Studying in France for Saudis is a distinguished academic choice that combines the prestige of European education with reasonable costs compared with other study destinations.
France attracts thousands of international students wishing to study abroad annually, thanks to its advanced educational system, its prestigious universities, and its globally leading research institutions.
France has a long history of academic excellence, as it comprises the best universities in France, which occupy advanced positions in the global rankings.
The demand of Saudi students for studying in France is increasing due to the wide academic opportunities and the cultural diversity that this venerable European destination provides.
Whether you are looking for bachelor’s or postgraduate programs in various specializations, the universities of France provide a stimulating educational environment that combines theory and application, with advanced research capabilities and strong industrial partnerships that open wide horizons for ambitious Saudi students.
Why France?
France stands out as a preferred study destination for Saudi students for multiple reasons that make it a strategic choice for those wishing to study abroad at high quality and a suitable cost.
The quality of French education
The French educational system enjoys a prestigious global reputation extending for centuries, as the best universities in France are classified among the world’s best 100 universities.
Studying in France is distinguished by the focus on scientific research, critical thinking, and innovation, which gains Saudi students high-level academic and professional skills.
France is famous for its excellence in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, arts, the humanities, and business.
The universities of France provide a research environment rich in resources and advanced laboratories, with academic supervision from specialized professors and prestigious researchers.
The French educational institutions rely on a teaching methodology that encourages dialogue and academic discussion, which develops the intellectual capabilities of students.
Also, the French certificates enjoy wide international recognition, which facilitates for the graduates of the universities of France obtaining distinguished job opportunities in the Kingdom or globally.
The low fees
The reasonable cost of studying in France represents a great competitive advantage compared with other destinations such as the United States or Britain.
The French government supports higher education significantly, which makes the tuition fees at the public universities relatively low even for international students.
This government support means that Saudi students can obtain a high-level education at reasonable costs.
In addition to the low fees, France provides many scholarships for distinguished international students, including the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the French embassy scholarships.
These financial advantages contribute to making studying in France for Saudis an attractive economical choice, especially when comparing the quality of education provided with the total cost.
Students also benefit from student discounts on transport, museums, and cultural events.
The best French universities
France comprises a wide network of prestigious educational institutions that offer diverse academic programs in various specializations, which makes it an ideal destination for studying abroad.
Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is among the most venerable and famous universities of France and the world, with a history extending for more than 800 years.
It is located at the heart of Paris and is famous for its excellence in the humanities, literature, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The Sorbonne represents a symbol of French academic excellence, as a large number of Nobel Prize winners and globally influential thinkers graduated from it.
Sorbonne University provides Saudi students with comprehensive study programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, with the possibility of studying in French and some programs in English.
Studying in France at the Sorbonne is distinguished by the rich academic environment, the historic libraries, and the wide international partnerships.
The Sorbonne is classified among the world’s best 100 universities in several specializations, which makes it a preferred choice for ambitious students.
École Normale Supérieure ENS
The École Normale Supérieure is considered among the finest French educational institutions, as it is classified among the best universities in France and the world in science, mathematics, and philosophy.
ENS is distinguished by a highly selective admission system that targets academically outstanding students, which ensures an exceptional educational environment in terms of quality and intellectual challenge.
The school provides Saudi students with the opportunity to study with an elite of distinguished professors and researchers, in an environment that encourages advanced research and innovation.
ENS offers generous financial rewards to its students, which lightens the financial burden and allows full focus on academic achievement.
The graduates of this school enjoy distinguished job opportunities in academic and research circles and the advanced industrial sectors.
Sciences Po Institute of Political Studies
The Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) represents a leading institution in teaching political science, international relations, economics, media, and law.
The institute is located in Paris with branches in several French cities, and it is famous for graduating political leaders, diplomats, and executive directors influential at the global level.
Sciences Po is classified among the best universities in France in the fields of the social and political sciences.
Studying in France at the Sciences Po institute provides Saudi students with a diverse international environment, where students from more than 150 countries study, which enriches the academic experience with multiple global perspectives.
The institute offers programs in both French and English, with a strong focus on practical training and partnerships with international institutions.
The graduates of Sciences Po enjoy a wide professional network that opens doors to work at international organizations and the private sector.
The French education system
The educational system in France is distinguished by a clear and organized structure that aligns with the European standards, which makes it easy for Saudi students to understand the available academic paths.
The LMD degrees
The French higher education system relies on the European LMD system, which is an abbreviation for Licence (the bachelor’s), Master (the master’s), and Doctorat (the doctorate).
The Licence degree takes three academic years, followed by the master’s degree, which extends for two years, then the doctorate, which requires at least three years of specialized research.
This system facilitates academic mobility between the universities of France and the other European universities.
The LMD system relies on the credit system (ECTS), where the student needs to complete a certain number of credits for each academic degree.
This system provides flexibility for students in choosing the study subjects and building their academic path according to their interests.
