Choosing Between France and Italy for Higher Education: Which Destination Suits You Best?
Confused between France and Italy for higher education? While both countries are recognized internationally as having world-class universities, rich cultures, and varied academic opportunities. France boasts excellence in business and engineering, while Italy is unmatched when it comes to arts and humanities. If you find yourself torn between the style of French cities and Italian towns; then check out this guide to the essential differences and help pick the location that best suits your learning desires.
Comparative Overview of University Systems in France & Italy
Both countries also offer their own, specialized education frameworks to suit the unique holistic educational needs of a child. Compare both structures of higher education in brief:
Category |
France |
Italy |
Public Universities |
A degree in a range of academic, technical, and professional programs. |
State universities also offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of fields. |
Specialized Institutions |
Grandes Écoles: Prestigious specialization schools in engineering, business, or public administration (only applies to France) |
Only Specialized Graduate and Postgraduate Programs are offered in Elite graduate schools. |
Private Universities |
Focus on business and management. |
Recognised by the Ministry of Education, offering a wide range of UG and PG programs. |
Top Universities in France and Italy (2024 Rankings)
Both countries have several institutions that shine in global university rankings:
Top Universities in France |
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
Top Universities in Italy |
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
Université PSL |
24 |
Politecnico di Milano |
123 |
Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
38 |
Sapienza University of Rome |
134 |
Sorbonne University |
59 |
University of Bologna |
154 |
Université Paris-Saclay |
71 |
University of Milan |
276 |
Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
184 |
Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa |
282 |
Top Courses to Study in France & Italy
One of the most important things is to opt for a course that perfectly agrees with you career targets. Here are the most sought-after programs in both countries:
Popular Courses in France |
Popular Courses in Italy |
Medicine |
Mechanical Engineering |
Finance |
Fashion and Design Mechanical Engineering |
Pharmacology |
Business and Management |
Global Communications |
Computer Science |
Art History |
Interior Design |
Pro Tip: If you are already familiar with Italy, Fashion and Design is what the world has to offer- probably Milan being a fashion capital says it all!!
Admission Requirements in France & Italy
Simply keeping their admission criteria in mind can be the key to simplifying your application process. Here's a breakdown:
Requirements |
France |
Italy |
Qualification |
High school certificate required |
School leaving certificate with a minimum of 59% |
Language Proficiency |
French/English test (IELTS/TOEFL) |
Italian/English test (TOEFL, IELTS) |
Statement of Purpose |
Required for most Bachelor's and Master's |
Optional |
Entrance Exams |
Varies by course and institution |
Mandatory for some programs |
Research Proposal |
Optional for Master's; Required for PhD |
Required for PhD programs |
Question: Do you feel at ease studying in a language other than English or do you want masters programs in full part to be taught as well in English?
Cost of Studying and Living in France & Italy
Another important factor when choosing where to study abroad is the available budget. Let’s compare the costs:
Study Program |
France (EUR/year) |
Italy (EUR/year) |
Bachelor's Degree |
400 - 2,770 EUR |
900 - 4,000 EUR |
Master's Degree |
600 - 3,770 EUR |
3,000 - 35,000 EUR |
Living Expenses |
France (EUR/month) |
Italy (EUR/month) |
On-Campus Accommodation |
300 - 600 EUR |
400 - 700 EUR |
Off-Campus Accommodation |
1,200 - 1,800 EUR |
750 - 1,000 EUR |
Food |
200 - 390 EUR |
250 - 360 EUR |
Public Transportation |
80 - 100 EUR |
25 - 35 EUR |
Miscellaneous Expenses |
200 - 300 EUR |
100 - 200 EUR |
Pro Tip: Tuition fees in France are generally lower, but Italy is a much more affordable place to live overall (especially transportation and accommodation).
Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships can help the student a lot financially. Now let me share some of the best scholarships which are available in both countries:
France Scholarships |
Italy Scholarships |
Eiffel Scholarships |
Bocconi Merit and International Award |
ENS International Selection Scholarships |
Padua International Excellence Scholarship |
Université Paris-Saclay International Masters |
Italian Government Scholarships |
Ampere Excellence Scholarship |
Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships |
Question: How important are scholarships for you when it comes to studying abroad?
Career Opportunities and Salaries in France & Italy
Working during or after your studies can give you valuable experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Popular Jobs in France |
Average Salary (EUR/year) |
Popular Jobs in Italy |
Average Salary (EUR/year) |
Engineering |
45,000 EUR |
Fashion Designer |
55,000 EUR |
Management |
68,000 EUR |
Project Management |
50,000 EUR |
Finance and Business |
48,000 EUR |
Civil Engineer |
40,000 EUR |
Pro Tip: The finance and management sector in France has some of the best paying jobs and design, and engineering sectors are very promising in Italy.
Student Visa and PR Pathways
Both France and Italy are wonderful countries to visit, study or live in, but getting your visa & residency documents can be one of the toughest aspects of application. Let me list it down to make it easy for you -
Visa Requirements:
France: Expect to turn over biometric data and spend a good deal of time in interviews during the visa application process.
Italy : Biometric data has to be collected at the Visa Application Centers.
Long-term Stay:
Permanent Residency (PR): France allows it after 5 years if you meet the language requirement.
Italy — gives long-stay visas and home licenses for individuals who need to live and concentrate for longer stretches.
Knowing what is involved will help you plan your academic journey and longer term in one or both of the countries.
Documents Required: To apply for a student visa in France and Italy, you'll need to prepare the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts
- Language test scores (TOEFL & IELTS)
- French Proficiency test score
- Valid Passport
- Cover letter
- Proof of Funding for your course
- Proof of Accommodation/housing
- Institute Acceptance letter
- Medical Insurance
- Passport size photos
Conclusion: Unlock Your Global Career with France or Italy!
Both France and Italy are enjoyed in very different ways. France has a world class education system and reputed management and business opportunities, while Italy is supreme in design, engineering fields, arts etc. Your choice ultimately depends on your career goals, financial budget, and cultural preferences.
Pro Tip: Embracing the country of your choice and learning the lingo has been known to lead you directly into some of the most amazing crypto jobs on offer!!
For more assistance please visit Edysor, and avail of our wide range of services for students for destinations like study in USA, study in UK, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in ireland and many more countries.