October 3, 2025 
For a long time, France has been one of the most appealing destinations for international students from around the world. France has some of the world’s best universities, as ranked globally, a culturally rich atmosphere, and innovative research and career opportunities.
Before you start packing your bags and are ready to experience the French way of life, one of the most important considerations in your mind will be the cost of studying in France. Whether it’s tuition, rent, or day-to-day living expenses, having a clear understanding of costs will only help you plan your finances.
This blog will take you through tuition fees, living costs, and support, and also demonstrate the requirements to study in France for international students, followed by study in France expert consultants.
Understanding the Cost of Studying in France
The amount you will pay to study in France is influenced by several factors, such as your choice of institution public or private, the program’s level undergraduate or graduate, and the city in which you will be living. Public universities that are funded by the French government have some of the cheapest tuition fees in all of Europe, especially compared to the United States or the United Kingdom. Private institutions – in particular, business schools and specialized colleges – charge more for tuition and fees, but they have solid international reputations.
When you plan your expenses, there are always two broad categories to factor into your calculations:
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
Both are explained in detail below.
Tuition Fees in France for International Students
Fees for higher education in France are set in advance, which allows students to predict costs more easily.
- Public Universities:
As of the most current regulation, non-EU international students (this includes Indian students) pay:
- For a Bachelor’s degree, approximately €2,770 per year.
- For a Master’s degree, approximately €3,770 per year.
- For a Doctorate (PhD), between approximately €380 and €600 per year (often for both French and non French students).
2. Private Institutions:
Tuition fees can anywhere from €5,000 to €20,000 annually in especially elite management and business schools such as HEC Paris, ESSEC, or INSEAD.
When calculating your study in France costs for Indian students don’t forget that specific program costs such as medicine, engineering, and MBA programs can be significantly higher than typical humanities or social sciences programs.
Living Expenses in France
Tuition fees are still relatively cheap compared to other countries, but the cost of living needs to be carefully budgeted.
- Accommodation:
- Student housing (CROUS): €150–€400/month
- Private apartments: €500–€1,200/month based on city (Paris is the most expensive).
- Food:
Monthly grocery bills are about €200–€300/month with functionally subsidized meals in student cafes, which can cost €3–€5. - Transportation:
A monthly transport student pass in Paris is around €75, while from €30–€40 in smaller cities.
- Health Insurance & Others:
Health insurance costs for international students are around €200–€500 annually (EU students are normally exempt). Phone bills, internet, leisure, and additional costs add on an average of €100–€250 per month.
Altogether, the total average costs for international students studying in France for living expenses are between €800–€1,500 per depending on the lifestyle and location.
Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students
When considering the cost of studying in France for Indian students, currency conversion is certainly quite important. Because of how 1 Euro equates to approximately 90 INR, then the annual tuition fees can seem so very overwhelming. Expenses for life also feel staggering. Greatly, scholarships as well as public universities’ affordability do ease the financial burden, however.
- Tuition Fees: ₹2.5, 3.5 lakh annually at public universities.
- Living expenses: ₹8, 12 lakh for each year. The cost depends upon the city.
- Total Annual: A comfortable living and study experience is provided for ₹10, 15 lakh total annual cost.
France becomes quite a competitive choice when its affordability is compared against the U.S. or U.K., and Indian students seek high-quality education with manageable costs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are many scholarships in France that widely range along with help reduce study costs. International students can benefit from the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. Scholarships both from the French government and also from institutions happen to be great options. For Indian students, Campus France and bilateral exchange programs are options to apply for scholarships. For these scholarships, tuition fees and living expenses and also travel expenses may be included.
Requirements to Study in France for International Students
Prior to undertaking any financial planning, comprehension of the standards to study in France as an international student is important. The standards are:
- A valid academic record (certificate from the 12th grade, Bachelor’s degree, etc., depending on the academic program).
- Evidence of French or English language proficiency (depending on the step of the program the candidates are applying for: DELF/DALF, IELTS, TOEFL).
- A valid passport and admission letter from the French institution.
- Proof of appropriate funds to cover tuition and living costs (this proof will be a requirement for a visa in the application process).
- Student visa application through VFS France.
In regards to the criteria above, it is often much easier to advance the candidate’s application with the help of a study in France consultancy, who will help with the application and documentation processes and guide the candidate for visa approval.
Balancing Costs with Career Outcomes
While the initial cost for studying in France may feel meaningful, long-term benefits must also be weighed by students. France’s job market is strong particularly as technology, fashion, business, along with research provide jobs. Graduates are able to gain professional experience by way of post-study work opportunities. France’s “job seeker” residence permit eases with this professional growth. These career opportunities are balancing out the initial investment for Indian students.
Reduce the Cost of Studying in France
- Select public universities for the offering of subsidized tuition fees.
- Apply for financial aid along with scholarships as early as possible.
- For decreasing living expenses, select smaller cities. Paris should not contain these more minor cities.
- Expenses can also be decreased by the sharing of accommodations by students.
- Use a student pass to get around town, and meal plans for CROUS cafeterias.
You can dramatically decrease the cost of studying abroad in France as an international student by planning to save money on your time here without diminishing your experience.
Conclusion
Tuition fees as well as living expenses do make up the cost of studying in France which is still manageable. Public universities feature superb affordability. To Indian students, the investment becomes worthwhile considering France offers scholarships, career opportunities, and international exposure. With proper planning plus France consultancy support, your India study dream is financially realized and academically rewarded in France.
FAQs
Ques. 1. What is the average cost of studying in France for Indian students?
Ans: The typical costs for Indian students attending school in France is ₹10–15 lakh per year (including tuition and living expenses). Public universities typically cost less, while private institutions will charge more.
Ques. 2. Do I need French language proficiency to study in France from India?
Ans: No, not always. A lot of the programs are available in English, however some universities require proof of French proficiency. Verify the French language requirements for your study program in France, as part of your study abroad research.
Ques. 3. How can a study in France consultancy help me reduce costs?
Ans: A trustworthy study-in-France consultant can help you discover affordable colleges or universities, scholarships, and financial aid. They can also assist with documentation for visas to save on redundant paperwork, documentation, and costs.
Ques. 4. Is it cheaper to study in France compared to the U.K. or U.S.?
Ans: Yes. The costs of studying in France is lower, especially public university tuition fees, which are subsidized, than in the U.S. or U.K. Living costs can also be reduced by studying in smaller cities.
Ques. 5. Where can I find reliable study in France consultants in Delhi?
Ans: There are several reputed study abroad consultants in Delhi that help Indian students with visa procedures, applications, and financial planning. Guidance that is personalized is also available by way of local options for when searching for “study in France consultants near me”.
