France remains a premier destination for international students seeking affordable yet high-quality education. For the academic year 2025, several Cheapest Universities in France for International Students emerge as the most economical choices for international students, offering exceptional educational opportunities at minimal expenses. These institutions are renowned for their comparatively low tuition fees and comprehensive fee exemptions that benefit non-EU students, ensuring that financial limitations do not impede academic pursuits.
Since the academic year 2019, non-EU students have generally encountered higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. Nevertheless, many French universities provide exemptions or maintain low fees to enhance accessibility. Such exemptions may be granted based on various criteria, including residency status, refugee status, or having a guardian in France. These measures position these universities among the most affordable options in France for international students. This financial support enables students to pursue their studies without undue financial hardship, thereby allowing them to concentrate on their academic and professional objectives.
Top 13 Cheapest Universities in France
- Université Paris Cité
- Bachelor’s Degree: €170 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €243 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €380 + €100 CVEC
- Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay ranks high among the inexpensive universities in
- Bachelor’s Degree:€175 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €250 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €391 + €100 CVEC
- Université de Rennes
This university is one of the inexpensive universities in France.
- Bachelor’s Degree: €175 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €250 + €100 CVEC
- Engineering Program: €618 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €391 + €100 CVEC
- University of Angers
- This is among the cheapest universities in France for international students, Bachelor’s Degree:€170 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €243 + €100 CVEC
- Engineering Degree: €601 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €380 + €100 CVEC
- University Grenoble Alpes
EU Students: €243 + €100 CVEC
Non-EU Students: €243 (with exemption) + €100 CVEC
- University Clermont Auvergne
The University is recognized as one of the cheapest universities in France
- Bachelor’s Degree:€170 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €243 + €100 CVEC
- Avignon Université
Avignon is one of the most affordable universities in France
- Bachelor’s Degree: Differentiated fees apply
- Master’s Degree: €243 (with exemption)
- Le Mans University
The University is one of the most economical universities in France.
- Registration Fee:€250
- CVEC: €103
- Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University is one of the low-cost universities for all international students.
- Bachelor’s Degree:€170 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €243 + €100 CVEC
- Engineering Program: €601 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €380 + €100 CVEC
- University of Strasbourg
The University of Strasbourg is one of the most affordable options for international students in France. Tuition fees are the same for EU and non-EU students at the Bachelor’s level, while fees differ at the Master’s level for new non-EU students.
- Bachelor’s Degree: €175 per year, plus the €100 CVEC (Student Life Contribution fee).
- Master’s Degree: €3,879 per year for new non-EU students, plus the €100 CVEC.
The CVEC fee is a mandatory contribution that helps fund student services like cultural activities, sports, and health support.
- Université de Montpellier
Université de Montpellier offers affordable tuition fees.
- Bachelor’s Degree: €170 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €243 + €100 CVEC
- Engineering Degree: €601 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €380 + €100 CVEC
- University of Franche-Comté
The University is one of the inexpensive institutions that provides a low tuition fee for all students.
- University of Orléans
This institute is one of the more reasonable universities in France.
- Bachelor’s Degree: €170 + €100 CVEC
- Master’s Degree: €243 + €100 CVEC
- Doctorate: €380 + €100 CVEC
- Engineering Degree: €601 + €100 CVEC
- Tuition Fee: €243 + €100 CVEC
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much money do you need in the bank for a French student visa?
To apply for a student visa, you’ll need to show proof that you can cover:
- Your first semester’s tuition fees
- Living expenses of at least €615 per month
- Health insurance costs, which range from €311 to €714 per year
Which universities are the cheapest for international students in France?
Here’s a list of affordable public universities where tuition fees are among the lowest:
- Université Paris Cité
- Université Paris-Saclay
- Université de Rennes
- University of Angers
- University Grenoble Alpes
- University Clermont Auvergne
- Avignon Université
- Le Mans University
- Sorbonne University
- University of Orléans
- University of Strasbourg
- Université de Montpellier
- University of Franche-Comté
What is the living cost for students?
Living costs vary depending on where you live. On average, expect to spend €700 to €1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and daily expenses. Paris is the most expensive city, while smaller towns and cities are much more budget-friendly.
Can international students work while studying in France?
Yes. International students are allowed to work part-time:
- EU students: no restrictions on working hours
- Non-EU students: up to 964 hours per year (around 20 hours per week)