France is an attractive destination for international students due to its affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and rich cultural heritage. For students looking to study in France in 2025, public universities are a fantastic option as they offer low tuition rates, especially for international students. Many of these universities charge under €250 per year for tuition fees, making them some of the most affordable options in Europe. This blog explores 12 of the most affordable public universities in France for international students, providing details about their programs, locations, and low-cost tuition fees. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs, these universities offer a wide range of disciplines at an affordable price.
France’s public universities are government-funded, meaning they receive substantial support from the state to offer affordable education to both domestic and international students. Tuition fees at public universities in France are generally much lower than in many other Western countries, especially when compared to the US or the UK. The French government subsidizes education costs, which allows universities to offer programs in a wide range of fields including engineering, business, arts, and sciences, all at competitive rates.
Also check, Fully Funded Scholarships in France for International Students
1. Université Paris-Saclay
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Paris
- Programs Offered: Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Economics, Law, Health Sciences
Université Paris-Saclay, located in Paris, is known for its excellence in research and education. With affordable tuition fees and a strong focus on technical fields like engineering, mathematics, and sciences, this university is ideal for international students. Other programs in economics, law, and health sciences are also offered at a low cost, making it a great choice for students looking for affordable and world-class education.
2. Université d’Orléans
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Orléans
- Programs Offered: Arts, Humanities, Economics, Technology, Social Sciences
Université d’Orléans offers a variety of affordable programs, including arts, humanities, economics, technology, and social sciences. With tuition fees as low as €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs, it’s one of the most affordable options for international students. Located in the picturesque city of Orléans, the university is a great choice for students seeking a balance between academic excellence and affordable living.
Also check, Fully Funded Scholarships in Spain for International Students
3. University of Franche-Comté
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Marseille
- Programs Offered: Law, Economics, Management, Arts, Sciences
Located in the vibrant city of Franche-Comté, the University of Franche-Comté offers one of the most affordable education options in France. With a focus on a wide range of subjects like law, economics, management, arts, and sciences, it provides high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. The university’s low tuition fees make it an ideal destination for international students.
4. Université Toulouse 1 Capitole
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Toulouse
- Programs Offered: Law, Political Science, Economics, Management, IT
Université Toulouse 1 Capitole is another affordable option for international students, offering a variety of programs in law, political science, economics, management, and IT. With tuition fees starting at just €170 per year for undergraduate programs, the university provides high-quality education at an accessible price. Toulouse is known for its aerospace industry and rich history, making it an attractive location for students.
5. Université de Montpellier
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Montpellier
- Programs Offered: Science, Economics, Health, Law, Engineering, Management
Université de Montpellier is a renowned university that offers a broad range of affordable programs. With tuition fees of only €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs, students can access world-class education in fields like science, economics, health, law, engineering, and management. The university is located in the beautiful southern region of France, known for its Mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle.
Also check, Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for International Students
6. Université of Paris Cite
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Paris
- Programs Offered: Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health
Université de Paris, located in one of the most iconic cities in the world, offers affordable tuition fees for international students. With a fee structure of €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs, the university provides a wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and health fields. Studying here offers international students the chance to experience Paris while receiving a high-quality education.
7. Université de Lyon
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Lyon
- Programs Offered: Social Sciences, Economics, Arts, Law, Sciences
Université de Lyon offers affordable education with tuition fees of €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs. Known for its excellent programs in social sciences, economics, arts, law, and sciences, Lyon is a dynamic student city. The university is home to students from around the world and offers a welcoming and diverse academic environment.
8. Université de Nantes
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Nantes
- Programs Offered: Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology
Université de Nantes offers affordable tuition fees and a wide variety of programs in humanities, sciences, social sciences, and technology. At just €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs, students can study in the beautiful city of Nantes while benefiting from a high-quality education.
9. Université de Strasbourg
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Strasbourg
- Programs Offered: Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Law, Health
Université de Strasbourg, located in northeastern France, offers affordable tuition fees for international students. With a fee structure of €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs, this university is known for its diverse range of programs in arts, sciences, engineering, law, and health. Strasbourg is a beautiful city known for its European institutions and rich cultural heritage.
10. Université Grenoble Alpes
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Grenoble
- Programs Offered: Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Humanities, Social Sciences
Located in the scenic city of Grenoble, Université Grenoble Alpes offers affordable education in fields such as engineering, mathematics, computer science, humanities, and social sciences. With tuition fees as low as €170 per year for undergraduate programs, the university offers a wide range of high-quality programs.
11. University of Angers
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Lille
- Programs Offered: Science, Engineering, Health, Law, Social Sciences
University of Angers offers affordable tuition fees for both undergraduate and master’s programs, with a fee structure of €170 and €243, respectively. Known for its research-driven approach and diverse range of programs, Lille is an excellent choice for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable cost.
12. Université de Bordeaux
- Tuition Fees: €170 per year (undergraduate), €243 per year (master’s)
- Location: Bordeaux
- Programs Offered: Law, Economics, Management, Sciences, Engineering
University of Angers offers affordable tuition fees for both undergraduate and master’s programs, with a fee structure of €170 and €243, respectively. Known for its research-driven approach and diverse range of programs, Angers is an excellent choice for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable cost. Université de Bordeaux is a top-tier public university in southwestern France offering a wide array of affordable programs. Tuition fees are €170 for undergraduate programs and €243 for master’s programs, making it one of the most budget-friendly universities in the region. Bordeaux is known for its wine culture, scenic beauty, and academic excellence.
Please note: that tuition fees are subject to change. Always check the official university website for the most current fee structure before applying.
FAQs About Studying at Public Universities in France
What are the tuition fees for international students at public universities in France?
Tuition fees at public universities in France for international students typically range from €2,770 for bachelor’s programs to €3,770 for master’s programs per year.
Are there scholarships available for international students in France?
Yes, many universities and the French government offer scholarships to international students. You can apply for various grants and financial aid to help with tuition and living expenses.
Do I need to speak French to study at public universities in France?
While many programs, especially at the postgraduate level, are offered in English, it’s beneficial to know some French to help with daily life and communicate outside the academic setting.
Can international students work while studying in France?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time (up to 964 hours per year) to support their living expenses.
