France’s rich academic heritage, history, and culture are well-known throughout the world. However, studying in France can turn out to be an expensive affair for you, especially if you are an international student. But there are also reasonably priced universities in the nation that might fit into your budget. In addition to being reasonably priced, attending these universities offers several advantages including the opportunity to learn from renowned academicians and business leaders and join a welcoming learning environment. The top ten reasonably priced universities that are regarded as the best for international students who wish to study in France are listed in this blog.
Top 10 Affordable French Universities for Foreign Students
Public universities in France are more reasonably priced than private and Grande Ecoles for students. For international students, the list of top French universities that are thought to be the most reasonably priced is provided below.
Grenoble Alpes University
University of Bordeaux
Aix-Marseille University
Paris- Saclay University
University of Strasbourg
University of Lyon
University of Lille
University of Burgundy
University of Orleans
University of Montpellier
Let’s examine the factors that contribute to these universities popularity with foreign students hoping to study in France.
1. Grenoble Alpes University
If you’re interested in joining an academic institution that has been in existence since 1339 you should research Grenoble Alpes University. This significant public university is also France’s third-largest university. As the university is located in Grenoble which has a lower cost of living than other French cities it is an affordable option for international students.
Its most popular courses include Nanosciences, International Business, Management, Economics and Electrical Engineering. While filling out the online application form for enrolling in a course here, you must submit a CV, LOR, and a Cover letter, outlining your interest in studying a particular program at the university.
Tuition Fees- €243 for EU students and €3770 for non-EU student.
2. University of Bordeaux
The Initiative of Excellence designation was bestowed upon the University of Bordeaux upon its founding in 1441. The southwest French city of Bourdeaux is where it is situated. With cheaper living costs than other cities like Paris and Nice Bordeaux is the best place to study if you want to pursue higher education in the domains of science, engineering, or business. The Bourdeaux has two research centers for Neuroscience and Computer Science and three faculties:
Law, Political Science, Economics and Management
Health Sciences
Human Sciences
Law, forestry, agriculture, mathematics, natural sciences, hospitality leisure, and sports are among the fields in which the university offers some of the best programs. Students must write a personal statement outlining why they want to take a particular course at the university and how it will advance their career goals to apply here. To help you write efficiently, based on the university requirements, you can get in touch with professional SOP writers or online SOP writers .
Tuition Fees-
Non-EU students – € 2,850 per year for Bachelor’s and Vocational bachelor’s programs, and €3,879 per year for Master’s programs.
EU students- €175 per year for Bachelor’s and Vocational bachelor’s programs, and €250 per year for Master’s programs.
3. Aix Marseille University (AMU)
Aix Marseille University was formed in 2012. It teaches some of the best courses in business and management, computer science, engineering and technology, mathematics and the natural sciences nursing, rehabilitation sciences, social sciences, and life sciences. As part of its application process, students must submit a CV, a Motivation Letter stating what and why they wish to study at AMU, and 1 LOR in French or English.
Tuition Fees- € 2850 per year for a Bachelor’s degree and €3879 per year for a Master’s degree.
4. Paris-Saclay University
The Paris Saclay University was created in 2019. Sports, Sciences, Law-Economics-Management Pharmacy, and Medicine are its five faculties. It also has an Engineering school, three technical institutes, & an undergraduate university school. Cell biology biotechnology, applied microbiology biology, biochemistry and agricultural sciences are among the popular courses it offers.
Tuition fees at Paris-Saclay University are equal for locals and foreigners, starting from USD 253 per year.
5. University of Strasbourg
The intellectual movement of the 16th century was led by the University of Strasbourg which was constructed in 1538. It’s one of France’s most prestigious public research universities. Research in the domains of political science and life sciences has earned it special recognition. It provides a range of degree programs in economics, management, languages, literature, the arts, and law.
Tuition fees for foreign students are the same as those for French students and are usually less than €600 per academic year. While applying for a master’s program here, you need to pay keen attention to the way you write your letter of motivation, LORs, and resume.
6. University of Lyon
The next university we will talk about was established in 1896 and is called the University of Lyon. One of France’s most student-friendly cities with a low cost of living, Lyon is known as the “capital of gastronomy.” Health, mathematics, information technology, physics, chemistry, life sciences, and earth and space sciences are among the fields in which the University of Lyon is renowned. If you are applying for a Master’s program, the university looks closely at your profile, particularly your cover letter and resume.