For Saudi students wishing to study in France, this unified system facilitates the equivalency of certificates and moving between the different educational institutions.
The universities and the grandes écoles
Higher education in France is divided into two main types: the public universities (Universités) and the grandes écoles (Grandes Écoles).
The universities offer comprehensive academic programs in various specializations and are distinguished by the relative openness in admission and the low fees.
As for the grandes écoles, they are institutions specialized in specific fields such as engineering, business, or political science, and they are distinguished by strict admission standards and a distinguished academic level.
The best universities in France of the first type include the universities of the Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, Lyon, and Bordeaux, while the prestigious grandes écoles include École Polytechnique for engineering, HEC Paris for business, and ENS for science.
Saudi students are advised to determine their academic and professional goals to choose the suitable type of educational institutions when planning to study in France for Saudis.
Admission requirements
Studying in France requires meeting a set of academic and language requirements that ensure the readiness of Saudi students for success in the French educational environment.
Equating certificates
Equating the Saudi certificates is considered a basic step for admission to the universities of France.
Saudi students holding a high school certificate or a bachelor’s must apply for the equivalency of their certificates through Campus France or directly to the targeted universities.
The equivalency requirements differ according to the study stage and the specialization, but they generally require an official translation of the certificates and transcripts.
For Saudi high school graduates wishing to study in France, they may be required to complete a preparatory year or a foundation program depending on the desired specialization.
As for master’s and doctorate students, they must submit complete accreditation papers that clarify the content of the previous program and the cumulative GPA.
Campus France facilitates this process through its electronic platform that provides clear guidance for each step.
The French language test TCF/DELF
French language proficiency is a basic condition for admission to most study programs in France, especially in the early university stages.
Saudi students must pass one of the internationally recognized French language tests, such as the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) or the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française).
A level of B2 at least is usually required for the bachelor’s programs and C1 for the advanced postgraduate programs.
The French cultural centers in the Kingdom provide courses for teaching the French language and preparing for these tests.
Saudi students can also take these tests at accredited centers inside the Kingdom.
For the programs taught in English, IELTS or TOEFL certificates may be accepted instead of the French language tests, but learning French remains useful for integration into daily life.
The tuition fees
The study costs in France differ according to the type of educational institution, the study stage, and the specialization, but they remain competitive compared with other destinations for studying abroad.
The fees for international students
The tuition fees for international students at the French public universities have seen an increase in recent years, but they are still relatively reasonable.
The annual fees for Saudi students are about 2,770 euros for bachelor’s programs, 3,770 euros for the master’s, and about 380 euros for the doctorate at the public universities.
These fees are much lower than those imposed by the universities of Britain or America, which makes studying in France for Saudis an attractive economical choice.
As for the private grandes écoles and the specialized business programs, their fees range between 10,000 and 30,000 euros per year depending on the institution and the program.
Despite the high cost of these, the grandes écoles in France remain competitive in terms of value for money when looking at the quality of education and the employment opportunities after graduation.
These fees usually include the student services and access to the academic and sports facilities.
The available exemptions
The French government and the different universities of France provide partial or full exemptions from the tuition fees for distinguished international students.
Saudi students can apply for an exemption through Campus France or directly from the targeted university.
The exemptions are usually granted based on academic excellence, financial need, or the required specialization.
In addition to the exemptions, multiple scholarships are available for studying in France, including the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, which covers the tuition fees and living costs, and the French embassy scholarships dedicated to Saudi students.
Some grandes écoles also offer their own scholarships for outstanding international students.
Students are advised to search early for these opportunities and apply by the specified deadlines to increase the chances of admission and obtaining financial support.
Living costs
The living costs represent an important part of the budget of Saudi students when planning to study in France, and they differ noticeably according to the city and the lifestyle.
CROUS student housing
The CROUS network (the regional centers for university and student services) provides affordable student housing throughout France.
The cost of a room in CROUS housing ranges between 150 and 400 euros per month depending on the type of room and the city, which is much lower than the private housing options.
This type of housing is considered an ideal choice for Saudi students looking for safe housing close to the campus at a reasonable cost.
CROUS housing is distinguished by providing basic amenities such as furniture and internet, with shared facilities such as kitchens and laundry rooms.
It also provides an opportunity for social integration and getting to know students of various nationalities and cultures.
Students are advised to apply early for CROUS housing due to the high demand, especially in the major cities.
Other alternatives include shared apartments or staying with French families, which provide a rich cultural experience.
Paris and the other cities
The living costs in France differ greatly between the capital Paris and the other cities.
In Paris, the Saudi student needs a monthly budget ranging between 1,200 and 1,500 euros to cover housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.
These costs include the rent of a studio apartment ranging between 700 and 900 euros per month, in addition to transport and food costs.
