France is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international students pursuing a Master’s degree. Known for its academic excellence, cultural richness, and government-subsidized education system, France offers high-quality degrees at a fraction of the cost charged in many other countries. Even better, many public universities have low or no application fees, and several scholarship programs make it possible to study with minimal financial burden.
In this guide, you’ll
discover 10 French universities with
accessible application processes, along with scholarship opportunities
and practical tips to help you study in France affordably.
Why Study in France for a Master’s Degree?
France hosts some
of the world’s oldest and most respected universities and research
institutions. As a member of the European Union, French degrees are globally recognized, and graduates enjoy
strong employability across Europe and beyond.
Key Reasons to Choose France
·
Very low
tuition fees at public universities
·
Increasing number of English-taught Master’s programs
·
Government and university scholarships for international students
·
Central location in Europe with excellent travel
connections
·
Strong research, innovation, and industry
partnerships
Public university
tuition for Master’s programs is often under
€300 per year, plus a small student contribution fee, making France
one of the most affordable study destinations in Western Europe.
10 Universities in France with Low Application Fees
Below are ten
reputable French universities where international students can apply for
Master’s programs through official platforms with minimal costs.
1. Université Paris-Saclay
Université
Paris-Saclay is one of France’s top research universities, particularly strong
in science, engineering, and technology. It offers many English-taught Master’s
programs and clear admission pathways for international students.
Why apply: Global rankings, strong
research funding, and international scholarships.
2. Université Paris Cité
Formed from the
merger of several Paris institutions, Université Paris Cité offers Master’s
programs in health sciences, social sciences, law, and engineering.
Application note: International students
apply either through Campus France or the university’s own portal, depending on
their country.
3. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University
is world-famous for humanities, sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. It
offers both French- and English-taught Master’s programs with competitive
admissions.
Why it’s great: Strong academic reputation
and extensive international networks.
4. Université Grenoble Alpes
Located in one of
France’s leading innovation hubs, Université Grenoble Alpes excels in
engineering, physics, IT, and environmental sciences.
Bonus: Close collaboration with research
centers and international industries.
5. University of Rennes
The University of
Rennes offers diverse Master’s programs in science, health, economics, and
social sciences.
Why apply: Affordable tuition,
student-friendly city, and growing number of English-taught programs.
6. University of Angers
Known for its
welcoming international environment, the University of Angers provides Master’s
programs in law, economics, science, and humanities.
Lifestyle advantage: Lower living costs
compared to Paris.
7. Le Mans University
Le Mans University
offers affordable Master’s degrees in engineering, acoustics, humanities, and
social sciences.
Why it stands out: Small class sizes and
personalized academic support.
8. University of Orléans
The University of
Orléans provides accessible Master’s programs with a focus on science,
technology, and business studies.
Location benefit: Close to Paris with
significantly lower living costs.
9. Université de Montpellier
One of Europe’s
oldest universities, Montpellier is highly regarded in medicine, science, and
engineering.
International appeal: Large
international student community and strong research reputation.
10. Sciences Po (Public Track &
Scholarships)
While Sciences Po
has higher tuition than standard public universities, it offers generous
scholarships that make it accessible to international Master’s students.
Why apply: Elite education in political
science, economics, and international relations.
Scholarships to Study in France for Free or at Low Cost
Applying to low-cost universities is only the
first step. France offers several major scholarship options for Master’s
students.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Funded by the French government, this
prestigious scholarship covers:
·
Monthly stipend
·
Tuition support
·
Travel and health insurance
It is available for selected Master’s
programs, with nomination required by the university.
Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
These scholarships provide up to €10,000 per year, plus travel allowances
for top international students.
Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po)
Designed for non-EU students, this scholarship
can cover partial or full tuition fees and, in some cases, living costs.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
These fully funded programs allow students to
study in multiple European countries, including France, with:
·
Full tuition coverage
·
Monthly stipend
·
Travel and insurance support
How to Apply: Important Platforms
Most international Master’s applications in
France are processed through official systems:
·
Études en
France (Campus France): For students applying from most non-EU
countries
·
Mon Master
Platform: Used mainly by EU residents and some international
applicants
Always check which platform applies to your
country and chosen university.
Tips for a Successful Application
1.
Apply Early:
Deadlines often fall between December and March.
2.
Prepare Strong
Documents: Motivation letters and academic transcripts are crucial.
3.
Check Language
Requirements: Many programs do not require IELTS if prior education
was in English.
4.
Track Scholarship
Deadlines: These are often earlier than admission deadlines.
Final Thoughts
France offers one
of the best combinations of academic
quality, affordability, and scholarship opportunities in Europe. With
very low tuition at public universities, numerous English-taught Master’s programs,
and generous government and university scholarships, studying in France is
achievable even on a limited budget.
From elite
institutions like Sorbonne University and Université Paris-Saclay to affordable
regional universities such as Angers, Rennes, and Orléans, France provides
diverse pathways to earn a globally respected Master’s degree without excessive
financial stress.
If you are seeking
a European Master’s degree with high
value and low cost, France should be at the top of your study-abroad list.