University tuition fees, monthly housing rent, food, transportation, and other unending costs in a city like France sounds too expensive. Almost impractical to choose for higher education.
But what if we say you can study cheaply in an expensive city like France? What if we list the affordable universities in France for international students?
This article is an information package about affordable higher education in France for international students. We will cover:
- Affordable universities in France for international students
- Quality of education in the universities of France
- The total expense of studying and living in France
- Scholarships available for international students in France
- Money-saving tips while studying in France
APS Certificate: Required Before You Apply
All Indian students must obtain the APS (Attestation de Préalable de Scolarité) certificate from Campus France India BEFORE applying to any French university. Apply 8+ weeks before your deadlines. Without APS, your student visa will be rejected.
Affordable Universities in France for International Students
More than 3,500 public and private institutions in France offer certifications, degrees, and doctoral programs in business and engineering to fashion and art courses.
The fees below are the standard government-regulated annual tuition for public universities – the same for all students (EU and non-EU including Indian students):
| University | Location | Tuition (Licence/year) | Tuition (Master’s/year) |
| Université Paris-Saclay | Paris | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| Le Mans University | Le Mans | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| Sorbonne University | Paris | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| University of Orléans | Orléans | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| University of Strasbourg | Strasbourg | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| University of Angers | Angers | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| Université de Montpellier | Montpellier | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| University of Clermont Auvergne | Clermont-Ferrand | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| University of Franche-Comté | Franche-Comté | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | Grenoble | €170 (~₹15,500) | €243 (~₹22,000) |
Note: Add CVEC €103/year to all above fees. Total annual tuition: ~€273-346 (~₹25,000-32,000). Verify fees directly on each university’s official website as some programs may have different rates.
Finding the right university is the most crucial step of studying abroad. Connect with GradRight and give your requirements to get unbiased recommendations on the most affordable universities in France for international students.
Find affordable universities in France that match your profile – AI-powered, free. Explore on GradRight
Quality of Education in the Universities of France
Do you have second thoughts that the cheapest universities in France for international students have compromised their quality of education?
It is an undeniable fact that quality is always tied up with the price you pay. But French universities provide their students with the best education and top-notch facilities.
Moreover, in public institutions, the French government partially funds the education of the students. That’s why there exist affordable universities in France for international students.
According to Campus France, the enrollment of international students has increased by 8% from 2021 to 2022. And over 9.5% increase in registration of Indian students. This clearly indicates the improved quality of the educational system in France.
The Total Expense of Studying and Living in France
Let’s break down the cost of studying in France into four different types of expenses:
University Tuition Fee
The tuition fees at public universities are government-regulated and the same for all students (EU and non-EU):
| Level | Annual Tuition (All Students) |
| Licence (Bachelor’s equivalent) | €170/year (~₹15,500) + CVEC €103 |
| Master’s degree | €243/year (~₹22,000) + CVEC €103 |
| Doctorate/PhD | €601/year (~₹55,000) + CVEC €103 |
| Engineering school (grande école) | €601/year (~₹55,000) at public ones + CVEC €103 |
Private institutions: Tuition ranges from approximately ₹2,40,000 to ₹8,00,000+ per year depending on the institution.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in France 2026: Complete Breakdown (gradright.com/cost-of-studying-in-france/)
Visa Fees
An international student from outside the EU must take the VLS-TS visa (‘étudiant’), which permits you to live, study and work in France.
The VLS-TS visa fee is €99 (~₹9,000) for Indian applicants. Having this visa, you can work up to 964 hours per year.
The validity of the VLS-TS is up to 1 year with the possibility of renewal. If you prefer to stay in France after your degree program, you must renew your visa or apply for a different visa through the immigration office.
Airfare
One way to travel to France from India will range from ₹30,421 to ₹58,692. It varies primarily based on the city you fly from to the city you fly to. Paris is the cheapest destination to fly to.
Average Living Cost in the City
The major lifestyle factors influencing the cost of living in France are accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Monthly rent | ₹31,854 to ₹95,564 |
| Food (groceries) | ₹31,854/month |
| Food (inexpensive restaurant) | ₹1,075 per meal |
| Transportation (monthly pass) | ₹4,459/month |
| Internet and cell phone plan | ₹3,344/month |
| Other personal expenses | ₹7,963/month |
An average living cost in France is ₹87,601 to ₹1,43,347 per month. The cost of living largely depends on the city you choose.
The best French cities to study in:
| City | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Paris | ~₹1,01,776/month |
| Nice | ~₹84,734/month |
| Grenoble | |
| Aix-en-Provence | ~₹79,637/month |
| Lyon | ~₹82,504/month |
| Bordeaux | ~₹80,433/month |
| Montpellier | ~₹75,098/month |
Scholarships Available for International Students in France
French Embassy in India grants scholarships up to 12 crore Indian rupees for more than 500 academically acclaimed Indian students.
Here goes the list of scholarships available for Indian students in France:
- The Charpak Scholarship Program
- Raman–Charpak Fellowship
- La Fémis
- Eiffel Scholarship Program
- Make Our Planet Green Again (MOPGA)
- The Erasmus Scholarship
- Scholarship for French Language Teachers
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France 2026: Complete Guide
Compare education loans from 18+ lenders for your France study journey. Explore Loans on GradRight
Money-Saving Tips While Studying in Affordable Universities in France
- CROUS accommodation: Choose CROUS student halls instead of expensive private apartments.
- BlaBlaCar: The world’s largest long-distance ride-sharing community for transportation between cities.
- CROUS food: CROUS also offers food options where you can eat for less than €5.
- Vélib: Bike-sharing in Paris – renting bicycles for approximately €10 a week.
- Apps for Paris: Le Parisien Sortie, RATP, Free Wifi Paris, L’internaute Restos for navigating the city cheaply.
Also Read: Best Cities in France for International Students 2026: Complete Guide
Studying in the Most Affordable Universities in France
French public universities are among the most affordable in the world. ALL students – EU and non-EU including Indian students – pay just €170/year (Licence) or €243/year (Master’s) + CVEC €103 at public universities. This makes France one of the best countries for higher education globally.
The French study visa provides work opportunities to help around your living expenses in the city.
France, without any doubt, is one of the best countries to choose for your higher education with its high quality of education, cheap universities, and part-time working opportunities.
Also Read: Study in France 2026: Process, Requirements, Visa and Benefits
Also Read: Master’s in France for Indian Students 2026: Complete Guide
Also Read: MBA in France 2026: Top Colleges, Fees and Scholarships
