Cheapest Universities in France for International Students

France is renowned for its world-class education, with universities and schools that attract thousands of international students every year. However, studying in France can be quite expensive, especially for students who are not residents of the European Union. That being said, there are still affordable options available for those who are determined to pursue their education in this beautiful country.

In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 cheapest universities in France for international students. These schools offer a range of programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate, in various fields of study, including business, engineering, and arts.

Studying in France can be a life-changing experience, but it can also be financially challenging. However, with careful planning and research, it is possible to find affordable options that can provide quality education without breaking the bank. These schools offer an excellent opportunity for international students to study in France without having to worry about the high costs associated with studying abroad.

So, if you’re an international student looking to study in France, read on to discover the top 10 cheapest schools in France that can help you achieve your academic goals.

Requirements of Studying in France

You will need to have a secondary education diploma or its equivalent to gain admission to a university or college in France.

French is the main language of instruction in most French universities and colleges, so you will need to demonstrate proficiency in French if you plan to study in a French-speaking institution. You can do this by taking a language proficiency test such as the DELF or the DALF. However, if you are planning to study in an English-speaking program, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or Monaco, you will need to apply for a student visa to study in France.

Overview of 10 Cheapest Universities in France for International Students

1. University of Grenoble Alpes

University of Grenoble Alpes is a public research university located in Grenoble, France. It was established in 1339 and has a long history of academic excellence.

The university enrolls about 50,000 students annually in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and short-stay/certificate programs.

UGA has developed a number of innovative masters programs to meet the needs of the global job market because of its strong ties in the sciences and technology.

Tuition fee estimate – €261/year

2. University of Strasbourg

The University of Strasbourg is a public research university located in Strasbourg, France. It was founded in 1538 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe with over 52,000 students and 3,300 researchers.

The French university traces its history to the earlier German-language Universität Straßburg, which was founded in 1538, and was divided in the 1970s into three separate institutions: Louis Pasteur University, Marc Bloch University, and Robert Schuman University.

Tuition fee estimate – €264/year

3. University of Burgundy

University of Burgundy is Located in Burgundy between Paris and Lyon, the city of Dijon is home to uB’s main campus, with several others spread across the region.

It offers 400 different degrees across all levels (Bachelor, Master, and PhD), employs 3,000 staff members, and enrolls 34,000 students, among whom more than 2,900 are international.

Most programs are taught in French, but a growing number are taught in English

Tuition fee estimate – €315/year

4. University of Nantes

University of Nantes is Located in Western France, It was founded in 1460 and is one of the oldest universities in France. Today, the University of Nantes is a large university with over 38,000 students and more than 3,000 faculty and staff members.

It is one of the best institutions in the world. In QS World University Rankings 2023, it is among top-1000. THE (Times Higher Education Ranking) places the university in 18 position among universities with the most research output.

Tuition fee estimate – €377/year

5. University of Poitiers

University of Poitiers is a public university located in Poitiers, France. It is a member of the Coimbra Group. It was founded in 1431. The University of Poitiers currently serves more than 23,000 students and employs more than 3,000 people

Poitiers University offers diversified training programmes, which are regularly adapted to meet evolving professional requirements.

Tuition fee estimate – €380/year

6. University of Perpignan

University of Perpignan is a French university, located in Perpignan. It was established in the year 1349. It is a multidisciplinary university which brings together 8,945 students divided into four training and research units and three Institutes.

As in many other universities in the country, the academic calendar at UPVD is divided into two semesters. But for convenience, tuition fees are calculated per year

Tuition fee estimate – €500/year

7. University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne

The University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) is a public research university located in the city of Reims, France. It was established in 1548 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe.

With a student population of over 25,000, URCA is a dynamic and multicultural university that values internationalization and welcomes students from all over the world.

URCA has a continuous academic calendar, which means that students don’t have a break between courses. However, tuition fees are calculated per year.

Tuition fee estimate – €500/year

8. University of Montpellier

University of Montpellier is a public research university located in Montpellier, in south-east of France. Established in 1220, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world.

The university has more than 15,000 students and around 1,450 members of staff. It is a multidisciplinary university with eight faculties and a particular focus on sciences and technological research.

Tuition fee estimate – €500/year

9. University of Toulouse

The University of Toulouse, also known as UT1 or Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, is a public research university located in the city of Toulouse, in southwestern France. It was established in 1229.

The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Law, Economics, Communications, Management, Political Science, and Information Technology.

Up to  21,000 local and international students enrolled in the University of Toulouse main campus.

Tuition fee estimate – €500/year

10. University of Clermont Auvergne

University of Clermont Auvergne is a public research university with its main campus in Clermont-Ferrand, France. It was established in 1 January 2017 as a merger of two existing universities: the University of Auvergne and the University of Blaise Pascal.

University of Clermont Auvergne offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as arts, humanities, sciences, law, economics, management, and engineering.

It has over 35,000 students and is considered as one of the largest universities in France.

Tuition fee estimate – €500/year

We also recommend you to check out our previous posts on 5 Best medical schools in France For International Students and Top 5 Engineering schools in France For International Students