Are you thinking of studying in Europe? Do you want to study in an affordable institution? One of the places in the world where you can find an institution of this type is France, precisely in Paris. Ride with me as we look at the cheapest universities in Paris for international students, you’ll be glad you did.
France is famous for its universities with low tuition and high-quality of education at the lowest cost.
Strasbourg University, established in 1621, is one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students, offering strong research programs and diverse academic courses with low tuition fees. Another affordable option is the University of Paris-Saclay, known for its wide range of programs in science, engineering, and humanities, with tuition around €170 to €380 per year. While not in Paris, École Centrale de Lyon, founded in 1857, is also recognized for its affordability, providing quality education in engineering and applied sciences at competitive tuition rates.
In this article, we will list the 15 cheapest universities in Paris and France as a whole for international students wishing to study in France. Each listing will contain tuition fees, admission requirements, acceptance rate, world rankings, and all other relevant information about the school.
About university education in Paris
Paris has long been a major world center for higher education. The building known as the Sorbonne housed the faculties of arts and sciences of the University of Paris, one of the oldest universities in Europe, until it was divided into 13 autonomous universities following massive student protests in 1968.
A number of much smaller bodies of higher education — more specialized and more elite than the Universities of Paris — include the engineering, technical, and business colleges known as the grandes écoles.
The two renowned institutions in the Paris region are the Graduate School of Business and the École Polytechnique (École Polytechnique).
The Escuela Superior Normal serves primarily to prepare future universities and college teachers. The Institute of Political Science nurtures many who go to the influential postgraduate National School of Administration to train as high-ranking officials.
This selective structure of universities in Paris has been very useful to France in many ways, but it has also come under heavy criticism and has been the subject of sporadic reforms.
It is also noteworthy that all universities in France are highly rated in the world and thus it is the birthplace of many academic geniuses who have excelled in their various niches.
Free universities in Paris for international students
Paris, one of the cities in France, hosts cheap universities in France for international students. Although France is not the country with the highest or cheapest number of free universities, it still offers international students the opportunity to study in France for free (or, at a very low cost), regardless of their nationality.
Although university fees technically exist at public universities in Paris, they are only a fraction of what is charged in most countries.
However, the government-owned universities in Paris are operating on low tuition rates for international students, while private institutions charge a little more than that.
Please note that most of the programs that offer the chance to study in France for free are taught in the native language. So if you want to study at any of the free universities in Paris, see the few lines below.
SEE ALSO: Study in France: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living and Admission Requirements 2022
Public universities in Paris
Paris is the capital of France. Being one of the great centers of education in the world, it serves as one of the largest concentrations of university students in Europe. It is also home to some of the most recognized and prestigious institutions in France.
Public universities in Paris are open to national and international students. Interestingly, public universities in Paris offer opportunities to students who want to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
That is to say, there is a wide variety of study programs that you can choose from in the universities of Paris.
Paris has strong institutions for medicine, law, technology, science, and the arts, so whatever subject you choose, you’ll be able to find a program to suit your needs.
Tuition fees in France for public universities are set by the French government, so they are the same throughout the country.
The University of Paris tuition fees for international students are €2,770 Euro per year for a Bachelor’s program (about $3,100) or €3,770 Euro per year for a Master’s program ($4,250).
Cheap Universities in Paris for International Students
The list of 15 cheap universities in Paris for international students is as follows;
#1. university of Paris
The University of Paris, known metonymically as the Sorbonne, was a university in Paris, France, from about 1150 to 1793, and from 1806 to 1970.
It was considered the second oldest university in Europe and of great international reputation for its academic performance in the humanities since the Middle Ages, especially in theology and philosophy.
This university is among the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
It introduced several academic standards and traditions that have endured ever since and spread internationally, such as doctorates and student nations.
Large numbers of popes, scientists, intellectuals, and royalty were educated at the University of Paris.
Parris University is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fee for foreign students is relatively lower than for local students at the University of Paris and the fee is as follows;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 209 USD / year.
Master (foreigners) 295 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually The cost of accommodation and personal expenses is $906-1,621 USD / month.
