France is a top-notch study destination for students worldwide. According to the QS ranking reports, in 2026, France has universities ranked globally with multiple institutions reaching the top 100.
But there’s more to France than just academic excellence and rich culture. What if we told you that studying in France is affordable? This might be surprising, given France’s reputation, but it’s true.
It’s a magnet for Indian students looking for quality education on a budget. This guide will explain in detail the total cost of studying in France, including tuition fees, transportation, living expenses, and visa costs.
Let’s uncover how financially accessible world-class education in France can be.
Cost of Studying in France
France is a top destination for students from around the world. In the academic year 2022/23, France welcomed 412,087 international students to its higher education institutions – a 3% increase from the previous year and a 17% rise over the past five years.
In 2023, more than 400,000 students were studying in France’s higher education institutions. The French government’s aim is to welcome 30,000 Indian students per year by 2030.
This huge surge is due to the lower cost of living, top-quality and affordable programs, and enticing scholarships.
It is possible to limit your annual costs of living in France to around ₹7,84,000 (approximately €8,742), which includes student housing, food, cultural and social activities, and transportation.
The cost is nearly 4x less than other European countries where just the living costs exceed ₹13,76,000 (€16,000) in the UK to ₹17,54,400 (€20,400) in Switzerland.
Tuition fees in France
The government of France is dedicated to providing accessible and quality higher education. Let’s find out exactly how much it costs to study in France.
Public University vs Private Fees: Key Distinction for Indian Students
Public universities in France (universités) are heavily government-subsidised. Tuition fees are set by the government:
Licence (Bachelor’s equivalent): €170/year (~₹15,500)
Master’s degree: €243/year (~₹22,000)
CVEC (mandatory student life contribution): €103/year – paid separately at etudiant.gouv.fr before enrollment
Total annual tuition at public university: approximately €273-346 (~₹25,000-32,000)
Private universities and grandes écoles (INSEAD, HEC Paris, ESSEC, etc.) are NOT government-subsidised. Their fees range from €3,000 to €30,000+/year. These are the fees that most ‘expensive France’ articles quote. Public university fees are a fraction of this.
Private universities:
Tuition fees at private universities range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year. Business schools (grandes écoles) are expensive and can cost €15,000-30,000 for some MBA programs. A PG degree from École Polytechnique costs approximately €14,900 annually.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
France offers multiple scholarship programs that cover up to 100% of tuition fees. You can find scholarships on official platforms like Campus Bourses and choose scholarships like the Charpak Scholarship Program to fund both bachelor’s and master’s degrees individually.
There are many scholarships and financial aids financed directly by the French Government for Indian students in France.
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France 2026: Complete Guide
Find French universities that match your budget and profile – AI-powered, free. Explore on GradRight
There are many such scholarships and financial aids financed directly by the French Government for Indian students in France.
Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students in 2026
Rupee figures are approximate at 1 EUR ≈ ₹91-93. Verify current exchange rates.
Living Expenses
Accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses can cost up to ₹7,50,000 per year, which varies by city. Paris, being more expensive, could push your costs higher.
Health Insurance
Health insurance has minimal direct cost because the French Social Security system (Sécurité Sociale) covers a large portion of medical costs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescribed medications. You must first sign up for a Social Security number that covers 60% of your bill and subscribe to complementary health insurance to cover the remaining amount.
Administrative and Mandatory Fees
Key mandatory fees for Indian students (2026):
Fee | Amount | Frequency |
APS Certificate (mandatory for Indians) | ~₹5,000-6,000 | Once (before application) |
Campus France fee (India) | ~€115 (~₹10,500) | Once |
CVEC (student life contribution) | €103 (~₹9,400) | Every year |
Student Visa (VLS-TS) | €99 (~₹9,000) | Once (per visa) |
Residence permit renewal (Titre de Séjour) | ~€200 (~₹18,400) | Annually |
University enrollment admin fees | €140-500 (~₹13,000-46,000) | Annually (varies by uni) |
Requirements for Studying in France
Before you start studying in France, there are some requirements you must meet:
- APS Certificate from Campus France India – mandatory for all Indian students before visa application
- You must be above 18 years of age.
- You must present the visa fee payment receipt as part of your application.
- A letter of acceptance from a French university is crucial to confirm your enrollment.
- You must have financial status to support yourself in France – minimum €615/month (€7,380/year).
- You must show your air ticketing details.
- You must have medical insurance coverage.
- You must provide proof of accommodation.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for programs taught in English.
- French language proficiency certificate for programs taught in French.
Course-wise Tuition Fees in France
Note: Fees below reflect private university and grandes écoles costs. Public university fees are €170-243/year (Licence/Master’s) regardless of course. The table below applies to private institutions.
Course | Average Tuition Fee/Year (Private) |
MBA | ₹25,80,000 – ₹86,00,000 |
Engineering | ₹8,60,000 – ₹25,80,000 |
Film Studies | ₹8,60,000 – ₹17,20,000 |
Brand Management | ₹8,60,000 – ₹17,20,000 |
Hotel Management | ₹6,02,000 – ₹15,48,000 |
Fashion Designing | ₹7,65,400 – ₹17,20,000 |
Computer Science | ₹4,30,000 – ₹12,90,000 |
Data Science | ₹8,60,000 – ₹34,40,000 |
Finance | ₹10,32,000 – ₹34,40,000 |
Medicine | ₹12,90,000 – ₹34,40,000 |
Cost of Living in France
For students wondering how much money is required to study in France, here’s a breakdown of accommodation, food, transportation and more. Note: these are estimates; actual costs depend on individual preferences.