In contrast, the study costs in France decrease noticeably in the other cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, and Bordeaux, where the monthly budget ranges between 800 and 1,000 euros.
Housing in these cities is cheaper by 30-40%, while maintaining a high quality of life and proximity to the prestigious universities of France.
Saudi students are advised to consider the options of the smaller cities, which provide a distinguished education at reasonable living costs.
The French language
The language represents an important aspect in the experience of studying in France for Saudis, whether from the academic perspective or daily life.
The English programs
Although the French language is the basic language of instruction at the universities of France, the programs offered in English are increasing, especially at the master’s and doctorate level.
The best universities in France such as the Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, and Sciences Po provide complete postgraduate programs in English in specializations such as business administration, engineering, science, and international relations.
These programs allow Saudi students who are not proficient in the French language the opportunity to study in France without the need to master French in advance.
Most of these programs also offer elective courses for teaching the French language, which allows students to learn the language gradually during their study.
However, learning French remains useful for integration into French society and benefiting fully from the experience of studying abroad.
Learning French
Learning the French language is a valuable investment for Saudi students interested in studying in France, as it opens wider horizons for academic programs and social communication opportunities.
The French cultural centers in the Kingdom provide comprehensive courses for teaching French from the beginner level to the advanced, with preparation for the official TCF and DELF tests.
After arriving in France, most universities of France offer free or low-cost language courses for international students, in addition to language exchange programs with French students.
Saudi students can also benefit from being in a French environment to practice the language daily and accelerate the learning process.
Mastering French not only improves the academic experience but also enhances the job opportunities in France or at French and international companies after graduation.
The French visa
Traveling to study in France for Saudis requires obtaining a long-term student visa, which is an organized process done via clear official channels.
Campus France
Campus France is the official French agency responsible for facilitating the procedures of studying in France for international students.
Registering with Campus France is a mandatory step for all Saudi students wishing to obtain a French study visa.
The agency provides an integrated electronic platform for managing admission and visa applications, with offices in Riyadh and Jeddah that provide support and consultations for students.
The Campus France process includes creating an electronic account, uploading the required documents such as the academic certificates, the language test results, and the admission letters, and paying the registration fees.
After reviewing the file, the student is invited to a personal interview at the Campus France office to discuss their study plans and confirm their seriousness.
After approval, the file is transferred to the French embassy to issue the visa.
The visa process via Campus France usually takes between two and three months, so Saudi students are advised to start early.
The visa requires submitting proof of admission from a French university, financial proof showing the ability to cover the study and living costs (about 615 euros per month), health insurance, and an initial housing reservation in France.
After obtaining the visa, the student becomes a holder of a student residence permit valid for the entire duration of the study.
Campus France also provides post-arrival services, including assistance with administrative procedures and integration into French student life.
It also organizes orientation events for international students before and after travel, which facilitates the smooth transition to the French environment.
Saudi students can visit the Campus France offices in the Kingdom to obtain personal consultations and detailed guidance about each step of the process of studying in France.
Frequently asked questions about studying in France for Saudis
How much does studying in France cost?
The cost of studying in France for Saudi students ranges between 2,770 euros per year for bachelor’s programs and 3,770 euros for the master’s at the public universities, while the fees at the private grandes écoles may reach 30,000 euros per year. Added to that are the living costs, which range between 800 and 1,500 euros per month depending on the city and lifestyle.
Must one learn French?
While study programs are available in English especially at the postgraduate level, learning the French language remains very useful for integration into daily life and benefiting fully from the experience of studying in France. Most bachelor’s programs are taught in French, which makes mastering the language a basic condition for admission to these programs.
What is Campus France?
Campus France is the French government agency responsible for facilitating the procedures of studying in France for international students, including Saudi students.
The agency provides an electronic platform for managing admission and visa applications, offers consultative services and evaluative interviews, and acts as a link between students, the universities of France, and the French embassy.
What is the best university in France?
Sorbonne University, Paris-Saclay University, and the École Normale Supérieure ENS are among the best universities in France, with advanced global rankings in various specializations.
The grandes écoles such as École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, and HEC Paris are also classified among the finest French educational institutions in their specialized fields.
How much is the living cost in Paris?
The living cost in Paris for Saudi students ranges between 1,200 and 1,500 euros per month, including housing, which ranges between 700 and 900 euros, food about 250 to 350 euros, transport about 75 euros, and other personal expenses. These costs decrease by 30-40% in the other French cities.
Conclusion
Studying in France for Saudis represents an exceptional opportunity to obtain a world-class education in a rich cultural environment and at reasonable costs compared with other destinations. Through good planning and benefiting from the available resources such as Campus France, the scholarships, and CROUS housing, Saudi students can achieve their academic ambitions in one of the most venerable destinations for studying abroad.
France combines a venerable educational heritage and modern innovation, which qualifies its graduates to compete in the global labor market and contribute effectively to the development of the Kingdom within Vision 2030.
