Is it true that in France education is free?

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Rillifane

University education in France is not quite free but almost with fees at most universities being around $300 a year. This however does not include living expenses.

I don't know where you are from but as this question often seems to be asked by Americans I should point out that French Universities are vastly more difficult than Universities in America.

Moreover, Americans who are used to using university as a four (or more) year vacation in which they "find themselves" will be disagreeably surprised by the lack of flexibility in French university programs. You pick a major and then have relatively few, if any electives and if you change your mind you have to start all over again. There are few university sponsored "extra curricular" activities. You go to study not to have fun.

John

Yes, up through university.

astrid again

Public universities are very cheap, I only pay 300 euros a year. I know a friend of mine who paid 4euros/year because he got a scholarship from the french government.

Grandes Ecoles and private universities are quite expensive. The fee can cost from 500 - 2500 euros/year. Don't worry, even the most expensive education fee in France is still affordable. Student should be more worry about the life cost in France because is too damn expensive, especially for those who live in big cities such as Paris, Grenoble, Marseilles, Toulouse. A tiny studio costs 500euros, gosh ...

Charlie

Education thru high school is free in public schools. there are also some private schools, which , of course, charge fees. Education at the university level is supplemented by the gov't and tuition is very low. there are also private universities, which, of course , higher tuition. See article below.

nevermind

Of course and so it should be in any country that wishes to be considered civilized

dustylou

Just to add a perspective from the 'beginning' of schooling since most responses are geared toward university education and the question referred to education in general...

We live in Nice and my son goes to maternelle, which is equivalent to preschool in the US. Our costs for the year are about 65â‚¬ (but this does not include lunch or before/after care).
--If you send your child to 'cantine'/canteen it costs 2-3â‚¬ per day.

For preschool in the US we had to pay about 675-700 USD per month, which included lunch and before and after care (approx 9-9.5 hour days). There was also an annual fee for registration - about 50 bucks.

From what I've read in the papers here, for kindergarten through high school (5-18 years), the costs for education in the US and France are quite similar and they really depend upon how much the parent is willing to spend on supplies and extra curricular activities.

nevermind

yes, public schools are free!

Beau.Gus

For the most part, education is free everywhere outside the US...

Austerlitz

angelguy_paris

Yes and University are very cheap also ( around 200 euro per year)

But this is also because we pay over 50% of taxes ..

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