In 2019, the French government significantly increased university tuition fees for non-European Union students, a policy that has had a pronounced impact on students from Africa. The annual cost for a bachelor's degree rose from approximately €170 to €2,770, and for a master's degree to €3,770.
According to data from Campus France, the number of first-time enrollments from sub-Saharan Africa in French higher education fell by 11% between the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years, a decline directly attributed to the new fee structure. While some universities have used exemptions and scholarships to mitigate the effect, critics argue the policy creates a financial barrier that disproportionately affects students from former French colonies.
The policy remains controversial. Supporters argue it brings France in line with other European nations and provides funds to improve services for international students. Opponents, including student unions and some academics, label it a form of "educational discrimination" that undermines France's historical ties and soft power in Africa. The debate continues as institutions balance budgetary pressures with commitments to international accessibility.
