Universities resist fee hike for international students

Several universities in France, which depend for much of their income on government, say they will not impose an increase in tuition fees for students from outside the European Union, in defiance of a government decision. Universities have called for more time to prepare for the policy change, which is meant to take effect in September, reports RFI.

A recent survey suggests that the relatively low tuition fees charged in France compared to the United States and United Kingdom make French universities appear less prestigious in the eyes of international students, whom the government wants to attract. The government has refused to delay the introduction of the new fees but says it is ready to widen the pool of those eligible for scholarships or fee waivers.

Undergraduate fees are to go up from €170 (US$194) per year to €2,770 and masters students will pay €3,770 from September, up from the current €243. Even though the new higher fees still compare very favourably with many other international institutions, student unions in France largely oppose the move and are organising a protest. They support free education for all and label any fee hike for international students as discriminatory.
Full report on the RFI site