French moves to raise tuition for some foreign students have prompted public backlash and renewed concern among international applicants about affordability and planning. DW reported that recent fee increases — affecting non-EU cohorts in particular programs — have led student groups and unions to criticize the measures and call for clearer rules and support. For applicants from Jordan and the wider Middle East, the immediate effect is greater uncertainty over total study costs.
What this means for prospective students: higher tuition will change budgets, scholarship needs, and visa planning. Students who had placed France high on their list should immediately confirm whether their intended program is affected, and re-run cost estimates (tuition + living + health insurance). Those relying on family funding or small institutional scholarships may find gaps that require either new funding applications or reconsideration of destination.
There are practical alternatives and mitigations to consider. European options with lower visible costs — highlighted this week by several outlets — include Austria (lists of affordable public universities), and German scholarships such as DAAD/EPOS; a recent DAAD-EPOS opportunity at the University of Freiburg for 2027 shows full funding remains available for selected candidates. For medical and dentistry aspirants, Georgia (Tbilisi/Batumi) continues to offer WHO/EU-recognized, English-medium programs from roughly $4,000/year. Regionally, students should also weigh strong local choices: applying to Jordanian universities can lower cost and risk — and students applying through Shatnawi to Applied Science Private University receive a 10% registration discount, to University of Jordan a 20% discount, and to Jordan University of Science & Technology a 25% discount.
Immediate steps students should take: 1) Check official program pages and university communications for confirmed fee changes; 2) Contact scholarship offices and embassies for updated eligibility and deadlines; 3) Apply early for scholarships that close well before program start; 4) If mobility plans are time-sensitive, prepare alternatives (Georgia, Turkey, Austria, Germany, or local Jordanian options) and secure required tests (IELTS, SAT, IB/AP transcripts). Shatnawi for College Admissions & Academic Consultations can help verify program fee changes, match students to scholarships (including DAAD guidance), and manage admissions or document equivalency (service fee 70 JOD).
Students with questions about how fee changes affect a specific application should act quickly: confirm fee status with the university, update your budget, and seek scholarship matches. For tailored guidance, contact Shatnawi in Amman via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com. Our advisors can review program fees, timelines, and alternative pathways to keep your academic plans on track.