France is one of the most popular destinations for students looking to study abroad. Today, there are over 400,000 international students enrolled in higher education in the country, all of whom are enriching their university experience with the unique culture and history of France. And at the most affordable universities in France, you don’t have to choose between a good education and a large student budget.
Many French universities offer lower tuition fees than other comparable destinations, even to international students, because of large government subsidies. So, if you’re looking to spend less on your education, where should you study?
The universities on our list all offer tuition fees that are considerably lower for international students than comparable institutions elsewhere in Europe or in the US. We’ve split our list between public universities – those that receive larger subsidies – and our pick of private universities with lower-than-average tuition fees.
By getting a degree from one of these French universities, you’ll be priming yourself for a successful career and ensuring your budget goes further – allowing you to enjoy your time in a country filled with incredible experiences.
How Much Does It Cost to be an International Student in France?
France may not make it onto the list of the most affordable countries to study in Europe—if you want a truly cheap study abroad experience, you’ll have to go to Hungary or Poland—but that doesn’t mean it’s expensive.
As in many countries, your living costs will depend on where you’re living. City life is always more expensive than life in a smaller town, for example. So, if you want to study in France on a budget, maybe leave the lights of Paris behind for other popular student cities like Toulouse or Rennes.
While it’s difficult to give an accurate estimation of living costs, as it will depend on your lifestyle, here are some approximate monthly living costs for the top student destinations in France.
- Paris: €1,100-€1,750
- Strasbourg: €750-€850
- Montpellier: €700-€800
On average, the French government suggests that you should budget approximately €900 per month, which takes into account travel expenses and other student costs such as the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) of €103 per academic year.
If you’re thinking of getting out and about during your studies, here are some example prices for everyday activities:
- Coffee: €1-€4
- Bus ticket: €1.50-€2.50
- Cinema ticket: €5-€10
- Restaurant meal: €10-€23
- Gym membership: €20-€35 per month
The Most Affordable Universities in France for International Students in 2024
1. Montpellier University
About 15% of students at Montpellier University are international, a large proportion and in-keeping with the city of Montpellier’s multicultural population. The university focuses on STEM subjects, with large faculties in pharmacy, science, medicine, economics, education, dentistry, sports science, and law and political science.
As a public university, yearly tuition fees at Montpellier follow general trends for the rest of France, with no differentiation between fees for EU and non-EU students. During the 2023/2024 academic year, yearly tuition fees were as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree: €170 per year
- Master’s degree: €243 per year
- Engineering degree: €601 per year
With those enviable tuition fees, you’ll have more than enough budget to explore France’s third-largest city in your spare time. These include the Musee Fabre, Montpellier Cathedral, and the surrounding areas of Nîmes and Avignon.
Student Review
As an international student at the University of Montpellier, I can say that it has been an exceptional experience. The university is a modern and dynamic institution, and the city of Montpellier is charming and full of life. The university offers a diverse range of courses and activities, and the staff and students are welcoming and friendly. I’ve particularly enjoyed exploring the local culture and making friends from all over the world.
Student Review
University of Montpellier is a nice option for students looking for that mixed lifestyle. The location gives this relaxed, student-friendly vibe, which means you can enjoy either social or educative activities. There’s the international student community which helps foreigners get their foot in the sand so to speak. Like most Unis in France English is spoken, but as an international student you’re expected to learn French still. The programs offered by Montpellier are top of the food chain, and the distributors of said food happen to be your professors.
2. Nantes University
Despite being little more than a 3 hours train ride from Paris, Nantes doesn’t get the same cultural recognition as France’s capital. Yet, this ancient capital of Brittany has plenty to offer international students – including affordable tuition fees at the University of Nantes.
If you’re planning on heading to Nantes, these are the tuition fees you can expect:
- Bachelor: €175 per year
- Master and PhD degrees: €250 per year
When you’re not studying in Nantes, you can explore the unique history of Brittany at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and marvel at the incredible anthropomorphic machines at Les Machines de l’Île. And, despite being close to the capital and the beaches of Brittany, you’ll pay a lot less to live in Nantes than other French cities. The cost of living in Nantes is almost 25% lower than in Paris, including rental prices.
