FRA9 · 31/08/2026 · Study & live in France
France university fees for international students in 2026
What changes on 1 September, who may be affected and how to rebuild the budget before enrolment.
See the essentials at a glance
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key points: 2 902 € · 3 950 € · CVEC 105 € · Exemptions
What changes for the 2026 intake
From the 2026-27 academic year, public universities have less freedom to exempt non-EU international students from differentiated tuition fees. This does not mean every international student automatically pays the highest figure: nationality, legal status, institution, exchange agreements and an exemption already granted can all change the outcome.
The figures that matter
For 2026-27, differentiated tuition is €2,902 a year for a licence-level national degree and €3,950 for a master, compared with national rates of €178 and €255. The CVEC campus contribution is €105 for students who must pay it and belongs in the enrolment budget.
Who is treated differently?
Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland are not subject to the differentiated fees. Other exceptions may apply through status, international protection, institutional agreements or personal circumstances. Confirm the individual case with the university rather than relying on a general estimate.
Exemptions are more tightly limited
For 2026-27, the general ceiling for international students a university may exempt is 30%, falling to 25% in 2027-28 and ultimately 20%. Some legally defined groups sit outside that limit. Exemptions may be full or partial.
Existing exemptions
Students exempted in 2025-26 normally retain that benefit until the end of the corresponding study cycle when they continue at the institution concerned. Exemptions for 2026-27 granted before the decree took effect also remain valid. Ask the enrolment office for written confirmation.
Rebuild the budget calmly
Separate five lines: tuition, CVEC, visa and administration, housing, then living costs. Ask the institution for the exact fee, exemption decision and payment calendar before committing. Never pay an intermediary that is not part of the official procedure.
The FRA9 checklist
Confirm the nationality and status used, the national degree, the institution’s published fee, any exemption, CVEC, Campus France deadlines and the financial evidence required for the visa. The only useful total is the one the university confirms for your exact file.
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Publication team: FRA9 · Editorial lead: Pınar Mehmet
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