What you need to know about studying in France: in-demand majors, scholarships, and dual degree programs

The role of the French Embassy in Kazakhstan

I work at the French Embassy in Kazakhstan and coordinate educational cooperation projects in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. My work spans both secondary and higher education in these countries.

As a scholar myself — a historian with a PhD specializing in national issues in the former USSR — I’m particularly interested in fostering academic and research partnerships. For me, diplomacy means being actively involved, not just observing. I help build connections between French and Kazakh universities and promote academic exchanges and institutional partnerships.

Kazakh citizens who speak French can apply to French universities on equal terms with other international students. There are no restrictions on fields of study. Students can apply to highly competitive preparatory programs — such as classes that prepare them for top engineering schools like École Polytechnique—or pursue studies in agriculture, fashion, design, and many other areas.

French universities offer nearly every field of study. When it comes to financial support, scholarships are available to Kazakh students whose academic projects are considered strong and promising. Admission to a top-tier institution significantly increases your chances of receiving a scholarship. On the other hand, enrolling in lesser-known private institutions with questionable reputations may limit your funding options.

So, while students can apply to any program or discipline, success largely depends on the quality of the institution and the strength of their application.

Studying in France

Among Kazakh students in France, economics is one of the most popular fields, especially at public universities.

If you speak French, you can apply to any program. However, your goal should be to get into a prestigious university. If that doesn’t work out, public universities are still an option — they offer affordable education, although bachelor’s programs may vary in quality due to the lack of competitive admissions.

The ideal route is admission to a grande école — elite institutions with rigorous entrance requirements. While they’re highly selective for French students, international students often have real chances of being accepted. These schools issue prestigious diplomas that open doors to high-level careers, especially in engineering, science, and technology. There are over 250 grandes écoles in France specializing in fields from chemistry and physics to automotive and aerospace engineering.

There are also top-ranked humanities schools, such as Sciences Po, which trains future journalists, political scientists, and diplomats. While competitive, these schools are accessible to well-prepared, motivated students from Kazakhstan.

France’s higher education system is designed to be accessible. Education is not treated as a business, and even international students often pay little or no tuition at public institutions, thanks to scholarships.

Dual Degree Programs

Some students prefer to stay in Kazakhstan but still want to earn a French diploma. Dual degree programs — offering both a Kazakh and a French diploma — are especially valuable for them. We are currently establishing a new initiative called the Lumière Fund to support and expand such programs.

Our goal is to increase the number of joint degree programs. We believe this model offers the best of both worlds. While some foreign universities have opened branch campuses in Kazakhstan—such as the University of Arizona or Coventry University — this model isn’t always effective. France has chosen not to open branches due to logistical challenges. Instead, we focus on building joint academic programs.

These partnerships work with universities across Kazakhstan — in cities like Atyrau, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Shymkent. For instance, the Polytechnic University in Karaganda has strong programs in geology, making it an ideal partner for dual degrees with French institutions.

A student from Karaganda could complete a dual degree and later work at companies like Orano, which operates in Kazakhstan’s uranium sector. They need highly qualified professionals, and dual programs help train them.

French company TotalEnergies is planning to build a wind farm north of Almaty. To train the necessary workforce, they will fund scholarships for students studying at Satbayev University in collaboration with a French university.

Several dual programs are already in place. At Al-Farabi KazNU, there are tracks in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. At Suleyman Demirel University, there’s a dual law program. We are actively working to expand such opportunities.

Our mission is to give young Kazakhs access to quality education without leaving their country — equipping them for careers in tourism, nuclear energy, fashion, and architecture. Even regional universities can offer top-level training and help young people contribute to their communities and national development.

Scholarships

France offers a variety of scholarships depending on the level of study.

Short-Term Research Grants. Young researchers can apply for three-month internships in French labs — both in the sciences and humanities. These come with a stipend of €1500 per month. Applicants must already be in contact with a French research partner and have a clear plan.

Abay-Vern Scholarship. Open to master's and PhD students in any discipline — from chemistry and sociology to economics. Students remain enrolled in a Kazakh university while spending one academic year in France. This year, 35 master's and 3 doctoral scholarships were awarded.

Eiffel Scholarship. Funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, this is a prestigious program for academically strong students. Kazakhstan was allocated 11 places this year.

Make Our Planet Great Again. A scholarship program for students focused on climate change, green energy, and environmental studies. It supports both academic and research activities in France.

French Embassy Scholarships. This year, we offered five scholarships that fully cover tuition fees.

In addition, students can apply directly to French universities for tuition waivers. This is a common practice. If an applicant has a strong academic background but cannot afford tuition — for example, a student from a rural area who has learned French and been accepted into a program — they can write to the university explaining their situation. Universities often respond positively. One Kazakh student was accepted to École Polytechnique but couldn’t pay tuition. We advocated on their behalf, and the university waived the fee — because motivation and potential matter more than money.

There are many opportunities — free or affordable education, funded by the French government, local regions, or even companies.

For detailed scholarship information, visit the Campus France Kazakhstan website, where you’ll find comprehensive guidance and contact details.

Why a French degree matters

Graduates from top French institutions — such as École Polytechnique — are highly valued in Kazakhstan. These students return home not just as skilled professionals but as future leaders.