Australia has emerged as the top choice for Indian students, with over 100,000 choosing the country in 2023 compared to France’s 10,003. While Australia undeniably leads in student numbers, France offers unique advantages for Indian students due to the strong foreign relations of the two nations. The whole process of study abroad in France vs Australia can sometimes be novel for students.
In this blog lets understand the two countries and what they have to offer the international students. Continue reading!
Reasons To Study In France Vs Australia
France and Australia are popular destinations for international students, each offering unique advantages. Here’s a comparison of key factors when deciding between the two.
Education System
- France: Known for its traditional and theoretical approach, French universities emphasise independent study and a structured curriculum. This can benefit students who thrive in a more academic and research-focused environment.
- Australia: The Australian education system is characterised by flexibility and practical skills. Students often have the freedom to choose their courses, which can lead to shorter programme durations. Australian universities are also known for their strong emphasis on employability and practical experience.
Language Of Instruction
- France: While many programmes are available in English, a significant portion of courses are taught in French. Proficiency in French is often required, which can be a barrier for some international students.
- Australia: English is the primary language of instruction, making it an easier choice for English-speaking students. This accessibility can enhance the overall learning experience for those not proficient in other languages.
Admission Process
- France: Admission can be competitive, often requiring strong academic performance and language proficiency. This may make it more challenging for some students to gain entry into their desired programmes.
- Australia: The admission process is generally considered more straightforward, and international qualifications are more widely accepted. This can make Australia a more accessible option for many international students.
Cultural Experience
- France: Offers a great heritage, with a strong emphasis on history, art, and cuisine. The experience of studying in France can be deeply enriching, especially for those interested in European culture.
- Australia: Known for its mixed environment and outdoor lifestyle, Australia provides a great atmosphere with activities and natural beauty. It’s ideal for students who enjoy a more relaxed and adventurous lifestyle.
Top 10 Ranking Universities In Australia Vs France
To provide a comprehensive overview of higher education options in Australia and France, we’ve analysed the prestigious QS World University Rankings for 2024. This comparative analysis will spotlight the top-tier institutions in both countries, enabling prospective students to make informed decisions about their academic journey.
Popular Courses Offered In Australia Vs France
Both France and Australia offer a range of popular courses for international students, meant to match the various academic interests and career aspirations. Here’s a comparison of the most sought-after programmes in each country.
Popular Courses In Australia
Australia is known for its practical and industry-focused education. Some of the most popular courses include:
- Accountancy: This programme prepares students for careers as Chartered Accountants, Tax Advisors, and Financial Analysts.
- Actuarial Sciences: Students can pursue careers as Actuarial Analysts and Risk Managers, focusing on risk assessment and financial planning.
- Computer Science and Information Technology: This field offers careers in Software Development, Data Science, and IT Project Management.
- Psychology: Graduates can work as Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses, or in various counselling roles.
- Tourism and Hospitality Management: This programme leads to careers such as Hotel Managers, Event Coordinators, and Travel Consultants.
- Engineering: Various branches, including Biomedical and Civil Engineering, are popular due to Australia’s strong focus on innovation and research.
- Healthcare and Medical Sciences: With a growing demand for professionals in this sector, courses in Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health are highly pursued.
Popular Courses In France
France is renowned for its strong academic tradition and offers a variety of prestigious programmes, particularly in the following areas:
- Business and Management: programmes such as MBA and specialised master’s degrees in International Business are highly regarded.
- Engineering: France has a robust engineering education system, with courses in Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering being particularly popular.
- Architecture: Known for its historical and modern architectural styles, France attracts students interested in both theory and practice in architecture.
- Arts and Humanities: programmes in History, Literature, and Fine Arts are well-established and reflect France’s rich cultural heritage.
- Social Sciences: Courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science, which focus on theoretical foundations and research methodologies, are also popular.
- Culinary Arts and Hospitality: With a global reputation for its cuisine, France offers specialised programmes in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.
Admission Guidelines To Study In Australia & France
Students must be well-aware of the admission requirements and the timelines in advance. This will help the students craft a stellar application. In the following section, understand how the students can apply to either of the countries.