Classification
The university ranks 4th in France and 2th in the world
Acceptance level
The university acceptance rate is quite high at a rate of 64% for all students.
Admission requirements
An application to the University of Paris requires various supporting documents and sometimes proof. Most requirements can be uploaded directly to your online application.
Online application form
Personal statements
Extracurricular activities and work experience.
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
Proof of English language (if you are from non-English speaking countries)
SAT/ACT test results (optional)
official website
#2. Jean Monnet University
Next on our list of the cheapest universities in Paris for international travel is Jean Monnet University, a French public university, based in Saint-Étienne.
It was created in 1969 and is under the Academy of Lyon and belongs to the recent administrative entity called the University of Lyon, which brings together different schools in Lyon and Saint-Étienne.
The main campus is located in Tréfilerie, in the city of Saint-Étienne. It has courses in arts, languages , letters, law, medicine, engineering, economics and management, Human Sciences, and the Maison de l’Université (administrative building).
Sciences and sports are studied at the Metare campus, which is located in a less urbanized part of the city.
In the early 1990s, in particular, the creation of an engineering school and a second IUT, in Roanne, in addition to the one in Saint-Etienne, as well as numerous professional degrees at the graduate and postgraduate levels.
Jean Monnet University is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fee for all students in all programs ranges from 500-750 Euros/year for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Annually, the cost of accommodation and personal expenses is $692-1,272 USD/month.
Classification
The university is rated 59th among institutions in the country and 1810th in the world
Acceptance level
The university’s acceptance rate is 12%, which makes it more competitive than most institutions in France.
Admission requirements
To access higher education in France, candidates must have;
A French Baccalaureate
Preparation for an entrance exam held at the university.
In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must have fulfilled the conditions that allow access to higher education.
They must demonstrate a level of understanding of the French language adapted to the planned training.
Admission procedures vary depending on the type of institution and the intended training course.
official website
#3. Claude Bernard University
The Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is one of the public universities in Paris, France. It is recognized for its quality education services and is also known as one of the cheapest universities in France for international.
The dominant areas of study covered by the university are science and medicine. The main administrative, teaching and research facilities are located in Villeurbanne. Other campuses are the Gerland, Rockefeller, and Laennec domains.
The Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University offers education in the fields of science and technology, health, and sports. Lyon 1 also helps each of its students to personally prepare their own career paths.
Having established a strong intellectual reputation both in France and around the world, Lyon 1 is continually pushing the boundaries of knowledge. In addition to promoting education through research and constantly promoting dialogue between science and society.
Its campuses, located in the heart of an outstanding region, are lively places with many activities. In addition to allowing students to develop and achieve a sense of personal fulfillment: a university to live life to the fullest.
Claude Bernard university is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The Claude Bernard University Tuition Fees for Students are as follows;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 209 USD / year.
Master (foreigners) 295 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually, the cost of accommodation and personal expenses is $677-1,244 USD/month.
Classification
Claude Bernard University is ranked 16th in the nation and 16th in the world.
Acceptance level
The Claude Bernard Lyon 1 acceptance rate is 10.2% for foreign students.
Admission requirements
To access higher education in France, candidates must have;
You must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Preparation for a screening exam carried out at the university.
In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must have fulfilled the conditions that allow access to higher education.
official website
#4. Blaise Pascal University
Blaise Pascal, also known as Université Blaise Pascal, is one of the public universities of Paris founded in 1854 with its main campus in Clermont-Ferrand, as part of the University of Clermont-Ferrand, France, with satellite locations in other parts of the Auvergne region
Blaise Pascal University was created by splitting the University into two entities and is named after Clermont-born mathematician, scientist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal.
It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in arts and humanities, engineering, linguistic and cultural studies, and science and technology. It also offers bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Business and Social Sciences.
Blaise Pascal University is considered to be one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
Blaise Pascal University tuition for all students ranges from 2000 -2600 EUROS depending on the course and program.
However, the best international applicant can get a 30-50% discount on tuition fees and it will continue until the next semester. Basically, if the student maintains an average grade of at least 8 out of 10 and has no problems as a student.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $692-1,272 USD / monthly.
