Sun. Jul 27th, 2025
Spread the love

Your Guide to Costs, Accommodation, Lifestyle, and Financial Aid for Studying in France

What’s the Price Tag for University in France?

Thinking about studying in France? One of the biggest things to figure out is how much it’ll cost you. This guide walks you through every expense—tuition, living costs, and more—so you can plan your budget without surprises.

Tuition Fees

Compared to the rest of Europe, France keeps tuition fees pretty affordable. Since most universities are state-funded, you’ll usually pay a modest amount based on your degree level.

  • Public universities: Around €170/year for a bachelor’s, €243 for a master’s, €380 for a PhD, and €601 for engineering school.
  • International students: €2,770/year for undergrads, €3,770 for postgrads, and €380/year for PhDs (non-EU PhD students aren’t affected by higher fees).

You might notice small admin charges, but even then, costs stay far below places like the UK.

For private grandes écoles (elite schools), expect €500–€600/year—though some hit €10,000 (like certain business/engineering schools). A few, like Paris’s École Normale Supérieure, focus on postgrads and charge €750/year (same for internationals).

Pro tip: Private business/management schools can run up to €30,000/year.

A Day in the Life of a French Student

Accommodation Costs

Housing in France is cheaper than in many EU countries, but prices vary by city. You’ve got options:

  • Student halls (Cités-U): As low as €120/month outside Paris (run by CROUS). Super high demand—priority goes to scholarship/exchange students.
  • Shared apartments: €575/month for a studio; €660 for a one-bedroom.
  • Homestays: €200–€800/month (includes at least one meal/day).

Money hack: Apply for CAF (housing aid)—you could get 35% of your rent back monthly.

Private student residences (like Résidences Estudines) also offer good deals.

Other Essential Costs

  • Utilities/internet: ~€60/month (split with roommates).
  • Books/supplies: €50–€100/month.
  • Health insurance: €20–€50/month (EU students: get an EHIC card!).
  • Phone plans: From €10/month (avg. €25).
  • Transport:
    • Monthly pass: ~€70 (student discounts available, e.g., Paris’s Carte Imagine R for €38/month).
    • Bike rentals (Vélib’): Cheap for short trips.
    • Trains: Book TGV tickets early for ~€25/ride.

Lifestyle Spending

  • Groceries: ~€250/month.
  • Eating out: €12/meal; student cinema tickets for €6 (normally €9).
  • Gym: €37/month; club entry ~€15.
  • Fast food: Big Mac = €8; beer = €5; wine = €4/glass.

Budget tip: Aim for €600–€800/month (more in Paris). By law, you’ll need to prove you have €615/month (€7,318/year) to support yourself—though realistically, €700–€850/month (or €1,100 in Paris) is safer.

Savings hack: CROUS cafeterias serve 3-course meals for €3!

Financial Support

Since tuition is low, many non-EU students (e.g., from the US/Canada) don’t need extra aid. Scholarships with living stipends are rare—mostly for Erasmus exchanges or students from French-speaking regions.

Check with your local French Embassy for international scholarships.

Bonus: France loves student discounts! Always ask—museums/galleries are free for under-26s, and train cards (like Carte Jeune) cut travel costs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *