Study in France 2027 – Tuition Fees for Indian Students

What Changed in France's Tuition Fees

France's Higher Education Ministry made differentiated fees mandatory for non-EU students starting the 2026-27 academic year. Before this, most universities voluntarily charged everyone the same low rate.

• Bachelor's degree: €2,895 per year for non-EU students, compared to €178 for EU and French students.
• Master's degree: €3,941 per year for non-EU students, compared to €254 for EU and French students.
• Engineering programs: €630 per year, except at Écoles Centrales and Mines Nancy, where it's €2,620.
• Doctoral (PhD) programs: Not affected by these differentiated fees at all.

Private Institutions and Business Schools

If you're eyeing a Grande École or private business school, budget differently.

• Private institutions, especially business schools, typically charge €6,000 to €18,000 per year.
• These schools set tuition independently and were never tied to the public university rate change.
• Grandes Écoles can range even higher depending on prestige and specialisation.

Why Indian Students Should Still Consider France

Even with the new fees, tuition fees in France remain lower than the UK, US, or Australia for comparable degrees.

• France still hosts over 400,000 international students, with a national target of 500,000 by 2027.
• The country aims to grow Indian student enrollment to 30,000 by 2030, up from around 9,100 in 2024-25.
• Students already enrolled before the fee change keep their original rate for the rest of their degree.

Planning Your Budget for 2027

• Confirm whether your target university falls under the new differentiated fee structure or an exempted category.
• Factor in living costs separately, since tuition doesn't cover housing, food, or health insurance.
• Check scholarship options early, since several waivers were grandfathered in before the May 2026 decree.

Before locking in a university, it also helps to understand the student visa process, since your Campus France application and tuition payment timelines are closely linked. Our guide on France Student Visa 2027 – Documents & Process for Indian Applicants walks through the full sequence.

Final Thoughts

The days of France being an almost-free study destination are over, but it's still a strong value option compared to other major countries. Budget around the new fee bands, and confirm exact numbers directly with your shortlisted university before applying.

FAQs

How much does it cost to study in France in 2027 as an Indian student?

Non-EU students pay €2,895 per year for a Bachelor's and €3,941 for a Master's at public universities, plus separate living costs.

Did France increase tuition fees for international students?

Yes. Starting September 2026, differentiated fees became mandatory for most non-EU students at public institutions under the authority of the Higher Education Ministry.

Are engineering programs cheaper than other degrees in France?

Yes, most engineering programs cost €630 per year, though Écoles Centrales and Mines Nancy charge €2,620 per year instead.

Resources

• Campus France: Tuition Fees in France
• Service-Public.fr: Tuition Fee Increase for Non-European Students