How do you qualify for a Masters in France?

To qualify for a master's programme in France, you need a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. Most programmes require a minimum of three years of undergraduate study. Additionally, you should have a strong academic record and meet any specific prerequisites for your chosen field. Some programmes may require standardised test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, though this is less common. Proficiency in French or English, depending on the language of instruction, is also essential. For detailed information on application requirements, visit the top universities in France and check their individual admission criteria.

What are the top universities in France?

France is home to several world-renowned universities that offer high-quality, affordable master's degrees. Among the top institutions are Université PSL, Paris-Saclay University, and Sorbonne University. These universities are not only known for their academic excellence but also for their budget-friendly tuition fees, often under €2,500 per year. They offer a wide range of programmes across various disciplines, making them attractive options for international students seeking cheap masters in France. For a comprehensive list and detailed rankings, explore the top universities in France.

Why are master's degrees so affordable in France?

Master's degrees in France are remarkably affordable due to significant government funding and subsidies. The French government heavily invests in higher education to make it accessible to all students, including international ones. This results in low-cost tuition fees, often under €2,500 per year for most programmes. Additionally, the economic structure in France supports these low fees, ensuring that quality education remains affordable. This makes France an attractive destination for students seeking economical master's degrees without compromising on quality.

What are the language requirements for cheap master's degrees in France?

Language requirements for affordable master's degrees in France vary depending on the programme and university. Most programmes offered in English require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. For programmes taught in French, you need to demonstrate French language skills, typically through DELF or DALF certifications. Some universities may offer preparatory language courses to help you meet these requirements. It's essential to check the specific language prerequisites for your chosen programme to ensure you meet the criteria for admission.

Can I study part-time while studying in France?

Yes, international students in France are allowed to work part-time while pursuing their studies. You can work up to 964 hours per academic year, which translates to approximately 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This flexibility allows you to gain work experience and support your living expenses. However, it's important to balance work with your academic responsibilities to ensure you maintain good standing in your programme. Always check the specific regulations and limitations set by your university and the French authorities.

Are there hidden costs beyond tuition for affordable programmes in France?

While tuition fees for master's degrees in France are low, there are additional costs to consider. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance, can vary depending on the city you choose to study in. On average, students should budget between €600 to €1,000 per month for living costs. Additionally, there may be application fees, visa processing fees, and costs associated with obtaining necessary documentation. It's important to plan ahead and consider these hidden costs to ensure a smooth transition to studying in France.

AffordableFrance

179 Affordable Master's degrees in France

When considering an affordable master's degree, it's essential to understand what qualifies as 'affordable'. In our system, any master's programme with tuition fees ranging from 0 to 2,500 euros per year is considered affordable. France stands out as an excellent destination for international students seeking budget-friendly master's programmes. In France, affordable master's programmes can start from €0, meaning tuition-free education is available. This makes France incredibly appealing for cost-conscious students. With many top universities in France offering programmes within this affordable range, international students can pursue high-quality education without the burden of exorbitant tuition fees. Whether you're looking for a cheap master's in France or an affordable master degree in France, you'll find numerous options that fit your budget. Explore the top universities in France to discover affordable programmes that suit your academic and financial needs.

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M1 Parisian Research Master in Computer Science

The M1 Parisian Research Master in Computer Science (MPRI) at Paris-Saclay University is a prestigious degree programme designed for those pursuing advanced studies. This master's programme typically spans one year, focusing on theoretical foundations and research methodologies in computer science, and is offered in both English and French.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

International Track in France, site Evry

International Track in France, site Evry degree at Paris-Saclay University combines a Master 1 program for English-speaking students with any of the international M2 programs offered by the Master of Life Science and Health.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

Sorbonne University4,1(50)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Technological Innovation in Health

Technological Innovation in Health at Sorbonne University takes a transdisciplinary approach to biomedical engineering. Working in teams, students learn to combine different technologies to solve real-life health challenges. Their “active learning” and practical work are carried out in two universities.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$298/yr

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon3,7(11)

Lyon, France Top 2% in Worldwide

Migration Studies

The Migration Studies program is a Master’s 2 program from École Normale Supérieure de Lyon offering a multidisciplinary approach to the migratory phenomenon, combining the contributions of the human and social sciences (economics, geography, history, political science, sociology) and legal sciences.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

Sorbonne University4,1(50)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Digital International Program

The Digital International Program (DIGIT) at Sorbonne University enables outstanding international students to create a custom curriculum that covers the central themes of Sorbonne University’s computer science master’s programs, such as Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, Computer Networks and Security.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

Paris-Saclay Superior Normal School4,0(38)

Gif-sur-Yvette, France

Physics

The aim of the Master of Physics at Paris-Saclay Superior Normal School is to provide students with an outstanding education in experimental and theoretical physics that draws on the broad spectrum of research themes.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

Université PSL4,0(6)

Paris, France Top 3% in Worldwide

Cognitive Science

The Cognitive Science programme from Université PSL offers an interdisciplinary education, and is open to all students, whether they have previously studied in the sciences or the humanities.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$298/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Large Scale Accelerators and Lasers

The Large Scale Accelerators and Lasers master from Paris-Saclay University aims at training experts in the most advanced experimental and theoretical tools and concepts in accelerators, high power lasers and associated advanced sources, as well as in their applications for science and society.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

University of Siegen4,4(89)

Orléans, France +4 Top 5% in Worldwide

European Master on Embedded Intelligence Nanosystems Engineering (EMINENT)

The EMINENT master’s programme provides students with such a holistic education in embedded intelligence nanosystems engineering. It combines advanced training starting from the nanoscale material and device technology to the computing architectures of intelligent sensing elements, including the perspectives of macroscale integrated systems and meaningful IoT application areas.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 yearsFree

