Thinking of studying in Europe? Do you wish to study at an affordable institution? One of the places in the world you can find such an institution is in France, Paris precisely. Ride with me as we look at the Cheapest universities in Paris for International Students, yobe u’ll glad you did.
France is renowned for its low tuition universities and high quality of education at the lowest cost.
In this article, we’ll list the 15 cheapest universities in Paris and France as a whole for international students. Each listing will contain tuition fees, admission requirements, acceptance rate, world Rankings, and all other relevant information av=bout the school.
You can scroll through the table of contents below to get an overview of all this post entails.
Table of contents
- About University Education in Paris
- Free Universities in Paris for International Students
- Public Universities in Paris
- Cheap Universities in Paris for International Students
- #1. University of Paris
- #2. Jean Monnet University
- #3. Claude Bernard University
- #4. Blaise Pascal University
- #5. Henri Poincare University
- #6. Joseph Fourier University
- #7. Paris 13 University
- #8. Pierre and Marie Curie University
- #9. École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
- #10. Université Paris-Sud 11
- #11. Université Paris Descartes
- #12. Catholic University of Lyon
- #13. Université Paris Dauphine
- #14. Universite d’Orleans
- #15. Universite de Montpellier
- Is the French Language a Requirement to study in Paris?
- Steps during the application process
- Cost of living in France
- FAQs on the cheapest universities in Paris for international students
About University Education in Paris
Paris has long been an important world center of higher education. The building known as the Sorbonne housed the arts and science faculties of the University of Paris, one of Europe’s oldest universities, until it was split into 13 autonomous universities following mass student protests in 1968.
Many smaller bodies of higher education—more specialized and elitist than the Universities of Paris—include the engineering, technical, and business colleges known as the great schools.
The two renowned institutions in the Paris region are the School of Higher Business Studies and the Polytechnical School (École Polytechnique).
The Normal Superior School serves mainly to prepare future university and lycée teachers. The Institute of Political Sciences nurtures many who go on to the influential postgraduate National School for Administration to train as senior civil servants.
This selective structure of universities in Paris has served France well in many ways but has also come under heavy criticism and undergone sporadic reform.
It is also noteworthy that all the universities in France are rated high globally. Thus, it is the birthplace of many academic geniuses who have excelled in their various niches.
Free Universities in Paris for International Students
Paris, one of the cities in France, houses cheap universities in France for international students. Although France is not the country with the cheapest or high number of free universities, they still offer international students the opportunity to study in France for free (or at a very low cost), regardless of their nationality.
Although technically, university fees exist at public universities in Paris; they’re just a fraction of those charged in most countries.
However, Paris universities owned by the government operate on low tuition fees for international students, while private institutions charge a bit higher.
Note the majority of programs offering the chance to study in France for free are taught in the native language. So, if you wish to study in any of the free universities in Paris, see the few lines below.
SEE ALSO: Study in France: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living and Admission Requirements 2023
Public Universities in Paris
Paris is the capital city of France. Being one of the world’s great centers of education, it serves as one of Europe’s largest concentrations of university students. It’s also home to some of France’s most renowned and prestigious institutions.
Public universities in Paris are open to both national and international students. Interestingly, public universities in Paris offer opportunities to students who want to study for an undergraduate or graduate degree.
That is to say, there’s a vast range of study programs you can choose from at universities in Paris.
Paris has strong institutions in medicine, law, technology, science, and art, so whatever your chosen subject, you can find a program that suits you.
The French government sets tuition fees in France for public universities, so they are the same across the country.
University of Paris tuition fees for international students are €2,770 per year for a bachelor’s program (around $3,100) or €3,770 per year for a master’s program ($4,250).
