From Bonjour, Bon appetit, to some good old fashioned wine and cheese, who wouldn’t fancy experiencing French life, especially as a student.
France houses some of the world’s top universities, including more than 30 QS ranked universities. There are more than 3,500 public/private universities and other institutes offering undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and PhD courses.
Top Reasons to Study in France
- France has bagged the 8th best position globally and is in the top 5 in Europe for quality of education.
- Studying in France is comparatively cheaper than many other European countries.
- International students can work part-time in France. Some jobs: nanny, English tutor, tour guide, restaurant executive, retail work.
- The minimum hourly wage in France (SMIC) is €11.88/hour in 2025 (updated from €7.61). International students can earn up to approximately €11,400/year working part-time (964 hours/year at SMIC).
- International students in France can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) – a 24-month post-study work permit for Master’s graduates (not a 5-year visa as sometimes cited).
Now, let’s break down your cost of study in France.
Cost of Studying in France for an International Student
To effectively plan your study in France, learn about the costs you will incur:
University Fees
Some of the best courses to study in France are Business studies, Aviation, Philosophy, International Relations, Culinary Studies, Film Studies and Fashion.
Public University Fees (ALL students – EU and non-EU)
French public universities charge government-regulated fees for all students: €170/year (Licence/Bachelor’s) and €243/year (Master’s) + CVEC €103/year mandatory. Total: ~€273-346/year (~₹25,000-32,000).
The fees in the table below reflect program-specific or private institution fees, not the standard public university rate.
| University | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR approx.) |
| Université PSL | €380 – €3,770/year | ₹34,700 – ₹3,44,000/year |
| Ecole Polytechnique | €14,900/year (Master’s) | ₹13,60,000/year |
| Sorbonne University | €243/year (public rate) + program fees | ₹22,200/year (base) |
| Centrale Supélec | €7,880 – €18,344/year | ₹7,19,000 – ₹16,74,000/year |
| HEC Paris | €24,850 – €30,350/year | ₹22,70,000 – ₹27,70,000/year |
| ENS Paris-Saclay | €793/year | ₹72,400/year |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | €243/year (public rate) | ₹22,200/year |
| Sciences Po | €13,190 – €25,000/year | ₹12,04,000 – ₹22,83,000/year |
France also offers multiple scholarships to ease study expenses. Check: gradright.com/scholarships-for-indian-students-to-study-in-france-complete-guide/
Student Visa
The type of visa you need depends on the duration of your stay in France. To secure a French student visa you’re required to display €615/month as proof of sufficient funds.
| Visa | Duration | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR approx.) |
| Schengen short-stay | 3 months / non-renewable | Free | Free |
| VLS-T (Temporary long-stay) | 3-6 months | €50 | ~₹4,600 |
| VLS-TS (Long-stay) | 4 months – 1 year | €99 | ~₹9,000 |
Apart from the visa, foreign nationals need medical insurance of €30,000 to cover health services in France.
Flight Fares
The French universities commence their academic year during September/October. The cheapest month to fly to France is February when flight tickets cost around ₹20,000-30,000 for a one-way ticket. On average, flight fares range from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000.
Accommodation
| Type | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR approx.) |
| University residence halls (CROUS) | €200 – €400/month | ₹18,300 – ₹36,600/month |
| Private student residences | €500+/month | ₹45,700+/month |
| Apartments | €400 – €800/month | ₹36,600 – ₹73,100/month |
| Living with a French family | €200 – €800/month | ₹18,300 – ₹73,100/month |
Tip: CROUS can help you find affordable accommodation.
Transportation
| Type | Student Rate | Cost (INR approx.) |
| Transit in Paris | €342/year | ₹31,200/year |
| Transit outside Paris | €250-€300/year | ₹22,800-₹27,400/year |
| Self-serve bicycle | €19-€29/year | ₹1,740-₹2,650/year |
| SNCF discount card | €50/year | ₹4,570/year |
Food Cost
Students can generally expect to spend about €300-€500/month in France on food, depending on the city and frequency of restaurant visits.
| Food Item | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR approx.) |
| Baguette | €1 | ~₹91 |
| Croissant | €1.10 | ~₹100 |
| 1kg pasta | €1.50 | ~₹137 |
| 1L milk | €1.20 | ~₹110 |
| Coffee | €2 | ~₹183 |
| University meal (CROUS) | €3.25 | ~₹297 |
| Fast food | €7 | ~₹639 |
| Restaurant meal | €10-€20 | ~₹913-₹1,826 |
Other Additional Expenses
The last regular expense will be any additional cost of stationery, internet, memberships etc. You can set aside €500/month for the same.
Compare education loans from 18+ lenders for your France study journey. Explore Loans on GradRight
Best Bank Loans for Indian Students to Study in France
To study in France, you can apply for secured loans with collateral such as fixed deposits with low-interest rates, or unsecured loans at higher interest rates.
Eligibility criteria for education loans to study abroad:
- You need to be a resident of India.
- Should be between 18 to 35 years at the time of loan application.
- Have confirmed admission to a recognized institution in France.
- A co-applicant who can either be a parent or guardian is required with a stable income source.
Interest Rate Disclaimer
Interest rates change frequently. The rates in the table below are indicative only and may differ at the time of your application. Always verify current rates directly with the bank or via GradRight before applying.
| Bank | Max Loan Amount | Indicative Interest Rate | Loan Period |
| Axis Bank | Up to ₹40 Lakhs | From ~11.25% pa | Course + 12 years |
| Bank of Baroda | ₹80 Lakhs | ~8.25% (boys) / 7.75% (girls) | 15 years |
| Canara Bank | ₹40 Lakhs | ~6.90%-8.80% pa | 15 years |
| Federal Bank | ₹20 Lakhs | Up to ~10.05% pa | Course + 5-7 years |
| HDFC Bank | ₹30 Lakhs | ~9.55% pa | 15 years incl. moratorium |
| SBI | ₹1.5 Crore | ~8.65% pa | 15 years |
| Punjab National Bank | As per capacity | RLR+BSP+2.00% onwards | 15 years |
| IDBI Bank | Up to ₹20 Lakhs | ~6.75%-8.65% | 15 years |
A smarter alternative: Use GradRight’s FundRight platform to compare real offers from 18+ lenders in one place – Indian and international banks and NBFCs. You’ll receive loan offers within 2 days, often without collateral, with expert help to negotiate the best terms.
Compare 18+ education loan offers for France- free, no bank visits required. Start on GradRight FundRight
Studying in France will exceed your expectations by giving you an enriching adventure with its diversity and multicultural experiences. Keep in mind to plan your finances well prior to studying in France.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in France 2026: Complete Breakdown
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in France 2026
Also Read: Study in France 2026: Process, Requirements, Visa and Benefits
Also Read: Master’s in France for Indian Students 2026: Complete Guide