Student Review
It’s an International school with students reaching some fair parts of the world. I have seen a lot of Africans, Americans, Indians, and some I can’t quite place where they’re from. It’s like one big Worldwide network of students. My classes are small and the teachers are nice.I would say the location is safe, since I haven’t heard or experienced anything to make me say otherwise.
Student Review
I came to this school as an exchange student in the electrical department Saint-Nazaire campus. I may say myself the curriculum is very interesting and teachers are more than competent in their fields. Plus their many master’s options for international students with English courses.
3. Aix-Marseille University
At Aix-Marseille University in the south of France, you can live the Mediterranean life you’ve always dreamed of. Marseille is one of France’s sunniest cities, with 2858 hours of sunshine a year, while Aix-en-Provence boasts a picturesque city centre surrounded by mountain greenery. Not to mention, life in the south of France doesn’t have to be expensive – Marseille is one of the most affordable cities in the country.
As for tuition fees, as an international student, you’ll pay a little more to study at the fourth-oldest university in France, but still far less than other comparable institutions in the European countries like the UK or the Netherlands. These are the current yearly tuition fees for degrees at Aix-Marseille University:
- Bachelor: €2,850 per year
- Master: €3,879 per year
Student Review
Life at Aix-Marseille Université has been an exciting journey, providing me with exposure to a diverse array of opportunities beyond the academic realm. Through seminars and webinars, I’ve gained valuable knowledge and skills on a wide range of topics, going beyond the standard curriculum and equipping students with the tools to navigate everyday life.
Student Review
What I really like about AMU is the fact that they provide many programmes with different topics. What i would suggest is to implement more programmes in English or for International Students. It was not really my case, i did enjoy the french courses as well, but there are many people that do not have an advanced level of french and for them might be a little more difficult to attent those courses, even though they might be interesting.
4. University of Burgundy
Another under-appreciated city in France is Dijon, located in Bourgogne region. This is where you’ll find the University of Burgundy, a public university where almost 10% of the 34,000 students are international. Located on a large campus just outside the historic city of Dijon, the University of Burgundy has 350 study programmes, encompassing languages and communication, sciences, humanities, arts and philosophy, health sciences and more.
Non-EU students at the University of Burgundy pay the same as students from the EU. So, you can expect these tuition fees:
- Bachelor: €175 per year
- Master: €250 per year
- Engineering degree: €618 per year
Plus, the city of Dijon is far more affordable than comparable historic cities in northern France. For example, living costs in Dijon are about 35% lower than in Paris and 10% lower than in Lille.
Student Review
France is renowned for its high quality education and top notch university. Universitè de Bourgougne is amongst the top universities in Europe. The university’s proficient faculty is one of the reasons for it being a dream destination fir higher studies. Moreover, the course structure is focussed on imparting practical business knowledge to the students. This is an exchange program offering international exposure to the students. Additionally, the last semester is solely dedicated to internship program, enabling students to bring their theoretical knowledge in practice. The course structure is extremely impressive for those focussed on becoming a leading business professional.
Student Review
The best school in France as far as city, culture, professionalism are the indicators for it. I’m a transfer student from the states. Was surprised the technology they have in terms of computer science syllabus.
5. University of Orléans
Orléans has made a name for itself as a picturesque university town where students cavort with locals in a historic, ancient city. In fact, it’s regularly named one of the best places to live in France thanks to its low cost of living, dramatic history (Joan of Arc famously liberated the city during the Hundred Years War) and its proximity to Paris (less than two hours by train).
At the University of Orléans, EU students will pay the same as non-EU students, so you don’t have to worry about fees, no matter your home country.