Classification
Blaise Pascal University ranks 57th in the country and 20th in the world.
Acceptance level
The Blaise Pascal University acceptance rate is 10.2% for foreign students.
Admission requirements
To access higher education in France, candidates must have;
High school diploma;
TOEFL (minimum IBT score 60) or IELTS Academic (minimum score 5.5) examination certificate (excluding applicants whose primary or native language of study is English).
The composition of the competitive score consists of your final state exams or grades in:
Mathematics; History
One of the following subjects: Geography / Biology / Information technology / Second foreign language. In case a History test was not taken, then two of the listed subjects are required
Yearly Grade:
Additional points for national and international competitions (Economics, Administration, Politics or Equivalent. A copy of the certificate must be added to the application).
Motivational interview on Skype (optional)
Completed online form https://my.ism.lt
A copy of the passport pages containing photo and identity information (send copies and show the original);
Proof of adequate financial resources to cover the cost of tuition and living
official website
#5. Henri Poincare University
Henri Poincaré University, or Nancy 1, is a public research university located in Nancy, France, established in the year 1970.
He was a member of the Nancy-Université federation, belonging to the French Academy Nancy-Metz.
Since 2012, Henri Poincaré University no longer exists: it was merged with the University of Nancy 2, the Paul Verlaine University in Metz, and the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, to form the University of Lorraine.
It has five colleges including science and technology, medical school, pharmacy, dentistry, sports, engineering schools, telecommunications, and three institutes of technology: nancy-brabois, longwy and st. Die.
Henri Poincaré University is considered to be one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The Henri Poincaré University tuition fees for students are as follows;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 210 USD / year.
Master (foreigners) 291 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $692-1,272 USD / month.
Classification
Henri Poincaré University’s ranking is 463rd among world universities and 124th among schools in Europe and 23rd in France.
Acceptance level
Henri Poincaré University’s acceptance rate is 10% as it is very competitive.
Admission requirements
The candidate must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Preparation for a screening exam carried out at the university.
In the case of foreign students, they must have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
official website
#6. Joseph Fourier University
Joseph Fourier University (also known as Grenoble I) was a French university located in the city of Grenoble and focused on the fields of science, technology, and health. It is now part of the Université Grenoble Alpes.
The origins of this scientific university go back to 1811 when the scientist Joseph Fourier established a science faculty in Grenoble.
It provides students with a high-quality education, enabling them to acquire strong professional skills in courses such as science, technology, medicine, and society (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Mechanics, Engineering and Technology, Science of the Earth and the Universe, Environment, Geography, Sports Sciences, and Physical Education).
The university is one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students that runs many laboratories, many in partnership with CNRS, Grenoble-INP, and other major institutions.
Joseph Fourier University is considered to be one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The fee for the university is as follows.
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 210 USD / year.
Master (foreigners) 291 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $669-1,192 USD / month.
Classification
Joseph Fourier University ranking is 7th in the country and 191st in the world.
Acceptance level
The Joseph Fourier University acceptance rate is 13% as it is very competitive.
Admission requirements
The candidate must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Photo according to photo requirements (pdf 60 kB),
Choice of courses motivated by their relevance to your ongoing studies targeting your top three university choices, instructions to be published very soon,
the official website
#7. University of Paris 13
The University of Paris 13 is one of the thirteen universities in Paris that replaced the University of Paris in 1970. It is also identified as the University of Paris North (Université Paris Nord).
The University of Paris-13 was created when the Rector of the Paris Academy decided to create 13 autonomous multidisciplinary autonomous universities, which replaced the faculties of the University of Paris and the faculty of Villetaneuse.
Following the dismantling of the University of Paris, the rector of the University of Paris owns the buildings and grounds of the establishment. The Creteil Universities Chancellery provides budget control and the University of Legality.
University Paris 13 offers its students a wide range of academic training, in courses that include Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Communication, Economics and Management, Law, Political and Social Sciences, Health, Medicine and Human Biology, and Physical Activities and Sports.
Université Paris 13 Nord is a reputable academic institution and teaching center in the north of Paris. And also among the cheap universities in France.
tuition fee
Paris-13 University is considered to be one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
University Paris-13 tuition for university depends on the courses and program applied for and is as follows;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 209 USD / year.
