France will raise tuition fees for most non-European Union (EU) students starting in the 2026-27 academic year. Under the new policy, students from outside the EU will pay €2,895 annually for bachelor's programs and €3,941 for master's degrees. This marks a significant change as universities previously had the flexibility to offer reduced rates. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste emphasized that 'differentiated fees are now the rule, exemption is the exception.' The reform limits fee exemptions to only 10% of non-EU students, and the government plans to allocate 60% of scholarships to priority fields such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum studies, and biotechnology. Critics, including France Universités, argue that this policy could undermine access to education and contradict the values of hospitality and openness that French universities uphold. They also warn of an increased administrative burden due to the scholarship processes required for the limited exemptions.