Cheap Universities in Paris for International Students
The list of the 15 cheapest universities in Paris for international students is as follows;
- University of Paris
- Jean Monnet University
- Claude Bernard University
- Blaise Pascal University
- Henri Poincare University
- Joseph Fourier University
- Paris 13 University
- Pierre and Marie Curie University
- École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
- Université Paris-Sud 11
- Université Paris Descartes
- Catholic University of Lyon
- Université Paris Dauphine
- Universite d’Orleans
- Universite de Montpellier
#1. University of Paris
The University of Paris, metonymically known as the Sorbonne, was a university in Paris, France, from around 1150 to 1793 and from 1806 to 1970.
It was considered the second-oldest university in Europe and internationally highly reputed for its academic performance in the humanities since the Middle Ages – notably in theology and philosophy.
This university is among the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
It introduced several academic standards and traditions that have endured ever since and spread internationally, such as doctoral degrees and student nations.
Vast numbers of popes, scientists, intellectuals, and royalty were educated at the University of Paris.
Tuition Fee
The University of Parris is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fee for foreign students is relatively lower than for the local students at the University of Paris, and the fee are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 295 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
The annual accommodation and personal expenses cost is $906-1,621 USD/month.
Ranking
The university ranks 4th in France and 64th in the world
Acceptance Rate
The university’s acceptance rate is high, at 64% for all students.
Admission Requirements
An application to The University of Paris requires several supporting documents and sometimes tests. Most requirements can be uploaded directly in your online application.
Online application form
Personal statements
Extracurricular activities and work experience
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
English language test (if you are from non-English speaking nations)
SAT/ACT scores (optional)
#2. Jean Monnet University
Next on our list of the cheapest universities in Paris for international is Jean Monnet University, a French public university based in Saint-Étienne.
It was created in 1969 and is under the Academy of Lyon. It belongs to the recent administrative entity denominated the University of Lyon, which gathers different schools in Lyon and Saint-Étienne.
The main campus is located in Tréfilerie, in the city of Saint-Étienne. It has arts, languages, letters courses, law, medicine, engineering, economics and management, human sciences, and the Maison de l’Université (administrative building).
Sciences and sports are studied in Metare campus in a less urbanized city.
At the beginning of the 90s, in particular, the creation of an engineering school and a second IUT in Roanne in addition to that of Saint-Etienne, as well as numerous professional degrees at the graduate and postgraduate level.
Tuition Fee
Jean Monnet University is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The tuition fee for all students in all programs ranges between 500-750 Euros/year for both bachelors and postgraduate programs.
The annual accommodation and personal expenses cost $692-1,272 USD/month.
Ranking
The University is rated 59th among institutions in the country and 1810th worldwide.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate of the university is 12% which makes it more competitive than most institutions in France.
Admission Requirements
To access higher education in France, the candidates must have the following;
A French Baccalaureate
Preparation for an entrance examination conducted in the University.
In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
They must demonstrate an understanding of the French language adapted to the training envisaged.
Admission procedures vary according to the institution type and the training course envisaged.
#3. Claude Bernard University
The Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is one of the public universities in Paris, France. It is renowned for its quality education services and is also known as one of the cheapest universities in France for international.
The dominant areas of study covered by the university are science and medicine. The main administrative, teaching and research facilities are located in Villeurbanne. Other campuses are the domains of Gerland, Rockefeller, and Laennec.
Claude Bernard Lyon 1 university provides teaching in the fields of science and technology, health, and sport. Lyon 1 also helps each student prepare for their career paths personally.
Having established a strong intellectual reputation in France and throughout the world, Lyon 1 continually pushes the boundaries of knowledge. As well as promoting education through research and constantly encouraging dialogue between science and society.
Its campuses, located in the heart of an outstanding region, are lively places with plenty of activities. As well as enabling students to develop and achieve a sense of personal fulfillment: a University to live life to the full.
Tuition Fee
Claude Bernard university is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.
The Claude Bernard university tuition fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 295 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
The annual accommodation and personal expenses cost $677-1,244 USD/month.
Ranking
The Claude Bernard University is ranked 16th in the nation and 329th in the world.
