Tuition fees existed in French universities prior to World War II,[1] and have remained at approximately the same level as % of total funding.
From 2007, universities in France have been granted a greater degree of independence, including the ability to increase fees in excess of the maximum established by the state for postgraduate studies.
In November 2018, it was announced that with the beginning of the academic year 2019/20, non-European students would be charged higher tuition fees.
Higher education establishments (also referred to as Grands établissements) differ from universities as admissions are based on entry exams.
Although not part of tuition fees students are required to pay social security contributions of approximately 200 euros per year.