French universities face debate over tuition fees and funding

French universities are facing a significant debate regarding their future funding and accessibility. A growing number of students—1.6 million in 2024 compared to 1.3 million in 2001—has strained the public system, which has not expanded capacity at the same rate. Consequently, more than half of the universities were reporting deficits for 2025, according to the organization representing university presidents, France Universités.

To address chronic underfunding, a report published in June suggests that universities increase their own resources, specifically by raising tuition fees. Currently, fees are set at 178 euros for a bachelor's degree and 254 euros for a master's degree; a significant increase could generate approximately 1.5 billion euros. This proposal has been supported by a Senate commission on academic excellence, led by Senator Laurence Garnier, though it faces opposition from left-wing lawmakers.

In response to these financial pressures and potential changes to the system, labor unions have called for mobilizations in Paris and various other cities across France. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste has indicated that the status of the baccalaureate and access to higher education should be a topic of debate during the presidential campaign.