France University Fees for International Students | A Complete Guide

Studying in France is exciting, but understanding tuition fees can be confusing. Luckily, France offers affordable education compared to many other countries, thanks to government support for universities.

Regarding France university fees, international students find the costs quite reasonable. On average, public universities charge lower fees than private institutions, making quality education accessible to many.

If you’re considering your options, public universities in France for international students are a great choice. Tuition costs in France vary based on the city, university reputation, and whether you’re from the EU.

France University Fees for European Students

Students from Andorra, Switzerland, the European Union, or the European Economic Area are estimated to pay the following fees:

• Bachelor: €170 per year.
• Master: €243 per year.
• Doctorate costs: €380 per year.
• Engineering costs: €601 per year.

France University Fees for International Students

You will be expected to pay different fees as a non-EU/EEA student than students from Europe if:

• You are enrolling for the first time in an engineering program or a bachelor’s or master’s degree for the 2020–2021 academic year.
• When employed by a higher education institution that the MESRI covers
• As long as you are not a permanent resident.

The state will thereafter cover the remaining two-thirds of your tuition. The total amount owed will be as follows:

• Bachelor’s salary: €2,770 annually
• Master: 3,770 euros annually
• A doctorate costs: €380 per year

Higher Education Institutions

Universities and higher education in France, commonly called “Grande écoles,” vary in that admission is determined by an entrance examination.

While the tuition at these schools is more than at universities, it is still relatively low compared to other countries. There are sixty large schools. The annual costs range from €450 to €1100.

Tuition Cost in Private Institutions

The France university fees for private institutions with business programs usually range between €3,000 and €10,000 per year. This fee is higher for public schools in France. If you want to know the fees of each course, you can check through the university’s official website. 18% of French students study in private institutions. Private universities indicate that they don’t receive funds.

However, some private institutions in France may be officially recognized by the government and allowed to offer national diplomas.

Scholarships for Students in France

Here are some scholarships offered by France for students.

• Master’s degree scholarship at Paris Dauphine University
• PhD program scholarship at Paris-Saclay
• Master of Science in Fashion Management scholarship at IESEG
• Undergraduate scholarship at Sciences Po
• Master’s degree scholarship at École Normale Supérieure
• Master’s degree scholarship at ENS de Lyon
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree scholarships at Sciences Po
• Master’s degree scholarship at Université Paris-Saclay
• Master’s degree scholarship at Grenoble INP
• MBA scholarships at INSEAD
• MBA scholarships at HEC Paris

If you have not found your selected university, you can check their official, if they offer some student scholarships.

Costs of Living in France for International Students

As an international student in France, you’ll be worried about how to manage the living costs in France. You don’t need to worry. There are very comfortable and affordable places in France for students to live in. Like other countries, France has expensive and cheaper areas to live in.  Cities like Paris and Lyon will have much higher living costs than smaller towns and rural areas like Creuse in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region or cities like Metz, Versailles, and Montpellier. If you’re unsure, we’ll give you tips on saving money and selecting a good living place.

Here are some housing options for international students below:

1. University residence halls managed by CROUS

CROUS is a student services organization in France that provides support to students. In this way, students can live in affordable houses.

2. Student residences owned by private companies

If you’re looking for private housing options. In that case, you can visit websites like Student Factory, Kley, Neoresid, Cardinal Campus, Fac-Habitat, Studea, Les Estudines, Suitetudes, Accueil, and Lokaviz that will help with students’ residency.

3. Living with a family

This is an affordable option because many families offer student residency in their houses.

4. Private apartments and shared rentals

Many students want a private apartment, usually a studio. The studio’s rent typically ranges from  €400 to €800 per month, and it also depends on the city.

Required Documents to Rent an Apartment in France

When you rent an apartment, you should have these documents below:

• A copy of your passport and ID card.
• Copies of the guarantor’s ID, job contract, last three pay slips, and the most recent tax return.
• A letter from your guarantor (like your parents) written in French.
• A bank reference, and you’ll need to have a French bank account.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Although studying in France provides outstanding educational opportunities, balancing living expenses and France university fees takes careful planning. Overseas students can ensure that their educational experience in France is enriching and affordable by using available scholarships and employing cost-cutting strategies. Universal Study Advisors‘ expert counselors can provide you with specific assistance and guidance throughout the application process.