Student Living Costs in Various French Cities
City | Monthly Living Costs (estimate) |
Paris | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000/month |
Nice | ₹50,000 – ₹70,000/month |
Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000/month |
Accommodation Costs
- Student Halls of Residence (CROUS): ₹13,000 to ₹48,000/month (Paris: ₹36,000 to ₹58,000)
- Private Rentals: ₹30,000 to ₹60,000/month. Paris: ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000. Smaller cities: ~₹17,000 for a small apartment.
Food Expenses
- Groceries: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000/month in Paris. Lower in other regions.
- Eating Out: ₹800-1,300 for an inexpensive restaurant. Bistros/crepe stands: ₹400-700 for a lighter meal.
Transportation
- Public Transit: Monthly passes ₹2,500 to ₹6,500.
- Taxis: Start at ~₹130/km in Paris. Short trips: ₹600-900.
- Bike Rentals: Programs like Vélib make cycling affordable.
Additional Costs
- Health Insurance: ₹1,700 to ₹4,500/month for complementary private coverage.
- Educational Materials: ~₹4,500/month for books and supplies.
- CVEC: €103/year (~₹9,400) – mandatory, paid online before enrollment.
Visa Application Costs
- Student Visa (VLS-TS): €99 (~₹9,000)
- Campus France Registration (India): ~€115 (~₹10,500)
- APS Certificate: ~₹5,000-6,000
Residency Permit Costs
- Titre de Séjour: Application fee ~₹7,000 for first issuance. Must be renewed annually.
Health Insurance
- Enrolling in the French social security system (Sécurité Sociale) for health coverage is mandatory for students and usually free.
- Additional private health insurance: ₹1,700 to ₹4,500/month.
Administrative Fees for University Enrollment
- Apart from tuition, universities may charge administrative fees for student services, library access, and other facilities. These generally range from ₹13,000 to ₹45,000 annually.
Miscellaneous Costs
- Certified translations for non-French documents: ₹2,500 to ₹6,500 per document.
Why Choose France for Higher Studies?
Studying in France is not just about attaining a degree; it’s about experiencing the whole educational journey in one of the world’s most admired cultural and academic landscapes.
- World-class institutions: Sorbonne University, École Normale Supérieure, HEC Paris, and INSEAD.
- Programs in English: Many French universities offer prestigious programs taught entirely in English.
- Affordable public education: Public university tuition is €170-243/year – among the lowest in the developed world.
- Internship and employment opportunities: Strong connections between industry and academia.
- Focus on innovation and research: State-of-the-art research facilities.
- Supportive environment: Welcome programs, language courses, and assistance with accommodation and visa applications.
- Quality of life: France consistently ranks highly for healthcare, work-life balance, and quality of life.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Studying in France
Scholarship | Provided By | Eligibility | Benefits |
University Scholarships | Individual Universities | Students under 30 with academic excellence | Up to ₹9 lakhs/academic year |
Eiffel Excellence (Master’s) | French Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enrolled in Master’s course | €1,181/month (~₹1.08 lakhs/month) |
Eiffel Excellence (PhD) | French Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enrolled in PhD course | |
Need-based Grants | French Government | Under 28, financial need | ₹1.4 to 4 lakhs/year + healthcare benefits |
Merit-based Grants | French Government | Exceptional academic merit | ₹1.5 to 5.5 lakhs + healthcare benefits |
Top Universities to Study in France
France is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities:
# | University |
1 | Sorbonne University |
2 | École Polytechnique |
3 | HEC Paris |
4 | INSEAD |
5 | École Normale Supérieure (ENS) |
Finding the right university is crucial. With 72 universities, 25 multi-institute campuses, 271 doctoral schools, 227 engineering schools, and 220 business and management schools, France gives students a problem of choice. GradRight helps solve this.
Over 60,000 students have used GradRight to find their best university. Here’s how:
- Set up your profile: Provide your personal details and educational history.
- Outline your needs: What kind of program, field of study, and university location are you seeking?
- Get AI-powered matches: GradRight will suggest programs in France that fit your criteria.
- Compare and choose: Review the matches, consider costs, rankings, and what matters most to you.
- Talk to an advisor: Get personalized advice and help with your applications.
Find your best-matched French university – 40,000+ programs, AI-powered. Explore on GradRight
Education Loans for Studying in France
While the prospect of studying in France is exciting, it’s no secret that it can get expensive (especially for grandes écoles and private universities). GradRight’s loan platform simplifies how you secure an education loan.
- Compare loan offers from 18 top lenders (Indian and international)
- Lenders compete to offer you the best loan terms
- Loan offers within 2 days, approval within 10 days
- Save up to 23 lakhs over the life of your loan
- Financial expert support to negotiate better terms
Compare education loans from 18+ lenders for your France study journey. Explore Loans on GradRight
Also Read: Study in France 2026: Process, Requirements, Visa and Benefits
Also Read: Affordable Universities in France for International Students
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France
