Student life in France: housing, work, weather and culture

Work and money

964 hours a year (about 60 percent of full time), which allows roughly 20 hours a week, at €11.88 an hour gross minimum wage (SMIC, 2025). Living costs of €800 to €1,200 a month outside Paris; €1,200 to €1,800 in Paris.

Where students live

Everyday life

• Grandes écoles admit students through competitive processes separate from the public universities.
• CROUS runs subsidised student housing and €3.30 meals at university restaurants.
• All students, including internationals, can claim CAF housing benefit of €100 to €200 a month.
• Campus France's Études en France procedure is compulsory for students from most non-EU countries.
• Bachelor's degrees are called Licence (3 years) and master's take 2 years.
• France is the world's most visited country, and students travel Europe cheaply by train.
• A French bank account and a phone number are needed before most rental contracts.
• Sunday and evening shop hours are limited outside big cities.

Health cover

Free registration with French social security once you arrive.

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.