Understanding France university fees for international students in 2026 is more complicated than simply checking one national tuition figure. The amount you pay depends on your nationality, study level, institution, programme type and whether you qualify for a tuition exemption.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, non-EU students subject to France’s differentiated public-university fees generally pay approximately €2,902 per year for a bachelor’s degree and approximately €3,950 per year for a master’s degree. Doctoral students generally pay approximately €398 per year at covered public institutions.
Private institutions and business schools operate differently and can charge approximately €6,000–€18,000 per year or more. Some elite management programmes cost considerably more.
This guide explains public and private tuition, CVEC, fee exemptions, additional expenses, scholarships and how to calculate the real cost of studying in France.
Key Takeaways
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- Public universities in France receive substantial government funding.
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- Non-EU students subject to differentiated fees generally pay approximately €2,902 per year for a bachelor’s degree.
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- The corresponding master’s fee is approximately €3,950 per year.
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- Public-university PhD registration is approximately €398 per year.
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- EU, EEA and Swiss students generally pay substantially lower national fees.
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- Certain non-EU students can qualify for the lower national rate or a fee exemption.
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- France changed the rules governing university-granted exemptions in May 2026.
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- Private higher education commonly costs approximately €6,000–€18,000 per year or more.
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- Students may also need to pay the approximately €105 CVEC.
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- Tuition is only one part of the full study-abroad budget.
How Much Are University Fees in France in 2026?
France has two very different tuition environments.
The first is the public higher education system, where a large part of the real educational cost is financed by the French state.
Campus France estimates that the actual cost of providing public higher education can range from approximately €10,000 to more than €15,000 per student per year, with the government covering a significant share.
The second is the private and specialist higher education sector, which includes:
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- private universities;
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- business schools;
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- management schools;
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- specialist design institutions;
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- some Grandes Écoles;
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- private engineering programmes.
These institutions generally set their own tuition.
The result is that two students studying in France can have completely different tuition budgets even when they are both studying at master’s level.
Public University Fees in France for 2026–2027
For students subject to differentiated non-EU tuition fees, the main 2026–2027 public-university rates are:
| Programme | Approximate Annual Fee for Non-EU Students |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s / Licence | approximately €2,902 |
| Master’s | approximately €3,950 |
| Doctorate / PhD | approximately €398 |
| Integrated engineering preparatory stage where differentiated fees apply | approximately €2,902 |
| Engineering cycle where differentiated fees apply | approximately €3,950 |
These rates apply within the relevant public higher education framework. Individual engineering schools and specialist institutions may follow different tuition rules.
Bachelor’s Degree Fees
A non-EU international student subject to differentiated tuition normally pays approximately €2,902 per academic year for a national bachelor’s, or Licence, programme.
A standard French Licence generally lasts three years.
If the same rate applied throughout the degree, tuition alone would represent approximately €8,706 over three years.
However, fees are reviewed annually and should not be assumed to remain unchanged for the entire degree.
Students should check each year’s published amount.
Master’s Degree Fees
For a national master’s programme at a covered public institution, non-EU students subject to differentiated fees pay approximately €3,950 per academic year in 2026–2027.
A standard French master’s normally takes two academic years.
At the current rate, two years would represent roughly €7,900 in tuition, before CVEC and other costs.
PhD Fees
International doctoral students are generally not subject to the same differentiated tuition structure as bachelor’s and master’s students.
For 2026–2027, the public doctoral registration fee is approximately €398 per year.
A PhD budget should not be evaluated only through this registration fee.
Doctoral candidates may also need to consider:
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- research funding;
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- employment contracts;
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- laboratory support;
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- housing;
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- insurance;
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- travel;
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- conference costs.
Many doctoral candidates receive funding through doctoral contracts, research projects or external scholarships.
Engineering Programme Fees
Engineering tuition in France requires additional attention because there is no single fee covering every engineering school.
