs ministry to validate your International tittle in your country.)
Here are some important things you need to know if you are planning to apply to a French PUBLIC university:
The system is known as LMD and its divided into "License" (L1 -L2 L3 meaning 3 years of study. However you can stop at any point) "Master" (M1 - M2 meaning 2 years of study - Again you can stop after the first one) and "Doctorat" (years of study variate according to the field you are specializing on up to 3 or 4 years).
This system will lead you to the French base education rank. Once you finish you licence you would be considered a BAC + 3. Since you will have 3 years of study after the BAC - even if you didn't pass the BAC in France or in your country since is not mandatory for international students. Then if you go thru one year of masters M1 you would acquire BAC + 4. and so it goes on. The number after your "BAC" is equal to the number of years you've succeed at university.
The cost of the tuition per year is approx. 180 euros/year for a Licence, and 250 euros/year for a masters. The government covers all the expenses leaving you to pay only what they call "droit de solarite" Besides it you will have to pay for your social security (+/- 200 euros/year) and eventually a couple of books but that's about it! 500 euros for Uni/ year How sweet is that!
The application process has very specific dates, specially for us, international students so make sure you double check the calendar before missing on an excellent opportunity.
Usually you need to start filling the application by November of the year before the academic year you are applying (i.e If you want to enroll for the 2014 - 2015 academic year you need to start application by November 2013) Please refer to the desired school's website or Campus France for more information about applying from abroad and applying from France.
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