Admission Guidelines To Study In Australia
Studying in Australia involves several steps and requirements for international students. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
1. Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate programmes: For Indian boards, they typically require a minimum of 60-65% in Class XII, with specific prerequisites depending on the course.
- Postgraduate programmes: Generally require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% to 55% and may include standardised tests like GMAT or GRE.
2. Language Proficiency
- Students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The required scores vary by institution.
3. Application Process
- Choose a Course: Research and select a course and institution.
- Prepare Documents: Required documents typically include:
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test results
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Passport copy
- Submit Application: Apply directly through the university’s website or via an education agent.
4. Acceptance and Enrollment
- Upon acceptance, students receive an offer letter, which they must formally accept and pay a deposit to secure their place.
- After acceptance, students will receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), necessary for visa applications.
Admission Guidelines To Study In France
Studying in France also requires understanding the specific admission processes. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate programmes: Generally require completion of secondary education equivalent to the French Baccalauréat, with specific GPA requirements depending on the institution.
- Postgraduate programmes: Usually require a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
2. Language Proficiency
While many programmes are available in English, proficiency in French may be required for courses taught in French. Tests like DELF or DALF may be necessary for non-native speakers.
3. Application Process
- Choose a Course: Research and select a programme and university.
- Prepare Documents: Key documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Language proficiency certificates
- CV and motivation letter
- Passport copy
- Submit Application: Applications for undergraduate courses can often be submitted through platforms like Parcoursup or directly to universities for postgraduate programmes.
4. Acceptance and Enrollment
- After receiving an acceptance letter, students must confirm their enrollment, which may involve paying a tuition deposit.
Both Australia and France have distinct admission processes tailored to their educational systems. Prospective students should carefully review the requirements of their chosen institutions and prepare their applications well in advance to ensure a smooth admission experience.
Cost Of Studying In France Vs Australia
When considering the cost of studying in France versus Australia, it’s essential to evaluate tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs associated with each country. Here’s a detailed comparison based on recent data.
France
Public Universities:
- Bachelor’s degree: Approximately €170 per year for EU students; about €2,770 for non-EU students.
- Master’s degree: Around €243 for EU students; approximately €3,770 for non-EU students.
- PhD: €380 per year for all students.
Private Institutions:
Tuition fees can range from €3,000 to €40,000 per year, depending on the institution and programme.
Australia
Tuition Fees:
- Undergraduate programmes typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year.
- Postgraduate programmes range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, depending on the course and university.
Living Expenses
| Country | Monthly Living Costs | Notes |
| France | €600 – €1,100 | Costs vary by city, higher in Paris |
| Australia | AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,500 | Costs vary by location, higher in Sydney & Melbourne |
Additional Costs
France
- Visa Fees: Approximately €100 to €250 for a student visa.
- Health Insurance: Required for international students, costing around €200 to €600 annually depending on the coverage.
Australia
- Visa Fees: The student visa (subclass 500) costs around AUD 620, plus additional costs for health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover), which can range from AUD 500 to AUD 600 per year.
Studying in France generally offers lower tuition fees, especially at public universities, but living expenses can be significant, particularly in major cities. In contrast, Australia has higher tuition fees across the board, but living costs can vary widely based on the city and lifestyle choices.
Visa Process In Australia vs France
Both countries offer unique experiences and opportunities for international students. Your choice may depend on factors such as budget, language preference, and desired lifestyle.
Australia
Visa Type: Subclass 500 Student Visa
Application Process:
- Acceptance: Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution.
- Online Application: Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- CoE
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Financial evidence
- English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Academic and work experience documents
- Health Check: Undergo a health examination if required.
- Biometrics: Provide biometric information if requested.
Processing Time: Varies, typically 4-12 weeks.
Cost: Approximately AUD 620
Working Rights: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays.
France
Visa Type: Long-Stay Student Visa (Visa de Long Séjour pour études)
Application Process:
- Acceptance: Obtain an offer of admission from a French institution.
- Campus France Registration: Register with Campus France to start the visa application process.
