France’s education ministry has instructed public universities to charge higher tuition for non‑EU international students beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, a policy change reported this week by ICEF Monitor and amplified by other outlets that cited extreme increases in some programmes. Business News Nigeria, citing official figures and university examples, reported increases as high as 1,527% for selected cycles — a figure that highlights how steep the rise can be for certain degrees and levels.
For students in Jordan and the wider Middle East this announcement alters financial planning and application strategies. Many prospective undergraduates and postgraduates who had budgeted for traditionally low public tuition in France will need to re‑check programme‑level fees on university websites and through Campus France. Exact rates will vary by institution, degree level and field; some specialised or professional programmes may see the largest hikes.
Practical next steps: (1) Contact any French universities where you have offers or where you plan to apply and request the confirmed 2026/27 fee schedule now. (2) Apply early for scholarships and competitive grants — national, university and bilateral scholarships (e.g., Eiffel, university scholarships, donor funds) usually have deadlines several months before enrolment; many decisions for 2026/27 will be finalised in spring–summer 2026. (3) Prepare documents now: bank statements, scholarship essays, research proposals and letters of recommendation — funding reviews can be fast and competitive.
Students should also broaden options. Recent sector reporting shows growth in student flow to Germany, Australia and Singapore, where fee structures, scholarship availability and post‑study work rules may be more favourable. Germany remains attractive for low‑tuition public degrees (though some Länder and programmes do charge fees), while Australia and Singapore offer robust scholarship and paid internship opportunities. Compare total cost of attendance — tuition, living costs, health coverage and visa requirements — rather than tuition alone.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students review fee notices, identify scholarship opportunities and prepare strong applications to alternate destinations. For students already holding French offers, we provide targeted checks of fee classifications and appeal or deferment options where available. For personal guidance, contact Shatnawi via WhatsApp (+962791888699) or visit shatnawiedu.com.