France is a fantastic country to visit and especially to study in because it has a long history of academic excellence and numerous historically renowned universities.

Although France is more than willing to accept international students, many are deterred by the idea of high tuition. 

Many people think that living and studying in France can be very expensive and therefore unaffordable, but this is not entirely true.

As an international student, you can complete your education without accruing excessive student debt as long as you apply to affordable French universities.

This article contains a list of the cheapest universities in France for international students and some other related information.

Requirements For Studying In France

Aspiring international students will need to submit their transcript of records, high school or college diploma, and application form in addition to these documents. 

Some requirements, like essays or interviews, may also be necessary depending on the program or university. 

Additionally, you must submit the results of an English proficiency test that is IELTS or TOEFL if you intend to enroll in a program that is based on English.

Is it Possible to Study In English At French Universities?

This is something that some universities offer; one such institution is the American University of Paris, where the majority of the courses are taught in English.

International students can also enroll in English-taught Master’s programs or take English-taught courses at the University of Bordeaux.

Cheapest Universities in France for International Students

1. Université Paris-Saclay

In the center of Paris, Paris-Saclay University is a public research institution with roots in the University of Paris, which was established in the year 1150.

It is recognized as one of France’s most prestigious universities and is particularly well-known for its Mathematics program. 

In addition, it grants degrees in the fields of sports science, pharmacy, law, economics, and management.

With an annual tuition cost of $206, Université Paris-Saclay is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students.

2. Aix-Marseille Université

The Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) was established in 1409 as the University of Provence and is situated in the stunning region of Southern France. 

This public university was created as a result of the merger of several different schools, just like many other institutions.

This French university currently offers courses in the following disciplines: health, science, technology, arts & literature, economics & management, and law & political science.

More than 68,000 students attend AMU, and 13% of them are international students from other countries.

Aix-Marseille Université has campuses or branches in Lambesc, Gap, Avignon, and Arles in addition to its main locations in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.

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3. Université d’Orléans

Located in France’s Orleans-la-Source, the University of Orleans is a public university, which was first founded in 1305 and then refounded in 1960.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas: the arts, languages, economics, humanities, social sciences, and technology. 

It has campuses in Orleans, Tours, Chartres, Bourges, Blois, Issoudun, and Châteauroux.

 The University of Orleans is one of France’s cheapest universities for international students.

4. Université Toulouse 1 Capitole

University Toulouse 1 Capitole, located in a historic town center in southwestern France, is one of the cheapest  French universities for international students. 

University Toulouse 1 Capitole is regarded as one of the successors of the University of Toulouse because it was founded in 1968.

The university, which has campuses in three different cities, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in information technology, political science, economics, communications, and management.

Currently, more than 21,000 students are studying on the UT1 main campus, both domestic and international students.

5. Université de Montpellier

In the heart of Southeast France, there is a research university called the University of Montpellier. 

The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world and was established in the year 1220.

The faculties of physical education, dentistry, economics, education, law, medicine, pharmacy, science, management, engineering, general administration, business administration, and technology are all available for enrollment at this low-cost university in France.

The University of Montpellier has a sizable student body of more than 39,000, making it one of France’s top universities.  

6. Nantes University

Nantes University was established in 1460 and is a multi-campus institution of higher learning in Nantes, France.

It has academic departments for law, pharmacy, dentistry, psychology, science, and technology. 

The student environment at Nantes University is incredibly ethnically diverse.

Along with a few other French universities, it was recently listed among the top 500 universities in the world and listed as one of the cheapest French universities for international students. 

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7. University of Strasbourg

In France’s Alsace region, there is a public university called the University of Strasbourg or Unistra. 

In addition to being a German-speaking institution, it was established in 1538 and came about as a result of the union of three universities: the Universities of Louis Pasteur, Marc Bloch, and Robert Schuman.

Currently, the university is divided into the departments of Arts & Language, Law & Economics, Social Science & Humanities, Science & Technology, and Health. 

One of the more ethnically diverse French universities is Unistra, which has over 47,700 students, 20% of whom are international students from other countries.

8. Université de Paris

The University of Paris, one of the institutions with roots in the University of Paris, which was founded in 1150, is one of the cheapest universities in France for international students. 

The University of Paris was finally re-established in 2017 after going through so many divisions and mergers.

The University still has three faculties: the faculties of health, science, and humanities & social science.

Given its distinguished past, the University of Paris is one of the most populated, with more than 63,000 total students.

Additionally, it has a strong international presence, with 18% of its students hailing from different countries.

9. University of Angers

One of the most affordable universities in France for international students is the University of Angers. 

There are over 22,000 students enrolled at the University of Angers, which was established in 1337.

By 1450, the university had colleges for law, theology, the arts, and medicine that drew both domestic and foreign students.

During the French Revolution, it was abolished, sharing the same fate as other universities, but this university is still a significant hub for academic and intellectual endeavors.

Several faculties can be found in this university and they include the Faculty of Medicine, founded in 1807 with the founding of the School of Medicine of Anger, the faculty of Science, and the University Centre for Sciences established in 1958. 

The faculty of Humanities was established in 1968 after the faculty of Law and Business Studies was founded in 1968, and the faculty of Technology was founded in 1966.

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10. Jean Monnet University

The Jean Monnet University, a public university in France with its main campus in Saint-Étienne, is one of the more affordable universities in France for international students.

It was founded in 1969, falls under the Academy of Lyon, and is a part of the recently formed administrative organization known as the University of Lyon, which unites various schools in Lyon and Saint-Étienne.

The main campus is in the Saint-Étienne neighborhood of Tréfilerie and it houses faculties for the humanities, law, medicine, engineering, economics and management, languages and literature, and the arts as well as the Maison de l’Université.

The campus at Metare, which is located in a less urbanized area of the city, is where students from the faculty of sciences and sports are educated.

Conclusion 

As an international student, now you know your university options in France without having to spend lots of money.

With the information provided in this article, you can now visit the university’s website and apply to the university of your choice.

Have a great day.