Acceptance Rate
The Claude Bernard Lyon 1 acceptance rate is 10.2% for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
To access higher education in France, the candidates must have;
Must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Preparation for a screening examination conducted in the University.
In the case of foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland), they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
#4. Blaise Pascal University
Blaise Pascal, also known as Université Blaise Pascal, is one of the public universities in Paris founded in 1854 with its main campus in Clermont-Ferrand, as part of Clermont-Ferrand University, France, with satellite locations in other parts of the region of Auvergne.
The division of the University created the Blaise Pascal University into two entities. It was named after the mathematician, scientist, and philosopher Blaise Pascal, born in Clermont.
Blaise Pascal University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Language and Cultural Studies, and Science and Technology. It also offers bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Business and Social Science.
Tuition Fee
The Blaise Pascal University is considered one of France’s cheap universities for international students.
The Blaise Pascal University tuition fee for all students ranges between 2000 -2600 EUROS depending on the course and the program.
However, the best international applicant can get 30-50% discount on the tuition fees and will continue to the next semester. Basically, if the student maintains an average mark of at least 8 out of 10 and has no problems as a student.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses are $692-1,272 USD/monthly.
Ranking
The Blaise Pascal University ranks 57th in the country and 1150th worldwide.
Acceptance Rate
The Blaise Pascal University acceptance rate is 10.2% for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
To access higher education in France, the candidates must have the following;
Secondary school diploma;
TOEFL (IBT minimum score 60) or IELTS Academic (minimum score 5.5) test certificate (Excluding applicants whose native or main study language is English).
Composition of the competitive score consists of your final state exams or grades in:
Mathematics; History
One of the following subjects: Geography/Biology / Information technology / Second foreign language. If a History exam was not taken, two of the listed subjects are required.
Annual grade:
Additional points for national and international competitions (Economics, Management, Politics or Equivalent. Copy of certificate must be added to the application).
Motivation interview on Skype (optional)
Fill https://my.ism.lt online form
A copy of passport pages containing photo and information about identity (submit copies and show original);
Proof of adequate financial resources to cover the tuition fee and the living.
#5. Henri Poincare University
The Henri Poincaré University, or Nancy 1, is a public research university in Nancy, France, established in 1970.
It was a member of the Nancy-Université federation, belonging to the French Nancy-Metz Academy.
Since 2012, Henri Poincaré University no longer exists: it merged with the University of Nancy 2, the University of Paul Verlaine in Metz, and the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, to form the University of Lorraine.
It has five faculties include science and technology, medical school, pharmacy, Dentistry, sports, engineering schools, telecom, and three institutes of technology. They are nancy- brabois, longwy, and st. Die.
Tuition Fee
Henri Poincaré University is considered one of the cheap universities in France for international students.
The Henri Poincaré University tuition fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 210 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 291 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $692-1,272 USD/month.
Ranking
The Henri Poincaré University ranking is 463rd among the world universities and 124th among the schools in Europe, and 23rd in France.
Acceptance Rate
The Henri Poincaré University acceptance rate is 10% as it is very competitive.
Admission Requirements
Candidate must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Preparation for a screening examination conducted at the University.
In the case of foreign students, they must, have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
#6. Joseph Fourier University
Joseph Fourier University (also known as Grenoble I) was a French university in Grenoble and focused on the fields of sciences, technologies, and health. It is now part of the Université Grenoble Alpes.
The origins of this scientific university can be traced all the way back to 1811 when the scientist Joseph Fourier established a faculty of science in Grenoble.
It provides students with a high-quality education, enabling them to gain strong professional skills in courses like sciences, technology, medicine, and society (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Mechanics, Engineering and Technology, Earth and Universe Sciences, Environment, Geography, Sports science, and Physical Education).
The university is one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students that runs many laboratories, many in association with CNRS, Grenoble-INP, and other major institutions.
Tuition Fee
Joseph Fourier University is considered one of France’s cheap universities for international students.
