How Nigerians Can Study in France Tuition-Free in 2025

 Introduction

Studying abroad is a dream for many Nigerians, but high tuition fees often make it seem impossible. **What if you could study in France—a top European destination—**with little or no tuition costs?

Yes, it’s possible. In 2025, many public universities in France continue to offer low-cost or fully tuition-free education, especially when combined with scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship or CROUS grants.

In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how Nigerians can study in France tuition-free in 2025—no degree from a French school required, and no need to break the bank.

Why Choose France?

France is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for international students, especially for those from Africa. According to Campus France, the French government subsidizes tuition for students at public universities, making it one of the cheapest study destinations for Nigerians.

Quick Benefits for Nigerians:

• High-quality education in English or French
  
  
• Affordable tuition or full waivers
  
  
• Legal part-time work allowed
  
  
• Post-study residency pathways
  
  
• Over 1,500 English-taught programs available
  
  

Tuition Fees in Public Universities (2025)

For official guidance and step-by-step help, visit the Campus France Nigeria platforms 

Here’s what you should know:

Level	EU/EEA Students	Non-EU Students (including Nigerians)
Bachelor (Licence)	€170–€200/year	€2,770–€3,000/year (often waived)
Master’s	€243–€280/year	€3,770–€4,000/year (often waived)

Good News: Many public universities offer tuition waivers or reduced fees for students from developing countries, including Nigeria.

Scholarships to Study Free in France (2025)

1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

One of the top government-funded programs in Europe, the Eiffel Scholarship is open to Master’s and PhD candidates. It covers:

• Monthly stipend of €1,181
  
  
• International travel
  
  
• Health insurance
  
  
• Cultural activities
  
  
• Tuition waiver
  

2. CROUS Financial Aid & Housing Grants

CROUS is a government body that provides:

• Rent support
  
  
• Monthly living stipends
  
  
• Partial or full tuition coverage
  
  

Even without a scholarship, Nigerian students can apply for CROUS aid based on financial need.

🔗 Apply via: messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr

3. Université-Specific Scholarships

Some universities offer merit-based and need-based tuition waivers or even full funding:

• Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
  
  
• Grenoble Alpes University Scholarships
  
  
• Sciences Po Emile-Boutmy Scholarship
  
  
• Université de Lyon scholarships
  
  

Public Universities with Low/No Tuition Fees

Here are universities you should consider:

• Sorbonne University – Prestigious and affordable
  
  
• Université Paris-Saclay – Scholarships + top QS rank
  
  
• Université de Strasbourg – Multicultural and English-taught courses
  
  
• Université Grenoble Alpes – Science & tech programs
  
  
• Université de Montpellier – Agriculture, Health, Tech focus
  
  

Timeline & Application Process for 2025

Step 1: 

All Nigerian students must apply through the Études en France portal before applying to any French public university:

Create a Campus France Account

Step 2: 

Choose a Program

Use Campus France’s search tool to find English or French-taught programs in your field.

Step 3: 

Prepare Documents

• WAEC/NECO or undergraduate degree
  
  
• Passport
  
  
• Language Proficiency (IELTS, TCF/DELF for French)
  
  
• SOP (Motivation Letter)
  
  
• Recommendation Letters
  
  

Step 4: 

Apply Directly to the University

Check deadlines. Most applications close January–March 2025.

Step 5: 

Apply for Scholarships

Apply for Eiffel through your university by their internal deadline (usually January 8, 2025).

Step 6: 

Secure Student Visa (VLS-TS)

After admission, book an appointment with Campus France and submit visa documents. Visa processing takes about 3–6 weeks.

Cost of Living in France (2025)

Item	Monthly Estimate
Rent (shared flat)	€250–€400
Food & Groceries	€150–€250
Transportation	€30–€70
Health Insurance	Free with scholarship or ~€30/month
Total Estimate	€500–€800/month

You are allowed to work 964 hours/year (~20 hours/week), earning around €600–€900/month—enough to support your living expenses.

Can You Study in English?

Yes! Over 1,500 English-taught programs are available in fields like:

• Business & Management
  
  
• Engineering & IT
  
  
• Health Sciences
  
  
• Agriculture & Environment
  
  
• Social Sciences
  
  

Use taughtie.com or Campus France’s portal to filter by English-taught programs.

Post-Study Opportunities

France allows international graduates to apply for a 12-month post-study visa, extendable if you find employment. Jobs in sectors like tech, finance, and healthcare are in demand.

Final Tips for Nigerians and other African Countries 

• Apply early—many French universities close applications by February–March
  
  
• Target cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes for cheaper living than Paris
  
  
• Learn basic French; it helps in getting jobs and integrating
  
  
• Make sure your international passport is valid for at least 2 years
  
  

Photo Credit: Shantanu Kumar/ Unsplash