University of Franche-Comte (Required Documents, Scholarships, Benefits)

The University of Franche-Comte is a prominent public French institute in Besancon, France. It was founded in 1423 and is one of the oldest universities in France. This university enrolls 24k students, of whom 20% are international students from all over the globe. Franche Comte University has a world ranking of 711 to 720.

Franche-Comte University is a multidisciplinary institute comprised of six educational faculties: law, social sciences, political science, humanities, management, linguistics, and economics. It also has two technological institutes, a famous applied linguistics center, an engineering school, and an institute of business administration. Franche-Comte University is popular in the research community, with 667 doctoral-level students, 28 research laboratories, and 788 research teachers. This university provides dynamic cultural activities (meetups, science festivals, and student welcomes) throughout the year and offers 36 sporting functions and clubs per year.

Franche-Comte University offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. At UFC, IELTS is required with a band score of 6.0-6.5. The acceptance rate is about 33%. The average tuition fee for Franche-Comte is approximately 243 EUR per year. This university provides multiple need-based and merit-based scholarships to international students.

Why Study at the Franche-Comte University  

The University of Franche-Comte provides a dynamic cultural life and educational excellence with various reasons to choose it as a study destination.

• Strategic location and rich history: Franche-Comte University is situated in the heart of Europe, in Besancon, a city well-known for its beautiful nature and rich history. This city provides many historical landmarks, museums, and cultural events. This university offers students an enriching atmosphere.
• High-quality education: The University of Franche-Comte is a well-recognized university in France, popular for its high-quality education in numerous fields, such as social sciences, engineering, health sciences, and humanities.
• Affordable living: The living expenses at Besancon are less than those in other French cities, making it a reasonable choice for international students. Moreover, Franche-Comte University provides housing and financial support opportunities.
• A wide range of programs: This university offers courses in various disciplines, including bachelor's, master's, and PhD. The top courses at Franche-Comte University are engineering, physics, micro nanotechnology, chemistry, smart mechanics, and computer sciences.
• Student life at UFC: Franche-Comte University enrolls 24000 students, of which 20% are international students from various backgrounds. This university provides a multicultural environment that enriches the academic experience. Moreover, UFC offers international students many support services, including accommodation help, orientation, and training programs about education in France. This university provides many clubs and sports facilities that foster teamwork between students and a healthy lifestyle.
• Scholarship chances: Franche-Comte University offers many merit-based and need-based scholarships to international students that reduce their study fees burden. For example, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and the UFC institutional scholarship. Moreover, the university has rules to decrease the registration expenses for international students, making studying easier.
• Research chances: UFC is the hub of 28 research labs and greatly concentrates on multidisciplinary education, specifically in health sciences, environmental sciences, and engineering. Moreover, Franche-Comte University cooperates with multiple international and national research centers. This university has cutting-edge research, and students have an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in the fields of life sciences, environmental education, and nanotechnology.
• Unique surroundings and campus: Besancon is a unique city in France surrounded by nature, such as the Doubs River and Jura Mountain, offering an inspiring and comfortable atmosphere for study.
• Cultural events: UFC offers multiple activities throughout the year involving sports events, meetups, artistic workshops, and festivals. These activities permit students to contribute vigorously to campus life and link with local culture. 
• Language benefit: The University of Franche-Comte Applied Linguistics Centre is famous for its French language courses, which provide a great option to international students and enhance their language skills during education.
• Accommodation facility: The University of Franche-Comte offers on-campus housing facilities to international exchange candidates.
• International cooperation: This university cooperates with European universities across the globe to provide internships and student exchanges. This collaboration promotes the student world perspective.
• Strong student help services: The University of Franche-Comte offers multiple help services to international students, including assistance with accommodation, language, visas, and education.

Franche-Comte University Scholarships

• UFC provides financial support and scholarship opportunities to international students. This university offers merit-based and need-based scholarships, some of which are described below:
• UFC institutional scholarships
• French government scholarship
• Eiffel scholarship
• France Excellence Europa scholarship
• French language scholarship

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs funds the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship It is a fully funded scholarship offered to master's and doctoral programs. All French institutes participate in this scholarship. The age limit is 27 for master's and 32 for doctoral-level studies. It was initiated to motivate brilliant students to study in France. Almost 350 scholarships are granted every year. Nationals from all over the world are eligible for this scholarship.

Benefits

• Some Eiffel Excellence scholarship advantages are listed below:
• International airfare
• Monthly allowance (1181 EUR for postgraduate students)
• Insurance
• Housing support
• Cultural activities
• Social protection
• Travel allowance

Eligible Educational Programs for Scholarship

There are the following courses for masters and PhD under the Eiffel Scholarship 2025 are:

• Engineering
• Law
• Economics
• Biology
• History
• Political science
• Ecological transition
• Mathematics

Scholarship Duration

The Eiffel Excellence scholarship duration for masters is one year, and for PhD, 6 to 36 months.

Scholarship Deadline

The scholarship deadline for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship is 8 June 2025.

