When considering options for international higher education, France has been standing out as an affordable and accessible destination for Indians, especially compared to popular options like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. With a mix of publicly funded universities and selective grandes écoles, the French higher education system provides quality academic programs at relatively low costs for both domestic and international students.
Public University Tuition Fees
The backbone of France’s higher education landscape is its network of public universities. These institutions are subsidized by the government, allowing them to offer very low tuition fees, even for international students.
For non-EU students enrolling for the first time in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or an engineering program in the 2024/2025 academic year, differentiated registration fees apply. The government covers two-thirds of the true cost of education, which averages around €10,000 a year globally. Consequently, non-EU students will pay €2,850 per year at the bachelor level and €3,879 per year at the master level. This is still a stark contrast to the astronomical costs found in countries like the United States, where annual tuition at public universities for international students can easily exceed $30,000.
At the doctoral level, public university tuition in France remains reasonably priced, usually falling between €300 to €800 per year. This makes pursuing advanced degrees in France much more financially viable compared to destinations where PhD program costs can top $50,000 annually.
Selective Grandes Écoles
In addition to the public university system, France is also home to a set of elite institutions known as the grandes écoles. These highly selective schools, which specialize in fields like engineering, business, and political science, are often considered the crème de la crème of French higher education. Notable examples include HEC Paris, renowned for its business programs, École Polytechnique, a leading engineering institution, and Sciences Po, which specialises in political science and international relations.
While the grandes écoles do tend to have higher tuition fees than public universities, their costs are still generally lower than comparable programs in other countries. Annual tuition at these prestigious institutions typically ranges from €6,000 to €18,000, depending on the specific school and program.
In comparison, the annual tuition for a top-ranked business school in the United States or Canada can easily exceed $50,000, putting them out of reach for many international students. The grandes écoles in France provide a more accessible pathway to world-class higher education.
Currency Exchange and Affordability
While the euro-to-rupee exchange rate can make studying in Europe seem costly at first glance, France’s uniquely affordable education system mitigates much of this currency-related burden, making the total cost remains manageable for international students, even when converted into rupees. Additionally, the French government’s substantial subsidies for student housing, along with scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, help reduce financial strain. As a result, the financial benefits of studying in France outweigh currency concerns, enabling Indian students to access a world-class education without prohibitive costs.
Additional Costs and Support
Beyond tuition, international students in France can also benefit from other cost-saving measures, and government-subsidy schemes
Additionally, France’s robust social welfare system provides international students with access to affordable healthcare through the Compulsory Student Social Security (CVEC) contribution, which is typically around €90 per year.
To further support international students, the French government offers a variety of scholarship and financial aid programs. These can help offset the already low costs of studying in France, making it an even more attractive destination for students from India and around the world.
The Bottom Line
When comparing the costs of higher education across different countries, France stands out as an exceptionally affordable option, particularly for international students. With low tuition fees at both public universities and selective grandes écoles, coupled with accessible housing and healthcare, France provides a high-quality educational experience at a fraction of the cost of other popular study abroad destinations.
For Indian students seeking an internationally recognized degree at a reasonable price, France’s higher education system presents a compelling opportunity. By taking advantage of the country’s accessible and affordable academic programs, international students can pursue their educational goals without the burden of overwhelming financial constraints.
Ready to explore the exciting opportunities France has to offer? Visit Ask Sétu or email hello@asksetu.com to start your French educational journey today!
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