Is It Worth It to Study in the UK for Paris Students? Pros & Cons? Pros & Cons

Paris. The city of lights, art, and fashion. A place many dream of visiting or living in. But what about studying abroad? For students from Paris, the question often comes up: is the UK the right choice?

Every year, thousands of Paris students look beyond their borders to find the best study options. The UK remains one of the top destinations for many. The British education system offers variety, quality, and opportunities that attract learners worldwide.

According to the British Council, over 500,000 international students chose the UK in recent years . So, Study in the UK for Paris students is not just a thought but a growing reality.

At IBS Consult, we have guided countless Paris students with a 98 percent success rate. From matching the right school based on preference, budget, and lifestyle to visa support and scholarships, we help turn plans into success stories. Many of our students testify that our support made their journey easier and more confident.

This article covers everything you need to know about Study in the UK for Paris students, the pros, the cons, and how to decide if it fits your goals. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Paris Students Are Choosing the UK

Many students from Paris are now looking to study in the UK. Here’s why:

1. UK degrees are popular with French students

UK universities are known around the world. They offer good education, flexible study programs, and lots of

career support. Degrees from top UK universities like Oxford, Cambridge, or even newer ones like UWE Bristol or University of Essex are respected globally.

2. Courses are shorter and more flexible

In the UK, most undergraduate programs are three years, not four. This saves time and money. Many master’s

programs take only one year.

3. You study in English

Studying in English is a great way to improve your language skills. Employers love that. It also opens doors to jobs all over the world.

Key Requirements to Study in the UK from Paris

So, what do you need if you want to study in the UK for Paris students?

Academic qualifications

If you’re finishing high school

(lycée) in Paris, your French Baccalauréat is accepted in the UK. You may need

specific grades depending on the course and university.

English Language Tests

You may need to show English ability. This is usually through:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Some universities also accept Cambridge English or proof you studied in English previously.

Applying through UCAS All UK undergraduate applications go through UCAS

(Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Here’s what you need:

• Personal Statement (why you want to study the course)

• Predicted or final grades

• One reference letter

UCAS lets you apply to five universities in one go.

When to apply

• Applications usually open in September.

• For most courses, deadline is 15 January.

• For Oxford, Cambridge, or medicine courses, it’s 15 October.

So plan early.

Do Paris Students Need a Visa to Study in the UK?

Visa rules post-Brexit

Yes. After Brexit, French students

(like all EU students) now need a Student Visa to study in the UK.

How to get a UK Student Visa

• First, get accepted into a UK university.

• The university gives you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

• You then apply for the Student Visa online.

You must:

• Show proof of enough money (tuition + living expenses)

• Have an English test result

• Have a valid passport

3. Visa costs and duration

• Visa application fee: £480 (about €550)

• Healthcare surcharge: £624/year (about €715/year)

• The visa lasts as long as your course + 4 months after

Cost of Studying in the UK as a Paris Student

This is a big question. How much does it cost to study in the UK for Paris students?

1. Tuition fees

• Undergraduate: £10,000 – £26,000/year

• Postgraduate: £11,000 – £30,000/year

Some subjects like medicine or engineering cost more.

2. Living costs

• In London: £1300 – £1500/month

• Outside London: £900 – £1100/month

This includes rent, food, transport, and more.

3. Other costs

• Visa fee: £480

• NHS healthcare surcharge: £624/year

• Travel, books, laptop, etc.

4. Are loans or support available?

• UK government loans are not available for EU students

• Some universities offer help or payment plans

Scholarships and Funding for Paris Students

1. Scholarships open to EU or French students

Many UK universities offer scholarships like:

• EU Undergraduate Scholarship

• Merit-based Scholarships

• Need-based grants Check your university’s scholarship page.

2. Tips to apply

• Apply early. Most scholarships close before the school year begins.

• Write a good personal statement.

• Show your grades and passion for the course.

3. External support

• Erasmus+ may offer short-term funding

• Private French sponsors or cultural organizations

Pros of Studying in the UK Compared to France

Thinking of leaving Paris for your studies? Here’s what you gain when you study in the UK for Paris students.

1. You get better at English

When you live and study in the UK, you’re surrounded by English. You hear it,

speak it, write it, every single day.

This helps you learn fast. It makes you

speak more clearly and with confidence.

Many French students say their English improved a lot after just a few months.

If you want strong English skills

for jobs, school, or travel, then studying in the UK from France is a big help.

