Higher tuition costs will be imposed by French colleges on international students. From a system where tuition was almost free and students only had to pay roughly 200 euros a year, this represents a significant shift. However, there will also be three times as many government-sponsored scholarships available for international students.
We’ve gathered all the necessary details on tuition costs at French universities in our guide:
Can you get a free education in France?
Yes, provided that you are a resident or citizen of one of the EEA (European Economic Area) member nations or Switzerland. All EU (European Union) member nations, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are included in the EEA. Even though attending a public institution in France is not totally “free,” you will only pay a very minimal sum.
The cost of tuition will be greater in France if you are not a citizen of an EEA nation, Switzerland, or already a permanent resident.
At a private university, your tuition costs will also be greater.
Who has to pay tuition fees to study in France?
If a student is from Switzerland or a nation outside the European Economic Area, their tuition costs will be greater. All EU nations as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are included in the EEA.
Higher tuition costs will apply to all other international students. For instance, your tuition costs will be greater than those of French students if you are from Africa or Asia. The official French government agency, Campus France, provides more information.
What is the cost of attending school in France?
The French government sets the tuition rates for public universities, and they are uniform throughout the nation.
Not much has changed if you are a citizen or current permanent resident of one of the EEA nations; you will still pay relatively little for your tuition:
- There are annual fees of 170 euros for bachelor’s (licensing) programs,
- 243 euros for master’s programs,
- 601 euros for engineering courses at some universities
- 380 euros for doctoral (PhD) programs.
All other overseas students, meanwhile, will now pay more for their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The following are the new foreign student tuition rates:
– 380 euros per year for doctorate (PhD) programs, 2,770 euros per year for bachelor’s (licensing) programs, 3,770 euros per year for master’s programs, and 3,770 euros per year for master’s programs, which is the same as for Europeans.
The costs listed above only apply to public universities; tuition at private universities may be more expensive. They typically cost between 3,000 and 20,000 euros annually.
Are there any scholarships available to students from abroad?
Yes, and the French government also declared that, in addition to the new increased tuition prices, they will boost the number of scholarships available. An overview of grants scholarships for study in France is provided via the official CampusBourses portal.
When do students in France have to pay their tuition fees?
The full annual tuition is often due in September, at the start of the school year.
Do you have to pay for a student visa to France?
You could require the VLS-TS visa (“étudiant”) if you are an international student from a non-EU country. The visa gives you the freedom to travel freely throughout the Schengen area and work up to 964 hours per year (20 hours per week). This is a fantastic opportunity to travel around Europe.
You must pay 99 euros to apply for a VLS-TS visa. When you have been admitted to the university following your application, this fee will be due. You will also need the visa in order to travel to France to begin your studies.
Within three months of your arrival in France, the visa must be validated. Another 60 euros are needed for that.
What is the cost of living in France per month?
It needn’t be expensive to be a student in France. You can survive on 850 to 1,000 euros a month, including housing, even in big cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, or Toulouse. Still, that is within European levels. You might possibly spend even less in certain smaller places. Paris, though, is an exception: budget at least 1,250 to 1,400 euros a month there, and count yourself quite lucky if you can get a spot in a student residence.