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

180 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

M2 Genetics, Genomics, Epigenetics and Evolution

The M2 Genetics, Genomics, Epigenetics and Evolution (GenE2) is a Master’s degree offered by Paris-Saclay University. This programme typically lasts for two years and is designed for students who wish to deepen their expertise in these scientific fields. The course is conducted in English and aims to equip students with essential skills in data analysis and laboratory techniques.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

1 year$292/yr

Paris-Saclay Superior Normal School4,0(38)

Gif-sur-Yvette, France

Chemistry

The two-year Master of Chemistry programme from Paris-Saclay Superior Normal School allows students to gradually hone their personal career goals and corresponding specialization, with access to a wide range of research- (R) and professionally-focused (P) courses in various areas of chemistry and its boundaries with other disciplines (life sciences, environment, nanoscience, etc.).

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$292/yr

Sorbonne University4,1(50)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Computer Science - Quantum Information

Computer Science - Quantum Information at Sorbonne University will teach recent research results in quantum algorithmics, quantum cryptography, photonic quantum computing and quantum information theory.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$292/yr

University of L´Aquila3,8(22)

Nice, France +4 Top 6% in Worldwide

Mathematical Modelling (MathMods Joint)

MathMods is a 2-year Joint MSc in Mathematical Modelling in Engineering run by five European universities based in L'Aquila (Italy), Hamburg (Germany), Nice (France), Hannover (Germany) and Granada (Spain). Our MSc programme is aimed at satisfying the needs for experts who may apply rigorous mathematical modelling and computational techniques to solve problems in all areas of engineering.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,169/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M1 Economics

The objective of this M1 Economics master's degree at Paris-Saclay University is to provide a general curriculum in economics at the research level, allowing for a continuation into a PhD program.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$292/yr

University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour3,7(14)

Anglet, France

Industry 4.0

The aim of this Industry 4.0 master at University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour is to train Computer Sciences and Information Technologies experts in order to be able to address the new challenges of current and future generations of digital societies.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$297/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M2 Predictive and Integrative Animal Biology

Students in the M2 Predictive and Integrative Animal Biology program at Paris-Saclay University are trained in applied animal sciences through an integrative approach to biology that mainly encompasses genetics, physiology and behaviour.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

1 year$292/yr

University of L´Aquila3,8(22)

Nice, France +4 Top 6% in Worldwide

InterMaths Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (Interdisciplinary Mathematics)

InterMaths (Interdisciplinary Mathematics) from University of L´Aquila is a 2-year full-time Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree with interdisciplinary applications, with a specific focus on Biomedical Sciences and Industrial Engineering, jointly offered by five EU Universities.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,754/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$297/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Risk And Resilience Engineering And Management

The Risk And Resilience Engineering And Management master's program from Paris-Saclay University aims at providing the students from the second year of the master’s program a basic understanding of the fundamental problems, both research and application, that are frequently encountered in RREM and their corresponding solution methods/tools in a variety of societal and industrial sectors.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$292/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$292/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

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$292/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$2,923/yr

University of Lille4,2(29)

Lille, France Top 3% in Worldwide

Precision Health

The Precision Health program at University of Lillecombines medical/biological questions and the other disciplines necessary for understanding and taking on the challenges of precision health. It will be based on examples taken from the hot topics in health sciences regarding different types of chronic diseases.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$297/yr

Sorbonne University4,1(50)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

Physics

The Paris Physics Master is a two-year master's program in physics, taught in Paris. It is jointly run by two universities, Sorbonne University and Université de Paris (formerly Université Paris-Diderot).

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$292/yr

University of Tours4,4(13)

Tours, France Top 8% in Worldwide

Fundamental Physics

The Master of Fundamental Physics at University of Tours is a prestigious degree that is specifically intended for students interested in the methods and concepts of fundamental physics in the wide range of topics concerned by non linear phenomena, including particle physics, quantum field theory, general relativity, cosmology, propagation of waves in complex media, disordered/chaotic systems.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$526/yr

University Paris Cité4,2(56)

Paris, France Top 1% in Worldwide

Comparative Law - Common Law

The Master in Comparative Law - Common Law at University Paris Cité is a private law training which focuses on Common law countries (United Kingdom, South Africa…)

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$292/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$292/yr

Paris-Saclay University4,1(30)

Paris, France Top 0.5% in Worldwide

M2 Multimedia Networking

This M2 Multimedia Networking research-oriented programme at Paris-Saclay University aims to give students research training in topics related to the compression of multimedia content, the transmission of this compressed data through a network, and the development of algorithms and network architectures for fast, reliable, and efficient access to this content.

M.A. Full-time On-campus

1 year$292/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.