France to raise tuition fees for non-EU students from 2026

The French government has officially confirmed a major policy shift that will end the era of low-cost public education for many international students. Starting in the 2026–2027 academic year, France will mandate significantly higher tuition fees for most non-EU/EEA students.

This move marks the transition from "optional" to "mandatory" differentiated fees, effectively removing the autonomy public universities previously had to waive these costs.

The New Fee Structure
Under the new regulations, non-EU students enrolling in public universities will face the following annual costs:

Bachelor’s (Licence) €178 €2,895

Master’s €254 €3,941

Doctorate (PhD) €391 Likely €3,805 (to be finalized)

The End of Waivers: Previously, many French universities (like those in Clermont-Ferrand or Nantes) chose to waive the "differentiated fees" introduced in 2019, charging international students the same low rates as locals. From September 2026, this flexibility ends; "differentiated fees are now the rule, and exemptions are the exception."

Limited Exemptions: Only up to 10% of international students will be eligible for fee waivers based on specific criteria (such as extreme financial hardship or bilateral agreements).

Scholarship Realignment: The government plans to redirect 60% of available scholarships toward "priority fields." If you are studying AI, Green Tech, Quantum Computing, or Biotechnology, you have a higher chance of securing funding.

Housing Aid Cuts (APL): In a secondary blow, the 2026 Finance Bill stipulates that starting July 1, 2026, non-EU students without an official government scholarship will no longer be eligible for APL (housing aid), which currently helps students save €100–€250 on monthly rent.

Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste stated that the reform aims to:

Improve Quality: Reinvest the additional revenue into university infrastructure and modernizing facilities.

Global Standing: Align France with other top study destinations (like the UK or Netherlands) where international fees are standardized.

Targeted Recruitment: Prioritize students in high-tech sectors that are critical to France's future economy.

What This Means for You
If you are planning to apply for the 2026 intake, you must significantly adjust your financial planning. The combined loss of low tuition and housing subsidies could increase the annual cost of studying in France by €4,000 to €6,000.

Existing students already enrolled before 2026 are typically "grandfathered" into their current rates, but new applicants or those changing degree levels (e.g., moving from a Bachelor's to a Master's) will likely be subject to the new pricing.