Cecily Zamora
France is a popular destination for international students, offering a rich cultural experience, a vibrant student life, and the chance to enrol at top-ranked European universities. With low tuition fees and internationally recognised qualifications, France is an attractive option for those looking to study law abroad. Law schools in France are typically schools within larger universities, and students must pass an entrance examination to gain admission. The undergraduate law degree, Licence de Droit, takes at least three years of full-time study to complete, followed by a Master's degree which takes a minimum of two years. France offers a wide range of universities and programmes to choose from, including the prestigious Panthéon-Assas University, as well as English-taught degrees for non-French speakers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree earned | Bachelor in Law (LLB), Master's degree (LLM), and Doctoral level program (PhD in Law) |
| Law school type | School within a larger university |
| Admission | Less selective at the undergraduate level, but rigorous programs |
| Undergraduate degree | Three-year Bachelor of Law program ("Licence de Droit") |
| Postgraduate degree | Takes at least two years of full-time study to complete |
| PhD | Takes three or more years of full-time study to complete |
| Tuition fees | Low compared to other developed countries |
| Scholarships | Available through the federal government |
| International students | Over 252,000 international students choose France for their studies |
| English-taught degrees | Over 1,500 |
| Career opportunities | Advertising lawyer, regulatory attorney, antitrust lawyer, banking lawyer, compliance attorney, corporate lawyer, tax lawyer, etc. |
| Salary range for law graduates | EUR 20,500 to EUR 150,000 per year |
| Top law schools and universities | Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, University Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas, Sciences Po, University of Toulouse, Toulouse 1 University Capitole, University of La Réunion, Jean Moulin University Lyon 3, Aix-Marseille University, Paris Descartes University, University of Rennes 1 |
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What You'll Learn
Law degree requirements
To study law in France, you must attend a law school, which is a school within a larger university and not a separate entity. To practice law in France, you need at least a Bachelor's in Law (LLB) and a Master's degree in the same field. A doctoral-level program (PhD in Law) is also available.
Undergraduate
To gain admission to an undergraduate law program, you must have a high school diploma/certificate equivalent to a French one. You will also need to submit copies of your transcripts and their official translation, a letter of motivation, and letters of recommendation.
The undergraduate law program in French is called "Licence de Droit", and it takes three years of full-time study to complete.
Postgraduate
For a postgraduate law degree, you will need a Bachelor's degree in law or a similar field of study. A Master's degree in law takes at least two years of full-time study to complete.
There are many universities in France that offer Master's degrees in law, such as the University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, University Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas, and Sciences Po. Some of these programs are taught in English, making it easier for non-French speaking students to pursue a legal education in France.
Doctoral
A Ph.D. in law usually takes three or more years of full-time study to complete.
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Law school examinations
France is a popular destination for international students, offering a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience. The country's universities are well-regarded internationally, and students benefit from low tuition fees, especially in public institutions.
To study law in France, you must first gain admission to a law school, which is a school within a larger university. Law school examinations in France are rigorous, and admission is competitive. While specific requirements may vary depending on the university, here are some general guidelines and considerations for law school examinations in France:
Undergraduate Law School Examinations:
To be admitted to an undergraduate law program in France, you typically need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some universities may also require you to submit letters of motivation and recommendation. Additionally, you must demonstrate proficiency in the French language, as most undergraduate law programs are taught in French.
The first step towards gaining admission to an undergraduate law program in France is to obtain a "Licence de Droit," which is a three-year bachelor's degree in law. This degree is a prerequisite for further legal studies and practice in France.
Graduate Law School Examinations:
For graduate law programs in France, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in law or a related field. Many universities offer master's and doctoral programs in law, and some even provide joint degrees with prestigious international universities. Graduate law programs in France usually take at least two years for a master's and three or more years for a Ph.D.
Examinations for International Students:
France attracts a significant number of international students, and several universities offer English-taught degrees. If you are an international student, you may be exempt from certain requirements, such as practical training, if you meet specific conditions regarding your education and professional practice. However, in some cases, you may be required to take an aptitude test, which can include an oral examination.
Additionally, specific programs, such as the "Sorbonne LLM Business Law for Foreign Lawyers" at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, are designed for non-French speaking students with a Master's degree or equivalent. These programs can provide an excellent opportunity to learn French and gain a comprehensive understanding of French and European Union law.
Examination for Entry into a Law School (EDA):
To practice law in France, you must pass the Examination for Entry into a Law School (EDA), administered by universities as part of the Institute of Judicial Studies (IEJ). This examination is typically taken after completing the first year of a four-year master of laws degree or having an equivalent qualification. Passing this examination allows you to take a practical professional education program offered by a law school.
Collège de Droit Examinations:
A "Collège de droit" or "College of Law" is a selective training program within a faculty of law for top students. These programs were created to allow French universities to select brilliant students despite the global prohibition on merit-based distinctions. Panthéon-Assas University, considered the top faculty of law in France, offers the College of Law program, requiring students to obtain "Summa Cum Laude" in Baccalauréat and pass an entrance test.
In conclusion, law school examinations in France are rigorous and competitive. Whether you are an international student or a French national, it is essential to carefully research the specific requirements and examinations for your desired law school and program. France offers a wide range of law programs, and with the right preparation and qualifications, you can gain admission to a top-ranked university and benefit from a culturally enriching educational experience.
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Career opportunities
France is a popular study destination for international students due to its academic environment, cultural attractions, and low tuition fees. The country's adoption of the Bologna Process means that an undergraduate law degree takes at least three years of full-time study to complete, while a postgraduate degree, such as a Master's, takes a minimum of two years. A Ph.D. in law can be completed in three or more years. Obtaining a law degree from a French university will provide you with internationally recognized qualifications, opening a wide range of career opportunities.