- Visa Application: Submit the visa application online or at the nearest French consulate.
- Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- Admission/acceptance letter from a French institution
- Proof of financial resources (approximately €615 per month)
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of proficiency in French or English (depending on the course)
- Interview: Attend an interview at the French consulate if required.
Processing Time: Typically 2-3 weeks.
Cost: Approximately €99
Working Rights: Up to 964 hours per year (roughly 20 hours per week).
Comparison
| Criteria | Australia (Subclass 500) | France (Long-Stay Student Visa) |
| Application Process | Online via Department of Home Affairs | Campus France registration and consulate submission |
| Documents Required | CoE, financial evidence, health cover, English proficiency, biometrics | Admission letter, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance, language proficiency |
| Processing Time | 4-12 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Cost | AUD 620 | €99 |
| Working Rights | 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during holidays | 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week) |
Key Job Sectors & Avg Salaries In France Vs Australia
When choosing a study abroad destination, many international students consider future job prospects. This text compares popular job sectors and average salaries in France and Australia to help students make informed decisions about studying in either country.
| Job Sector | Average Salary in France (Annual) | Average Salary in Australia (Annual) |
| Information Technology | €49,800 | AUD 85,000 – AUD 120,000 |
| Engineering | €41,800 | AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Healthcare (Doctors) | €133,220 | AUD 80,000 – AUD 200,000 |
| Hospitality/Tourism | €33,000 | AUD 50,000 – AUD 70,000 |
| Teaching | €34,800 | AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Finance | €40,000 – €60,000 | AUD 70,000 – AUD 120,000 |
| Marketing | €38,000 | AUD 65,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Construction | €35,000 | AUD 60,000 – AUD 90,000 |
| Sales | €37,000 | AUD 60,000 – AUD 100,000 |
| Creative Industries | €36,000 | AUD 55,000 – AUD 85,000 |
Scholarships Available In Australia Vs France
Both countries offer significant financial support to international students, with eligibility criteria generally based on academic merit, leadership potential, and sometimes financial need. The application processes are competitive, requiring strong academic records and supporting documents.
| Criteria | Australia | France |
| Government Scholarships | Australia Awards: For students from developing countries | Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme: For master’s and PhD students |
| Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards: For international students pursuing a master’s or PhD degree | Charpak Scholarship: For Indian students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels | |
| Destination Australia: For domestic and international students studying in regional Australia | Erasmus+: For students enrolled in higher education institutions | |
| University Scholarships | University of Sydney International Scholarships: For high-achieving students | École Normale Supérieure International Selection: For outstanding students to study at ENS |
| Melbourne Research Scholarships: For high-achieving graduate research students | Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships: For international students in master’s programmes | |
| ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship: For high-achieving international students | Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarships: For international students pursuing master’s programmes | |
| Private Scholarships | Rotary Peace Fellowships: For international students in peace and conflict studies | Fulbright Scholarships: For American students pursuing study, research, or teaching in France |
| Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships: For postgraduate students demonstrating leadership potential | Franco-Indian Education Trust: For Indian students pursuing higher education in France | |
| Criteria for Eligibility | Academic excellence, leadership potential, field of study | Academic excellence, field of study, nationality, financial need |
| Application Process | Online application, supporting documents, interviews | Online application, supporting documents, interviews |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs | Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs |
FAQs
France vs. Australia: Which country is better to study abroad?
France and Australia are both good options to study abroad. The best choice depends on individual preferences and affordability.
Which is cheaper for students, France or Australia?
Compared to Australia, France is generally cheaper for international students. However, total costs depend on the specific course, university, and living expenses.
Is France a good option for international students?
Yes, France has an excellent education system renowned for quality and professional development opportunities.
Can international students work in France or Australia?
Yes, international students have the right to work part-time in France (up to 20 hours per week) and Australia (up to 40 hours per fortnight). After completing their studies, they can apply for post-study work visas.
Is it mandatory to learn the French language if I opt for France?
No, it is not mandatory if you choose an English-taught programme in France. However, learning French can greatly enhance your cultural experience and future prospects.
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