UGA international

French version

A new national framework for exemptions

 Until now, public higher education institutions had a degree of discretion to define the criteria for exempting certain international students from differentiated fees.
The new decree restricts the exemption options available to institutions:

• Automatic exemptions are maintained for several categories of students, in particular French government scholarship holders, wards of the Nation, and students on international mobility under partnerships or exchange programmes (subject to reciprocity).
• For other situations, exemptions will from now on have to be granted on the basis of the personal circumstances of the student who has applied for an exemption, in particular their financial resources. The decree also provides for a gradual cap on the number of exemptions that may be granted, with a limit ultimately set at 20% of applications.

 Students who were already benefiting from an exemption before the decree came into force will retain this benefit until the end of their study cycle at UGA.

UGA’s position

 Université Grenoble Alpes is mindful of the effects that these new provisions could have on the reception of international students.

True to its values of openness, inclusion and welcoming talent from around the world, UGA intends to implement this new regulatory framework in a way that improves the conditions for success and inclusion of the students concerned.

 The University has therefore chosen to adopt a redistributive approach: all of the revenue generated by the application of the scheme, after covering management costs, will be reallocated to improving the living and study conditions and the social support of international students.

A transition year in 2026-2027

For the 2026–2027 academic year, students wishing to benefit from an exemption from the differentiated tuition fees will be required to submit an application and declare their financial resources. Following an individual assessment of their personal and financial situation, the transitional provisions set out in the decree for this academic year will enable Université Grenoble Alpes to decide on exemption requests (excluding component institutions). UGA intends to grant these exemptions broadly, within the limits set by the applicable regulations.

Students granted an exemption will only be required to pay the standard national tuition fees

Please note: The fees that will apply for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year have not yet been determined. For reference, below are the fees that were in effect for the 2025–2026 academic year.

• €178 for a bachelor’s degree,
• €254 for a master’s degree,
• €397 for a doctorate.

From 2027-2028 onwards

From the start of the 2027-2028 academic year, UGA will apply the provisions set out in the decree.

Exemption applications will be examined according to the criteria defined by the new regulatory framework, with particular attention paid to the social and financial circumstances of students.  

The University’s aim is to reconcile compliance with national regulations and a policy of solidarity that prioritises support for the students who need it most.

Université Grenoble Alpes is committed to remaining a university that is open to the world and attentive to equal opportunities, and to strengthening its support measures that foster academic success.