As an EU citizen, you pay regulated EU fees, identical to a French student's, not the higher rates for non-Europeans (frais differencies). At public universities, fees start from about 175 euros per year at bachelor's level and reach up to roughly 380 euros per year at doctoral level. Note: grandes ecoles and English-taught bachelor's programs are a separate category and cost far more, typically ~12,000-18,000+ euros per year. For comparison, a non-European student at public universities pays between 2,770 and 3,770 euros per year, sometimes more. This is your decisive advantage as a Romanian: one of the best educations in the world at an almost symbolic cost at public universities.

Public universities (universites) are massive, open institutions, with very low fees for EU citizens and a broad range of fields (PSL, Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay, Paris Cite). Grandes ecoles are elite, selective institutions that shape France's leadership in engineering, business and politics (HEC Paris, Ecole Polytechnique, Sciences Po, CentraleSupelec, ESSEC). They have higher fees, but the value of the degree on the global market is enormous and the corporate network is strong. For Romanians, both routes are open.

Yes. The Romanian Baccalaureate is recognized for admission to French universities, as a diploma from the EU. For public bachelor's programs you apply through Parcoursup using your high school grades and Baccalaureate results. For programs taught in French, you need proof of language proficiency (usually DELF or DALF, level B2 or higher); for programs in English you need TOEFL or IELTS. Grandes ecoles may require their own entrance exams (concours) or interviews.

There are two main routes. For bachelor's programs at public universities, you apply through Parcoursup, the national platform, usually between January and March. For grandes ecoles you most often apply directly on the institution's website, through international tracks or their own entrance exams (concours). Some programs for international students may use the Etudes en France procedure. As an EU citizen, you have a simpler process than non-European students, with no study visa required.

Yes. More and more programs are taught in English, especially at grandes ecoles and in international programs. Examples from our list: the Bachelor of Science at Institut Polytechnique de Paris, the Bachelor in English at Sciences Po, the Global BBA at ESSEC and international programs at HEC Paris. At public universities there are programs in English, but many bachelor's remain in French, so French proficiency opens the most doors for you and makes everyday life easier.

The cost of living averages between 800 and 1,300 euros per month, depending on the city. Paris is significantly more expensive (especially rent), while cities in the provinces are noticeably more affordable. As a student in France, you have access to rent support (CAF), subsidized transport, meals at CROUS canteens at low prices and student discounts. As an EU citizen, you have the right to work part-time during your studies, which helps cover expenses.

It depends on the field. For multidisciplinary research: Universite PSL (number 1 in France) and Sorbonne Universite. For mathematics, physics and engineering: Universite Paris-Saclay (number 1 in the world for mathematics), Institut Polytechnique de Paris and CentraleSupelec. For political science and international relations: Sciences Po. For business: HEC Paris (number 1 business school in Europe) and ESSEC. For medicine and health: Universite Paris Cite. The ideal choice depends on your field, budget and whether you want a program in English or French.

No. As a Romanian citizen, you are a citizen of the European Union, so you do not need a study visa for France. You can enroll, live and work in France under the same conditions as a French student. You only need a valid ID card or passport. This is one of the big advantages over non-European students, who go through a complex visa process. We only recommend getting your European health insurance card in advance and registering with student social security after you arrive.