The fee for the university is as follow
Bachelor (foreigners) 210 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 291 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $669-1,192 USD/month.
Ranking
The Joseph Fourier University ranking is 7th in the country and 191st in the world.
Acceptance Rate
The Joseph Fourier University acceptance rate is 13%, as it is very competitive.
Admission Requirements
Candidate must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Photo according to Photo requirements (pdf 60 kB),
Choice of courses with a motivation to their relevance to your ongoing studies addressed to your three first university choices; instructions will be posted very soon.
#7. Paris 13 University
University of Paris 13 is one of the thirteen universities in Paris which replaced the University of Paris in 1970. It is also identified as the University of Paris North (Université Paris Nord).
The University Paris-13 was created when the Rector of the Academy of Paris decided to create 13 autonomous multidisciplinary universities, which replaced the faculties of the University of Paris and the faculty of Villetaneuse.
Following the dismantling of the University of Paris, the chancellor of the University of Paris owns the buildings and land of the establishment. The Chancery of Creteil universities provides budgetary control and the University of Legality.
University Paris 13 offers to its students a wide range of academic training in courses that include Arts, Humanities, Science, communication, economics and management, law, political and socials sciences, Health, Medicine and Human Biology and the physical and sports activities
Université Paris 13 Nord is a respectable academic institution and teaching center in the North of Paris. And also among the cheap universities in France.
Tuition Fee
The University Paris-13 is considered one of the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
The University Paris-13 tuition fee for the university is dependent on the courses and program applied for and is as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 285 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $906-1,621 USD/month.
Ranking
The University Paris-13 ranking is 1153rd among world universities and 58th among institutions in France.
Acceptance Rate
The University Paris-13 acceptance rate is 20% as it is very competitive.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirement includes;
Online application form
Personal motivational statements
work experience proof
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
English language test (if you are from non-English speaking candidates)
SAT scores
#8. Pierre and Marie Curie University
The Pierre and Marie Curie University- Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, or Paris VI, is a public university in Paris, France.
It is one of Europe’s largest teaching institutes of science and medicine, with more than 125 laboratories.
Established in 1971 after the division of the famous University of Paris, it was divided into 18 different campuses in four French regions. And was one of the inheritors of the faculty of sciences of the University of Paris, which was divided into several universities in 1970.
Tuition Fee
The Pierre and Marie Curie University are considered one of the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
The average tuition fees of 350 EUR/year, depending on the courses, program and student’s nationality
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $906-1,621 USD/month.
Ranking
The Pierre and Marie Curie University ranking is 131st in France.
Acceptance Rate
The Pierre and Marie Curie University acceptance rate is 20% for international students as it is very competitive and 100% for indigenous students.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirement includes the following;
High school or previous academic results, depending on the course applied for.
Personal motivational statements
Two letters of recommendation
French language test (if you are an English-speaking candidate)
SAT scores
#9. École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
École Normale Superieure (ENS Paris) is a French higher education establishment outside the framework of the public university system and a constituent college of PSL Research University, a collegiate university based in the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Situated in the scholastic Latin Quarter, just west of the Seine in the city’s center. ENS Paris is within walking distance of famous sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jardin du Luxembourg, the second-largest public park in Paris.
A research-led institute, the school is counted among the prestigious French universities which form the grandes écoles. And is particularly known for its departments of humanities and science.
ENS Paris boasts an alumni community that includes 13 Nobel Prize winners and all eight French Fields Medals winners. Specifically, the most coveted prize for young mathematicians.
Tuition Fee
The university is considered as one of the cheapest universities in France for international students in English.
The ENS Paris tuition fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 1,709 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 1,139 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $906-1,621 USD/month.
Ranking
The ENS Paris ranking is the second top university in the country and 43rd in the world.
Acceptance Rate
The ENS Paris acceptance rate is 8% for international students as it is very competitive.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirement includes the following necessary documents:
Passport or ID card
High school degree
University transcript
French/English language test (if you are from any of the non-speaking countries)
Letter of motivation, study project, and bibliography must be in French.
