What it costs to study in France: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €2,850 a year at public universities for non-EU students; €6,000 to €15,000 at private schools |
| Postgraduate | €3,879 a year at public universities; €10,000 to €25,000 at grandes écoles and business schools |
Many public universities exempt non-EU students from the higher differentiated fee; check each one.
Living costs
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 to €800 outside Paris, €700 to €1,300 in Paris (CROUS halls are cheapest) |
| Food and groceries | €200 to €300; university restaurants serve meals for about €3.30 |
| Transport | €30 to €90 with youth discounts |
| Utilities and phone | €60 to €110 |
| Health | Free enrolment in French social security; a top-up mutuelle costs €10 to €40 |
Total: €800 to €1,200 a month outside Paris; €1,200 to €1,800 in Paris.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | €99 visa plus about €50 validation tax on arrival |
| Health cover | Free registration with French social security once you arrive |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not for an English-taught programme. Daily life, internships and jobs are far easier with French, and many schools include French classes in the fee.
How long can I stay after my master's in France?
12 months on the APS for most nationals, 24 months for Indian nationals. Bachelor's graduates are not eligible.
Is a French public university degree recognised abroad?
Yes. Public universities award national diplomas recognised across the EU and beyond. For business, check that a school's programme is Visa-accredited or triple-crowned (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).