“Choose France For Higher Education”: University autonomy and attractiveness at stake

France Universités (French Rectors’ Conference) reacts to the announcements made by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Space regarding the admission of non-EU international students

At first sight, the proposed measures to generalize the application of differentiated fees appear to be in contradiction with the humanistic values of hospitality and openness that universities extend to students from around the world. Approached with nuance, one must note that the symbolic value of university tuition fees varies greatly from country to country. Still, all available studies demonstrate that the projected fees will produce a more pronounced deterrence effect (students opting not to enroll) on students originating from the most disadvantaged countries. It is worth noting that the presence of international students brings the French economy a net yearly benefit estimated at 1.35 billion euros, as demonstrated by Campus France.

Applying differentiated fees to at least 90% of non-EU students will not limit the deterrence effect. Scholarship systems could be created but would generate an unwelcome massive bureaucratic inflation. In this context, France Universités opposes the particularly sharp and abrupt reduction in the latitude previously available to each institution. Each establishment must have the means to adapt to the challenges of international outreach within its sphere of excellence and meet the expectations of its local community: fields of study or disciplines of interest cannot be exclusively defined at and by the national level. This is yet another blow to university autonomy.

As science knows no borders, Research could be significantly weakened. In a context of increased international competition, access to our universities for non-EU international students is a determining factor for our country’s academic and scientific influence, particularly within the Francophone world. The announced improvement in the continuity of master’s/doctoral visas (from student to employee status) is indeed a step in the right direction. However, it is imperative that doctoral students be excluded from the differentiated rights system and that institutions have the necessary flexibility to offer attractive master’s/doctoral pathways.

France Universités also emphasizes the unrealistic proposed timeline, with a projected implementation in the fall of 2026: international students have already made their choices, and institutions are communicating the conditions for exemption. This late announcement can only cause significant difficulties when welcoming students in September.

Although this might be viewed as incidental, it is worth reaffirming here that the application of differentiated tuition fees can in no way serve as a magic remedy for the chronic underfunding of universities.

In this context, France Universités calls for consistency in public policy and respect for university autonomy to ensure that international students – who are an asset to France both within and beyond its borders – are welcomed under the best possible conditions.