Letter of recommendation
#10. Université Paris-Sud 11
Paris-Sud University- the University of Paris-Sud, also known as the University of Paris XI, is a French university distributed among several campuses. Basically, in the southern suburbs of Paris, including Orsay, Cachan, Châtenay.
The main campus is located in Orsay and boasts of its wide scope of multidisciplinary courses, and is spread across four campuses in the southern suburbs of Paris.
Paris-Sud is one of the largest and most renowned French universities, particularly in science and mathematics.
Tuition Fee
The university is considered one of the cheapest universities in Paris for international students in English.
The University of Paris-Sud tuition admission fees were fixed at
€183 for an undergraduate degree
€254 for a Master’s degree
€388 for a PhD degree.
Annually Cost of accommodation and personal expenses are $1,000/month.
Ranking
The University of Paris-Sud ranking is 242nd in the world.
Acceptance Rate
The University of Paris-Sud acceptance rate is 100% for international students.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirement includes;
High school diploma
Personal motivational statements
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
English language test (if you are a non-English speaking candidate)
#11. Université Paris Descartes
Université Paris Descartes is a public university in Paris. Named after 17th-century philosopher René Descartes, Université Paris Descartes inherited the University of Paris’ medical department.
It is renowned for its quality standard of teaching system. And also, it is among the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
This legacy is still in evidence, with the institution ranking within the top 150 for anatomy & physiology, pharmacy, and medicine in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Tuition Fee
The Université Paris Descartes is considered one of the cheapest universities for international students worldwide.
The fees are listed below;
Bachelor (foreigners) 206 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 280 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $906-1,621 USD/month.
Ranking
Université Paris Descartes is among the 10 top universities in Paris and 450th worldwide according to QS World University Rankings.
Acceptance Rate
The Université Paris Descartes acceptance rate is 14% especially for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements include the following;
French baccalaureate or higher education diploma in the country of origin
Justify a good knowledge of the French language:
Level B2 * at least the French Knowledge Test (TCF);
For Level B2 * at least in the French Evaluation Test (TEF);
Level B2 * at least in the French Language Studies Diploma (DELF)
Personal motivational statements
Advanced Diploma of French Language (DALF).
residence permit and a student visa
#12. Catholic University of Lyon
The Catholic University of Lyon (Université Catholique de Lyon), or the Lyon Catholic University, is a private university based in Lyon, France.
It was founded in 1875 and combines respect for Christian heritage with a spirit of openness.
The Catholic University of Lyon has stood at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers in the center of Lyon since its founding.
Lay Catholics did its creation with its location at the heart of a regional capital, its close ties to business, and strong international links; it seeks to promote academic excellence, creativity, and integrity.
The school offers programs in courses like; Theology and Religious Sciences, Philosophy and Human Sciences, Law, Economics and Social Sciences, Language and Literature, and Science.
Tuition Fee
The Catholic University of Lyon is considered one of the cheapest universities for international students worldwide.
The Catholic University of Lyon tuition fee is 1,500 Euros depending on the program and course.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $677-1,244 USD/month.
Ranking
The Catholic University of Lyon ranking is 219th in the country and 7882nd worldwide.
Acceptance Rate
The Catholic University of Lyon’s acceptance rate is 14%, especially for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements include the following;
Candidate needs a French Baccalaureate and its equivalent for international students.
photo passport,
motivation statement
Test of English language for students applying for English taught courses.
#13. Université Paris Dauphine
Paris Dauphine University (French: Université Paris-Dauphine), is a public research and higher education institution in Paris, France.
Dauphine was founded as a faculty of economics and management in 1968 in the former NATO headquarters in western Paris, in the 16th arrondissement.
Dauphine is renowned for teaching finance, economics, law, IT, social sciences, finance and mathematics, and business strategy.
