France combines world-class universities, low public tuition and a rich student life — but the fees for non-EU students are changing in 2026, so it pays to know the new numbers before you apply.
Quick answer: From the 2026/27 academic year, non-EU/EEA students at French public universities pay roughly €2,895 per year for a bachelor’s and €3,941 for a master’s, plus a mandatory CVEC student-life fee of about €103. Budget around €850–€1,500 per month for living costs, with Paris at the top of that range. Figures are approximate — verify current fees with each university before applying.
How much is tuition in France?
France keeps public-university tuition low by heavily subsidising it. Under the 2026 changes, non-EU/EEA students pay differentiated fees of about €2,895 a year for a licence (bachelor’s) and €3,941 for a master’s — still far below the UK or US. EU/EEA students and some scholarship holders pay the lower statutory rate. Private schools and grandes écoles set their own, much higher fees, often €10,000–€20,000+ per year. Every student also pays the CVEC contribution (~€103) before enrolling.
What are living costs like?
Living costs depend heavily on the city. In Paris, plan for roughly €1,250–€1,500 a month once rent is included; in regional cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux or Montpellier, €850–€1,000 is realistic. Subsidised CROUS student residences are the cheapest housing (around €200–€450 a month) but are limited and fill quickly. Note that from July 2026, non-scholarship international students may no longer qualify for APL housing aid, so budget an extra €150–€200 a month to be safe. Compare France with other destinations using our cost of studying abroad guide.
Do I need a student visa?
Most non-EU students need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), which doubles as a residence permit once validated. You’ll typically show proof of enrolment, proof of funds (often around €615 a month of available resources), and health cover. See our student visa requirements overview, and use the study abroad quiz if you’re still choosing a country.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. The French government’s Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Campus France programmes, and individual university grants can cover or reduce tuition and living costs. Scholarship holders are also among the few exempt from the higher differentiated fees. Browse options on our scholarships page.
Frequently asked questions
Is studying in France free?
Not quite, but it’s inexpensive at public universities. Even after the 2026 increase, non-EU tuition of roughly €2,895–€3,941 a year is a fraction of UK or US fees. Scholarship holders may pay even less.
Can international students work while studying in France?
Yes. Students on a valid residence permit can usually work up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full time), which helps offset living costs.
Do I need to speak French?
For French-taught programmes, yes — usually a B2 level. But France now offers many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s, especially at the postgraduate level, so you can study without fluent French.
Sources
Tuition and fee figures from Campus France, ICEF Monitor and Study.eu (2025–2026), reflecting the 2026 differentiated-fee changes; living-cost ranges from Campus France and student-budget guides. All figures are approximate and change yearly — confirm current amounts with your university and Campus France before applying.