For partners 
France has long been considered one of the most affordable countries in Europe for higher education, especially for students from countries outside the EU: even studying at prestigious public universities cost a symbolic amount compared to the UK, the USA, or Australia.
But starting this year, the situation will change noticeably. From the 2026/27 academic year, almost all students from non-EU countries will pay increased tuition fees:
- At least €2,895 per year for a Bachelor's program,
- From €3,941 per year for a Master's degree.
For example, many public universities currently continue to charge the base rate — just €178 for a bachelor's degree and €254 for a master's degree.
The increase will become mandatory for all public universities. Previously, they could decide for themselves whether to introduce higher tuition rates for international students, and many deliberately chose not to, upholding the idea of equal access to education regardless of citizenship. French universities will no longer have this option.
The changes apply to students who begin their studies in autumn 2026; current students will not be affected by the new prices. However, the decision was announced in the middle of the admissions season, causing universities and applicants to face uncertainty — many had planned their budgets based on the old rules.
Teachers' unions and student organizations describe the reform as risky, since even a few thousand euros is an enormous sum for many families.
The new policy is part of the state strategy Choose France for Higher Education. France wants to more actively attract talented international students to directions where the country lacks specialists:
- Healthcare,
- Artificial intelligence,
- Digital technologies,
- Quantum science,
- Biotechnology,
- Environmental research,
- Energy,
- IT and communications,
- Food technologies,
- The space industry.
The government is betting that international graduates will help offset the workforce shortage and support the economy in the future. In addition, French authorities believe that higher tuition costs will increase the international prestige of French education.
It should be noted that even after the increase, studying in France will remain significantly more affordable than in English-speaking countries: by comparison, in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, foreign students typically pay from $15,000–20,000 per year and more, meaning that the new fees in France will still be several times lower.
