France is not only a good place to visit but also a great place to study. It has a long tradition of academic excellence, reflected by its historical and top-ranking universities.
While France is more than open to foreign applicants, some are held back by the reality of expensive tuition. Many believe studying and living in a European destination can be very costly.
This concern, however, is untrue. If you apply to any of these affordable universities in France, you can finish your schooling without accruing unpayable student debt.
Affordable Schools in France for International Students
1. Université Paris-Saclay
Paris-Saclay University is a public research institution located in the heart of Paris. It traces its heritage to the University of Paris, established in 1150.
Université Paris-Saclay is one of the most prestigious universities in France and is known for its mathematics program. In addition, it offers degrees in science, law, economics, management, pharmacy, medicine, and sports science. It is also the cheapest university in France, with a tuition fee of €170 per year.
2. Université d’Orléans
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from €170/year (bachelor’s) | from €243/year (master’s) | €380 (doctorate)
The University of Orleans is a public university with a campus in Orleans-la-Source, France. It was established in 1305 but re-founded in 1960.
With campuses in Orleans, Tours, Chartres, Bourges, Blois, Issoudun, and Châteauroux, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, languages, economics, humanities, social science, and technology.
3. Université de Montpellier
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €170/year (bachelor’s) | €243/year (master’s) | €380/year (doctorate)
The University of Montpellier is a research institution nestled in the heart of Southeastern France. Founded in 1220, it comes down in history as one of the oldest universities in the world.
At this affordable university in France, students can enroll in any of the faculties specializing in physical education, dentistry, economics, education, law, medicine, pharmacy, science, management, engineering, general administration, business administration, and technology.
As one of the top-rated universities in France, the University of Montpellier enjoys a large population of more than 39,000+ students. Expectedly, it has attracted many international enrollees who represent 15% of the total demographic.
4. University of Strasbourg
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from €175/year (bachelor’s) | from €3,879/year (master’s)
The University of Strasbourg or Unistra is a public educational institution in Alsace, France. Founded in 1538 as a German-speaking institution, it is the result of the merger between the Universities of Louis Pasteur, Marc Bloch, and Robert Schuman.
The university is currently stratified into the departments of arts & language, law & economics, social science & humanities, science & technology, and health. Under these bodies are several faculties and schools.
Unistra is one of the more diverse French universities, with 20% of its 56,000+ students from international backgrounds.
As an international student, you do not have to worry about breaking the bank to acquire higher education in another country. The list of French institutions above shows that France is one of the countries you could consider to pursue your dream course. France has a lot to offer and we wish you the best in making your choice!
We hope this article on affordable universities in France was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in France for more articles and study opportunities!
