A Master’s degree in France is especially interesting for students from Germany at public universities, where enrolment fees are low compared with many other countries. Living costs, housing and the right health insurance matter more. This guide shows you what to check.
Quick answer: A Master’s degree at a public French university carries a national enrolment fee, which is set each year by decree. Université Paris Cité lists EUR 243 for enrolment in a Master’s programme for 2023/24. Check the current rate for 2026/27 with the university. Last updated: October 2026.
Key points
- The enrolment fee for a Master’s degree at public universities is, according to Université Paris Cité, comparatively low.
- The fee is set each year by decree, so the amount for your academic year always applies.
- A Master’s degree usually lasts two years, Master 1 and Master 2.
- The source does not clearly state whether EU students pay the same amount, so ask the university.
- Your health insurance depends on your main place of residence, not only on the place of study.
What does a Master’s degree in France cost?
Université Paris Cité lists the Master’s fees in an overview. It does not show Master 1 and Master 2 separately, and the figures refer to the academic year 2023/24. They show the structure, not the amount for your year of study.
| Item | Amount according to Université Paris Cité | Date and note |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment in a Master’s programme at a public university | EUR 243 | academic year 2023/24, current decree applies |
| Duration of the Master’s degree | two years (Master 1 and Master 2) | according to the structure of the university |
| Fee for students from EU countries | not clearly stated | ask the university |
Besides the enrolment fee, you pay for housing, living costs, insurance and travel. Rents in Paris are well above those in smaller university towns. Assumption: two Master’s years at EUR 243 enrolment each add up to EUR 486 in fees, before rent and living costs.
How can you fund a Master’s degree in France?
For a Master’s degree abroad, savings, a student loan, scholarships and Auslands-BAföG (German state student aid for study abroad) are possible. The competent German office for training support decides case by case. The guide on Auslands-BAföG (in German) explains the rules.
| Funding route | Suitable for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Auslands-BAföG | Living and training costs within the rules | Submit the application before the start of studies |
| Student loan | Bridging rent and living costs | Calculate interest and repayment in advance |
| Scholarships | Partial or full funding, depending on the funder | Deadlines and eligibility differ widely |
Realistic planning helps you spread the costs over two years. The budget planning guide (in German) offers a simple model you can adapt.
Which health insurance do you need in France?
You request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your German statutory health insurer. It is valid in the EU, but only for the services that residents of the host country receive. Outpatient and emergency treatment are covered, repatriation is not. This is described in a guide published by Hochschule Offenburg (in German).
If you move your main residence to France permanently, you will usually need to be insured there. Clarify with your health insurer before you start whether your German cover continues. The guide also recommends additional study-abroad insurance, even within the EU.
Frequently asked questions
What is the enrolment fee for a Master’s degree in France?
Université Paris Cité lists EUR 243 for 2023/24. The fee is set each year by decree, so ask the university for the amount for your academic year.
Do EU citizens pay the same amount as French students?
This is not clear from the source. Ask the university specifically about the rate for students from EU countries.
Do I need extra health insurance in France?
The EHIC does not cover everything and does not include repatriation. The guide from Hochschule Offenburg therefore recommends additional insurance, even within the EU.
Can I get BAföG for a Master’s degree in France?
This is possible if the conditions are met. The competent office examines the application case by case, so apply early.
Next steps
- Ask the university for the current enrolment fee for Master 1 and Master 2 in 2026/27 and whether it applies to EU students.
- Ask your German statutory health insurer whether you can request an EHIC and how your membership is handled during studies.
- Plan a budget for two years, including rent, living costs and travel.
- Check funding routes such as Auslands-BAföG, scholarships and student loans before you accept a place.
- If needed, take out study-abroad health insurance that covers repatriation and the whole stay.
Start your accommodation search early. Universities and the regional student services organisation (CROUS) provide information on halls of residence and other housing. Also note that rents in Paris can be well above those in other cities.
Related reading
- Master’s Degree Abroad: Countries, Applications and Costs
- Master in Dänemark: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
- Master in Irland: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
- Auslandssemester Frankreich: KV, Visum, Kosten 2026 (in German)
- EHIC: Europäische Krankenversicherungskarte (in German)
Sources: Université Paris Cité, Tuition fees and exemptions (accessed October 2026), Hochschule Offenburg, guide to insurance cover abroad (accessed October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
