Is it really free to study in France? Not quite. Public universities charge low, State-regulated fees, but non-EU students pay higher “differentiated” fees, most public programmes are taught in French, and you still need to cover living costs. Here is how fees really work in 2027, and where English-taught options fit.
Public universities: low fees, but not free
French public universities charge registration fees set every year by the State. Students from the EU and EEA pay the same fees as French students, a few hundred euros a year. Since 2019, most students from outside the EU pay “differentiated” fees, roughly €2,900 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,900 for a master’s at 2024–25 rates. Many universities grant partial or full exemptions, so always check the fees of the specific programme.
On top of tuition, every student pays the CVEC, an annual student life contribution of around one hundred euros.
The catch: language, selection and places
- Language: most public bachelor’s and master’s programmes are taught in French and require a B2 or C1 level.
- Selection: English-taught public master’s programmes are few and very competitive.
- Calendar: public universities usually admit students once a year, in September.
Fees by type of institution
| Institution | Typical fees per year | Language | Intakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public university | Low, State-regulated (higher for non-EU) | Mostly French | September |
| Grande école (engineering or business) | Several thousand to over €15,000 | French or English | Mostly September |
| Private specialised school | Varies widely | French or English | Often several a year |
| AI2 (applied AI school) | Bachelor from €9,000, MSc from €10,500 after scholarship | English | January, May, September |
Living costs are the real budget
Whether tuition is low or not, you need to fund rent, food and transport, and show sufficient resources for your student visa. Our cost of studying AI in France guide details a realistic monthly budget in the Paris region.
How to reduce the cost of studying in France
Apply for scholarships: the French government’s Eiffel programme for master’s students, country programmes such as Charpak for India, and school scholarships such as the AI2 scholarship.
Work up to 964 hours a year with your student residence permit; see working while studying in France.
Choose an intake that avoids a gap year: January and May intakes exist at some schools.
Consider a shorter route: an 11-month Fast-Track after a four-year degree.
Studying AI in English in France
If your goal is an AI career and you do not speak French, an English-taught applied programme is often the most direct route. AI2’s MSc Applied AI and Data Science and Bachelor in Applied AI are taught in English near Paris and prepare State-registered qualifications at RNCP levels 6 and 7.
Funding your studies: compare all scholarships in France for international students (Eiffel, embassy programmes, Erasmus Mundus, school scholarships).
Finding a place to live: read student accommodation in Paris for international students (options, rent, CAF aid, Visale).
Free resources and professional AI training
From the AI2 school website: free tools, quizzes and a free bootcamp to start learning before your programme.
Free 5-day AI bootcamp by email
One short lesson a day on prompts, automation and AI jobs, with templates you can reuse.
AI prompt generator
Turn a task into a clear, structured prompt for ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.
Frequently asked questions
Is education free in France for international students?
No. Public universities charge low, State-regulated fees, but non-EU students generally pay higher differentiated fees, and every student pays the CVEC and living costs.
How much do non-EU students pay at a French public university?
At 2024–25 rates, roughly €2,900 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,900 for a master’s, unless the university grants an exemption. Fees are updated every year.
Can I study in France in English for free?
English-taught public programmes exist but are limited and competitive. Most English-taught programmes, including at private schools, charge tuition.
How much does AI2 cost?
The Bachelor in Applied AI starts from €9,000 a year and the MSc from €10,500 a year after the AI2 scholarship. The 11-month Fast-Track costs €11,000.
Can I work to pay for my studies?
Yes. A student residence permit allows up to 964 hours of paid work a year, about 20 hours a week.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
