Cost of Studying in France: a Budget Guide for Students

Studying in France can be an attractive option for many students. However, considering tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses, it is very important to be informed about the cost of this decision.

This guide provides advice to students on the cost of studying in France and what they should consider when planning a budget.

Tuition

One of the largest components of the cost of studying in France is tuition fees. Tuition fees, which vary between universities and programs, play an important role in students' budget planning.

In accordance with the education reform approved in 2018, the costs of education for EU citizens and non-EU citizens have been changed. In that direction;

Price valid for European citizens: 170 Euros / Year + 100 Euros CVEC = 270 Euros / Year

Price valid for non-European citizens: 2770 Euros / Year + 100 Euros CVEC = 2870 Euros / Year

However, as French universities are independent, these decisions are taken in accordance with their own decisions. As many universities (e.g. Sorbonne University, University of Strasbourg, University of Montpellier, University of Bordeaux, etc.) do not accept this decision, they ensure that the same fees are paid as European citizens.

To confirm this part;

1. The admission you receive via Campus France may contain the mention “exonération partielle”;

2. You can view the tuition fees for the relevant education and training period on the schools' own pages.
   

Daily Fees

Besides tuition fees, another important cost that students should consider is living expenses. Housing, food, transportation, books and other personal expenses are factors that affect students' calculation of the cost of living in France. These expenses may vary depending on the city where students will live and their lifestyle.

Average for Paris:

• Accomodation : 1000 Euros / month

• Kitchen costs and personal expenses* : 600 Euros / month

• CAF Housing Help : +230 Euros / month

  • Total : 1000 Euros + 600 Euros - 230 Euros = 1370 Euros / month

Moyenne pour les autres villes que Paris :

• Accomodation : 700 Euros / month

• Kitchen costs and personal expenses* : 500 Euros / month

• CAF Housing Help : +150 Euros / month

  • Total : 700 Euros + 500 Euros -150 Euros = 1050 Euros / month

*Kitchen and personal expenses may vary from student to student. It is calculated that students prepare their own meals and their socialization is limited to 1-2 days per week.

Scholarship and Financial Support Opportunities

Providing information about scholarships, financial aid programs, and other opportunities available to students to offset the costs of studying in France can help students find other ways to cover their costs.

Non-European students who have not been in France for at least 2 years are not able to apply for government scholarships. Students who have this opportunity can apply for the following academic year until May 31 of each year.

The only assistance students can benefit from is rental assistance from CAF (https://www.caf.fr/). All students are entitled to this aid during the validity of their residence permit. Payments vary depending on whether the accommodation is a dormitory or a house, whether it is furnished or unfurnished, and the city in which you live.

Rental assistance from Paris CAF for 2024 is 232 Euros.

Work Opportunities

Information about work opportunities for students studying in France can help students evaluate their options for earning an income and working to cover their costs.

Any student holding a residence permit in France has the possibility of working up to 20 hours per week. This period is calculated on an annual basis and not on a weekly or monthly basis. Thus, students who wish to work full-time during the summer period can work without needing any document other than a residence permit, without exceeding their official annual time.

At this point, the most important point to pay attention to is the salary you will receive. Depending on the increase in your salary, your CAF allowance may be reduced and/or you may be liable for taxes.

There are many details about the cost of studying in France that students need to consider when planning a budget. This guide has been prepared to help students understand costs and plan their budget.