Master’s degree (foreigners) 285 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually the cost of lodging and personal expenses is $906-1,621 USD/month.
Classification
The University of Paris-13 ranking is 1153 rd among world universities and 58 th among institutions in France.
Acceptance level
The acceptance rate of the Paris-13 University is 20% as it is very competitive.
Admission requirements
The admission requirement includes;
Online application form
Personal motivational statements.
proof of work experience
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
Proof of English language (if you are from non-English speaking candidates)
SAT test scores
official website
#8. Pierre and Marie Curie University
The Pierre and Marie Curie University- Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie or also known as Paris VI, is a public university in Paris, France.
It is one of the largest science and medicine teaching institutes in Europe, with more than 125 laboratories.
Established in 1971 after the division of the famous University of Paris, it was divided into 18 different campuses into four French regions. And he was one of the heirs to the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Paris, which was divided into several universities in 1970.
Pierre and Marie Curie University are considered to be one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
The average tuition fees of 350 EUR/year, depending on the courses, the program, and the nationality of the student.
Annually the cost of lodging and personal expenses is $906-1,621 USD/month.
Classification
The Pierre and Marie Curie University ranking is 131 st in France.
Acceptance level
The Pierre and Marie Curie University acceptance rate is 20% for international students as it is very competitive and 100% for indigenous students.
Admission requirements
The admission requirement includes;
High school or previous academic results, depending on the course requested.
Personal motivational statements.
Two letters of recommendation
French test (if you are an English-speaking candidate)
SAT test scores
official website
#9. École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
École Normale Superieure (ENS Paris) is a French higher education establishment outside the framework of the public university system, and a constituent college of PSL Research University, a university college based in the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Located in the Latin school district, just west of the Seine, in the center of the city. ENS Paris is within walking distance of attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jardin du Luxembourg, the second-largest public park in Paris.
A research-led institute, the school is counted among the prestigious French universities that make up the Grandes Écoles. And it is particularly known for its humanities and science departments.
ENS Paris boasts an alumni community that includes 13 Nobel Prize winners as well as all eight winners of the French Field Medals. Specifically, the most coveted award for young mathematicians.
The university is considered one of the cheapest universities in France for international students in English
ENS Paris tuition fees for students are as follows;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 1,709 USD / year.
Master’s degree (foreigners) 1,139 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually the cost of lodging and personal expenses is $906-1,621 USD/month.
Classification
The ENS Paris ranking is the second most important university in the country and 43rd in the world.
Acceptance level
The ENS Paris acceptance rate is 8% for international students as it is very competitive.
Admission requirements
The admission requirement includes the following documents that are necessary
Passport or ID
High school
degree University transcript
French / English language test (if you are from one of the non-speaking countries)
The motivation letter, study project, and bibliography must be in French.
Letter of recommendation
official website
#10. University Paris-Sud 11
University Paris-Sud- The University of Paris-Sud, also known as the University of Paris XI, is a French university spread over several campuses. Basically in the southern suburbs of Paris, including Orsay, Cachan, Châtenay.
The main campus is located in Orsay and boasts of its wide range of multidisciplinary courses, and is spread across four campuses in the southern suburbs of Paris.
Paris-Sud is one of the largest and most renowned French universities, particularly in science and mathematics.
The university is considered one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students in English.
The University of Paris-Sud tuition admission fees were set at
€183 for a bachelor’s degree
€254 for a master’s degree
€388 for a doctorate.
Annually the cost of lodging and personal expenses are $1,000 USD/month.
Classification
The ranking of the University of Paris-Sud is number 242 in the world.
Acceptance level
The University of Paris-Sud acceptance rate is 100% for international students.
Admission requirements
The admission requirement includes;
High School Diploma
Personal Motivational Statements.
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
English language test (if you are a non-English speaking candidate)
official website
#eleven. Paris Descartes University
Université Paris Descartes is a public university in Paris. The Université Paris Descartes, named after the 17th-century philosopher René Descartes, inherited the medical department of the University of Paris.