If you plan to practice law in France, you will need at least a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) and a Master's degree in the field (LLM). Additionally, you must pass the examination for entry into a Law School (EDA), administered by universities as part of the Institute of Judicial Studies (IEJ). This examination can only be taken three times, and candidates typically hold at least a second-year law degree. After passing the examination, students undertake a practical professional education program offered by a law school.
France offers a variety of career paths for law graduates, including both traditional legal professions and other industries. Within the legal field, you can pursue roles such as an advertising lawyer, regulatory attorney, antitrust lawyer, banking lawyer, compliance attorney, corporate lawyer, or tax lawyer. The salary range for law graduates in France is between EUR 20,500 and EUR 150,000 per year.
Outside of the legal profession, your law degree will equip you with transferable skills that are valuable in various industries. These skills include research and fact-gathering, self-management, written and oral communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to see the bigger picture. With these skills, you can explore career opportunities in fields such as business, politics, consulting, or any area where a strong understanding of legal principles and critical thinking is advantageous.
France's top law universities, including University Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas, Sciences Po, and Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, offer a range of Master's and joint degree programs. These universities provide a strong foundation for a career in law, with courses taught in English or French, allowing you to develop your language skills alongside your legal expertise.
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English-taught degrees
France is a popular study destination for international students due to its academic environment, cultural attractions, and low tuition fees. The country offers over 1,500 English-taught degrees, including several in law.
University Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas
University Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas is considered France's first law university. It offers a range of master's degrees in law, including Private Law, Public Law, Criminal Science, Political Science, Roman Law, History of Law, Economics, Management, and Information and Communication Sciences. The university's seminars are taught in English across its four campuses: Dubai, Mauritius, Paris, and Singapore.
Sciences Po
Sciences Po's law school program is ranked 4th in France for Economic Law and 2nd in France by QS World University rankings. The university offers joint degrees with renowned institutions such as Columbia Law School and Duke University School of Law. All programs are taught entirely in English, allowing students to learn French alongside their studies.
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne offers a one-year LLM program in Business Law for non-French speaking students with a Master's degree or equivalent. The courses are taught in English, covering public law, private law, and European Union law. Students also have opportunities to learn French and visit important French institutions.
University of Toulouse
The University of Toulouse was the second university established in France, initially offering courses in theology, canon law, civil law, and arts. Today, its Law Faculty provides a comprehensive research and training portfolio in legal and political fields, with research activities, doctoral schools, and various opportunities to study law.
Panthéon-Assas University
Panthéon-Assas University, also known as Assas Law School, was established in 2008 as a special school for selecting the best students. The university offers a graduate degree in law after students complete the College of Law undergraduate program. An additional year abroad is mandatory to obtain the Assas Law School degree.
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Scholarships and financial aid
France is a popular destination for international students, with over 250,000 choosing to study there each year. The country offers a rich cultural experience, and its universities perform well in international rankings. France is also an appealing option for law students due to its high level of academics and affordable education. The French academic year runs from September to May or June, and law school typically involves a three-year Bachelor of Law program, followed by a two-year Master of Law program and a three-year PhD in Law.
When it comes to scholarships and financial aid for studying law in France, there are several options available:
Country-specific scholarships:
Many countries offer scholarships to their students who wish to pursue studies abroad. It is recommended to inquire within your country about ministries or bodies, private or public, that may provide scholarships for studying in France. For example, the Erasmus+ programme provides financial support for travel and living costs to European Union citizens, with amounts ranging from €200 to €300 per month. Non-EU students can also benefit from Erasmus+, but the amounts may vary.
University scholarships:
Some French universities offer scholarship programmes to enrolled foreign students. For instance, Sciences Po's law school programme offers joint degrees with prestigious universities in the US and is ranked highly in France for Economic Law. The University of Toulouse, which was the second university established in France, also offers a comprehensive portfolio of research and training opportunities in legal and political fields.
Government scholarships:
The French government, through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the French Foreign Ministry, offers various scholarships for foreign students. These include the Eiffel Excellence Programme, which finances Master's level courses or mobility in specific fields, including law and political science. Additionally, the Quai d'Orsay has partnered with large French businesses to provide scholarships of about €1,000 for students undertaking work placements within those companies.
International organisation scholarships:
International organisations such as the UN, UNESCO, and the WHO encourage mobility by offering scholarships to students studying abroad. UNESCO provides a country-by-country list of scholarship opportunities available from various institutions. Additionally, the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) offers financial aid for Master's studies, professional work placements, and doctoral mobility.
Private foundation scholarships:
Large businesses often have private foundations that provide financial support for students. It is worth exploring the opportunities offered by these private entities, as they can be a valuable source of funding for international students.
In summary, there are numerous scholarship opportunities and financial aid options available for international students wishing to study law in France. It is recommended to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as eligibility criteria and application calendars may vary. Additionally, France's affordable tuition fees and low cost of living contribute to making it a financially viable option for international students pursuing legal studies.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements to study law in France vary depending on the university. However, some general requirements include having a high school diploma/certificate equivalent to a French one, submitting copies of your transcripts and their official translation, and providing letters of motivation and recommendation.
Some of the top law schools in France include University Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas, Sciences Po, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Toulouse 1 University Capitole, University of La Réunion, Jean Moulin University Lyon 3, Aix-Marseille University, Paris Descartes University, and University of Rennes 1.
Studying law in France offers internationally recognized qualifications, a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience, and the opportunity to attend top-ranked universities at a lower cost compared to other countries. France also has a strong academic reputation and offers a wide range of career opportunities for law graduates. Additionally, there are many scholarships available for international students, and you can take advantage of the selective Collège de droit programs for top students.
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