Cheapest Universities in France with Tuition Fees
France is a European country, located towards the Western region of the continent’s capital at Paris, which is best known for its fashion houses and astonishing structures. The country boasts of a 99% literacy rate, with her national university being ranked as the world’s oldest university. It’s a wealthy high-income nation with a thriving economy.
- University of Paris – Paclay
Year of establishment – 1150
Location – Paris
Average Tuition Fees – $206
Website – https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr
Is a government-owned university, the oldest research and cheapest university best specialization in mathematics programs, and others in sports, sciences, medicine, pharmacy, etc.
- Toulouse 1 University of Capitole
Year of establishment – 1968
Location – Toulouse
Average Tuition Fees – $210
Website – https://www.ut-capitole.fr
This is a government-owned university with a main campus in Toulouse 1, and others at Rides and Montauban. It offers various degrees in Law, Economics, Political Sciences, etc.
- Nantes University
Year of establishment – 1460
Location – Nantes
Average Tuition Fees – $217
Website – univ-nantes.fr
This is one of the cheapest and most ancient universities that also ranks below the 500 best universities globally and boasts of high academic records over the years.
- University of Strasbourg
Year of establishment – 1538
Location – Alsace
Average Tuition Fees – $225
Website – https://en.unistra.fr
This is a government-owned German-speaking university formed from 3 universities which are Marc Bloch university, Louis Pasteur University, and Schumann university. It’s one of the best for international students as a good number are admitted annually.
- University of Paris
Year of establishment – 2017
Location – Paris
Average Tuition Fees – $310
Website – https://u-paris.fr
This is a newly organized university but has its history tied to France established the university of Paris in 1150. It has 3 faculties including Social Sciences, Humanities, and Health sciences
What these tuition figures actually cover
The fees listed above are tuition only. They exclude accommodation, feeding, health insurance, textbooks, local transport and visa costs. When budgeting, treat tuition as roughly half of what a year will genuinely cost you.
France uses the euro (EUR). Public universities charge heavily subsidised tuition even for international students, which is why France appears so affordable. The main consideration is language: most undergraduate teaching is in French, though English-taught Master’s programmes are increasingly common.
Budgeting realistically as a Nigerian student
Work out the full picture before committing:
- Tuition — confirm the current figure directly with the institution, as published figures date quickly
- Accommodation — on-campus housing is usually cheaper than private rental
- Feeding and daily living
- Health insurance — typically mandatory for international students
- Flights — direct routes run from Lagos to Paris
- Visa and immigration fees
- Proof of funds — you will usually need to show you can support yourself for the full period of study
Entry requirements to expect
Requirements vary by institution and programme, but international applicants are generally asked for:
- WAEC, NECO or equivalent secondary certificates for undergraduate entry
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts for postgraduate entry
- A valid international passport
- Proof of financial capacity
- Academic references
On English tests: French public universities teach mainly in French at undergraduate level, requiring a certificate such as DELF or DALF. Many Master’s and business school programmes are taught in English and accept IELTS or TOEFL. Confirm the language of instruction for your exact programme.
How to apply
- Shortlist two or three institutions from the list above and confirm they are accredited and offer your programme.
- Contact admissions directly and request the current international student fee schedule. Do not rely on figures from any third-party site, including this one, without confirming.
- Ask about English test requirements for Nigerian applicants specifically.
- Prepare documents early — transcript and certificate collection routinely takes weeks in Nigeria.
- Apply, then begin the student visa process once you receive an offer letter.
- Arrange proof of funds in the format the immigration authority requires.
Working while studying
Student visa holders in the EU are generally permitted limited working hours during term time, with conditions set by national immigration law. Limits are enforced strictly. Confirm your exact entitlement with the university’s international office and never work outside your permit terms.
Is France the right choice for you?
France suits you if you either have French proficiency or are targeting one of the growing number of English-taught Master’s programmes. Public tuition is genuinely low, and the qualification carries strong international recognition.
Be clear-eyed about one thing: a low tuition fee is not the same as an affordable degree. Once flights, living costs and visa expenses are counted, self-funding is rarely cheaper than a fully funded scholarship, where tuition, accommodation and travel are all covered and you pay nothing.
If cost is your priority rather than location, apply to funded programmes in parallel:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — fully funded Master’s in Canada, including flights and a laptop
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded UK Master’s for Nigerians
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship — fully funded Master’s in Germany
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — fully funded doctoral study in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in France?
Yes. French universities admit Nigerian students. Applications for many programmes go through the Campus France process, which you should start well ahead of deadlines.
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
For most undergraduate programmes, yes. For English-taught Master’s programmes and many business schools, no. Confirm the language of instruction before applying, and budget time for a language certificate if French is required.
Is France cheaper than studying elsewhere?
Public university tuition in France is among the lowest in Western Europe. Living costs, particularly in Paris, are where the real expense lies.
Are these tuition fees current?
Fees change regularly. Treat the figures above as a comparison guide only and confirm current rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Always verify tuition, entry requirements and visa rules directly with the institution and the relevant immigration authority before applying or making payment.