France consistently ranks among the top global destinations for international students seeking a world-class education.
French universities are globally renowned, offering a wide array of degree programs in both English and French. Beyond academics, students are drawn to the country's iconic museums, rich history, and the vibrant “à la française” lifestyle. Furthermore, France remains a highly attractive choice due to its accessible and transparent tuition fee structure.
Let’s dive into the essential details regarding the cost of living and studying in France to help you plan your academic journey.
1. University tuition fees in France
Tuition fees at public universities
Tuition fees at French public universities vary significantly based on your level of study and the specific institution you attend.
- For , the average tuition fees are around 170 EUR per year.
- have higher tuition fees of around 620 EUR per academic year.
- The average tuition fees for can reach up to 450 EUR per year.
- The average fees for a Master's degree are around 260 EUR/year and for a PhD 396 EUR/year; you should expect higher fees for certain specialised degrees.
In addition to tuition, all students are required to pay a mandatory Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC), currently set at 91 EUR.
Please note that subsidized tuition rates at public universities typically apply to students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Non-EU/EEA citizens may be subject to different fee structures. To ensure you have accurate financial information, always verify tuition costs directly on your chosen university's official program page regarding your specific country of origin.
Tuition fees at other higher education institutions
- Grandes ecoles – Foreign students will pay more at France’s highly selective grandes écoles and grands établissements (great schools and establishments), which set their own fees (about 500-600 EUR per year, but in some cases, they can lead up to 10,000 EUR per year).
- Private universities – Tuition fees start at 1,500 EUR and can go over 20,000 EUR per year.
- At business schools, regardless of the degree level, fees range between 5,000 and 30,000 EUR a year.
Most affordable universities in France
Explore some of the French higher education institutions that are recognized for their affordable tuition and academic excellence:
- - tuition fees: 170 - 601 EUR/year
- - tuition fees: 184 - 610 EUR/year
- - tuition fees: 122 - 470 EUR/year
- – tuition fees: 170 - 601 EUR/year
Universities we recommend in France
Discover the top-rated institutions in France according to the latest global university rankings.
2. Average student living costs in France
Your total living costs in France will vary based on your personal spending habits, but your choice of city—and its relative cost of living—will be the primary factor.
Review the estimated monthly budget required for living in some of France’s major student cities:
- Paris: between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR/month (sometimes including the accommodation, if you choose to live in a student hall of residence)
- Nice: between 900 and 1,400 EUR/month
- Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux or Toulouse: between 800 – 1,000 EUR
- For the rest of France, you can manage with smaller amounts (at least 650 EUR)
3. Student accommodation costs
Student accommodation costs in France typically exceed the international average, ranging between 200 and 300 EUR per month.
The primary housing options available to students in France include the following:
- Student halls of residence – on average, 200 EUR/month. Paris is the exception, at 400 EUR/month. Around 13% of international students live in student residences. It's one of the most popular accommodation options among students, but the demand is much higher than the supply.
- Rent/share an apartment – between 400 and 700 EUR/month (800 EUR/month in Paris), while in smaller French cities you can rent a small apartment for about 300 EUR/month.
- If you live with your partner and/or child(ren), the price for rent will range from 700 to 1,000 EUR/month, and you could pay higher if you choose an apartment in the city centre. The utility bills (electricity, water, the internet) would be another 200 EUR/month.
- Host family – you can find rates that are only 200 EUR/month to about 800 EUR/month in Paris.
International students can utilize VISALE, a government-backed program that acts as a rental guarantor. This service covers your rent if you face financial difficulties. Note that the VISALE program is specifically designed for students residing in university residences or student halls.
- Off to study in France? Book your student home with University Living—furnished, secure, and in great locations like Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
4. Food costs in France
While French cuisine is celebrated for being sophisticated and high-quality, the stereotype that it is always expensive is not entirely accurate. The French treat dining as a cultural experience, but eating on a student budget is entirely possible across the country.
On average, students can expect to spend between 250 and 300 EUR per month on groceries in Paris, with costs often being lower in other French provinces.
A standard meal at an affordable restaurant generally costs between 10 and 15 EUR, though fine dining and gourmet options come with a higher price tag.
For more budget-friendly dining, consider local bistros, brasseries, and street-side crepe stands. A savory crepe can serve as a quick, filling lunch for just 5 to 8 EUR.
You will find the best value by grocery shopping at supermarkets like Leclerc or Géant Casino. When dining out, affordable chains like Courtepaille and Buffalo Grill, or budget-friendly eateries in cities like Paris, offer great options for students.
5. Transportation costs
- A monthly pass for the bus, metro or tram is usually between 30 - 75 EUR.
- Taxis are also relatively inexpensive in Paris, around 1.50 EUR/km, and you would spend 7 – 10 EUR for a short journey.
- You can rent a bike through the Vélib bicycle rental programme; in France, Bordeaux is the most bike-friendly city.
- You can also use the TGV to visit other cities in France for around 30 EUR a trip.
6. Extra costs and savings
- Health insurance costs 20 – 50 EUR/month, depending on the chosen cover. Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in France.
- Books or other learning materials average at 50 EUR/month.
- If you purchase an international youth travel card, you can get major discounts to visit sights around France.
For up-to-date information on local expenses, you can consult the Numbeo website to compare costs across different French regions.
7. University scholarships and grants
Scholarships for international students are available through various channels, including university-specific awards, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local French embassies.
Select universities provide merit-based scholarships of up to 10,000 EUR per academic year for students under 30 who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers support via the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, providing generous stipends for Master’s (1,181 EUR/month) and PhD (1,400 EUR/month) candidates.
Most government grants are awarded based on financial need for students under 28. These can range from 1,606 to 4,600 EUR annually, while merit-based grants can range between 1,800 and 6,100 EUR. Furthermore, recipients may benefit from exemptions or discounts on mandatory healthcare coverage.
You may also explore the Online Result Scholarship as an additional resource for funding your education in France.
8. French visa costs
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must apply for a French student visa, which requires a processing fee of 99 EUR.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the costs associated with living and studying in France, you can research the specific student visa requirements tailored to your nationality.
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