cities in France
French public universities charge non-EU students a higher rate than EU students — but many waive it entirely. Whether yours does is worth thousands of euros, and it is decided by the university, not the country.
France charges non-EU students frais différenciés — a differentiated tuition rate several times the EU rate at public universities. That is the headline, and it is why some comparison tables show France as expensive.
What those tables miss is that a large number of French universities exempt international students from the differentiated rate, charging them the same low national rate as everyone else. This is an institutional decision, published on the university's own fees page, and it is the single most important thing to check before you apply.
Tap a pin to open a city.
costs more / mid-range / costs less compare these cities to each other, not to anywhere else. They are our reading of the spread across France, not a published index — the sourced money figures are on the costs page.
What changes between French cities.
Whether you pay the higher rate
Set by each university, not by the state. Many exempt international students entirely. Check the fees page of the specific institution.
The CVEC
A compulsory student-life contribution payable before enrolment anywhere in France. Small, national, and non-negotiable.
Housing and the guarantor
French landlords normally require a guarantor resident in France. The state Visale scheme covers students — the pressure is worst in Paris.
Language
English-taught master's programmes exist, particularly in business and engineering. Daily life, part-time work and administration all run in French.