In 2025, the average annual expenditure per student in France reached 9,440 euros for the first degree, 11,780 euros for the second degree, and 13,350 euros for higher education, according to data from the direction de l’évaluation, de la prospective et de la performance (DEPP). These figures highlight substantial disparities across educational tiers as public funding becomes a central focus for students and policymakers alike.
Assessing Public Investment in National Education
The allocation of public funds across different educational stages forms the foundation of France’s nearly 200 billion euro education budget for 2025, which accounts for approximately 6.7% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. The second degree—encompassing both collèges and lycées—receives the largest share of this spending at roughly 37%. Meanwhile, the first degree, covering maternal and primary schools, claims about 30%, and the university system in higher education accounts for 23%.
For decades, economists specializing in education have debated whether these capital injections are sufficient. Researchers at the Institut de recherche sur l’éducation (Iredu) at the Université Bourgogne-Europe have long studied these expenditures. Founder Jean-Claude Eicher contributed to establishing France’s first satellite education accounts in the 1970s, framing these outlays as long-term investments in human capital, social cohesion, and national productivity.
| Educational Tier | Annual Expenditure per Student (2025) | Budget Share |
|---|---|---|
| First Degree (Primary/Maternal) | 9,440 € | 30% |
| Second Degree (Collège/Lycée) | 11,780 € | 37% |
| Higher Education (University) | 13,350 € | 23% |
Recent Student Discontent and Government Response
Financial allocations for schools have moved beyond academic debate to dominate headlines amid recent protests by lycéens and university students. Education researcher Sophie Morlaix has analyzed these spending gaps, noting the marked differences in costs required to educate a pupil in the first degree compared to the second degree or higher education.
In response to mounting pressure and demonstrations from student groups demanding concrete changes regarding school resources, the government promised « des réponses concrètes » dès ce lundi après-midi.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
