For many students, attending one of the universities in France is a dream waiting to come true. With its rich culture, history and cuisine, the famous European country is at the top of many aspiring student lists.
However, it’s no secret that living in France is expensive. Paris was revealed as the most expensive city in the EUbeats other strong competitors like Geneva and Reykjavik. life costs are increasing in all aspects, pushing up the prices of food and transportation.
This could make navigating student life doubly difficult. Students already have myriad expenses to deal with, such as tuition and rent, which are increasing by the day due to academic inflation. Adding in inflationary increases in the cost of living would only add to this burden.
Enter fee-free or discounted universities in France. These are institutions that charge either low fees or no tuition at all. The best part? This also applies to international students.
Here are some affordable and tuition-free universities in France that international students can consider:
5 Free and Cheap Universities in France
France is home to many iconic landmarks that are known around the world, such as the Louvre Museum. Stefano Rellandini/AFP
Sorbonne University
The Sorbonne University is a leading public institution in France. Located in Paris, it has attracted its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in Europe 9,000 international students. It has three faculties: humanities and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and medicine.
French public universities do not typically charge tuition, and the Sorbonne University is no exception. This is standard for domestic and international students. However, the university charges registration fees: 170 euros (Bachelor), 243 euros (Master) and 380 euros (PhD).
University of Le Mans
Le Mans University is a small, public institution in western France – but don’t let its size fool you. Despite only housing 10,800 local and international students, it is known for its high quality of teaching and its academic value. Most academic programs are taught in French and include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional levels.
In general, international students pay admission fees of 170 euros per year for an education at Le Mans University. Depending on the program you sign up for, a number of other fees may apply.
Students in France can choose to explore the country for its many famous landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral. Source: Alain Jocard/AFP
University of Clermont Auvergne
The University of Clermont Auvergne in France is an internationally oriented institution that develops educational programs for the global citizen. It has signed a large number of International agreements with corresponding universities – and enables thousands of students worldwide to travel to its campus as part of an exchange program or a similar program.
In the wake of the pandemic, the university board has given non-EU students the same fee status as EU and domestic students. This means that international students only have to pay 170 euros a yearwith only a higher amount being charged for master’s, medical and engineering students.
National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations
The National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations is one of the few public universities in France focused on teaching languages and cultures around the world. Similar to the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, the graduate and undergraduate courses here are mostly liberal arts with a focus on social sciences.
Like other universities on this list, it charges minimal fees for international students. The standard rates usually start at 170 euros per year and increase depending on the program chosen.
University of Orleans
Orléans University is about an hour and forty minutes outside of Paris. It’s natural multidisciplinarywith three colleges (referred to as Training and Research Units), an engineering school, four University Institutes of Technology, a National Institute of Higher Education, a University Science of the Universe Observatory, a physical therapy school, and a medical training department.
This varied offer was well received 1,165 teachers and 19,026 students to its premises, and that number is growing by the day. In addition, they only have to pay 170 euros a yearthis amount increases depending on the program selected.
