Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students

The public education system of the country is funded by the state, and international students receive the fee at a subsidised price. Some specialised or privately provided programmes can be, however, more expensive. It will also depend on the city where the biggest city is Paris which is the most expensive to live.

Estimated Annual Cost of Studying in France (2026-27)

The following table gives you an approximate annual cost range for Indian students in France:

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Here is a breakdown of the average annual expenses of studying in France. Tuition fees range from €2,770–€30,000 (₹2.7L–₹30L) depending on the type of university. Living expenses typically fall between €8,000–€12,000 (₹8L–₹12L) per year. The duration of a program is 1 to 3 years directly affecting the total cost. Such a breakdown will enable you to calculate your overall budget in a more realistic way.

This guide explores the estimated tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year at France's top 10 universities. Renowned for academic excellence, France offers surprisingly affordable higher education, especially at public institutions. Discover the costs for both EU/EEA and international students to plan your budget for an exceptional academic experience.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the courses & currency exchange rate.

France has publicly funded universities, where both local and international students pay the same standard tuition fee; hence they are highly affordable as compared to another country such as the USA or the UK.

France also has the best education in most of the universities both government and privately owned and the tuition fees vary a lot.

Public Universities in France

The French government funds the public institutions and they are therefore very affordable to international students. That is what you can normally expect:

• Average Tuition Fees:
  
  • Bachelor’s programmes: €2,770/year (approx. ₹2.78 lakhs)
  • Master’s programmes: €3,770/year (approx. ₹3.79 lakhs)
  • Doctorate programmes: €380/year (approx. ₹38,242)
  • Engineering degrees: Around €620/year (approx. ₹62,395)

France universities, regardless of their type, are known to have high academic standards in various professional areas such as science, humanities, law, and technology, and are therefore preferably sought by foreign students who want a cheap and yet prestigious education.

Private Universities in France

There is a much higher tuition fee in the private schools (particularly in the business and specialised schools). Such universities usually have work-oriented programmes exposing them to the global industry and multilingual education.

• Tuition Range: €8,000 to €30,000/year (approx. ₹8.05 lakhs to ₹30.19 lakhs), depending on the course and institution.

These are the most covetable schools providing degrees in business, fashion, hospitality and management with almost all giving placements and internships matching the international career aspirations.

Application Deadlines:

• Public Universities: Applications typically open in October and close by January/February for September intake.
• Campus France – Études en France procedure must be completed by March.
• Private Institutions: Deadlines may extend till May/June but applying early improves chances of scholarships and housing.

Application Fee:

• Campus France: ₹18,000 (mandatory for Indian students)
• University-Specific Application Fees: Varies (can range from €50 – €100 or ₹4,500 – ₹9,000)

Late Fee/Delays:

• French universities may not allow late applications for visa-sensitive programmes.
• If you miss the Campus France deadline, you may lose your chance for that academic year.

Students must also consider initial costs before entering France. These are one-time expenses that may not be looked at but they are necessary to prepare in terms of expenses.

Pre-Arrival Costs for Indian Students:

• Student Visa Application Fee: €99 (₹9,963 approx.)
• Campus France Registration: ₹18,000
• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 (one-way)
• Medical Insurance & Vaccinations: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000
• Accommodation Deposit: 1 month’s rent (~₹35,000 – ₹50,000)

Total Pre-Arrival Expenses: ₹1.2 lakhs – ₹1.8 lakhs approx.

Monthly Living Cost Breakdown in France:

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Staying in France is a much more affordable option compared to a lot of other European countries, which makes it a good choice for Indian students. The cost of living of ₹64,000 to ₹1.14 lakhs per month allows the students to easily meet the rent, food, and basic necessities. The state provides students with subsidised transport, accommodation and food. Another key reason to study in France is the access to high quality education as well as cultural life. It’s a balanced and value-driven destination for international education.

The Cost of living in France varies across various cities. Paris as the capital city, is the most costly where the average monthly costs are close to or over 1.25 lakhs. Cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, and Lille are more economical to students as their cost is between 63,000 to 90,000 each month. The number of top-ranked universities located in these cities is also high, which makes them affordable and educative. Additionally, the students have an opportunity of utilizing CAF housing subsidy, which can enable them to save rent by up to 35%, which will make it quite easy.

The number of scholarships available in France to international students is extensive, including those which are generous to Indian candidates. These need-based scholarships usually subsidize tuition fees, monthly living allowances and even travelling expenses. Available prestigious scholarships such as Charpak Scholarship (specifically, to Indian students), Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, and IDEX Scholarships of leading universities contribute to the cost reduction. When you seek to study in France, there are certain scholarships in France which you can explore and which can make your education more accessible and affordable.

If you're planning to study in France, understanding the cost structure early helps you plan smarter whether it's applying for scholarships, choosing affordable cities, or managing your finances during the stay.

How can Leap Scholar help you in your Study abroad journey?

LeapScholar helps students like you with the French education system with ease. From choosing affordable universities to guiding you through scholarship applications, SOP building, and visa documentation, our experts ensure that your study abroad dream becomes a well-managed reality, financially and academically.