This university offers a variety of opportunities to its students at an affordable rate making it one of the cheap universities in Paris for international students.
Tuition Fee
Paris Dauphine University is considered one of the cheapest universities for international students worldwide.
The tuition fees for the students are as follows;
Bachelor (foreigners) 209 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 285 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 530 Euros/year.
Master (citizens) 256 Euros/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $906-1,621 USD/month.
Ranking
The Paris Dauphine University ranking is 15th among universities in France and 355th in World ranking.
Acceptance Rate
The Paris Dauphine University acceptance rate is 54% especially for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements include the following;
Must have a French Baccalaureate for local students and its equivalent for international students.
Foreign students (outside the European Economic Area and Confederate Switzerland) must have met the conditions that allow access to higher education.
Personal statement.
Recommendation letter.
#14. Universite d’Orleans
The Universite d’Orleans is located in Orleans, France, one hour from Paris and just minutes from the famous chateaux of the Loire River Valley. Founded in 1306 by Pope Clement V, the school has been an important center of learning since that time.
Its academic programs include Law, Economics, Management, History, Geography, Linguistics, Literature, and Foreign Languages. As well as Classical Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Geology, and other fields.
Tuition Fee
The Universite d’Orleans tuition fees are dependent on the programs and courses;
Bachelor (foreigners) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 1,000 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Annually accommodation and personal expenses cost $692-1,272 USD/month.
Ranking
The Universite d’Orleans ranking is 68th among universities in France and 1321st in the World.
Acceptance Rate
The Universite d’Orleans acceptance rate is 10% especially for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
The admission basic requirements include;
An official high school transcript in the original language, accompanied by an official English translation.
A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5, as calculated by the UNO Admissions office
Math Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 19 SAT 500
English Test Scores (one of the following): ACT 18 SAT 25 (Writing & Language) TOEFL 70 IELTS 6.0
#15. Universite de Montpellier
The 279th among the school in the world and 11th in France. (Université de Montpellier) Is a French public research university in Montpellier in the southeast of France.
Established in 1289, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world and among the cheapest universities in Paris for international students.
The university was split into three universities during 45 years (the University of Montpellier 1, the University of Montpellier 2, and the Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3) between 1970 and 2015, when it was subsequently reunified by the merger of the former two, with the latter, now named Paul Valéry University Montpellier, remaining a separate entity.
Tuition Fee
The University of Montpellier annual tuition fees vary depending on the degree level of education.
Bachelor (foreigners) 141 USD/year.
Master (foreigners) 267 USD/year.
Bachelor (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
Master (citizens) 1,000 USD/year.
The annual accommodation and personal expenses cost $638-1,205 USD/month.
Ranking
The University of Montpellier ranking is 279th among the world’s schools and 11th in France.
Acceptance Rate
The University of Montpellier acceptance rate is 16% especially for foreign students.
Admission Requirements
The admission basic requirements include;
Passport
Résumé
Cover letter
Language certificate (minimum level in French: B2)
Transcript of records
Copies of diplomas (if not available, a certificate stating that you graduated)
Is the French Language a Requirement to study in Paris?
Check the French language requirement with your chosen French university, as it usually varies depending on the study program.
It is expected that prospective students for French Universities should have a good knowledge of the French Language at a B1/B2. Language test for French schools consists of DELF/DALF.
Steps during the application process
The application differs depending on the applicant’s country.
- If you are from an EU or EEA country, you can apply directly like French students. If not, you would need a student visa. You can check if you would need a visa.
- As a Non-EU/EEA student, you should apply through an online CEF application system. Through the CEF system, you can apply for your visa online and monitor the progress of your application.
- If you are registering or applying through the CEF system, you would have to visit the website of the Campus France office in your country.
- You must pass the compulsory preliminary Admission. (“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP).
You can apply for DAP through the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your country.
Evidence of your knowledge of the French language is needed through the DAP process, or you can register to take the TCF (French language exam); applications for TCF are usually open from October until February 22).
