Find Cheap Universities in France for 2024

France is a favoured country for international students looking for a study destination in Europe, due to its prestigious universities, rich cultural history, and diverse range of programs. Higher education in France is known for its quality and relatively affordable tuition fees, especially in public institutions. Tuition fees in France vary significantly between public and private institutions, and the cost structure is also influenced by the student's nationality and the type of program.

So, the only thing you have to worry about is finding a university in France where you can afford to study an English-taught Bachelor's or Master's. In this article, we’ll list the cheapest yearly tuition fees for degree programmes offered by French universities.

On our portals, you can explore hundreds of Bachelor's degrees and more than 1,100 Master's degrees in France, offering a wide range of academic options to suit your interests and career goals.

Explore affordable Master’s in France

Most affordable universities in France, according to Studyportals data:

Here's a list of the universities in France that are listed on our portals and have the cheapest available degrees for both international and domestic students, in both Bachelor's and Master's levels:

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• Paris-Saclay University
• University of Paris
• Aix-Marseille University
• University of Montpellier
• University of Bordeaux
• Grenoble INP, Graduate Schools of Engineering
• UPEC – University Paris-Est Créteil

Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:

1. Institut Polytechnique de Paris

The Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a leading cluster of prestigious French engineering schools, including École Polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris, and Télécom SudParis. Known for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research, it excels in engineering, science, and technology. The institution offers competitive tuition fees and numerous scholarships. Located in the vibrant city of Paris, the student life is dynamic, with a wealth of cultural, social, and professional opportunities available in one of the world's most renowned cities.

2. Paris-Saclay University

Paris-Saclay University is a prominent public research university that includes a number of former institutions and grandes écoles. It is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in science, engineering, and technology. Paris-Saclay offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for international students. The university boasts a vibrant student life with state-of-the-art facilities and is located near Paris, providing students with access to the cultural and professional advantages of the capital.

3. University of Paris

The University of Paris, often referred to as "Université de Paris," is a major public university formed from the merger of several renowned institutions. It offers a wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The university provides affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for non-EU students. Located in the heart of Paris, it offers a dynamic student life enriched by the city's rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and myriad social and academic activities.

4. Aix-Marseille University

Aix-Marseille University, located in the vibrant city of Marseille, is the largest public university in France. It is known for its strong research output and diverse programs in law, economics, science, and medicine. The university offers affordable tuition fees and numerous scholarships for both EU and non-EU students. Student life is lively, with Marseille’s Mediterranean climate, cultural diversity, and bustling urban environment providing a unique and stimulating backdrop for academic and social activities.

5. University of Montpellier

The University of Montpellier, situated in the historic city of Montpellier, is one of the oldest universities in the world and is renowned for its programs in medicine, science, and law. As a public university, it offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for international students. The university provides a vibrant student life with a strong sense of community, modern facilities, and the sunny climate of southern France enhancing the overall experience.

6. University of Bordeaux

The University of Bordeaux, located in the picturesque city of Bordeaux, is a prominent public university known for its research excellence and programs in wine science, health, and engineering. It offers competitive tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for non-EU students. The university’s beautiful campus and Bordeaux’s renowned wine culture, historic architecture, and lively cultural scene make student life both enriching and enjoyable.

7. Grenoble INP, Graduate schools of Engineering

Grenoble INP, Graduate Schools of Engineering is a group of six prestigious engineering and management schools located in the city of Grenoble. Known for its strong emphasis on innovation and applied sciences, Grenoble INP offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for international students. The university provides a dynamic student life, with excellent facilities and the stunning Alpine surroundings of Grenoble offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.

8. UPEC – University Paris-Est Créteil

The UPEC – University Paris-Est Créteil is a public university located in the eastern suburbs of Paris. It is known for its diverse programs in health sciences, social sciences, and urban planning. UPEC offers affordable tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for non-EU students. The university provides a supportive and active student life, with a range of cultural and social activities, modern facilities, and easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of Paris.

What are the most affordable tuition fees for students in France

France offers a diverse landscape for higher education with significant variations in tuition fees between public and private institutions. Public universities in France are funded by the government and offer lower tuition fees for EU students than non-EU international students. Like in most countries, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees but often offer specialised programs and smaller class sizes.

Affordable tuition fees for domestic students in France

For domestic students in France, tuition fees are relatively low compared to other Western European countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. According to data from Studyportals:

Most affordable Bachelor’s fees in France for local and EU students:

• The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees cost between EUR 170 and EUR 9,000 yearly, for domestic students.
• Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for domestic students in France cost less than €12,000, but prices can go as high as 30,000 EUR.

Most affordable Master’s fees in France for local and EU students

• The cheapest Master’s programs for domestic students in France cost between €0 and €250.
• Half of the MA degrees for domestic students in France cost less than €9,000, while some Master’s go over 36,000 EUR.

Affordable degrees for International students in France

Tuition fees for international students in France are higher compared to domestic students. However, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students.

Most affordable Bachelor’s fees in France for international (non-EU) students

• The cheapest universities providing Bachelor's degrees for international students cost between 170 and 9,000 EUR per year.
• Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for international students in France cost less than €12,000.

Most affordable Master’s costs in France for international (non-EU) students

• The cheapest Master’s programs for international students in France start at €0 and reach up to €4,000.
• Half of the MA degrees for international students in France cost less than €10,000.

NOTE: The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals at the date of publishing this article.

Additional Tips for Finding Affordable Education in France

Additional Tips for Finding Affordable Education in France

1. The French government offers several scholarships for international students, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. Many universities in France also have their own scholarship programs for international students. Check out the Studyportals scholarship search to find scholarships available for you.

2. The cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city. Consider studying in smaller cities or towns where living expenses are generally lower than in Paris.

3. International students in France are allowed to work part-time during their studies. This can help cover living expenses. Be sure to understand the regulations and obtain the necessary permits.

4. Use platforms like Studyportals to compare tuition fees and programs across different universities. This will help you find the most affordable options that meet your academic needs.

5. Scholarships and financial aid are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early to increase your chances of receiving financial support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, France remains a favoured destination for international students due to its prestigious universities, rich cultural heritage, and relatively affordable tuition fees. Public universities in France offer lower tuition fees for EU students and a variety of scholarships for non-EU international students. With a wide range of academic programs and vibrant student life, France provides a rewarding educational experience. Whether you are seeking a Bachelor's or Master's degree, there are many affordable options available to suit your academic interests and career goals.

Methodology

• We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and yearly tuition fees for affordable degrees.
• All tuition fees mentioned in this article are for 1 year of study.
• We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in France that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
• In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than those for 75% of the other university degrees listed on our website.
• Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than half of the university degrees but more expensive than the lowest 25% of degrees listed on our website.
• For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.
• Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.

Other resources

• 5 of the Best Data Science Programmes in France for You to Consider
• Best English-Taught Universities in France Where You Can Study
• How to Apply to an International University in France
• How to Get a Student Visa for France
• Tuition Fees and Living Costs in France

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Are there free tuition options available in France for international students?

Free tuition programs are rare in France. However, many public universities offer significantly lower tuition fees for EU students and various scholarships for non-EU international students.

2. How much are the living costs for students in France?

Living costs in France vary depending on the city, but on average, students can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

3. Do public universities in France charge tuition fees for EU students?

Yes, public universities in France charge tuition fees, but they are generally lower than those at private institutions. For EU students, fees can be as low as €170 per year for Bachelor's programs and €0 to €250 for Master's programs.

4. Can international students get financial aid in France?

Yes, many French universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students to help manage tuition and living expenses.