Well, isn’t it exciting to study in one of the best countries in the world known for its rich culture and exquisite cuisine? Think about the Eiffel Tower, the over 40,000 chateaux, and the Louvre, which is the most visited museum in the world. Well, for international students, you have several top-ranking universities like Sorbonne University and PSL to choose from for your higher education studies.
However, like any international destination, it is essential to consider the cost of studying and living in France before making a decision. While France is known for its affordable public university system, the living expenses can vary significantly depending on the city and lifestyle.
Let’s break down the cost of studying and living in France as an international student to help you better prepare financially and make the most of your educational experience in France.
Costs of Studying in France
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Some of the academic costs to expect include tuition fees, books and supplies, and other study-related miscellaneous costs. Luckily tuition costs in public French universities are very low compared to other European universities. In fact, some schools like Sorbonne University offer tuition-free education. Students only need to pay a certain registration fee based on the degree level or program.
| INSTITUTION NAME |
AVE. UNDERGRADUATE TUITION |
AVE. POSTGRADUATE TUITION |
| Paris Cité University |
€170 – €601 |
€243 |
| University of Burgundy |
€175 |
€250 – €4,000 |
| Toulouse Capitole University |
€2,770 |
€3,770 |
| Aix-Marseille University |
€2,850 |
€3,879 |
| Sciences Po |
€14,720 |
€20,380 |
Costs of Living in France
1. Paris
To start with, Paris is known for being one of the more expensive cities in France, especially when compared to smaller towns or cities. According to Sciences Po, you should budget a minimum of €2,000 monthly for living expenses. This should take care of basic expenses like food, accommodation, transport, and other miscellaneous spending.
Accommodation in this city averages €885 monthly in private accommodation inclusive of water and electricity. Food and groceries should set you back €250 – €300, with transport costing around €86.40 for the Navigo Pass. Lastly, if you are one to indulge in leisure activities, you should budget around €100 – €150 depending on your preferences. Don’t forget to set aside some cash for miscellaneous expenses and emergencies.
2. Lyon
Lyon is still a big and popular student city in France, but it is cheaper than Paris in terms of living expenses. According to ENS Lyon, you should budget around €300 – €650 for accommodation, €350 for food, and €25 for a monthly travelcard. There are other leisure expenses like visiting the museum or clubbing that depend on your lifestyle preferences
Lyon, the capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is popular due to its rich cultural heritage and top academic institutions like the ENS Lyon. For international students studying in this city, you can take some time to explore attractions like the Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature, Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, and Lake Annecy.
3. Toulouse
Toulouse is another great student city with several top institutions, such as Paul Sabatier University. Known for its aerospace industry, rich history, and university life, Toulouse offers a balance between an exciting city atmosphere and relatively lower living costs. The University of Toulouse estimates that you will need around €150 – €600 for accommodation, €200 for food, and €200 for other expenses.
There are several options for transport to choose from including buses, trams, and bicycles, with a Velo subscription costing around €20 per year. This is a much cheaper city when compared with Paris, and international students will find it better financially to study and live here. Additionally, the city is just as exciting and vibrant as Paris and Lyon, featuring attractions like the Musée St-Raymond, the Conservatoire Nationale de la Violette, and Aeroscopia.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in France
Scholarships for International Students
Since studying abroad can be quite expensive for international students, it becomes crucial to look for ways to minimize the costs, like applying for scholarships. Here are some scholarships from French institutions to consider for your studies.
Part-time Work for International Students
International students can work in France while studying as long as they meet certain conditions. International students from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland can work up to 964 hours per year, which is roughly 20 hours per week during the academic term, and they can work full-time during university holidays. Non-EU students must have a valid long-stay visa or residence permit to work legally in France. Note that, this visa does not allow you to work on a self-employment basis.
International students can find a variety of part-time jobs like library assistants, administrative support assistants, and university facilities assistants. They can also find off-campus jobs in logistics companies, the hospitality industry, and tutoring. There are several ways to search for opportunities like university websites, online job search platforms like LinkedIn, and other local French platforms like Jobaviz.
France offers an incredible study-abroad destination for international students looking for quality higher education in Europe. While tuition fees in France are generally lower than in many other Western countries, the cost of studying and living as an international student can vary based on factors like the city of study and lifestyle choices. Living expenses in larger cities like Paris can be higher compared to smaller cities like Toulouse. Luckily, you can minimize the study and living costs by applying for scholarships or looking for part-time jobs.
We hope this information will make your experience in France both academically enriching and financially manageable. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe and Study in France for more articles and study opportunities!