Sorbonne University4,1(50)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Bioinformatics and Modeling

We offer a master degree in Bioinformatics and Modeling at Sorbonne University. The current challenges of biology and medicine generate new needs at the interface with computer science and mathematics: analysis of complex data, in-depth modeling tools.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

Toulouse School of Management (TSM)4,2(10)

Toulouse, France

Corporate Finance (double degree)

The Corporate Finance (double degree) program at Toulouse School of Management (TSM) is a degree of excellence that gives a double competence in corporate finance and banking. Thanks to this programme, students gradually build a professional project in finance in an international context.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$2,929/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M1 Sport Sciences for Health and Performance

The objective of this M1 Sport Sciences for Health and Performance at Paris-Saclay University is to facilitate the acquisition of basic knowledge and scientific skills in the fields of Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology and Neuroscience applied to human movement.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M1 Molecular Nano Bio Photonics

This international M1 Molecular Nano Bio Photonics Master at Paris-Saclay University is based on the theoretical foundations and the experimental aspects of photonics, in interface with other disciplines (chemistry, biology, electronics).

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

University Paris Cité4,2(56)

Paris, France Top 1% in Worldwide

Economic Policies for the Global Transition

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Economic Policies for the Global Transition from University Paris Cité of is a world-class two-year integrated Master’s program supported by the European Commission. It is tailored to addressing future challenges.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

University Paris Cité4,2(56)

Paris, France Top 1% in Worldwide

Film Studies

This Film Studies degree at University Paris Cité combines film studies and Anglophone studies. It offers a top-notch training that aims at developing whether in French or in English, target skills in film studies (history, aesthetic, terminology) as well as skills in culture and visual arts (photography, television, new media…).

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

University Paris Cité4,2(56)

Paris, France Top 1% in Worldwide

Comparative Effectiveness in Research

This is a unique opportunity for students to get a specialised degree in Comparative Effectiveness in Research, a first of its kind in Europe, offered by top-level professors coming from the Amsterdam University, the Danube University, the Ioannina University, the Oxford University, the University of Paris, the Queen’s University Belfast, the Utrecht University, and the York University.

M.P.H. Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

Université PSL4,0(6)

Paris, France Top 3% in Worldwide

Physics

The Physics programme at Université PSL provides a thorough understanding of the theoretical and experimental basis of Fundamental Physics.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$298/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M1 Energy - International Track

The general aim of the M1 Energy - International Track at Paris-Saclay University is to provide the scientific background required in the field of energy (transport phenomena, chemical engineering, materials, reactive media, treatment and conversion of electrical energy).

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

1 year$293/yr

Sorbonne University4,1(50)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

From Fundamental Molecular Biosciences to Biotherapies

This From Fundamental Molecular Biosciences to Biotherapies programme is offered at Sorbonne University. Biotherapy refers to the use of molecules from living organisms to treat diseases by performing procedures such as cell and tissue therapy, gene therapy and therapies using human molecules synthesized by eukaryotic cells or bacteria, like antibodies and bioactive proteins.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

University Paris Cité4,2(56)

Paris, France Top 1% in Worldwide

Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering and Innovation in Neuroscience

The Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering and Innovation in Neuroscience programme at University Paris Cité is designed to provide a 2-year education program in the field of bioengineering, at the crossroad of biomedical and engineering science.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$293/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify for a master's programme in France, you need a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. Most programmes require a minimum of three years of undergraduate study. Additionally, you should have a strong academic record and meet any specific prerequisites for your chosen field. Some programmes may require standardised test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, though this is less common. Proficiency in French or English, depending on the language of instruction, is also essential. For detailed information on application requirements, visit the top universities in France and check their individual admission criteria.
France is home to several world-renowned universities that offer high-quality, affordable master's degrees. Among the top institutions are Université PSL, Paris-Saclay University, and Sorbonne University. These universities are not only known for their academic excellence but also for their budget-friendly tuition fees, often under €2,500 per year. They offer a wide range of programmes across various disciplines, making them attractive options for international students seeking cheap masters in France. For a comprehensive list and detailed rankings, explore the top universities in France.
Master's degrees in France are remarkably affordable due to significant government funding and subsidies. The French government heavily invests in higher education to make it accessible to all students, including international ones. This results in low-cost tuition fees, often under €2,500 per year for most programmes. Additionally, the economic structure in France supports these low fees, ensuring that quality education remains affordable. This makes France an attractive destination for students seeking economical master's degrees without compromising on quality.
Language requirements for affordable master's degrees in France vary depending on the programme and university. Most programmes offered in English require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. For programmes taught in French, you need to demonstrate French language skills, typically through DELF or DALF certifications. Some universities may offer preparatory language courses to help you meet these requirements. It's essential to check the specific language prerequisites for your chosen programme to ensure you meet the criteria for admission.
Yes, international students in France are allowed to work part-time while pursuing their studies. You can work up to 964 hours per academic year, which translates to approximately 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This flexibility allows you to gain work experience and support your living expenses. However, it's important to balance work with your academic responsibilities to ensure you maintain good standing in your programme. Always check the specific regulations and limitations set by your university and the French authorities.
While tuition fees for master's degrees in France are low, there are additional costs to consider. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance, can vary depending on the city you choose to study in. On average, students should budget between €600 to €1,000 per month for living costs. Additionally, there may be application fees, visa processing fees, and costs associated with obtaining necessary documentation. It's important to plan ahead and consider these hidden costs to ensure a smooth transition to studying in France.