2. Better job chances after school

UK universities for French students are known all over the world. Many big companies like it when your degree comes from a UK university, especially when you speak good English too.

You may get more job offers, not just in the UK, but also in Canada, Australia, or back in France.

Many Paris students who finished their UK degrees now work in top companies in London and Europe.

3. Student life is exciting

Studying in the UK from France doesn’t mean only books and lectures.
UK universities have football clubs, music

groups, gaming nights, and parties.

You’ll meet people from Nigeria, China,

India, America, and other parts of Europe.

It’s a chance to make friends from

all over the world, while still meeting other French students who also moved from Paris.

4. Your degree is known everywhere

UK degrees are respected in Europe, Asia, America, and beyond.

They open doors. If you want to move or work in another country later, this helps a lot.

So yes, when you study in the UK for Paris students, you don’t just study, you build your future.

Challenges and Cons to Consider

Of course, nothing is perfect. Here are some real things to think about before you study in the UK from France.

1. It costs more

One of the most common questions is:

How much does it cost to study in the UK for a student from Paris?

The answer: It depends, but it’s usually more than in France.

• Tuition fees: About £11,000–£38,000 per year

• Living costs: About £900–£1,500 per month

So yes, studying in the UK is more expensive than studying in Paris. But many say it’s worth it.

2. Culture shock

UK food, accents, and lifestyle may feel very different from France.

Even class schedules are different. It can feel strange at first.

But don’t worry. You’ll learn, adjust, and soon feel at home.

3. Visa issues after Brexit

To study in the UK from France, you now need a visa.
Visa rules can change, so always check the latest info on the UK government website.

4. You might miss home

It’s normal to feel homesick, especially in the first few months.

You’ll miss your family, your favorite Paris

food, or just how things are done in France.

But give it time. It gets easier,

and you’ll make new memories.

Tips to Make the Transition Easier

If you’re ready to study in the UK

for Paris students, here are simple tips to help.

1. Choose the right city and school

Some UK cities are more friendly for French students.

Here are great cities many Paris students love:

• London

• Manchester

• Edinburgh

• Bristol

• Leeds

They have good support, French clubs, and great student life.

2. Join student groups

Many UK schools have French societies or EU student unions. This is a great way to meet other students from Paris or other parts of France.

3. Budget smart

UK is expensive, but you can save money:

• Cook your own meals

• Use student discounts

• Share a flat with others

• Set a simple budget

These tips help you live better while saving money.

4. Find part-time work

Your UK Student Visa lets you work up to 20 hours a week during school, and full-time during holidays.
This can help pay your bills and build work experience.

Real Stories: French Students Who Studied in the UK

Meet real Paris students who chose to study in the UK from France, with help from IBS Consulting.

Marie, from Paris to Manchester

“It was hard at first, but now I love it. I’m more confident in English and have made great friends.

Yes, it’s expensive, but worth it.
IBS helped me with my school search, application, and visa. I couldn’t have done it alone.”

Lucas, from Paris to Edinburgh

“The classes are different, more open and interactive. I liked the freedom.

Homesickness hit me, but I grew stronger.

Thanks to IBS, I got fast help with my documents and questions.”

Inès, from Paris to Bristol

“Scholarships helped a lot. My UK degree helped me get a job in London.

I still miss croissants, but no regrets.

IBS was amazing, they guided me step by step.”

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, is it a good idea to study in the UK for Paris students?

Here’s a simple answer:
Yes, if you want to:

• Improve your English

• Get a global degree

• Enjoy life in a new country

• Get better job chances

• Meet new people

But be ready for:

• Higher costs

• Visa paperwork

• A new culture If you’re okay with that, it’s a great step. Many students from Paris already did it and don’t regret it.

Quick Checklist

Before you apply, ask yourself:

• Do I meet the school’s entry rules?

• Can I take a test like IELTS?

• Can I pay for school and rent?

• Am I ready to apply on UCAS?

• Can I find a scholarship?

• Am I open to living in a new place?

If you said “yes” to most of these,

you’re ready to go.

Conclusion

Choosing to study in the UK for

Paris students is not just about leaving home.

It’s about growing up, learning more, and building a better future.

Yes, it costs more. Yes, it can be

scary at first.

But if you’re serious, ready to work hard,

and plan smart, you’ll be okay.

Many French students have already

done it. With help from IBS Consulting, they got into top UK universities for

French students, settled in, and started their dream careers.

You can be next.

Need help getting started? Talk to

IBS Consulting today. They’ve helped many students from Paris get into the

right schools, and they can help you too.