UK vs France: Find out the Best Study Destination for Students

The UK is popular for its world-class education system that enables international students to progress in their careers. The UK is home to top-ranked universities such as Oxford University, University of Cambridge etc. and has remained the no. 1 choice of students planning to study abroad. Whereas France has also emerged as a popular study-abroad destination. France offers quality education and a great multicultural study abroad experience. Are you confused about which is the right choice for you? Let’s explore everything you need to know about the UK vs France.

Benefits of Studying in the UK 

The United Kingdom is known for its world-class education, diversity, and vibrant student cities, making it an excellent choice for international study. Here are the advantages of studying in the United Kingdom: 

• Education of Top Quality: The United Kingdom is an ideal location for overseas students since it successfully combines a centuries-old educational system with modern teaching methods. Their academic team is well-educated and experienced. To communicate with students, UK universities use unique and creative teaching approaches
• Universities with International Accreditation: Some of the world’s most prestigious universities are located in the UK, including Oxford University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and others. The UK is home to eight of the top 50 universities in the world, as well as 26 of the top 200. These well-known colleges are a big draw for international students from all around the world who are committed to receiving a high-quality education
• Full Support to International Students: Every institution has a department dedicated to serving international students and answering inquiries concerning tuition, housing, and academic support. The UK Council for International Student Affairs, which serves as an advisory body for international students, has a beneficial website for international students with resources for mental health support, housing, employment, and immigration
• Lucrative Employment Opportunities: You can work part-time or do an internship in addition to your studies to get useful skills that will be highlighted on your resume. Universities in the United Kingdom can assist you with job placement when you complete your studies. under the New Graduate Route Visa, you can now stay in the UK for two years after finishing your studies
• Flexible Course Duration: When you choose to study abroad in the United Kingdom, you can rest assured that the courses are short and flexible, allowing you to finish your studies quickly without sacrificing your academic progress. Students in the UK education system are taught to think in new ways and to be more practical in their studies. The UK education system is known for its flexibility, allowing students to design their curriculum based on their interests.

Benefits of Studying in France 

France is one of the most inviting and student-friendly places. As a result, aspirants are piqued to learn more about student life in France. Here are the major benefits of studying in France: 

• There’s a lot to discover: A large chunk of an international student’s time is spent touring the country in the beginning. Paris, Milan, Lyon, Brest, and many other cities and towns in France are among the most attractive in the world to live in. They have many options to cross off their bucket list while studying here and living a student life in France. While studying here, make time to visit the ancient mediaeval cities, the Mediterranean waters, theatres, expensive fashion houses, classical art museums, landmarks such as the famous Eiffel Tower, and all 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites. France is undoubtedly a novel experience that will provide you with both entertainment and adventure
• Learning a New Language: Learning French is the most important aspect of student life in France because it allows you to survive in a foreign country. This is because French is France’s official language, spoken by roughly 300 million people worldwide, and international students must acquire it to succeed there. You are misguided if you imagine that studying English will enable you to live in France, as some French people do not speak English. As a result, begin to take your French classes seriously
• Making New Connections: While studying in France, you will meet new people as well as a large number of international students from all over the world. You’ll get the chance to interact with people of many races and backgrounds who are multicultural, open-minded, proud of their heritage, and always looking forward to the future
• Understanding the Educational System: The most significant component of foreign education for Indian students is being acquainted with the French educational system. In the progressive year, the academic year in the country begins in mid-September and runs until the end of June. Diverse training, an interesting learning environment, and a focus on high-quality education delivery differentiate the French university system
• Enjoying University Life in France: No matter how many times you hear it, nothing tops French universities. Daily, students at French universities are exposed to the lovely French culture. Students may expect a fun and interesting learning environment that brings students from all around the world together

UK vs France: Top Universities 

Top Universities in the UK 

Did you know the UK is home to some of the oldest universities in the world? The University of Oxford, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh are hundreds of years old universities. Here are the top universities in the UK for you:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. University College London
5. University of Edinburgh
6. The University of Manchester
7. King’s College London
8. London School of Economics and Political Science
9. University of Bristol
10. The University of Warwick

Top Universities in France

No matter what course you want to study, France has numerous recognised higher learning institutions spread across the country. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top universities in France. 

1. Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University)
2. Ecole Polytechnique (ParisTech)
3. Sorbonne University
4. CentraleSupélec
5. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
6. Sciences Po Paris
7. TELECOM ParisTech
8. Ecole des Ponts ParisTech
9. Université de Paris (University of Paris)
10. Université Paris-Sud 11

Also Read: Germany vs Australia

UK vs France: Popular Courses 

Popular Courses in UK 

Did you know that universities in the UK provide international students with the flexibility to combine courses and specialisations across varied disciplines? Here are some of the popular courses you can study in the UK:

1. Business Studies
2. Accounting and Finance
3. Economics
4. Law
5. Art & Design
6. Computer Science
7. Mechanical Engineering
8. Biological Sciences
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Politics 

Popular Courses in France 

French universities aim to deliver the best learning opportunities to students. They are quite aware of these domains and ensure that they teach students beyond the realms of basic education. If you are looking forward to studying in France, take a look at popular courses offered by the country:

1. Medicine
2. Pharmacology
3. Psychology
4. International Business Administration
5. Finance
6. International Finance
7. International Economics
8. Communication Technology
9. Information Technology
10. Geography
11. Art History
12. International and Comparative Politics
13. Sociology
14. Literary Studies
15. Film Studies
16. Global Communications
17. Creative Arts
18. Linguistics
19. French Studies
20. European and Mediterranean Cultures

Also Read: Sydney vs Perth: Which is the Best City to Study?