For non-EU students subject to differentiated national rates, an integrated engineering preparatory stage can cost approximately €2,902 per year, while the three-year engineering cycle can be approximately €3,950 per year.
However, some engineering institutions operate under different ministries or set programme-specific rates.
Schools overseen by areas such as defence, economy, agriculture or culture may follow separate fee schedules.
Always check the individual engineering school.
Who Pays the Lower EU Tuition Rates in France?
Not every international student pays differentiated non-EU tuition.
For 2026–2027, the national public-university rates for French, EU, EEA and Swiss students include approximately:
| Programme | Approximate National Rate |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s / Licence | approximately €178 per year |
| Master’s | approximately €255 per year |
| Standard covered engineering programmes | approximately €630 per year |
| Doctorate | approximately €398 per year |
Some non-EU students can also fall under these lower national rates because of their legal status.
Examples may include certain:
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- long-term residents;
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- students attached to a French tax household for the required period;
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- refugees;
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- beneficiaries of subsidiary protection;
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- students covered by specific international arrangements;
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- doctoral students.
Eligibility depends on the applicable regulations and the student’s individual status.
This is why nationality alone does not always tell you what tuition you will pay.
Tuition Fee Exemptions for Non-EU Students in 2026
Fee exemptions are one of the most important parts of the French tuition system, and the rules changed in May 2026.
Certain students receive automatic exemptions, including eligible recipients of French government higher education scholarships and students participating in qualifying reciprocal international agreements.
Universities can also grant individual full or partial exemptions based on a student’s personal circumstances, particularly financial circumstances.
Possible factors can include:
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- financial hardship;
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- family circumstances;
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- disability;
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- refugee-related circumstances;
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- serious difficulties connected to the student’s home country.
A new decree effective from 21 May 2026 changed the way these institutional exemptions are managed. For 2026–2027, the relevant institutional exemption ceiling is set at 30%, before falling to 25% for 2027–2028 and 20% from 2028 under the new framework.
Students who already held qualifying exemptions under previous arrangements may benefit from transitional protection while continuing the same degree cycle at the same institution.
The practical lesson is important:
Do not assume that admission automatically means you have received a tuition exemption.
Your admission offer, tuition decision and exemption decision may be separate.
If an institution offers you an exemption, keep the written confirmation.
Private University Fees in France
Private institutions generally charge substantially more than French public universities.
Campus France states that private higher education, particularly business schools, commonly charges approximately €6,000–€18,000 per year or more.
Actual fees depend heavily on the programme.
Examples of private or specialist study areas include:
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- business;
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- management;
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- fashion;
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- design;
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- hospitality;
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- digital media;
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- specialised technology;
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- luxury management.
Premium programmes may exceed the general Campus France range.
Before accepting an offer, check whether the published amount includes:
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- tuition;
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- registration fees;
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- student services;
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- study trips;
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- examination charges;
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- materials;
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- internship-related costs.
Private institutions usually have greater freedom to establish tuition than national public universities.
Business School, MiM and MBA Fees in France
Management education deserves its own category because tuition can be significantly higher than regular university study.
A Master in Management at a leading French business school can cost approximately €36,000–€60,000 or more for the full programme.
Elite MBA programmes can exceed approximately €100,000 in tuition.
These amounts are very different from approximately €3,950 per year for a national master’s at a public university.
This is why students should distinguish between:
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- national university master’s;
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- Master in Management;
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- MSc;
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- MBA;
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- school-specific master’s-level qualifications.
They may all appear to be postgraduate programmes, but their fee structures are completely different.
What Is the CVEC Fee?
The Contribution de vie étudiante et de campus, usually called CVEC, is separate from university tuition.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the CVEC is approximately €105 for students who are required to pay it.
The CVEC contributes toward areas such as:
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- student health;
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- social support;
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- sports;
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- cultural activities;
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- campus services.
Some students are exempt.
