Wouldn’t it be exciting to study in a country known for its rich culture and celebrated cuisine? Think of the Eiffel Tower, France’s approximately 45,000 châteaux, and the Louvre, which remains the world’s most visited museum. International students can choose from institutions such as Sorbonne University and PSL University for their higher education studies. You can also explore this list of universities in France.
However, as with any international destination, it is essential to consider the cost of studying and living in France before making a decision. France’s public university system is heavily subsidized by the state, but tuition and registration policies vary according to a student’s nationality, residency status, institution, degree, and eligibility for an exemption. Living expenses can also 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 prepare financially and make the most of your educational experience.
Costs of Studying in France
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Academic costs may include tuition or registration fees, books, supplies, the student and campus life contribution known as the CVEC, and other study-related expenses. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the standard national registration fees for public national degrees are €178 at the bachelor’s level, €255 at the master’s level, and €397 at the doctoral level. Some first-time non-EU students may instead be charged differentiated fees of €2,902 for a bachelor’s degree and €3,950 for a master’s degree unless they qualify for an exemption.
Public education do charge tuition fees for international students. For example, Sorbonne University charges annual registration fees, although the French government covers most of the underlying cost of education. International fee exemptions may be adopted by individual universities and can change from one academic year to the next.
| INSTITUTION NAME | UNDERGRADUATE TUITION / REGISTRATION FEES | POSTGRADUATE TUITION / REGISTRATION FEES |
|---|
| Université Paris Cité | €178 under the national rate; the standard differentiated non-EU rate is €2,902 unless an exemption applies | €255 under the national rate; the standard differentiated non-EU rate is €3,950 unless an exemption applies |
| Université Bourgogne Europe | €178 under the national rate; the standard differentiated non-EU rate is €2,902 unless an exemption applies | €255 under the national rate; the standard differentiated non-EU rate is €3,950 unless an exemption applies |
| Université Toulouse Capitole | €178 under the national rate or €2,902 under the differentiated non-EU rate; exemptions vary by school or faculty | €255 under the national rate or €3,950 under the differentiated non-EU rate; exemptions vary by school or faculty |
| Aix-Marseille Université | €178 for students subject to the national rate; €2,902 for first-time non-EU students subject to differentiated fees | €255 for students subject to the national rate; €3,950 for first-time non-EU students subject to differentiated fees |
| Sciences Po | €0–€14,900 for eligible EEA tax households; €14,900 for new students whose parents’ tax residence is outside the EEA | €0–€20,640 for eligible EEA tax households; €20,640 for new students whose parents’ tax residence is outside the EEA |
These figures apply to standard national degrees or the institution’s general fee schedule. Specialized degrees, one-year programs, dual degrees, continuing education, engineering programs, and other institution-specific courses may have different fees. The CVEC and living expenses are generally separate. Students should confirm the exact amount on their program’s official fee page before enrolling.
Costs of Living in France
1. Paris
Paris is one of the more expensive cities in France, especially compared with smaller cities. Sciences Po advises students to plan for a total monthly budget of at least €1,235, including accommodation, food, transportation, books, and leisure. It reports average monthly rent of approximately €885 in the capital, although actual rent can be higher.
Sciences Po’s detailed estimates place private accommodation at approximately €600–€900 per month, including water and electricity, food at €250–€300, and culture, leisure, and entertainment at €100–€150. A standard monthly Navigo pass is listed at €90.80. Students should also budget for a security deposit, insurance, books, household items, and emergencies.
2. Lyon
Lyon is a major student city, but its living costs can be lower than those in Paris. According to ENS de Lyon, students should expect to pay approximately €300–€400 for a room in a campus residence or €400–€700 for private housing. Food is estimated at around €350 per month, while the listed monthly public transportation pass costs approximately €26.
Lyon is the capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is home to institutions such as ENS de Lyon. International students can also explore attractions such as the Musée Cinéma et Miniature and the Roman theaters of Fourvière. Remember to include entertainment, household supplies, insurance, and other personal expenses in your budget.
3. Toulouse
Toulouse is another major student city with institutions such as Université de Toulouse. Known for its aerospace sector, history, and student life, the city offers an active urban environment with housing that is generally less expensive than comparable accommodation in Paris.
The University of Toulouse Welcome Desk’s guide lists the average rent for a studio apartment in the Toulouse metropolitan area at approximately €610 per month. Rooms in shared apartments and student residences may cost less, but students should also budget for a deposit, utilities, insurance, food, transportation, study materials, and recreation.
Toulouse has buses, trams, a metro system, bicycles, and other transportation options. Tisséo offers reduced fares for some young people, students, and scholarship recipients, but prices and eligibility depend on age and status. Students should check the current Tisséo and VélôToulouse tariffs. Attractions include the Musée Saint-Raymond and Aeroscopia.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in France
Scholarships for International Students
Because studying abroad can be expensive, international students should research scholarships, tuition exemptions, and other forms of financial assistance early. Eligibility, application deadlines, eligible programs, and award amounts can change annually. The following are current examples offered or administered by French institutions.
The Ampère Scholarship provides eligible international master’s students with €1,000 per month for one academic year and may be renewed under certain conditions. Université Paris-Saclay’s International Master’s Scholarship provides €10,000 per academic year and a travel and visa allowance of up to €900, but it does not automatically cover tuition or registration fees. Scholarship applicants should always consult the current regulations and deadlines.
Part-time Work for International Students
International students may be able to work in France while studying if they meet the applicable immigration conditions. Most non-EU students holding a valid student VLS-TS or student residence permit can work up to 964 hours per year, equivalent to 60% of the standard annual working period. Specific rules may apply to certain nationalities and immigration statuses.
The 964-hour limit is an annual legal cap. Non-EU students should confirm that their visa or residence permit authorizes employment. A student residence permit does not, by itself, allow its holder to register as a micro-entrepreneur or conduct self-employed activity in France.
International students can find part-time positions such as library work, administrative support, hospitality work, logistics, retail, and tutoring. Opportunities may be advertised on university websites, general job platforms, and official French student employment platforms such as Jobaviz.
France is an attractive study-abroad destination for international students seeking higher education in Europe. Although public university registration fees can be lower than tuition at many private institutions, the total cost of studying and living in France depends on the institution, program, student status, city, and lifestyle. Living expenses in Paris are generally higher than those in cities such as Toulouse. Scholarships, institutional fee exemptions, housing assistance, and permitted part-time employment may help students manage their expenses.
We hope this information helps make your experience in France both academically enriching and financially manageable. If you are interested, make sure to also explore the Available Programs in Europe!