Tuition Fees – For EU students- €170 to €243, and for non-EU students- €2,770 per year.
7. University of Lille
One of the biggest French-speaking universities in the world, the University of Lille is well-known for its lively student body and rich cultural scene. It was established in 1854 as a result of the union of three French academic institutions. It offers courses in six major domains:
Arts, Literature, and Languages
Law, economics, and management
Health
Humanities and Social Sciences
Sports
Science and Technology
Its application requirements are similar to the other universities we have discussed so far. But if you’re applying to the University of Lilles’ PhD program you need to send in a CV or resume a cover letter and a list of at least three references.
Tuition Fees- € 3000 – € 10,500
8. University of Burgundy
Founded in 1722, a public university that is quite popular is the University of Burgundy. It is a public university, particularly known for its high-quality teaching and research in the field of law, humanities, and social sciences. It teaches the best courses such as intercultural management, microbiology, arts, and cultural management, vision and robotics, international management, and sustainability. To apply at this university, you need to submit a resume, along with a LOR.
Tuition Fees- €175 for a Bachelor’s program, €250 for a Master’s program, €618 for an Engineer’s diploma, and €3,500 per year for some of the English-taught programs.
9. University of Orleans
After its predecessor was closed, the current University of Orleans came into being in 1960. In 2015, it became a member of the regional university association, called the Leonardo da Vinci Consolidated University. It is organized into three Teaching, and Research divisions:
Law, Economics, and Management
Literature, Languages, and Human Sciences
Science and Technology
Apart from this, the university also has several technological institutes, engineering, and kinesiology schools, one Science of the Universe Observatory, and one National Higher Institute of Teaching, and Education. It offers some of the best programs in Marketing, Engineering, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts, Business Management, Biology, and Biomedical Sciences.
Based on the program you have chosen, you might be asked to submit 1-2 academic LORs, and a personal statement/ essay, highlighting your interest in studying at the University of Orleans, and how that is likely to benefit you in the future. To write in a manner, that impresses the admission authorities, it is always better to get in touch with professional SOP and LOR writers.
Average Annual Tuition Cost- $4,480/-
10. University of Montpellier
T he University of Montpellier was established in 1220. It is currently separated into two academic institutions. It is located in the city of Montpellier, which is famous for its rich history and is a primary center for being acquainted with the French language, literature, and culture.
It is a public research university that offers some of the best courses in economics, health, medicine, law, and the sciences. The requirements for your application may vary depending on the program you are applying for but generally speaking, you will need to send in a resume and a letter of motivation.
Tuition Fees- € 170 for a Bachelor’s degree, €243 for a Master’s degree, €601 for an Engineering degree, and €380 for a Doctorate.
Application Requirements for Studying in France
Depending on the degree and course you are applying for some universities may require students to submit particular documents. However, the most common documents that you will asked to submit are as follows:
A copy of the university application form , in which you have filled in all the required details, correctly.
Academic transcripts and high-school leaving certificate from an accredited educational institute.
Some French universities may request your competitive exam results from the GRE or GMAT to assess your logical and problem-solving skills.
Academic documents like a resume, Cover Letter, Motivation Letter, SOP, and LOR, which speak about what motivated you to study a specific program at a university in France, and how that will play a pivotal role in your future aspirations, and career plans. To write as per the nuances of university writing, contact experienced study abroad consultants who provide top-notch SOP and LOR writing services.
English language proficiency test scores in exams like IELTS or TOEFL , and for French , we have language language proficiency tests like the DALF DELF TEF or TCF .
Financial Proof – This proves that you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses tuition travel expenses and other expenses.
A valid passport and a Student visa for France , bearing your correct initials.
Conclusion
By being home to many reputed educational institutions, France can cater to the needs of several international students, who are on the lookout for a university that is affordable, and at the same time, provides high-quality education. As you saw above, French universities place a great amount of emphasis on the way you present yourself while applying, due to which you have to be very careful with the way you write an SOP, LOR, resume, cover letter, motivation letter, etc.
Such academic documents have a huge impact on your chances of getting admission into these reputed universities. Be it finding the best affordable universities, or anything to do with the application process, getting guidance from study abroad consultants , is most likely to ease your concerns. At, Contentholic we have been rewarded for our excellent career counseling , and SOP and LOR writing services. So, if you also wish to study in France , do reach out to us.
