Willing to study in France : What you need to know
Looking for studying in France ?
Take a look at what France has to offer.
A Growing Interest in France
In recent years, France has become an increasingly attractive destination for Singaporean students. While traditional choices like the UK, Australia, and the US still dominate, France is gaining ground thanks to its academic excellence, cultural richness, and growing accessibility for international students. But what exactly are Singaporean students looking for when they decide to study in France?
High-Quality Education with Global Recognition
For Singaporean students looking for strong, reputable education overseas, France offers an academic standard that rivals the best in the world. French institutions consistently rank among the top global universities and business schools, with many programs accredited internationally and recognized by major employers across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Whether you’re aiming for engineering, business, politics, arts, or science, France offers a solid academic framework that emphasizes critical thinking, research, and innovation. Grandes Écoles like HEC Paris, ESSEC, or École Polytechnique are comparable to Ivy League or Oxbridge institutions, and many public universities offer high-quality programs with affordable tuition.
In short: if you’re coming from Singapore’s competitive and high-performing school system, you’ll find that French universities maintain equally high expectations, while also encouraging more independent thinking and global perspectives.
More Affordable Than Other Western European Countries
Compared to Singapore, where tuition fees—especially for international students—can be quite high, France offers a more accessible education system. Public universities in France charge relatively low tuition fees, largely subsidized by the French government.
In addition, students in France benefit from:
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Access to affordable student housing through CROUS.
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Discounts on public transport, cultural events, and meals at university restaurants.
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Opportunities to work part-time (up to 964 hours/year for international students).
A Rich and Diverse Cultural Experience
Studying in France is not just about academics—it's also about immersing oneself in a new lifestyle and culture. For Singaporean students used to a fast-paced, structured, and multicultural environment, France offers:
- A slower, more relaxed pace of life in many cities.
- Access to world-class art, architecture, cuisine, and history.
- The chance to learn or perfect French, a valuable global language.
This cultural exposure is often seen as a transformative life experience, building independence and global awareness.
The Educational Philosophy
For many Singaporean students, adapting to the French education system can be both a challenge and an opportunity. While Singapore’s academic environment is known for its structure, regular assessments, and exam-focused learning, the French approach places greater emphasis on independent thinking, analysis, and debate.
In France, students are often expected to take more initiative, manage their own study schedules, and actively participate in discussions—especially at the university level. Classes can be larger, and assessments are often concentrated at the end of the semester rather than through frequent testing.
Though the learning culture may initially feel less guided than in Singapore, many students find that the experience broadens their intellectual flexibility, strengthens their critical thinking, and prepares them for international careers.
Campus France
Singaporean students can streamline their application and preparation process by using Campus France, the official French government agency promoting higher education abroad. Campus France Singapore provides:
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Guidance on choosing the right program or university : For fully taught in English programs https://taughtie.campusfrance.org/tiesearch/#/catalog
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Information on scholarships, application deadlines, and admission procedures.
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Support for the Etudes en France procedure, which simplifies visa applications.si
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Access to events like the French Education Fair and webinars with alumni.
Campus France acts as a bridge between students and French institutions, making it easier to navigate a foreign education system and ensuring a smooth transition to studying in France.
