Ever wondered how much would it cost to study at one of the public universities or institutes in France? Is it expensive or is it just a myth? In this article we discuss the higher education tuition fees system in France for both international and EU residents.
Tuition Rates in Public Universities
Actually, tuition rates in France are comparable to elsewhere in Europe with an average of €10,000 per year. But, here is the catch, The French government subsidizes higher education which makes tuition fees significantly lower than the true cost of €10,000 per year, especially for French residents in addition to the rest of EU/EEA residents where the french government assumes a large share of that cost.
Let's take the numbers recorded for the Academic year 2023/2024 and list the approximate costs of higher education for both international students and EU/EEA residents below.
Tuition Fees for EEA and Swiss Citizens
Citizens or permanent residents of countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland benefit from nominal fees at public universities. The EEA includes all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The fees are approximately (cost per year):
€170 per year for Bachelor’s programs
€243 for Master’s programs
€601 for certain Engineering courses
€380 for Doctorate programs
These fees have remained relatively unchanged, and studying in France for these citizens is almost “free” compared to the actual cost of education.
Tuition Fees for Non-EEA International Students
In autumn 2019, France introduced higher tuition fees for non-EEA international students (where the French government assumes two-thirds of the tuition costs and you'll pay the rest). This was a significant shift from the previous system, which was effectively free with students paying only around €200 per year. The new fees are:
€2,770 per year for Bachelor’s programs
€3,770 for Master’s programs
€380 for Doctorate programs (same as European students)
➢ So, It is noteworthy that If you enroll in a degree at Doctorate level at the beginning of the 2023 academic year, the French government continues to assume most of the cost of your education until you complete your degree programme. Your tuition for 2023/2024 will be €380. Non-EU doctoral students are not subject to new differentiated tuition fees and they're treated as EU/EEA Citizens.
Private University Fees in France
Private universities in France set their own tuition fees, which are generally higher than public institutions. They can range from €3,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.
Living Costs and Financial Accessibility
France is known for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. For example, the annual living costs can be limited to around €8,742 outside Paris, which includes housing, food, cultural activities, and transportation. This is significantly lower than the living costs in countries like the UK or Switzerland, where living expenses alone can exceed €16,000!
You can refer to this 'Prepare Your Budget' article by CampusFrance which gives you a detailed estimation of your expenses if you decide to study in France.
Scholarships for International Students
To offset the higher tuition fees for non-EEA students at Bachelor and Master's levels, the French government has increased the number of government-sponsored scholarships available to foreign students. These scholarships have been increased threefold and can cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Here at scholarDigger we keep you updated about each possible scholarship offered by the french government or by French embassies within specific countries. For example, The France - South Africa Scholarship Programme (Master's and PhD) which is offered to Citizens of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi is currently open for applications until 14 October, 2024. If you are a citizen of one of those countries, we suggest you to take a look at that comprehensive guide for that particular scholarship offered by the French Government.
Conclusion
This comprehensive overview should provide you with a clearer picture of the financial aspects of studying in France, including tuition fees, scholarships, and living costs. France remains an accessible and appealing destination for students worldwide seeking quality education.
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