Studying in France: Guide for Moroccans

Academic Qualifications: Moroccan students typically need to have completed secondary education and obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Language Proficiency: Most universities in France require proficiency in French, the language of instruction. Students may need to provide proof of language proficiency through standardized tests like the DELF or DALF.

Entrance Exams: Depending on the program and institution, students might be required to take entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate studies, or the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs.

Specific Program Requirements: Some programs, particularly in fields like engineering or medicine, may have additional requirements such as prerequisite courses or portfolios.

Tuition Fees: One of the most appealing aspects of studying in France for Moroccan students is the relatively low tuition fees compared to other study destinations. Public universities offer tuition at subsidized rates, with fees typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand euros per year, depending on the program and institution.

Living Expenses: Living costs in France can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Moroccan students should budget for expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses. Sharing accommodation or opting for student residences can help reduce living costs.

Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all students studying in France. Moroccan students can either opt for the French national health insurance scheme (Sécurité Sociale) or private health insurance, depending on their circumstances.

Additional Expenses: Students should also consider other expenses such as visa fees, residence permit fees, travel expenses, and any extracurricular activities or academic materials required for their program.

Student Visa (Visa Long Séjour Étudiant): Moroccan students planning to study in France for more than 90 days need to apply for a long-stay student visa. The visa application process typically involves the following steps:

• Acceptance Letter: Obtain an acceptance letter from a recognized French educational institution.
• Financial Proof: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the stay.
• Health Insurance: Purchase health insurance coverage valid in France.
• Visa Application: Complete the visa application form and submit it along with required documents to the French consulate or embassy in Morocco.
• Interview: Attend a visa interview if required.
• Processing Time: Visa processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date.

Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour): Upon arrival in France, Moroccan students need to apply for a residence permit at the local préfecture or town hall within the first few months of their stay. The residence permit allows students to legally reside in France for the duration of their studies.

Government Scholarships: Moroccan students can explore scholarships offered by the Moroccan government, such as the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) scholarships, which may provide funding for studies abroad, including in France.

Institutional Scholarships: Many French universities and institutions offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the field of study.

External Scholarships: Moroccan students can also search for external scholarships offered by organizations, foundations, or international agencies that support higher education and cultural exchange.

On-Campus Jobs: Moroccan students studying in France on a student visa are typically allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during holidays. On-campus jobs within the university or student organizations are common opportunities.

Internships and Work Placements: Many academic programs in France include internships or work placements as part of the curriculum, providing valuable professional experience and potential income for Moroccan students.

Post-Study Work Opportunities: After completing their studies, Moroccan students may be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit (APS – Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) to seek employment in France for a limited period and gain work experience.

Academic Qualifications: Moroccan students typically need to have completed secondary education and obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some universities may require specific grades or subjects for certain programs.

Language Proficiency: Proficiency in French is crucial for studying in France, as most undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in French. Students may need to demonstrate their language skills through language proficiency tests such as the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) or DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française).

Entrance Exams: Depending on the program and institution, Moroccan students may need to take standardized entrance exams. For example, students applying to undergraduate programs may need to take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT), while those applying to graduate programs may need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Specific Program Requirements: Certain programs, such as engineering, medicine, or architecture, may have additional requirements such as prerequisite courses, entrance exams specific to the field, or submission of a portfolio showcasing the student’s skills and talents.

Tuition Fees: While public universities in France offer relatively low tuition fees compared to other countries, the exact amount can vary depending on factors such as the type of institution (public or private), the level of study (undergraduate or graduate), and the specific program. Additionally, tuition fees for international students may be higher than those for domestic students.

Living Expenses: The cost of living in France can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Major cities like Paris and Lyon tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller towns. Moroccan students should budget for expenses such as accommodation (rent or dormitory fees), food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses.

Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all students studying in France. Moroccan students can either enroll in the French national health insurance scheme (Sécurité Sociale) or purchase private health insurance, depending on their circumstances and preferences.

Additional Expenses: In addition to tuition and living expenses, Moroccan students should budget for other miscellaneous expenses such as visa application fees, residence permit fees, textbooks and academic materials, transportation within France, leisure activities, and travel within Europe.

Long-Stay Student Visa: Moroccan students planning to study in France for more than 90 days need to apply for a long-stay student visa (Visa Long Séjour Étudiant) before traveling to France. The visa application process typically involves submitting various documents, including:

• Acceptance letter from a French educational institution
• Proof of financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses
• Proof of accommodation in France
• Health insurance coverage valid in France
• Completed visa application form
• Passport and passport-sized photographs
• Proof of payment of visa application fees
• Depending on the consulate or embassy, an interview may be required as part of the visa application process.

Residence Permit: Upon arrival in France, Moroccan students need to apply for a residence permit (Titre de Séjour) at the local préfecture or town hall within the first few months of their stay. The residence permit allows students to legally reside in France for the duration of their studies and may require additional documentation such as proof of enrollment and proof of accommodation.

Government Scholarships: Moroccan students may be eligible for scholarships offered by the Moroccan government, such as the AMCI scholarships, which aim to support Moroccan students pursuing higher education abroad. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Institutional Scholarships: Many French universities and institutions offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria related to the field of study. These scholarships may partially or fully cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

External Scholarships: Moroccan students can explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, governments, and international agencies. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for specific purposes such as research or cultural exchange.

On-Campus Jobs: Moroccan students studying in France on a student visa are typically allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during holidays. On-campus jobs may include positions within the university, such as library assistants, research assistants, or student ambassadors.

Internships and Work Placements: Many academic programs in France incorporate internships or work placements as part of the curriculum. These opportunities allow Moroccan students to gain practical experience in their field of study, develop professional skills, and potentially earn income to support their studies and living expenses.

Post-Study Work Opportunities: After completing their studies, Moroccan students may be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour or APS) to seek employment in France for a limited period. The APS allows graduates to gain work experience in France and potentially transition to longer-term employment or residency status.