10 Low-Cost Tuition Universities in France for International Students

Here’s a list of some cheap and affordable French universities in our list of cheapest universities in France for international students.

This article will be beneficial to you if you are among the divide that is wondering if France offers free tuition. Or you want to know if you can study in France in English. Also, most students intending to study in France often ask “Is France an ideal place for me to study?”

France is not only good for visiting and sightseeing, but it’s also a great study abroad destination. Its age-long practice of academic excellence is mirrored by its university rankings.

Although the country accepts international students, there is no discount or exemption of tuition. Many students tend to relinquish their studies in France because of cost.

I’m sure that’s why you clicked this link? In this article, we have brought you an option to study cheap and well. At stayinformedgroup.com, we believe that every student deserves a chance to good and quality education in any country of their choice.

Therefore we have compiled a list of cheap and affordable French universities you can take advantage of and get a degree. Keep in mind that you don’t get to pay tuition doesn’t mean your degree is not recognized. Certificates from these universities are internationally recognized and approved in all countries of the world.

If that’s what you intend on finding out, sit tight and get informed!!!

Read Also: France Scholarships

Studying in France What is it Like?

When you think of an epicentre of both cultural, scientific, and artistic excellence, think of France. Its iconic French life, architecture, irresistible and breathtaking cookeries, and lovely cities remain a sight to behold. This particularly draws international students from all around the globe.

In Europe, France is one of the popular study abroad destinations, the reasons are not far-fetched. Some of the reasons why France is a great study abroad destination includes;

#1. France is Hub to a Top-rated Educational System

After the United Kingdom, the education system in France is listed as the second finest and best in Europe. Its innumerable universities find their way to the top-ranked universities in the world league tables.

Most of the French universities have produced world-class graduates and alumni. You can count on the quality of French universities.

#2. Tuition is Modest in French Universities

When it comes to tuition costs, most French universities are cheap and very affordable. This is an added compensation to prospective international students.

Hence the reason we put together this piece is to bring to your fingertips the cheapest universities as well as the low-cost universities in France for international students.

#3. France Welcomes International Students

With almost a tuition-free education, many international students bombard the country every year. Therefore, it’s without surprise that about 90% of international students opt for France as a study abroad destination.

#4. High Academic Standards + Exceptional Study Abroad Experience= France.

Another exciting feature about France is that students get to enjoy a life-changing educational experience. From the museum to sensational views plus good wine, you’re sure to have a lot of good times when you’re not studying in France.

What are the Admission Requirements to Study in France?

Applying to study in France requires you to submit not just the right requirements but the exact school requirements. This is so because some universities will require some documents and conditions whereas the others do not want that in their admission list.

Therefore it is always ideal to visit the university of your choice website for exact application requirements. However, here’s a list of some requirements peculiar to both the cheapest or high-cost universities international students are applying to;

• High school/college diploma. 
• Complete filled application form.
• Essays or interviews may be required.
• Transcript of records from previous schools.
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) if you’re applying for an English-taught program.

Read Also: Eiffel Scholarship in France for International Students

Can I Study In English At French Universities?

Absolutely. For students who do not comprehend the French Language, it’s usually ideal to take a hold of the English option when it comes to language instruction.

Some universities in France such as the American University of Paris have a lot of programs taught in English.  Also, at universities such as the University of Bordeaux, international students can take English-taught courses as well as English-taught Master’s programs.

In our article the Best English Speaking Universities in France, you can see a long list of universities in France where English is the major language instruction.

A handful of those universities make it to the list of cheap and affordable universities in France for international students.

How Much Does It Cost To Study at a University in France?

In terms of the tuition fees in France, the cost is determined by various factors such as;

• Duration of course.
• Type of institution (Public or Private).
• Mode of study (full-time or part-time)
• Program (Undergraduate or Graduate program)

These factors contribute to how much you get to pay for tuition in French universities. However, on average, the tuition costs of French universities are about EUR 180 to 15,000.

Although the tuition cost is a necessary evil to consider when applying to the universities in France, however, does not sideline the living costs. Besides the tuition cost, considering the living costs is also essential.

And from our research, the living costs in France are dependent on your lifestyle. On average, you need like EUR 1200 to 1800 per month to live in Paris. However, areas like Lyons/Bordeaux or Toulouse can cost you about EUR 600 per month.

The tuition and living cost is some of the reasons many international students look for cheap and affordable universities in France. Some of these cheap and affordable French universities help you pay less for tuition and focus more on living expenses.