2. UFC Institutional Scholarships

Franche-Comte University provides merit-based scholarships to international students. UFC selects brilliant students with exceptional educational records. This scholarship covers monthly stipends and tuition expenses. Moreover, the application procedure varies according to the program, and the deadline differs based on the program. Check the deadline as early as possible and collect all the needed documents.

3. French Government Scholarship

French government scholarships are offered to international students pursuing bachelor, master, and doctoral programs. They cover travel expenses, living costs, and tuition fees. The French government provides this scholarship. Students can apply for this fellowship via the French embassy in their country, where they understand the process and document requirements. The duration of this scholarship is one year.

Benefits

The following benefits of French government scholarship are listed below:

• Study cost coverage
• Round-trip plane ticket
• Accommodation monthly stipend of about 700 EUR
• Meals expense
• Insurance costs

4. French Language Scholarship

The University of Franche-Comte supports international students who are required to enhance their French before their program initiation. It is not a fully funded scholarship; however, it covers expenses for language courses and other financial support for language understanding. For the application process, first, you will need to apply and be accepted to a course at Franche-Comte University. After that, you can apply for this scholarship on the UFC portal.

Franche-Comte University Eligibility Criteria          

The University Franche-Comte eligibility criteria for international students are described below:

• Educational requirements: Must have an intermediate degree for a bachelor's program, an undergraduate degree for a master's program, and a master's degree for a PhD program. Moreover, have excellent educational records and achievements.
• Language proficiency: English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) is needed if the program is taught in English. French language B2 level is required if the program is taught in French.

Required documents

• Application form: Fill out all the sections of the application form via the Franche-Comte University portal.
• Academic certificates: Give attested copies of your previous academic certificates.
• Language proficiency evidence: According to the program, English or French language evidence is needed.
• Passport: Copy of your passport and passport-sized pictures.
• Statement of purpose: Describe why you desire to study at the University of Franche-Comte and your career aims.
• Visa requirements: Must apply for a student visa to France after being accepted into the course. The visa requirement needs evidence of funds, health coverage, and accommodation.

Top Courses Held in English

There is a wide range of master's and doctoral-level courses that are taught in English. Some of them are listed below:

Masters Courses

The UFC provides various master's programs in English. However, the courses may change yearly; therefore, visit the university website for current details.

• International Business
• Engineering
• Physics
• Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer sciences
• Micro-nanotechnology
• Microbiology

PhD Courses

The following doctoral courses are offered by the University of Franche-Comte that are taught in English:

• Social sciences
• Humanities
• Sciences and technology
• Physics
• Biology
• Law
• Health Sciences

Related:
University of Montpellier

How to Apply at Franche-Comte University         

Various steps are required to apply to the Franche-Comte University. The procedure varies according to the master's, bachelor's, and PhD programs. Some steps for applying are described below:

• Check admission requirements: Check your eligibility requirements to get admission to the University of Franche-Comte University. For a bachelor's, you will need a secondary-level certificate; for a master's, a bachelor's degree is required; and for a PhD, a master's degree is needed.
• Select the program: Visit the UFC website to learn about the offered programs, courses, and departments. Ensure that you check all the requirements regarding your program selection.
• Prepare required documents: Prepare all the necessary documents to be admitted to UFC. The following documents are required for Franche-Comte University:

1. Application form
2. Passport copy
3. Passport sized pictures
4. English language evidence
5. Motivational letter
6. Recommendation letter
7. CV

Process:

1. Registration Fees: Pay the registration fee of 103 EUR for the 2024-2025 academic year. This fee can be paid online.
2. Fill application form: Fill out every application form section carefully at the UFC admission portal. Make sure you choose your desired language and complete each form part.
3. Submit your application: After completing your application form, review it carefully, and then submit it one week before the deadline.
4. Attend an interview: Some master's courses require an interview. So be ready for the interview.
5. Post-Application Step: After submitting your application, you are required to activate a digital workshop and wait for the confirmation of your admission status. You will be notified via e-mail about your selection.
6. Apply for a student visa: After selection, you will need to apply for a study visa with the help of a French counselor in your home nation. You also need to prove your enrolment and sufficient financial funds for your stay in France.
7. Finalized registration: After selection, you will be guided through the finalization of your registration. This involves paying tuition costs, attending training and orientation, and getting your student card.
8. Additional tips: Contact the institute's international office for any guidance

FAQs  

Q1) How much does it cost for international students at the University of Franche-Comte?

Answer: The average tuition fee for Franche-Comte University for international students is approximately 243 EUR per year. Various scholarships are a so offered to reduce the student's expenses.

Q2) Is the University of Franche-Comte public or private?

Answer: The University of Franche-Comte is a prominent public French institute in Besancon, France. Moreover, It was founded in 1423 and is one of the oldest universities in France.

Q3) What is the ranking of Franche-Comté University?

Answer: Franche Comte University has a world ranking of 711 to 720. It is a multidisciplinary university with dynamic cultural activities.

Q4) What is the acceptance rate at Franche-Comte University for international students?

Answer: The acceptance rate of Franche-Comte University for international students is about 33%.