Study Mathematics in France
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Mathematics in France
French mathematicians have brought home many Fields Medals which are the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for maths. To be more exact France has won 12 medals, and this places the country only second to the United States which has won 14 medals. This factor has helped France to make the top of the list of international students that wish to study mathematics abroad. Apart from excelling in the field of mathematics, the French have a beautiful country, rich culture, and food that you can explore on any free day.
Reasons to Study Mathematics in France
Excellent Quality of Teaching
France is a country that excels in science and innovation. This has made the country a perfect place to study the field of mathematics. Each student that decides to study mathematics in French universities will receive one of the best qualities of teaching, considering that a big majority of these institutions lead the list of the best universities worldwide. The fact that these universities have ranked so high in national rankings is mostly due to the high quality of teachers in French higher education institutions.
Student Employability
Mathematics majors will have the opportunity to choose between a number of different careers. Considering the broadness of the field of mathematics and the large scope of its implementation in various sectors, students will have the luxury of choosing professions that may best suit their career goals and interests. Apart from this, most of the time employers see a person that has studied abroad as someone who adapts quickly to new environments and that will put you at an advantage when you seek employment.
Develop a Strong Background in Mathematical Sciences
In each job setting, employers are expected to have a strong background in their respective fields. Lecturers in French universities are aware of this and they do their best to prepare students as much as possible for the reality of job settings that students will face after graduation. Helping students develop a strong background in the field of mathematics is one of the main goals of French lecturers. This means that as long as their students have a strong foundation they will succeed in any profession they may choose.
Requirements
Courses in mathematics are offered in both private and public universities in France. Normally, the admission requirements in these higher education institutions cannot be the same for all students. In many cases the requirements you must meet depend on the university in which you choose to pursue your studies, the level of studies you plan to undertake, and the country you come from.
Regardless of the large number of universities in France and the diverse admission requirements among different universities, there are some general requirements that apply to each university and they list as follows:
- Academic Qualifications
- Official Transcripts
- Letter of Motivation
- Recommendation Letters
- Work Experience
- Visa
Application Process
ParcoursUp is the national application portal that you will use to apply to your chosen university. If you are a student with the nationality of one of the EU/EEA countries you can apply directly to ParcoursUp. However, if you come from a country that is not part of the EU/EEA you must file a request for admission first. This request in French is called Demande d’Admission Prealable or DAP, and it must be sent to the French Embassy in your country of residence. If there is no French Embassy in your country you must submit your request to the consulate that has jurisdiction over your country.
If you are a student planning to pursue a postgraduate degree in France you do not have to apply through the national application platform. After choosing which university or universities you wish to apply to, you can visit the university website and find all the information you need in order to send your application.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Mathematics in France?
The length of a degree in mathematics mainly depends on the level of studies you have decided to pursue. The amount of time that takes to complete different level of studies in mathematics in French universities is presented below:
| Level of Studies | How long? |
|---|---|
| License or Bachelor Degree | Three to Four Years |
| Master’s Degrees | Two Years |
| Ph.D. | Three Years (the least) |
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Mathematics in France?
French is known for offering a great quality of education to all students regardless of their nationality at quite affordable costs. This factor among many others has made the country one of the top destinations for international students. Public universities in France charge their EU/EEA students with the following tuition fees:
- EUR 170 ($203) (Bachelor Degrees)
- EUR 240 ($286) (Master’s Degrees)
- EUR 380 ($454) (Ph.D.)
If you are a student coming from a third country you will pay around:
- EUR 2,770 ($3,311) per year for a Bachelor’s Degree
- EUR 3,770 ($4,506) per year for a Master’s Degree
- EUR 380 ($454) per year for a Ph.D.
Mathematics courses delivered in French private universities will charge you with higher tuition fees. Once you choose which private university you want to attend, you can check the university website for information on tuition fees or contact the university officials for this information.
Mathematics Career Prospects in France
If you are wondering where a degree in mathematics can take you, know that there are numerous industries that employ mathematics graduates. Apart from working in academia, mathematicians can work in many other fields, and these include but are not limited to:
- Business
- Finance
- Communications
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Medicine
- Robotics
- Astronomy
Mathematics is a field with a broad range so there are plenty of job opportunities for maths graduates. Considering this it is understandable that salaries between different mathematical professions will differ. On average a mathematician in France earns between EUR 56,000 ($66,806) to EUR 102,000 ($121,691) per year.