Examples include certain:
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- French government scholarship holders;
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- qualifying social scholarship recipients;
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- refugees;
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- beneficiaries of subsidiary protection;
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- registered asylum seekers.
A scholarship from a foreign government or private foundation does not automatically mean a student is exempt from CVEC.
Students normally need proof that they have paid or are exempt from CVEC before completing administrative enrolment.
Additional Costs Beyond University Tuition
A realistic France study budget should include much more than the tuition displayed on the university website.
Application and Admission Fees
Some universities and schools charge application fees.
Business schools and specialist institutions are particularly likely to have separate application charges.
Entrance examinations or competitive admissions processes may also involve additional costs.
Because these fees vary significantly, check the individual programme rather than assuming one standard France-wide amount.
Accommodation Deposits
Students renting private accommodation may need to pay:
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- security deposit;
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- first month’s rent;
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- agency costs where applicable;
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- household insurance;
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- utility setup.
This can make the first month in France more expensive than an average monthly budget suggests.
Books, Equipment and Course Costs
Depending on the programme, additional academic costs can include:
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- textbooks;
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- software;
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- laptop;
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- laboratory equipment;
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- art materials;
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- architecture supplies;
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- specialist clothing;
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- field trips.
Engineering, architecture, art and design students may face different additional expenses from students in humanities programmes.
Visa and Immigration Costs
Non-EU students may also need to budget for:
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- visa fees;
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- visa-centre service charges;
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- document translations;
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- travel;
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- residence-related formalities;
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- insurance where applicable.
Visa expenses vary according to nationality and country of application.
Admission and visa approval must also be treated separately.
What Is the Total Cost of Studying in France?
Tuition alone does not tell you whether a university is affordable.
The real calculation is:
Tuition + CVEC + accommodation + food + transport + insurance + academic expenses + travel + personal spending
For example, a student at a low-fee public university in Paris may still have a high total annual cost because accommodation is expensive.
A student paying higher tuition in a smaller French city may sometimes have a comparable overall budget if living expenses are lower.
As a broad planning reference, students frequently need a living budget of approximately €900 per month or more, with Paris generally requiring a larger amount.
Actual costs depend on:
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- city;
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- accommodation;
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- lifestyle;
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- transport;
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- programme;
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- personal circumstances.
Never use a national average as a guaranteed personal budget.
Scholarships and Tuition Fee Waivers in France
International students can reduce study costs through several forms of funding.
These include:
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- French government scholarships;
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- university scholarships;
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- tuition fee exemptions;
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- Erasmus Mundus;
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- embassy scholarships;
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- regional funding;
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- institutional merit awards;
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- research grants.
Major scholarship programmes can include:
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- France Excellence Eiffel;
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- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters;
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- France Excellence Charpak for eligible Indian students;
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- France Excellence Europa for eligible European students;
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- university-specific international scholarships.
Some funding provides living support rather than tuition.
Others provide full or partial tuition exemptions.
A student should therefore check exactly what each scholarship covers.
How to Calculate Your Real University Budget
Use the following process before accepting admission.
Step 1: Confirm Your Student Category
Determine whether you are:
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- EU/EEA/Swiss;
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- non-EU subject to differentiated tuition;
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- exempt from differentiated tuition;
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- covered by an international agreement.
Step 2: Check the Exact Programme Fee
Do not rely only on the university homepage.
Find the fee for:
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- the exact course;
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- your nationality/status;
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- your intake;
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- your academic year.
Step 3: Check for an Exemption
Ask whether:
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- the programme grants automatic exemptions;
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- individual exemption applications are available;
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- scholarship holders receive reduced fees.
Step 4: Add CVEC
Where applicable, include approximately €105 for 2026–2027.
Step 5: Calculate Living Costs
Estimate:
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- monthly rent;
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- food;
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- transport;
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- insurance;
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- personal spending.
Multiply the realistic monthly budget by the number of months you will live in France.