- Suppose you live in a country not represented by Campus France. In that case, you must submit a White File (Dossier blank) to the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in your country of origin.
- Suppose you already reside in Europe and you don’t have European citizenship. In that case, you must apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where you reside.
Cost of living in France
The cost of living in France is affordable. It is approximately €400 to €500 a month to cover the charge for food, clothing, books, transportation, etc.
An individual’s living cost depends on the location or town, lifestyle, and choice of transportation per time. Some of the major cities in France may cost a certain expense as follows;
Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence);
Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month;
Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, or Toulouse: between 800 – 1.000 EUR; For the rest of France, you can manage with smaller amounts (at least 650 EUR).
The cost of accommodation is within the range of 200 – 300 EUR/month.
The main housing options for students in France are:
Student halls of residence: 150-600 EUR/month, including facilities, if the room is private or shared.
Rent/share an apartment: 400 and 700 EUR/month, while in smaller French cities, you can rent a small apartment for about 300 EUR/month;
The utility bills (electricity, water, the internet) would be another 200 EUR/month;
Host family – you can find only 200 EUR/ month rates to about 800 EUR/month in Paris.
French food is delicious, sophisticated, and the common conception is that it is expensive.
That may be because the French truly values every meal, making it seem like they always celebrate something when they eat. However, food is not pricey all over France.
An individual can budget to spend, on average, about 250 – 300 EUR/month on groceries in Paris or less in the provinces.
The average price for a meal in the least expensive restaurant costs between 10 and 15 EUR. A more affordable option is the bistros, brassieres and crepe stands, which cost 5 to 8 EUR.
A monthly pass for the bus, metro or tram is in range of 30 EUR;
Taxis are also relatively inexpensive in Paris, around 1.25 EUR/km, and you would spend 7 – 10 EUR for a short journey;
You can also rent a bike through the Vélib bicycle rental programme, but Bordeaux is the city in France most bike-friendly;
You can also use the TGV to visit other cities in France for 30 EUR a trip.
Healthcare mutual insurance: 20 – 50 EUR/month
Books or other learning materials: 50 EUR/month;
If you are a non- EU/ EEA citizen, you must apply for a French student’s visa, which costs 99 EUR.
In France, higher education is quite different from other countries. In France, students interested in higher education have to choose from two different educational institutes: Universities and Competitive Institutes (Grandes Ecoles).
General Eligibility requirements
For French University
- Suppose you want to study as an undergraduate in France. In that case, you must have a French baccalaureate or an equivalent degree and pass the University entrance exam in your respective country. If students are interested in studying in institutes of technology, they need to give a personal interview.
- You are applying for a master’s program; you should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- If you are applying for a doctorate program in France, you must have a master’s degree.
For Grandes Ecoles
- If you wish to apply for French grandes Ecoles, you are required to have baccalaureat or equivalent diploma.
- Ranking students in the Grandes ecoles is based on the results obtained by the student at the CGPE entrance exam.
- Required application documents
- Pre-registration certificate provided by the university
- Campus France authorization
- Passport or ID card (valid for the duration of your stay)
- Passport photographs
- Evidence of graduation diplomas and their French translation
- Registration fee (185 EUR/a year for the three-year license (Bachelor degree equivalent) course, 260 EUR for a Master’s and 390 EUR for a doctorate)
- Social security fees (around 200 EUR)
- A civil liability certificate
- Students from the EU: a copy of your European health insurance card
- Resume (only in some cases and only for postgraduate degrees)
- Cover letter
- French and English Language certificate (depending on tuition language of chosen degree)
- Transcripts
- Copies of diplomas (if not available, a Proof that you can fund your stay in France (with a minimum of 800 Euros per month)
- You must provide a cover letter/personal statement (in not more than 500 words) detailing your reasons for applying for a certain program and how it relates to your future goal.
- NOTE: Transcripts for masters’ students should be at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (grade point average) or equivalent.
