France will introduce higher tuition fees for most non-European Union students beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, in a move that represents a significant shift in its international higher education funding policy.

Under the new framework, non-EU students will be required to pay €2,895 per year for bachelor’s programmes and €3,941 per year for master’s degrees, according to reports from *The Economic Times* on Thursday.

The reform eliminates previous flexibility that allowed public universities to reduce or waive tuition fees for international students on a discretionary basis. It replaces this system with a standardised national fee structure applicable across institutions.

France’s higher education minister, Philippe Baptiste, described the reform as a definitive policy shift, stating that “differentiated fees are now the rule, exemption is the exception.”

Under the new rules, fee exemptions will be strictly limited, covering no more than 10% of international students. The government also plans to direct approximately 60% of scholarships toward priority disciplines, including artificial intelligence, quantum science, digital technology, and biotechnology.

The policy has drawn criticism from the higher education sector. France Universités warned that the measures could have implications for student access and institutional autonomy, arguing that the reforms may conflict with France’s longstanding tradition of openness in higher education.

In a statement, the organisation said the generalisation of differentiated fees appeared to be “in contradiction with the humanistic values of hospitality and openness that universities extend to students from around the world.” It also cautioned that higher tuition costs may not deter demand significantly but could increase administrative burdens due to expanded scholarship management requirements.

The changes are set to apply to students applying for admission from the 2026–27 academic year, including those already in the admissions process.

Overall, the reform signals a move toward tighter financial regulation of international education in France, while maintaining targeted support for selected strategic fields.