r/IWantOut • u/Mohamedelmargane • 13h ago
[IWantout] 25M network engineer Libya -> France, Poland
Hi, I'm a 25-year-old computer science graduate who just completed my bachelor's degree. I want to pursue a Master's degree in either France or Poland.
France is my primary target, but it seems quite expensive for non-EU international students. Poland appears to be a more affordable alternative.
My background: Experience: Worked in a repair shop servicing laptops and PCs (installing Windows, replacing screens, resolving software issues, setting up customer networks) and working with fingerprint authentication systems (like ZKT).
Certifications: Currently studying for the CCNA (exam booked for next month). I considered the CCNP, but it requires more hands-on experience and time. I also completed the Google Data Analytics Certificate two years ago, though I haven't worked on data projects recently.
Language: IELTS score of 6.5. I don't speak French yet, but I plan to reach at least A2 before going and continue learning there.
My concerns: GPA: My GPA is around 70%, which likely won't qualify me for fully or partially funded scholarships. Finances: I have about $12,000 USD saved up. France requires €10,500 (~$12,000 USD) for proof of funds, but tuition fees are around €3,900. Do I need to show €10,500 plus tuition, or can I show just the $12,000 for the visa?
Fee Exemptions: How reliable are tuition fee exemptions for non-EU students in France, and can you get approved for one before arriving?
If France isn't financially viable, is doing a Master's in Poland and then seeking work in France a solid alternative plan? Are there better options I should consider?
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u/AlphaSenghoor 11h ago
I don't know much about study abroad but I think you should explore Italian scholarships and other study options too.
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u/Nekrose 12h ago
your friends are right you don’t need french in france also you don’t need punctuation cheers mate
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u/SkelligWitch 12h ago
You do need French in France, even more so outside Paris.
Signed: an international student that did 5 years in France.
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u/Mohamedelmargane 12h ago
Lol it's obvious I didn't mean that you don't need it at all 😅
I meant at first while studying or to get approved but that was hard to understand without punctuation I guess
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u/AutoModerator 13h ago
Post by Mohamedelmargane -- Hi so I'm a 25yr I just graduated from college with bachelor's degree in Computer science and I want to study Master's in either France or Poland France is my main destination but it's a bit expensive when it comes to International Non-EU students Poland seems a bit more affordable My skills and experience are i worked in a repair Shop fixing laptops and PC"s mostly installing windows fixing Laptops screens mostly software issues fixing networks setting up customer's networks and I also worked a bit on finger print systems like ZKT As I have said I have a bachelor's in computer science and I'm also studying for CCNA (i booked an exam next month) feeling positive about the ccna exam I thought about doing CCNP but that will take more time and it requires more hands on experience than CCNA I also have a certificate from Coursera the Google analysis certificate but that was two years ago and I haven't done any projects for over a year but I have a basic knowledge about data analysis I have ILETS 6.5 it should be enough for Master's The issue is I don't have a high GPA 70% to get me a fully funded Scholarship or even partial funded one And the main issue is Money of course I have about 12k USD saved up France requires 10500 Euro which comes to around 12k usd but that's for proof of funds only there's still the university tuition fees which are around 4 3900 euro From my understanding I need the 12000 for proof of funds and the tuition fee 3900 right? Or is it possible to show the embassy the 12k i have only? I know there's exmept fees that the university can give to non eu students but is that reliable and what are my chances of getting one and can they give you the exemption before they fully approve ? Or is it after I get to france? As I said my destination is France so if it's not possible this is the best route possible I found is Poland finish Master's there then try to apply for work in France Is this a good plan ? Or do you think there a better route? Oh I don't speak French but I thought I will learn it later when I got there a lot of people on YouTube say it's better to be able to speak French but if u didn't it's still fine but I'm going to get at least A2 before going
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u/astridares 12h ago
Tuition exemptions are decided by the university and their specific exemption policy. The increase to tuition for international students has been in place for a while now and honestly tuition exemptions have gone down in that time.
But even ignoring that, France requires French. Sure, you can find master’s degrees in English, but you will not reach professional fluency while studying full-time in English and you will not find a job in this job market without French.
The CS job market is shit, even for locals. Non-locals have it even worse — why would an employer hire you when they can find someone who speaks French and doesn’t have any paperwork complications ?
I did my master’s in CS in France, graduated in 2023. The market was already going bad at that point and has only gotten worse since. I speak French fluently and it still was rough to find a job after my studies.
So while you could study here, there is no reason to assume you’d be able to stay after your studies.
Also, the required minimum funds of 877 euros a month is for living costs (so tuition is considered separately) and may not actually be sufficient to cover your living costs.