Step 6: Add One-Time Costs
Include:
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- flights;
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- visa;
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- accommodation deposit;
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- application fees;
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- academic equipment.
This gives you a far more useful number than tuition alone.
How to Find Affordable Universities in France
Affordable does not necessarily mean choosing the institution with the lowest advertised tuition.
Consider:
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- Public universities: They generally have lower tuition than private schools.
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- University exemption policies: An exemption can substantially reduce a non-EU student’s final fee.
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- Scholarships: Compare funding opportunities before finalising the shortlist.
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- Regional cities: Living costs can be lower outside central Paris.
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- Course recognition: Do not choose a cheaper programme if the qualification does not meet your academic or career goal.
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- Total programme duration: A shorter programme can sometimes reduce the total cost even if annual tuition is higher.
Students considering public institutions can explore the Top Public Universities in France for Global Students.
Common Fee Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Students should avoid several common mistakes:
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- Assuming France is completely tuition-free. Public education is heavily subsidised, but registration fees still apply.
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- Using old tuition figures. France updates national fees each academic year.
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- Assuming every non-EU student pays approximately €2,902 or €3,950. Exemptions and legal status can change the amount.
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- Assuming every university will grant an exemption. Exemption rules were tightened in 2026.
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- Confusing a public university master’s with an MBA or MiM. Business-school tuition can be much higher.
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- Ignoring CVEC. It is separate from tuition.
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- Budgeting only for university fees. Accommodation is often a much larger expense.
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- Assuming scholarship equals full tuition. Many scholarships mainly provide living support.
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- Not checking the exact institution. Specialist engineering, arts and business schools may have separate fee schedules.
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- Paying tuition to unofficial intermediaries. Use the payment method specified by the institution.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much are France university fees for international students in 2026?
For 2026–2027, non-EU students subject to differentiated public-university fees generally pay approximately €2,902 per year for a bachelor’s degree and approximately €3,950 per year for a master’s degree. Public PhD registration is approximately €398 per year.
Are public universities in France free for international students?
No.
Public universities are heavily subsidised by the French government, but students generally still pay registration or tuition fees.
Some international students qualify for exemptions.
How much is a master’s degree in France for international students?
At covered public institutions, non-EU students subject to differentiated tuition pay approximately €3,950 per year in 2026–2027.
Private programmes can cost substantially more.
How much are private university fees in France?
Campus France states that private higher education commonly costs approximately €6,000–€18,000 per year or more.
Elite business and management programmes can exceed this range significantly.
What is the CVEC fee in France in 2026?
The CVEC is approximately €105 for the 2026–2027 academic year for students who are required to pay it.
Can international students get a tuition fee exemption in France?
Yes.
Certain students receive automatic exemptions, while universities can grant individual exemptions under specific conditions.
However, the rules changed in May 2026, and institutional exemptions are subject to new limits.
Are PhD fees higher for international students in France?
Generally, no.
International doctoral students at covered public institutions are not subject to the bachelor’s/master’s differentiated tuition structure and pay approximately €398 per year in 2026–2027.
Is France cheaper than other study-abroad destinations?
France can be relatively affordable at public universities because higher education is heavily subsidised.
However, the final cost depends on the institution, programme and city. Private business schools and accommodation in Paris can substantially increase the budget.
Inference
Understanding France university fees for international students in 2026 starts with identifying whether you will study at a public or private institution and whether you are subject to differentiated non-EU tuition.
For 2026–2027, the main public-university rates for affected non-EU students are approximately €2,902 for bachelor’s study, approximately €3,950 for master’s study and approximately €398 for doctoral registration.
The final cost can still change through exemptions, scholarships, institution-specific fees and CVEC.
Before accepting an offer, calculate the entire annual budget rather than tuition alone. A realistic comparison should include accommodation, food, transport, visa expenses and other mandatory costs alongside university fees.
This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision.
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