It is recognized for its quality standard of the teaching system. And it is also among the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
This legacy is still in evidence, with the institution ranked within the top 150 for anatomy and physiology, pharmacy, and medicine in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The Université Paris Descartes is considered to be one of the cheapest universities for international students in the world.
Fees are listed below;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 206 USD / year.
Master (foreigners) 280 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $906-1,621 USD / month.
Classification
Université Paris Descartes is placed among the top 10 universities in Paris and 450th in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
Acceptance level
The acceptance rate of the Université Paris Descartes is 14%, especially for foreign students
Admission requirements
Admission requirements include;
French Baccalaureate or higher education diploma in the country of origin Proof of
good knowledge of the French language:
Level B2 * at least the Test of Knowledge of French (TCF);
Level B2 * at least in the French evaluation test (TEF);
Level B2 * at least in the Diploma of French Language Studies (DELF)
Personal motivational statements.
Advanced Diploma of French Language (DALF).
residence permit and/or student visa
official website
#12. catholic university of Lyon
The Catholic University of Lyon (Université Catholique de Lyon) or the Catholic University of Lyon is a private university based in Lyon, France.
It was founded in 1875 and combines respect for Christian heritage with a spirit of openness.
The Catholic University of Lyon has been located at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers in the center of Lyon since its foundation.
Its creation was made by Catholic laymen with its location in the heart of a regional capital, its close ties to business, and strong international links; seeks to promote academic excellence, creativity, and integrity.
The school offers programs in courses like; Theology and Religious Sciences, Philosophy and Human Sciences, Law, Economics and Social Sciences, Language and Literature, and Science
The Catholic University of Lyon is considered one of the cheapest universities for international students in the world.
The Catholic University of Lyon tuition is 1,500 Euros, depending on the program and the course.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $677-1,244 USD / month.
Classification
The ranking of the Catholic University of Lyon is 219th in the country and 2nd in the world.
Acceptance level
The acceptance rate of the Catholic University of Lyon is 14%, especially for foreign students.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements include;
The candidate needs a French Baccalaureate and its equivalent for international students.
photo passport,
motivation status
English test for students applying for English courses.
official website
#13. University Paris Dauphine
Paris Dauphine University (French: Université Paris-Dauphine), is public higher education and research institution in Paris, France.
Dauphine was founded as a faculty of economics and administration in 1968 in the former NATO headquarters in the west of Paris, in the 16th arrondissement.
Dauphine is recognized for her teaching in finance, economics, law, IT, social sciences, finance and mathematics, and business strategy.
This university offers a variety of opportunities to its students at an affordable price, making it one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
The Dauphine University of Paris is considered to be one of the cheapest universities for international students in the world.
Tuition fees for students are as follows;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 209 USD / year.
Master’s degree (foreigners) 285 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 530 Euros/year.
Master (citizens) 256 Euros / year.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $906-1,621 USD / month.
Classification
The ranking of the Dauphine University of Paris is 15th among the universities of France and 355 in the world ranking.
Acceptance level
The Paris Dauphine University acceptance rate is 54%, especially for foreign students
Admission requirements
Admission requirements include;
You must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must have fulfilled the conditions that allow access to higher education.
Personal statement.
Letter of recommendation.
official website
#14. University of Orleans
The Universite d’Orleans is located in the city of Orleans, France, one hour from Paris and a few minutes from the famous castles of the Loire Valley. Founded in 1306 by Pope Clement V, the school has been a major center of learning ever since.
Its academic programs include law, economics, management, history, geography, linguistics, literature, foreign languages. In addition to classical languages, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, geology, and other fields.
The Universite d’Orleans tuition fees depend on the programs and courses;
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 1,000 USD / year.
Master (foreigners) 1,000 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $692-1,272 USD / month.
Classification
The Universite d’Orleans ranking is 68th among universities in France and 1321 st in the world.
Acceptance level
The acceptance rate of the Universite d’Orleans is 10%, especially for foreign students.
Admission requirements
Basic admission requirements include;
An official high school transcript in the original language, accompanied by an official English translation.
