Student life in France and Pakistan differs dramatically. International students in France are expected to be both highly autonomous and committed to their studies. Preparing a study project in France implies considering the various aspects of student life.
French Higher Education highly values intellectual independence, critical analysis and respect to academia . For Pakistani students accustomed to structured mentoring and continuous teacher guidance, adapting to the French academic style requires a mindset shift.
International students are expecting to be self-reliant , in particularly in Public Universities, such as choosing their options, studying for their exams, figuring out about accommodation and access to facilities and completing all their administrative tasks.
In French Higher Education, course modules are divided into theoretical lectures ( Cours Magistraux / CM ) held in large auditoriums where hundreds of students take notes without direct interaction, and smaller, mandatory tutorial classes ( Travaux Dirigés / TD ) of 20 to 35 students in which they can actively apply that theory through discussions, presentations, group exercises, and continuous assessments.
The French higher education academic year runs from September to July and is divided into two distinct semesters: Semester 1 (Fall) and Semester 2 (Spring) .
Two academic intakes happen during the year. The main one is Fall from September to October and an alternative one is Spring from January to March . Many programs in France feature pré-rentrée, early academic intakes for students to discover their Higher Education Institution and meet people.
Final exams usually happen in December-January for Semester 1 and in May-June for Semester 2.
French Higher Education grading system differs from the UK-US system as used in Pakistan Higher Education.
The grading system is based on a 0 to 20 numerical scale ( notation sur 20 ), where 10/20 is the absolute minimum passing grade . Unlike systems in Pakistan that regularly award 80–90% or 4.0 GPAs for top work, French grading is harshly compressed at the top . In high level programs in top Universities, earning a 16 or higher is an exceptional achievement reserved for elite work.
Having good grades in French system follows two principles : a solid method ( méthodologie ) and critical mindset ( esprit critique ).
Métho dologie implies respecting the standards of structure in academia . Essays and presentations follow strict logical frameworks (such as the dissertation ).
Esprit critique implies to not simply agree with the lecture or memorize facts. Exam questions often ask you to analyze, debate, or critique a concept. Expressing a logical counter-argument backed by evidence is highly rewarded.
France highly values education and provides special benefits to students .
International students can benefit from student housing such as CROUS ( Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires ), which manages affordable student residences (often called cités U ) with low-cost rooms and studios. CROUS also manages canteens, which serve a full meal for lunch and dinner.
While walking and biking are common in large cities if you are living close by your school, public transportation is the most common way to commute.
To learn more about the cost of living for students in France, kindly visit Prepare your budget .
To learn more about benefits to students related to culture in France, kindly visit Culture in France .
In French Higher Education Institutions, many options are available to discover and practice many activities.
Through Public Universities' SUAPS service ( Service Universitaire des Activités Physiques et Sportives ) , students can get access to 60+ sports (swimming, football, rock climbing, tennis, yoga).
In French Higher Education Institutions, student life is largely shaped by students' associations ( associations étudiantes ). Unlike many international systems where campus life is driven by university administration, French universities rely on student associations to organize events, provide academic support, and run campus services.
These students' associations operate in all fields, such as sports, culture and arts, technology, academic and professional, business and charity.
Many academic programs require to find an internship for the completion of their degree.
For international students such as Pakistani students, the following rules apply:
While your French Higher Education Institution might support you in your search, applying for an internship is a personal endeavor that the student must undertake on their own.
Working in France while attending studies is challenging because of the major workload and involvement required to pursue a degree in French Higher Education system.
We strongly recommend students not to expect funding their study project in France through future income related to labor in France.
Under a French student visa (VLS-TS) , international students can work up to 964 hours per year , which amounts to approximately 20 hours a week. Minimum gross early wage in 12.31 EUR .
During your degree, you are welcomed to get involved into charities and humanitarian work. Such needs can be found on the platform jeveuxaider.gouv.fr .