Campus France reported that 430,466 foreign students were enrolled in French higher education during the 2023–2024 academic year. France attracts students from around the world, but tuition fees and accommodation can still require a substantial yearly budget. Public higher education is subsidized, while tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, can range from €6,000 to €18,000 per year.
Fortunately, scholarships, tuition exemptions, and lower-cost institutions can reduce the cost of studying in France. In some cases, tuition can be waived entirely, but students should check living expenses and other charges separately. Here are some practical ways international students can reduce their study costs.
How to Study in France for Free
1. Be a Top Candidate with Stellar Scores
Admissions can be competitive, so solid preparation and a carefully completed application are important. A good practice is to prepare your application early and update it as needed before submission.
Your GPA and academic records are important parts of your application. Depending on the institution and program, applicants may also need to submit language-proficiency results or other program-specific documents. Standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT should only be submitted when requested by the program’s official admissions page. Applicants can also include relevant extracurricular activities, off-campus achievements, and volunteer work when permitted.
Your academic profile should list your relevant achievements and include up-to-date documents.
2. Look for Scholarships in France
Scholarships can help reduce the cost of studying at your desired institution. Numerous scholarships are provided by universities and the French government.
When applying for financial aid, candidates should research the scholarships and grants that best suit their academic needs. A useful approach is to list the scholarships for which you may be eligible, review their conditions carefully, and apply before the relevant deadlines.
If the institution to which you are applying offers scholarships, consider submitting an application. Some scholarships cover tuition only, while others may contribute toward living expenses or provide broader financial support. Always check the official scholarship page for the current coverage and eligibility rules.
3. Enroll in Low-cost Universities
Choosing an affordable university can substantially reduce tuition fees. Combined with suitable funding, this can lower the cost of studying and living in France.
France’s public higher education institutions are subsidized by the government. For the 2025–2026 academic year, students from the European Union, the European Economic Area, Andorra, or Switzerland generally pay €178 per year for a bachelor’s degree, €254 per year for a master’s degree, and €397 per year for a doctorate at covered public institutions. Some non-EU students pay the same national rates based on their status or an exemption. Other non-EU students enrolling for the first time in a bachelor’s or master’s program at a covered public institution may be required to pay differentiated registration fees of €2,895 or €3,941 per year, respectively. Non-EU doctoral students are not subject to the differentiated doctoral fee and generally pay €397 per year.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in France
The options below include scholarships and institutional exemptions that can reduce or eliminate tuition costs. Eligibility requirements, coverage, and application cycles can change, so check the current terms before applying.
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | HOST INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIP VALUE | SCHOLARSHIP PAGE |
|---|
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship | Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) | Total tuition exemption or €9,500 tuition exemption | Scholarship Page |
| Sorbonne University partial registration-fee exemption | Sorbonne University | Eligible non-EU students pay the national registration rate: €178 per year in 2025–2026 | Scholarship Page |
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in France
The options below include scholarships and exemptions that may help students reduce the cost of studying for a master’s degree in France. Check each scholarship’s current application cycle and eligibility requirements before applying.
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | HOST INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIP VALUE | SCHOLARSHIP PAGE |
|---|
| Sorbonne University partial registration-fee exemption | Sorbonne University | Eligible non-EU students pay the national registration rate: €254 per year in 2025–2026 | Scholarship Page |
| MILYON Scholarship | Eligible University of Lyon institutions | €1,000 net per month for 10 months; confirm the current application call before applying | Scholarship Page |
| International Master’s Scholarships Program | Paris-Saclay University | €10,000 per year
Up to €900 per year for travel and visa costs | Scholarship Page |
| Graduate Programmes Fellowships | University of Lille | €8,500 for eligible incoming international students enrolling in France for the first time
€4,500 for eligible students who have already studied in France | Scholarship Page |
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in France
Some doctoral programs offer tuition waivers or broader funding packages. Students should review the conditions carefully because annual registration fees, renewal requirements, and other charges may still apply.
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | HOST INSTITUTION | SCHOLARSHIP VALUE | SCHOLARSHIP PAGE |
|---|
| Sorbonne University partial registration-fee exemption | Sorbonne University | Eligible non-EU students pay the national registration rate: €397 per year in 2025–2026 | Scholarship Page |
| ESSEC Ph.D. Program | ESSEC Business School | Tuition waiver during the program
Around €25,200 annual living allowance for four years
Fifth-year support conditional on strong performance
Overseas internship package and additional research support | Scholarship Page |
| INSEAD Fellowship | INSEAD | Tuition waiver for the first five years
Annual stipend
Research and conference budget support
Health insurance coverage
Funding is renewed annually subject to satisfactory progress | Scholarship Page |
| TSM Doctoral Program | Toulouse School of Management | Full tuition waiver
Annual registration fees still apply | Scholarship Page |
France offers several ways to lower the cost of higher education. Some scholarships and institutional exemptions can reduce or waive tuition, but students should confirm eligibility rules, registration charges, living costs, and application deadlines with the relevant institution before applying.
We hope that this article on studying for free in France was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in France guide and Available Programs in Europe for more articles and study opportunities!
