Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students in 2025

International students looking for affordable education abroad have always preferred France as one of their popular choices due to the less cost of university in France. The reason for this preference is France’s education system is globally recognized. The country offers a range of programs and internship opportunities in different study level stages. But apart from this, France’s popularity has grown the highest for this reason.

The cost of studying in France for Indian students is cheaper when compared to other countries. Students with a tight budget but wish to study in the best universities, France proves to be affordable. If you too are considering studying in France, this blog covers details related to cost of studying in France.

There are two types of universities in France for international students to choose from, public universities and private universities. The tuition fees in France for international students is determined highly based on this choice.

1.Private University

France is home to multiple private universities. Most of these private universities are Business schools and offer a range of programs in the Business and Management aspects. In France, private university fees are expensive and differ based on the institute's choice.

Here are a few examples:

2.Public University

Most Public university fees in France is funded by the government, making it affordable for students to enroll in programs here. Most public university tuition fees are the same for European citizens and international students.

There are multiple prestigious public universities in France such as:

• University of Paris
• Ecole Polytechnique
• University of Grenoble Alpes
• Aix-Marseille University
• Universite Montpellier

Here is the overview of France university fees for international students:

Suggested: 10 Best Public universities in France for International Students

Tuition Fees in France For International Students

France is home to multiple QS-Ranked universities. Based on the university and study choice, the cost of tuition fee is determined. Here is the list of the top universities in France along with the cost of studying in France for Indian students in rupees:

Suggested: Expenses for MS in France

When you plan your finances, the cost of living is another factor that you should consider when coming into France. This cost of living will determine how much you require to survive for a month or a year in France. These costs differ based on your lifestyle choices and the way you look at the standard of living for yourself.

On average, international students require 600- 800 EUR/month to cover all the relevant costs such as food, transport, accommodation etc. These figures will change based on the city you choose to reside in.

Here is an overview of the costs of popular student cities:

1. Paris

Paris is a popular student destination due to the multiple benefits it offers to international students. Students looking to study in a city with high standard of living, Paris is the ideal choice.

Suggested: Cost of Living in France

2. Grenoble

Grenoble is another popular student destination. The accommodation expenses is slightly lower when compared to Paris. Grenoble has a great night life and has been a prominent choice amongst international students.

3. Lyon

Lyon is another great place to reside while studying in France. The costs are similar to studying in Paris and Grenoble by Lyon is such a city that offers much more when compared to these cities.

Apart from the tuition fees as well as the available tuition-free universities in France, there are other expenses that you need to be prepared for. These costs can be divided into pre-arrival and post-arrival costs in France.

Let’s learn about them one by one:

Pre-Arrival Costs

Before you enter France, there is a list of actions that need to be conducted. You need to have sufficient funds to cater to them as well. Here are the top six:

1. Entrance Exams

International students have to pass certain exams to successfully submit their applications. Here are the popular tests and costs of getting it done:

2. University Application Fee

Most French universities require you to pay a university application fee. This payment then needs to be proved by attaching the same in the supporting documents. The application fee ranges between 60 EUR- 180 EUR.

3. Registration Fees

Most French universities also ask international students to pay registration fees. The amount differs based on the university chosen and the course. The registration fees range between 300 EUR-360 EUR.

4. Health Insurance

Health insurance is required for international students before they enter France. As per recent rules, health insurance for international students will be provided via the general security system. Health insurance can cost up to 40 EUR/month.

5. Airfare

Airfare is another expenditure to consider for pre-arrival costs. If you’re travelling from India to France the airfare costs range between 29,000 INR- 85,000 INR based on the day you’re booking and from which country. (one-way airfare)

6. Visa Fees

When applying for the student visa process in France, there are certain payment requirements from your end such as:

Suggested: Steps to Apply for Student Visa of France

Post- Arrival Costs

Once you arrive in France, there are most costs that await your attention. Arranging for the below listed costs will give you a better idea of how to manage your expenses during your stay here.

1. Accommodation

As seen above, the minute you arrive in France you need to spend your funds first on accommodation. Accommodation costs range between 200 EUR- 1200 EUR/month.

2. Bank Fees

International students will have to open a bank account to receive their salaries or receive funding of any kind. There is a fee (4 - 10 EUR/month) that is required to be paid to maintain the bank account and use any of the credit or debit cards.

While the cost of studying in France is affordable, enrolling in the best universities will demand higher tuition fees. The solution here is determined by two factors, part-time work opportunities, and scholarships.

Let’s learn about them one by one:

Part-time Work

France encourages international students to work part-time in 964 hours or 20 hours/week time frame. With this extra income, international students can continue to fund their education whenever needed. ( attend workshops, travel for education, take up a new course, etc)

Suggested: How to find part time work opportunities in France?

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are one of the convenient ways to fund tuition fees in France for international students. These scholarships either cover the expenses related to the cost of living or tuition fees or they offer grants.

Here are a few popular scholarship opportunities, most international students apply for:

Suggested: Know more scholarships in France for international students

France today is being viewed as the ideal destination for international students to pursue higher education. This popularity led to France creating a better student life for international students across the globe. Now that you have the money planning in mind, it’s time to explore affordable universities in France right now.