UK vs France: Eligibility Criteria

UK Eligibility Criteria 

• Completion of undergraduate or postgraduate studies with a minimum of 65% – 70% aggregate marks. 
• Copy of a valid passport
• Scorecard of English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo. (Some universities exempt students from this if they meet the set criteria)
• GMAT/GRE or any other entrance exams for masters programs
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Portfolio (for specific courses)
• A CV/Resume (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

France Eligibility Criteria 

• A minimum academic record of 70% or above in Standard XII will be required for each course. Students with a 60 per cent or higher can enrol in foundations and diploma programmes. Before enrolling in a degree programme, the student must be at least 18 years old.
• Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII and the bachelor’s degree
• Copy of a valid passport
• Scorecard of English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo. (Some universities exempt students from this if they meet the set criteria)
• GMAT/GRE or any other entrance exams for masters programs
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Portfolio (for specific courses)
• A CV/Resume (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Health Insurance 
• Proof of Funds 
• Other certificates of achievements if any 

UK vs France: Cost of Studying

Another factor in the UK vs France that will help students to solve the UK-India dilemma is knowing about the cost of studying in both countries. To Study in UK tuition fees are generally considered the highest in the world for educational institutions abroad. Tuition fees for a master’s degree range from £18,000 to £35,000 (18.06 lakhs – INR 35.13 lakhs), depending on the university and range of courses. In terms of cost of living, this would cost around £11,000 -12,500 (INR 11.04 lakhs – INR 12.54 lakhs) for a year of study (i.e. 9 months).

In comparison to public institutions, the cost of a private university in France will be higher. Private university tuition fees range from 1500 to 2000 EUR (INR 1.2 Lakhs – 1.69 Lakhs) per year. Because every MBA programme in France is a private university programme, MBA fees for overseas students in France range from 5000 to 7000 EUR (INR 4.2 Lakhs – 5.9 Lakhs) each year.

UK vs France: Popular Intakes

Major Intakes in the UK 

The most common intakes in the UK are split into three categories: primary, secondary, and least intake. Let’s have a look at them to see when they start and when the application deadlines are.

Intakes	Starting Months	Application Deadline
Fall/Primary Intake	September	June – July
Winter/Secondary Intake	January/February	August – September
Summer/Least Intake	April/May	October – January

Major Intakes in France

September is the key intake season for all French universities. As a result, deadlines would range from February to May for various courses and colleges. A few universities also accept applications in March. This intake’s deadlines would be from November through January.

Key Intake	Application Deadlines
September	February – May
March	November – January

UK vs France: Post-Study Work Opportunities

One of the primary reasons to study abroad is the plethora of job opportunities you come across after graduation. With over 27,700 recruiting agencies, the UK sits at a high record number. Students pursuing their higher education in the UK are often sought out by top employers in the country. With an entry-level job role with these top recruiters, you can make as much as 80,000-300,000 GBP in a year. 

When compared to other European countries, France ranks only behind Germany in terms of national income, affordability, and employment. Many Fortune 500 firms are based in the country, offering a varied range of good jobs to those who are eligible. 

Employment Opportunities in the UK 

Some of the top recruiters in the UK who offer high-paying jobs to international students are listed below.

Companies	Salary Per Year
ABB	GBP 115,000 (INR 1,14,78,953)
OpenGamma	GBP 210,000 (INR 20,9,61,567)
Rothschild & Co.	GBP 121,000 (INR 1,20,77,756)
Accenture	GBP 83,000 (INR 82,84,809)
Pheonix Group	GBP 77,000 (INR 76,85,907)
Marlborough	GBP 75,000 (INR 74,86,273)
Wates	GBP 72,000 (INR 71,86,822)
Park Square Capital	GBP 200,000 (INR 1,99,63,397)
Capegemini	GBP 73,000 (INR 72,86,639)
Mercia Asset Management	GBP 68,000 (INR 67,87,555)

Employment Opportunities in France 

Aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, industrial machinery, electronics, finance, food and beverage, and tourism are all major industries in France. The following are some of the largest corporations based in France: 

Companies	Salary Per Year (EUR)
BNB Paribas	52,911 (INR 45 Lakhs)
Carrefour	45,047 (INR 37 Lakhs)
Credit Agricole	41,148 (INR 35 Lakhs)
EDF	25,100 (INR 21 Lakhs)
L’Oreal	44,307 (INR 38 Lakhs)
Orange	48,233 (INR 41 Lakhs)
Renault	36,239 (INR 30 Lakhs)

Are you still in the dilemma of UK vs France and which is the best fit for you? Our Leverage Edu will help you select the best country, university and course for you. Call us at 1800 57 2000 for end-to-end assistance from application to the visa process.