Applying for Grandes Écoles, and other specialized schools
For students applying for the Grandes Écoles, you must use the following website to apply, http://www.admission-postbac.fr.
If you apply for this program, the application period is usually between 20th January and 20th of March. An additional application starts around 26th June to 15th of September; during this period, the application is unavailable for all study programs.
For the Grandes Écoles, applicants must take a personal interview, unlike the normal University application.
The grandes écoles, in particular, have a very high standard. Therefore, applicants must hold a baccalauréat or equivalent diploma, and they are selected according to the results obtained at very competitive entrance examinations that take place at the end of a two-year preparation program called “Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles” (CPGE – Preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles).
The general cost of higher education in France depends on the programs applied for and the nature of the university.
A public university is considerably affordable than a private university. While the cost for postgraduate programs is high compared to undergraduate programs.
Public University
- Bachelor’s Degree costs about 189.10 EUR per year.
Note: Engineering degrees have a tuition fee of 615.10 EUR per academic year, while Medicine related studies cost about 452 EUR per year.
- (Master’s Degree): costs about 261.10 EUR per year
- (PhD Doctorate): 396.10 EUR per year
Private University
Bachelor’s degree program cost about 1500 – 6000 EUR per year.
A Master’s Degree costs about 261.10 EUR per year.
A doctorate costs 396.10 EUR per year.
Is the French Language a requirement To Study In Paris?
Check the French language requirement with your chosen French university, as it usually varies depending on the study program.
It is expected that prospective students for French Universities should have a good knowledge of the French Language at a B1/B2. Language test for French schools consists of DELF/DALF.
Steps during the application process
The application differs depending on the applicant’s country.
- If you are from an EU or EEA country, you can apply directly like French students. If not, you would need a student visa.
- As a Non-EU/EEA student, you should apply through an online CEF application system. Through the CEF system, you can apply for your visa online and monitor the progress of your application.
- IF you are registering or applying through the CEF system, you would have to visit the website of the Campus France office in your country.
- You must pass the compulsory preliminary Admission. (“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP).
You can apply for DAP through the Culture and Cooperation Service of the French embassy in your country. Evidence of your knowledge of the French language is needed through the DAP process, or you can register to take the TCF (French language exam); applications for TCF are usually open from October until February 22).
- Suppose you live in a country not represented by Campus France. In that case, you must submit a White File (Dossier blank) to the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in your country of origin.
- Suppose you already reside in Europe and you don’t have European citizenship. In that case, you must apply through the French embassy or consulate in the European country where you reside.
FAQs on the cheapest universities in Paris for international students
Many people choose to study in France since there are cheap public universities in Paris that all charge low tuition fees for international students.
Yes, tuition fees in French universities are so affordable that a student can pay as low as 200 Euros per year.
Here is a list of 15 cheap universities in Paris for international students;
University of Paris
Jean Monnet University
Claude Bernard University
Blaise Pascal University
Henri Poincare University
Joseph Fourier University
Paris 13 University
Pierre and Marie Curie University
École Normale Superieure, Paris (ENS Paris)
Université Paris-Sud 11
Université Paris Descartes
Catholic University of Lyon
Université Paris Dauphine
Universite d’Orleans
Universite de Montpellier
Studying in France can be more economical for international students with its low tuition fee rate and cheap universities in Paris. Specifically, if you want to study any course related to business, France is a nice choice.
The country is a hub for international business and management education and has many business schools worldwide.
The cost of living in France is affordable. It is approximately €400 to €500 a month to cover the charge for food, clothing, books, transportation, etc.
An individual’s living cost depends on the location or town, lifestyle, and choice of transportation per time. Some of the major cities in France may cost a certain expense as follows;
Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month
Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month;
Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between and 800 – 1.000 EUR
Conclusion
There are some cheap universities in Paris and we have provided a list of some of the cheapest schools. Send in your applications and enjoy international education on a budget.
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