A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 as calculated by the UNO Admissions Office
Math Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 19 SAT 500
English Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 18 SAT 25 ( Writing and language) TOEFL 70 IELTS 6.0
official website
#fifteen. University of Montpellier
The 279th Between the world school and the 11th in France. (Université de Montpellier) is a French public research university in Montpellier, in southeastern France.
Established in 1289, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world and among the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
The university was divided into three universities for 45 years (the University of Montpellier 1, the University of Montpellier 2, and the Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3) between 1970 and 2015, when it was later reunified through the merger of the previous two, with the East the latter, now called Paul Valéry University Montpellier, remains a separate entity.
The annual tuition fees of the University of Montpellier vary according to the level of studies.
Bachelor’s degree (foreigners) 141 USD / year.
Master’s degree (foreigners) 267 USD / year.
Bachelor’s degree (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD / year.
Annually the cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $638-1,205 USD / month.
Classification
The ranking of the University of Montpellier is 279th among the world school and 11th in France.
Acceptance level
The University of Montpellier’s acceptance rate is 16%, especially for foreign students
Admission requirements
Basic admission requirements include;
The passport.
Summary
Cover letter
Language certificate (minimum level in French: B2)
Transcript of records
Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating that you graduated)
official website
Is the French language a requirement to study in Paris?
Please check the French language requirement with your chosen French university, as it generally varies by study program.
Prospective students at French universities are expected to have a good knowledge of the French language, at a B1/B2 level. The language test for French schools consists of DELF/DALF.
Steps during the application process
The application actually differs, depending on the applicant’s country.
- If you are from an EU or EEA country, you can apply directly as a French learner. If not, you would need a student visa. You can check if you need a visa.
- You are a non-EU/EEA student, you must apply through an online application system called CEF. Through the CEF system, you can apply for your visa online and monitor the progress of your application.
- If you are registering or applying through the CEF system, you would need to visit the website of the Campus France office in your country.
- It is important that you pass the compulsory preliminary admission (“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP).
You can apply for DAP through the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your country.
Evidence of your knowledge of the French language is needed through the DAP process, or you can register to take the TCF (French language test); TCF applications are generally open from October through February 22).
- If you live in a country that is not represented by Campus France, then you must send a White File (Blank Dossier) to the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in your country of origin.
- If you already reside in Europe and do not have European citizenship, you will need to apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where you reside.
Cost of living in France
The cost of living in France is affordable. Approximately between €400 and €500 per month to cover food, clothing, books, transportation, etc.
A person’s cost of living depends on location or city, lifestyle, and choice of hourly transportation. Some of the major cities in France may cost some expenses as follows;
Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR / month (sometimes including accommodation, if you decide to live in a student residence);
Nice : between 900 and 1,400 EUR / month;
Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, or Toulouse: between 800 – 1,000 EUR; For the rest of France, you can manage with smaller amounts (at least 650 EUR).
The cost of hosting is within the range of 200 – 300 EUR / month.
The main accommodation options for students in France are:
Student residence halls: 150-600 EUR/month, including facilities, if the room is private or shared.
Rent / share an apartment: 400 and 700 EUR / month, while in smaller French cities you can rent a small apartment for around 300 EUR / month;
Utility bills (electricity, water, internet) would be another 200 EUR/month;
Host Family – You can find rates that are only from 200 EUR/month to about 800 EUR/month in Paris.
French food is delicious, sophisticated and the common conception is that it is also expensive.
That may be because the French really value every meal and make it seem like they’re always celebrating something when they eat. However, food is not expensive in all of France.
An individual can budget to spend on average about 250 – 300 EUR/month on groceries in Paris, or less in the provinces.
The average price of a meal in the least expensive restaurant is between 10 and 15 EUR. A more affordable option is the bistros, bras, and crepe stalls that cost from 5 to 8 EUR.
A monthly pass for the bus, metro, or tram is in the €30 range;
Taxis are also relatively cheap in Paris, around 1.25 EUR/km, and you’d spend 7 – 10 EUR for a short trip;
You can also rent a bike through the Vélib bike rental program, but Bordeaux is the most bike-friendly city in France;
You can also use the TGV to visit other cities in France, for a EUR30 trip.
