How much should I budget for studying at a public university in France, including tuition and living expenses, if I choose to live in Paris?
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.
Living in Paris raises your total cost compared with smaller French cities, but a public university keeps tuition itself relatively low. Here is a realistic annual budget as an Indian, non-EU student.
Annual Budget Breakdown in Paris
| Expense | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition, bachelor's | 2,902 euros a year |
| Tuition, master's | 3,950 euros a year |
| CROUS student housing | About 450 euros a month |
| Private studio | From about 800 euros a month |
| Food | About 300 euros a month |
| Student transport pass | 374.40 euros a year |
Ways to Manage the Paris Premium
- Prioritize CROUS housing: University-managed housing is significantly cheaper than a private studio and should be your first application after acceptance.
- Check tuition waivers: Some universities reduce or waive the differentiated non-EU tuition fee, so ask your specific university directly.
- Budget extra for daily costs: Add 150 to 300 euros a month for phone, insurance, supplies, and personal expenses on top of housing and food.
My Advice
Apply for CROUS housing the moment you accept your offer, since spots fill quickly and a CROUS room can cut your annual budget by several thousand euros compared with a private studio. If your target university charges the full non-EU tuition rate, ask directly about fee waivers or scholarships before assuming you must pay the sticker price.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what France costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
More France questions
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Can you tell me which colleges provide good scholarships, especially need-based rather than merit-based scholarships in Ireland/France for a Master's?
- What is the typical intake period for my course, and is summer intake available in Germany/France for a Master's?
- Have you discussed your abroad education plan with your parents in UK/Australia?
- Is it necessary to have a resume for the application process in Germany/France for a Master's/MBBS?
- Are there any low-budget countries that offer good education with a good work-life balance in Germany/France?
- Which countries besides UK, Ireland, Canada, and Germany are good for computer science and AI masters programs in France/Netherlands for a Master's?
- What is the average minimum amount of funds required for studying abroad, including tuition and living expenses in Germany/France?