France 2016/17 - values of student fees

National student fee

The amount of annual fee fixed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research is EUR 184 in higher education short cycle and first cycle (L1, L2, L3) and EUR 256 in the second cycle (M1, M2). In addition, a fee of EUR 215 per year is charged to all students aged 20-28. These fees are related to the social security system. Some universities add associated costs related to specific services (e.g. for diplomas related to continuing learning and training).The fees can reach more than EUR 2 000 per year.

Fees in the grandes écoles and engineering schools vary, but the most common amount is EUR 610 per year – not including fees related to social security (EUR 215) and partnerships with universities. Tuition fees in some institutions reach up to EUR 10 000 per year, depending on family income. However, there are also grandes écoles which not only deliver education without charging fees, but may even pay some students (such students are prospective civil servants and receive a wage from the State), e.g. in école polytechnique and écoles normales supérieures.

Students who receive a grant (35.8 % of the student population in 2014/15) are exempted from fees.

Non-EU students pay the same fees as those from within the EU.