French universities remain comparatively accessible to students from many backgrounds, especially students with French, European Union, European Economic Area, Andorran, or Swiss status. In public higher education institutions, tuition is kept relatively low because the French government subsidizes a large share of the cost of study. For 2025–2026, the standard annual public-university registration fees are €178 for a licence/bachelor’s-level program, €254 for a master’s degree, €628 for certain engineering programs, and €397 for a doctorate. Private institutions set their own tuition and financial-aid policies.
Studying in France can cost more for some non-European students, especially those enrolling for the first time in a public bachelor’s or master’s degree, because differentiated registration fees may apply. However, doctoral students, certain exempt categories, exchange students under fee-waiver agreements, grant recipients, and students who receive a host-institution waiver may pay reduced fees or no enrollment fees. Separately, applicants from countries covered by the Études en France procedure may have to pay a Campus France procedure fee depending on their country of residence.
Here are some French higher education institutions where standard national-degree applications usually do not require a separate university application fee. Always check the exact program page, because special programs and application platforms can charge fees.
French Universities With No Application Fee
1. University of Paris 1 – Panthéon Sorbonne
- Application Information
- No separate university application fee for: most standard national-degree applications, although Campus France procedure fees and program-specific fees can apply
The University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is situated in Paris and traces its academic roots to the college founded by Robert de Sorbon in the 13th century. Today, it specializes in three broad areas: arts and humanities, law and political science, and economics and management. Because the application process depends on nationality, country of residence, and the degree pursued, applicants should verify the route for their specific program.
In total, about 45,000 students are enrolled, and the university operates across 25 sites in the Paris region.
Within arts and humanities, students can study history, geography, philosophy, art history, archaeology, plastic arts, and art sciences. Some courses, such as aesthetics and the restoration of works of art, are described by the university as unique or exclusive in France. The university also has internationally recognized research centers connected with these departments.
Within law and political science, students can study law, public administration and public sectors, business law, international and European studies, political science, labor and social studies, and social law.
Within economics and management, students can study economics, management and business economics, mathematics, and computer science. The university describes this area as one of France’s major academic centers in these disciplines.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne was ranked in the world’s top 50 in 11 subjects, including Archaeology, History, and Law. It also retained France’s top position in nine subjects, including Archaeology, History, Law, Philosophy, and Art History. Economics and Econometrics ranked 49th globally.
2. University of Montpellier
- Application, Admission, and Enrollment
- No separate university application fee for: most standard national-degree applications, although Campus France procedure fees and special-program fees can apply
Next on our list of French universities with no application fees is the University of Montpellier. With academic roots going back more than eight centuries and a Faculty of Medicine founded in 1220, the University of Montpellier is associated with one of the oldest faculties still in operation in the Western world. It is situated in southern France near the Mediterranean coast, which gives it an excellent location with a multicultural setting and strong connections for traveling around Southern Europe.
Its programs and research rank well among universities in France and worldwide. In the 2025 Shanghai subject rankings, Ecology ranked 14th globally and first in France.
The University of Montpellier now has more than 51,000 students across 17 faculties, schools, and institutes, and offers around 600 programs. Students can pursue a wide range of programs in science, technology, physical education and sports, medicine, pharmacy, law, political science, economics, and business administration. The university also includes university institutes of technology in Béziers, Montpellier-Sète, and Nîmes.
3. University of Strasbourg
- Application Information
- No separate university application fee for: many standard national-degree applications; however, Campus France procedure fees and some program-specific application fees can apply
The University of Strasbourg in northeastern France is a major public research university located in the Alsace region, with a strong multilingual and multicultural identity. It has a strong research profile and counts 18 Nobel laureates among people associated with the university.
The university’s history dates back to 1538, when Jean Sturm founded the Protestant Gymnasium in Strasbourg. In 1971, the University of Strasbourg became three separate universities: Strasbourg I, Strasbourg II, and Strasbourg III.
Today, students can enjoy an interdisciplinary approach to education, an international environment, and a rich cultural life while taking advantage of the university’s international partnerships. Application routes vary by program and applicant profile and may include Parcoursup, DAP Études en France, Études en France, eCandidat, or Mon Master.
For 2025–2026, non-EU undergraduate students preparing a national degree pay the same €178 registration fee as EU students. Non-EU students preparing a national master’s or another second-cycle degree who are not covered by a transitional provision or exemption pay differentiated fees of €3,941.
4. University of Lille
- Application Information
- No separate university application fee for: most standard national-degree applications; specialized programs and language courses may charge fees
Next on our list of French universities with no application fees is the University of Lille. Based in northern France, the University of Lille is one of France’s largest universities. The university describes itself as a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented institution with over 80,000 students.
The University of Lille is known for broad research activity. Its profile lists 64 research units, 180 course options, and 650,000 square meters across ten locations. It brings together grandes écoles, faculties and academic units, institutes, and internal schools.
Degrees are offered across arts, literature, languages, law, economics, management, health, humanities, social sciences, sports, science, and technology. The university’s application routes differ by program and applicant profile: first-year undergraduate applicants may use Parcoursup, many L2/L3 and M2 applications use eCandidat, and many M1 applicants use Mon Master.
For 2025–2026, the University of Lille says non-EU students generally pay standard enrollment fees—€178 for a licence/bachelor’s-level program, €254 for a master’s degree, €628 for an engineering program, and €397 for a doctorate—through a partial waiver from tiered fees. Students may also apply for full or partial enrollment-fee exemptions depending on their situation.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses in Europe for international students and the Europe Scholarships Page.