Top 10 List of the Cheapest Universities in France for International Students

Here’s a list of the cheap and affordable universities in France;

#1. Université Toulouse 1 Capitole

• Year of Establishment: 1968
• Student Population: 21,000+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: Not Specified
• Annual Tuition: Undergraduate ($206), Graduate ($295) 

First on our list of cheap and affordable French universities is the Toulouse 1 University Capitole. This university is one of the legatees of the University of Toulouse. It runs its courses across its 3 campuses in Southwestern France, Rodez, and Montauban.

Some major courses at the University include undergraduate and graduate degrees in Law, Economics, Communications, Management, Political Science, and Information Technology.

#2. Université de Montpellier

• Year of Establishment: 1289
• Student Population: 41,000+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: 15%.
• Annual Tuition: Undergraduate ($220), Graduate ($220) 

The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is a research institution sited in the epicentre of Southeastern France. 

As one of the prestigious universities in France, the University of Montpellier has quite a large student population.  Amongst these large numbers, just about 15% are international students.

As one of the cheap and affordable French universities, international students can enrol in a lot of courses. Such courses span across fields such as Physical Education, Dentistry, Economics, Education, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Management, Engineering, General Administration, Business Administration, and Technology.

#3. University of Strasbourg

• Year of Establishment: 1538
• Student Population: 55,000+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: 20%.
• Annual Tuition: Undergraduate ($225), Graduate ($310) 

Many know the University of Strasbourg as Unistra. Unistra is a German-speaking public educational establishment formed as a consolidation between the Universities of Louis Pasteur, Marc Bloch, and Robert Schuman.

There are a variety of courses that undergraduate and graduate students can choose from. Such major courses include fields such as Arts & Language, Law & Economics, Social Science & Humanities, Science & Technology, and Health. 

#7. Université de Paris

• Year of Establishment: 1150/2017
• Student Population: 63,000+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: 18%.
• Annual Tuition: Undergraduate ($310), Graduate ($405)

The University of Paris is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students. We can trace the ancestry back to the several separated and linked 1150-founded University of Paris.

It was re-established in 2017 with three faculties: Health, Science, and Humanities & Social Science. Due to its great standard of teaching and high acceptance rate, it’s one of the most populated universities in France.

#8. University of Burgundy

• Year of Establishment: 1722
• Student Population: 30,000+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: 10%.
• Annual Tuition: Undergraduate ($200), Graduate (-)

The University of Burgundy is located in the eastern region of Dijon in France.  It’s one of the affordable French universities with many students coming from all around the globe.

At the University of Burgundy, there are assortments of higher-level diplomas and short-term courses across a wide array of disciplines. It offers its major courses across its 10 major faculties along with 3 institutes of technology, 4 engineering schools, and institutes of education. 

Also, it offers international students an opportunity to learn French via the CIEF center. Although a college of prestige, it is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students. 

#9. École Normale Supérieure (Paris)

• Year of Establishment: Early 18th Century
• Student Population: 2,500+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: –
• Annual Tuition: Graduate (EUR 600)

Although one of the cheapest universities in France, the Ecole Normale Superieure of Paris (or ENS Paris) is a highly selective and competitive graduate university.

The university has a track record in the fields of physics and mathematics where it has gained lots of recognition. Major courses at the university span across fields such as arts, social and human sciences.

#10. École Centrale de Lyon

• Year of Establishment: 1857
• Student Population: 1,300+ students.
• Percentage of International Students: –
• Annual Tuition: Graduate (EUR 2500)

Last but not the list of affordable or cheapest universities in France for international students is the Ecole Centrale de Lyon. This is a graduate research institution and member of the Grandes Ecoles of France.

This group is out to offer high-quality education in business education, science, engineering, and research. École Centrale is known for courses such as biosciences, acoustic technology, and nanotechnology. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Universities in France for International Students

What are the Most Popular Degrees in France for International Students?

French universities offer some of the best degree programs. 

However, some of the courses that attract international students include;

• Law
• Business
• Nursing
• Medicine
• Computer Science

These are some of the popular degrees international and French students go for in cheap universities in France.

Are There Free Education in France?

Although there are ways to Study For Free In Canada and Study for Free In the UK, education is not free in France.

As long as you’re an international student, you have to pay tuition, maybe at a low cost but not free.

Do I Have to Learn French to Study?

French in France is the primary language of instruction in teaching.

Due to the increasing number of international students, most of her courses are English taught.

What that means is that you do not have to learn French to study in France.

Only French taught courses to require you to be proficient in the French language.

You can opt for English-taught programs and skip the whole French learning.

However, we do recommend you use that as an opportunity to add to your language base. 

A French addition wouldn’t be a bad idea!!!

Summary

We hope you found this article on the cheapest universities in France very helpful.

Do well to visit the university’s website for more details!!

References

• https://worldscholarshub.com/cheapest-universities-in-france-for-international-students/

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