Mutual health care insurance: 20 – 50 EUR / month
Books or other learning materials: 50 EUR / month;
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need to apply for a French student visa, which costs EUR99.
In France, higher education is quite different from other countries in the world. In France, students interested in higher education must choose between two different types of educational institutes, which include universities and competitive institutes (Grandes Ecoles).
General eligibility requirements
for the French university
- If you want to study for a bachelor’s degree in France, you must have a French baccalaureate or equivalent degree, and you must have passed the university entrance exam in your respective country. If students are interested in studying at institutes of technology, they need to give a personal interview.
- You are applying for a master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- If you are applying for a doctoral program in France, you must have a master’s degree.
For large schools
- If you want to apply for French Grandes Ecoles, you must have a Baccalaureate or equivalent diploma.
- The classification of students in the Grandes Ecoles is based on the results obtained by the student in the CGPE entrance exam.
- Required Application Documents
- Pre-registration certificate issued by the university.
- France Campus Authorization
- Passport or identification card (valid for the duration of your stay)
- passport photos
- Evidence of graduation diplomas and their translation into French.
- Registration fee (185 EUR/year for the three-year license (equivalent to the bachelor’s degree), 260 EUR for a master’s degree, and 390 EUR for a doctorate)
- Social security fees (around 200 EUR)
- A certificate of civil responsibility.
- EU students: a copy of your European health insurance card
- Curriculum (only in some cases, and only for postgraduate degrees)
- cover letter
- French and/or English language certificate (depending on the enrollment language of the chosen degree)
- transcripts
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, proof that you can finance your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 Euros per month)
- You must provide a cover letter/personal statement (in no more than 500 words) detailing your reasons for applying for a certain program and how it relates to your future goal.
- NOTE: Transcripts for master’s students must have at least a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA (grade point average) or equivalent.
Applying for Grandes Écoles and other specialized schools.
If you are applying to the Grandes Écoles, the application period is generally between 20th January to 20th of March. An additional application starts around 26th June to the 15th of September, during this period the application is not available for all study programs.
For the Grandes Écoles, applicants will have to undergo a personal interview, unlike the normal University application.
The Grandes Écoles, in particular, have a very high standard. Therefore, applicants must have a baccalaureate or equivalent diploma and are selected according to the results obtained in highly competitive entrance exams that take place at the end of a two-year preparatory program called “Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles” ( CPGE – Preparatory Classes for Grandes Écoles).
The general cost of higher education in France depends on the programs applied for and the nature of the university.
A public university is considerably more affordable than a private one. While the cost of graduate programs is high compared to undergraduate programs.
Public university
- The bachelor’s degree costs approximately 189.10 EUR per year.
Note: Engineering degrees cost EUR 615.10 per academic year; while medical-related studies cost around 452 EUR per year.
- (Master): costs approximately 261.10 EUR per year
- (Doctorate): 396.10 EUR per year
Private university
The bachelor’s program costs between 1,500 and 6,000 EUR per year.
The Master costs approximately 261.10 EUR per year
A doctorate costs 396.10 EUR per year.
Is the French language a requirement to study in Paris?
Please check the French language requirement with your chosen French university, as it generally varies by study program.
Prospective students at French universities are expected to have a good knowledge of the French language, at a B1/B2 level. The language test for French schools consists of DELF/DALF.
Steps during the application process
The application actually differs, depending on the applicant’s country.
- If you are from an EU or EEA country, you can apply directly just like French students. If not, you would need a student visa.
- You are a non-EU/EEA student, you must apply through an online application system called CEF. Through the CEF system, you can apply for your visa online and monitor the progress of your application.
- IF you are registering or applying through the CEF system, you will need to visit the website of the Campus France office in your country.
- It is important that you pass the compulsory preliminary admission (“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP).
You can apply for DAP through the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your country. Evidence of your knowledge of the French language is needed through the DAP process, or you can register to take the TCF (French language test); applications for TCF are usually open from October to February 22).
- If you live in a country that is not represented by Campus France, then you must send a White File (Blank Dossier) to the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in your country of origin.
- If you already reside in Europe and do not have European citizenship, you will need to apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where you reside.
