Cost of Studying and Living in France – A Student Guide

Every year, lakhs of students complete their secondary education, bachelor’s degree, and other respective disciplines, and then proceed to pursue an advanced level of education. For higher education, mainly Indian students are now shifting from India abroad. Among abroad nations, France stands out as one of the best destinations. There are multiple reasons for choosing to study in France over India for pursuing higher educational degrees, such as better facilities, international exposure, global linkages, cultural diversity, better ROI (Return on Investment), great infrastructure, and experiencing a growing economy. 

It is one of the finest options for students. It offers affordable public university tuition (€170-€620/year for Bachelor's, up to €3,770/year for Master's), while private schools cost significantly more (€5k-€30k+), with living expenses averaging €800-€1,400/month. In this blog, we will study the cost of studying and living expenses in France. 

Study in France: Breakdown of Living & Education Expenses in 2025-26

The cost of living and education is respective quite affordable when we compare it to private universities in India, which charge a huge amount for higher educational degrees. Studying in France offers affordable public university tuition (€170-€620/year for Bachelor's, up to €3,770/year for Master's), while private schools cost significantly more (€5k-€30k+), with living expenses averaging €800-€1,400/month, heavily influenced by city (Paris is pricier), with major costs being rent (€300-€1200+) and food, but savings are possible via student discounts, CAF housing aid, and part-time work. 

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees to Study in France vary from university to university and course to course, which you choose for your higher education.

• Public Universities: Very low fees, especially for French-taught courses: Bachelor's around €2,770/year; Master's around €3,770/year, plus a small registration fee.

• Grandes Écoles (Engineering/Business): €8,000 – €20,000+ per year.

• Private Universities: €6,000 – €30,000+ per year, depending on the program. 

  
  

Highlight for tuition fees

The key highlights of the Study in France tuition fees are cited below:

Type of Institution	Average Tuition Fees (per year)
Public Universities	€2,770 (UG), €3,770 (PG) (~₹2.5–3.5 lakh)
Grandes Écoles (Business/Engineering Schools)	€8,000 – €20,000 (~₹7–18 lakh)
Private Universities	€6,000 – €30,000 (~₹5–25 lakh)
MBA Programs (Top schools)	€30,000 – €70,000 (~₹25–60 lakh)

Living Expenses (Monthly Estimates)

The living expenses totally depend on your lifestyle and the place, university, and course you have selected to follow. Here is the road map of living expenses to study in France, cited below for your convenience. 

• Total: €800 – €1,400+ (around ₹72,000 – ₹1.26 Lakhs+).

• Accommodation: €300 (shared) – €1,200+ (Paris studio).

• Food/Groceries: €150 – €380.

• Transport: €30 – €80 (student pass).

• Health Insurance: €25 – €50 (monthly).

• Utilities/Internet: €100 – €170.

  
  

Highlight of Living Cost

Expense Category	Paris (₹ per month)	Other Cities (₹ per month)
Accommodation (rent)	₹60,000 – ₹80,000	₹35,000 – ₹50,000
Food & groceries	₹20,000 – ₹25,000	₹15,000 – ₹20,000
Transportation	₹5,000 – ₹7,000	₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Health insurance	₹4,000 – ₹5,000	₹4,000 – ₹5,000
Miscellaneous (phone, entertainment, study materials)	₹10,000 – ₹15,000	₹7,000 – ₹12,000

Budgeting Tips & Savings

There are many ways in which you can save money; you just need to make a budgeting chart of your expenses and avoid unnecessary expenses. Follow the chart that you have created. Let’s see some examples of how you can save money:

• City Choice Matters: Choose a cheaper destination.

• Try to get Housing Aid (CAF) for your household.

• Student Discounts: Use your college ID for travel, food, etc. 

• Cook at Home: It will save you a lot of money. 

• Part-Time Work: It will help you to gain extra money. 

  
  

Explore the Scholarship Opportunities for Aspiring Indian Students in France 

There are multiple scholarships available for Indian students in France. By getting any of these scholarships, your study costs will be reduced:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – Covers tuition + monthly stipend.

• Charpak Scholarship (French Embassy India) – Tuition waiver + living allowance.

• Erasmus+ Scholarship – For Master’s programs in Europe, including France.

• Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship – Up to €10,000/year.

  
  

Conclusion

Study in France can be one of the most suitable options for your higher education in many ways. One of the major considerations of students before pursuing a higher educational degree abroad is its fee structure. So, the universities in France offer affordable public university tuition (€170-€620/year for Bachelor's, up to €3,770/year for Master's), while private schools cost significantly more (€5k-€30k+). 

Ready to pursue your dreams at the France Colleges? Book your Free 1:1 counselling session now to explore admission opportunities and secure your seat. Start your Study Abroad Journey today with the best MBBS abroad consultancy, Education Vibes.