France is a dream destination for foreign students, offering world-class higher education institutions, affordable education, and a vibrant cultural scene. Compared to other top destinations like the US or UK, studying in France is often more cost-effective — especially at public universities where tuition fees are heavily subsidized by the French government.
If you’re planning to study in France, this guide will walk you through:
📌 Tuition fees (public and private universities)
📌 Cost of living in major cities
📌 Scholarships and funding options
🎓 Tuition Costs in France
France’s tuition fees are among the lowest in Europe due to significant government subsidies and French government scholarship programs. However, fees vary depending on whether you choose a public university, a Grande École, or a private higher education institution.
🔹 Public Universities
For non-European Union (EU/EEA) students, the annual tuition fees are:
- Bachelor’s (Licence): ~€2,770/year
- Master degrees: ~€3,770/year
- Doctorate (PhD): ~€380/year
EU/EEA, Swiss, and French students often pay even lower fees (around €170–€380/year), similar to local nationals.
💡 Note: Some universities waive these fees for foreign students, making higher education in France almost tuition-free.
🔹 Private Institutions and Grandes Écoles
Private universities and elite Grandes Écoles charge higher fees:
- Business Schools: €8,000 – €20,000/year
- Engineering Schools: €5,000 – €15,000/year
- Specialized Programs (MBA, Arts): Up to €30,000/year
While costs are higher, these institutions often feature small class sizes, strong international networks, and excellent career opportunities for students who studied in France
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🏠 Cost of Living in France
Living costs vary depending on the city. Paris is the most expensive, while cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Bordeaux are more affordable.
Typical Monthly Expenses:
- Student accommodation: €400 – €800 (CROUS dorms cost ~€150–€400)
- Food: €200 – €300
- Transportation: €30 – €75 (student discounts available)
- Internet & Mobile: ~€30
- Miscellaneous/personal expenses: €100 – €200
📌 Tip: Apply for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) housing aid to reduce student accommodation costs by up to 40%.
🎓 Scholarships for International Students in France
France offers excellent funding opportunities for foreign students through the French government, universities, and regional authorities. Scholarships are available for all fields of study and levels of education.
🔹 1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- Covers Master degrees (€1,181/month) or PhD (€1,700/month)
- Includes travel, health insurance, and student accommodation support
- Highly competitive and aimed at top foreign students
🔹 2. Erasmus+
- For students enrolled in European partner universities
- Covers tuition and living expenses for exchange programs
🔹 3. Campus France Scholarships
Campus France offers a database of thousands of French government scholarships for students at all levels and in multiple fields of study.
🔹 4. Regional Scholarships
Regions like Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Occitanie provide financial aid to attract foreign students to their higher education institutions.
🔹 5. University-Specific Scholarships
Universities such as Université Paris-Saclay and Sciences Po offer:
- Tuition waivers
- Living stipends for personal expenses
- Merit-based financial aid
🔹 6. Charpak and Embassy Scholarships
The Charpak program and French Embassy scholarships support foreign students from partner countries, covering tuition fees and living expenses.
💡 Tips to Finance Your Studies in France
- 🏦 Part-time work: Students can work up to 964 hours/year (~20 hrs/week) during their studies.
- 🏠 Affordable housing: Apply early for CROUS student accommodation.
- 🎯 Budgeting apps: Tools like Tricount help manage personal expenses.
- 🔍 Scholarship search: Regularly check Campus France for updated funding opportunities across fields of study.
📅 Planning Your Finances: Step-by-Step
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✅ Step-by-Step Guidance on Tuition, Scholarships & Grants
✅ CROUS Housing & CAF Support for Students
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✅ Budget Planning Tools to Help You Save More
💡 Let Inforens be your trusted guide to studying in France affordably.
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