Are you dreaming of studying in Paris but worried about the cost of education? Many aspiring students assume that studying in Paris may be financially out of reach. However, several French institutions offer academic programs with public-university registration fees that can be comparatively affordable.

Paris can offer an enriching academic experience whether you are pursuing a degree in science, technology, humanities, or law. However, students should confirm that an institution is currently located in Paris and check the latest fees for their status before applying.

This article reviews institutions frequently included in older lists of affordable universities in Paris, their fee structures, histories, and available programs. It also clarifies which entries are current Paris universities and which are historical names or institutions based elsewhere. This information can help you plan your pursuit of higher education at any level.

Affordable Universities in Paris for International Students

1. Sorbonne University

  • Admissions | Registration Fees | Scholarships
  • Latest published registration fees for 2025–2026: €178/year (Licence or bachelor’s level) | €254/year (Master’s) | €397/year (Doctorate)

Sorbonne University is a public university in Paris. Its current institutional form was created on January 1, 2018, through the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University.

Its historical roots include the Collège de Sorbonne, founded by Robert de Sorbon and recognized by royal authority in 1257. The faculties were abolished in 1793 and recreated under the Empire in 1806.

Today, Sorbonne University offers programs from the bachelor’s to doctoral level in arts and humanities, science and engineering, as well as medical and paramedical fields. Prospective students should check the official fee page for the amount that applies to their year of enrollment and status.

2. Université Paris Cité

  • Registration Fees
  • Latest published Université Paris Cité registration fees for 2025–2026: €178/year (Licence or bachelor’s level) | €254/year (Master’s) | €397/year (Doctorate)

Université Paris Cité offers programs across humanities and social sciences, science and technology, and health. Its Faculty of Health includes medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. Prospective students should use Université Paris Cité’s current admissions and fee pages.

We hope this article on affordable universities in Paris was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in France sections!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships.

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4 Comments

  1. John July 8, 2023 8:07 pm - Reply

    How can I apply to one of this university

    • Hyun Lee August 9, 2023 11:30 am - Reply

      Hi, you would need to look at the admission requirements for the universities in Paris. Depending on the language of instruction, you might need to take French Proficiency Exams or go to a language school there. Other requirements might include latest academic transcripts, standardized test scores, etc

  2. Cheska August 31, 2023 11:24 am - Reply

    Do you mean you can go to a language school while going to the university?

    • Hyun Lee September 5, 2023 12:17 pm - Reply

      Hi, you can go to French language school at a French University before you start the actual degree.

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