23 April, 2024
Removal of Proposed Changes: Initially, the new immigration law introduced by France's parliament included several measures that would directly impact international students. These included a mandatory deposit for student visas, increased tuition fees for non-EU students, and stricter requirements for proving enrollment in a genuine study program. However, these measures faced significant opposition.
Constitutional Council's Decision: On January 25, 2024, France's Constitutional Council reviewed the new immigration law and declared several measures concerning international students unconstitutional. Specifically, the council removed the proposed student deposit, the obligation for students to provide annual proof of enrollment, and the generalization of increased tuition fees for non-EU students.
Current Status: Following the Constitutional Council's decision, the law to be promulgated will not include the initially proposed changes affecting international students. The "Welcome to France" objectives for hosting international students are maintained, ensuring that the application process and living conditions for international students remain unchanged
Ministerial Assurance: Sylvie Retailleau, the Minister of Higher Education and Research, emphasized that international students are seen as an opportunity for France, reinforcing the country's commitment to welcoming foreign students.
Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for public universities remain unchanged at €2,770 per year for a bachelor's degree, €3,770 for a master's degree, and €380 for a doctorate, with possible exemptions depending on the university.
These developments indicate a continuation of France's welcoming stance towards international students, despite earlier proposals that could have made studying in France more challenging and expensive for non-EU students
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