- Bachelor: €170 per year
- Master: €243 per year
- Engineering degree: €601 per year
By saving money on your tuition, you’ll be able to spend some of your free time exploring everything that the local region has to offer. Orléans sits on the Loire River, a UNESCO world heritage area filled with castles, vineyards, and picturesque natural landscapes.
Student Review
The university campus is quite big and diverse. It offers multitude of programmes to choose from and at a very reasonable fee structure. Professors are very experienced in their domain and are friendly towards students. I think this university needs more recognition.
6. Université Paris Cité
If you do want to experience life in the historic capital of France – and with so many well-known sights to explore, who wouldn’t? – then you might consider studying at the Université Paris Cité. This institution has campuses across the city, meaning you can experience life in all the arrondissements. Plus, you won’t be far from top sights such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe during your studies.
Tuition fees at Université Paris Cité are the same for French nationals and international students, and are set at the same level as for other public universities in France:
- Bachelor: €170 per year
- Master: €243 per year
Considering Paris can be an expensive destination for students – especially if you want to take advantage of all the culture available to you during your stay – it helps that this city-centre university has fees that won’t break your budget.
Tuition fees for international students at private universities in France
You’ll have noticed that many of the universities listed above have the same tuition fees. This is because higher education at public universities is subsidised by the French government, meaning the government pays a proportion of tuition fees for students to keep the cost low.
However, the government doesn’t offer the same level of funding to private universities, which means that if you want to go to a specialist university – particularly for postgraduate studies in business or technical subjects – then you’ll pay more than the tuition fees quoted above.
However, there are some private universities and business schools that offer a top educational experience for less than private universities in other countries. Here are our picks.
Rennes School of Business
Rennes is an affordable student city in northern France, not far from the sights of Paris and Nantes. Here, you can enjoy life in a smaller, historic town, sampling traditional French food and exploring the beautiful coast of Brittany. Plus, at Rennes School of Business, you can get a business education for less than average in Europe.
- Bachelor degree: €8,500 per year (EU students), €9,900 per year (non-EU students)
- Master degree: approx. €15,000 per year
Student Review
Rennes School of Business is a great option for students looking for a balanced lifestyle. The school is located in a relaxed, student-friendly city, which means you can enjoy a range of social and educational activities. The international student community is strong, and there are plenty of things to do if you explore the city. While English is spoken in the school, it’s important to learn French to make the most of your time in France. The programs offered by Rennes are relevant and of high quality, and the teachers are knowledgeable and supportive.
Centrale Lyon
Ecole Centrale de Lyon is considered a prestigious graduate school for engineering and technology, and though it doesn’t get the full amount of subsidy from the French government for its courses, they are cheaper than at other engineering schools in Europe. Studying in Lyon, you’ll also benefit from lower living costs, while still benefiting from plenty of cultural sights and experiences as you study abroad.
- Master degree: €243 per year (EU students), €3,770 (non-EU students)
Student Review
Great combination of academic tools and unparalleled career development, a plethora of campus events and things to do in the city. Visit the sites if you are international looking for a place to see. Everything around is magnificent 😌
Paris School of Business
If studying business in one of Europe’s biggest and brightest capital cities is your dream, then Paris School of Business (PSB) may be a good choice. While living costs in Paris are certainly higher than other French cities, at PSB, tuition costs are a fraction of those at similar top-quality business schools.
- Bachelor degree: €9,500 per year
- Master degree: typically between €14,500 and €18,000 per year
Student Review
I completed my MSc in International Marketing and Business Development at the Paris School of Business in January 2023. The program provided a strong academic foundation, supported by highly qualified professors with extensive industry experience. However, the university offers limited support for international students after completing the program, particularly when it comes to finding internships and navigating the local job market.
Conclusion
France is one of the most international places to study in Europe, making it a perfect choice for your study abroad experience. And at one of these most affordable universities in France, you can also take the first step in your career for far less than at other universities.
Wondering where else you can study for an affordable price in Europe? Check out our article on the most affordable cities in Europe.
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