France Cost & living - Tuition & budgets

For non-EU students at first-time entry to selected French public institutions, the 2026-27 differentiated annual tuition is around EUR 2,902 for a bachelor's and EUR 3,950 for a master's, though exemptions may apply. Doctoral programmes cost far less, while private institutions and Grandes Écoles typically charge much more.

Standard fees at public universities in France are around EUR 2,850 to 2,900 per year for bachelors programmes and EUR 3,950 per year for masters programmes. Completely tuition-free study generally requires a scholarship, an exchange programme or an institutional fee waiver.

The CVEC fee for international students in France for 2026-27 is EUR 105, though some students are exempt. Budget for it as an upfront cost, along with the visa fee, VLS-TS validation tax, a security deposit, home insurance, your flight and basic setup expenses when you arrive.

The Master in Management at HEC Paris has an approximate annual tuition fee of EUR 29,450. Fees can differ from year to year and depend on the course, intake and student status, so confirm the current figure on the school's official page before you budget or apply.

Yes, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Lithuania and France offer budget options besides Italy. Germany charges near zero tuition at public universities, while Poland's programs run about €2,000 to €6,000 a year, with living costs near €330 to €430 a month, among Europe's lowest totals.

Yes, France offers strong ROI, with public university tuition around EUR3,950 a year for a masters, living costs of EUR800 to EUR1,200 a month, and a 1 year job search permit after graduation that supports your transition into qualified employment.

Build your roadmap in four stages: shortlist 8 to 12 programs, budget EUR3,950 a year for public tuition, apply for the Eiffel or Charpak scholarship, and start your Campus France visa process at least 3 months before intake, showing EUR877.50 in monthly funds.

Budget roughly 15,000 to 22,000 euros a year, or about Rs. 14 to 21 lakh, for a public university in Paris, covering tuition of 2,902 euros for a bachelor's or 3,950 euros for a master's, CROUS or private housing, food, transport, and other living costs.