France is known to be one of the most popular destinations for Indian students to pursue a Master’s degree. French universities are rated among the world’s best for their excellent infrastructure, quality education, and deep emphasis on research and innovation. With most universities teaching in both French and English, students find it more comfortable enrolling in their programs and getting a chance to experience the rich culture and beauty of France.
However nearly every student considering studying abroad in France will have these 3 questions on their mind:
- What are the tuition fees for international students at French universities, and are there affordable options?
- How much is the cost of living in France, especially in cities like Paris, and can I manage it on a student budget?
- Are there scholarships, financial aid, or part-time work opportunities to offset tuition and living expenses?
Let us understand more about the cost of studying and living in France for international students like you!
Understanding the Cost of Living and Studying in France
French universities offer high-quality education and global recognition through their Master’s programs across varied domains. While studying in France may not come cheap, there are ways to manage and plan the expenses better to make the most of your investment. Here are a few major expenses that you need to plan for:
- Tuition fee: The actual cost of studying at the chosen university varies depending on your course.
- Pre-application expenses: These are the expenses related to university applications and exams, like GRE, GMAT, or IELTS
- Living expenses: These are the day-to-day living expenses when you stay in the country, such as rent, food, travel, etc.
Knowing these estimated numbers in advance can help you plan the expenses better and avoid last-minute surprises.
Pre-Application Expenditure in France
These are often the costs that go unnoticed when you are planning to study a Master’s in France. However, these are crucial and can burn a hole in your pocket when they add up. These vital expenses include the visa fee, application fee, cost of GMAT/GRE, etc.
| Cost type | Estimated cost (Euro) | Estimated cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| English language test (IELTS/PTE) | €284 | INR 28,539 |
| GRE (if required) | €188 | INR 18,890 |
| Visa Application | €50-€99 | INR 5,000-9,948 |
| Health Insurance | Free for international students |
Please note: These expenses may change over time, so check the official websites for the latest updates.
Tuition Fees for a Master’s in France
Students willing to pursue a Master’s in France can choose their programs from a wide range of top universities. Here is an estimate of the tuition fee and popular programs at some of the country’s popular universities.
| University | Program | Average tuition fee (Euro) |
| HEC Paris | MS in Accounting, Finance, and Management | €40,200 |
| INSEAD | MiM in Management | €47,600 |
| ESSEC Business School | Master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics | €14,400 |
| Toulouse Business School | MSc in Aerospace Management | €19,500 |
| Kedge Business School | MSc in Banking and Finance | €18,500 |
Please note: The tuition fees for each of these institutes are subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest information.
Besides the tuition fee, students must also plan their monthly expenses while living in France. These expenses include accommodation, travel, food, internet, mobile phone, and personal expenses. The cost of living also varies mainly with the area you choose to live in and your lifestyle.
The section below gives an estimate of the cost of living in France’s popular cities and a monthly expense breakdown to help you make a wise financial decision.
This section will guide you through the monthly cost of living in France’s most popular cities and the normal monthly expense breakdown, so you can make the proper financial decisions.
City-wise living cost (Monthly)
| City | Estimated monthly cost (Euro) |
| Paris | €1,580 |
| Lyon | €1,019 |
| Lille | €980 |
| Toulouse | €943 |
If you wish to reduce your cost of living, consider choosing universities in less popular destinations like Grenoble and Montpellier. They have relatively lower costs yet offer excellent Master’s programs.
Monthly Expense Breakdown
Below is a breakdown of everyday monthly expenses that a student would incur when pursuing a Master’s in France:
| Category | Estimated cost (Euro) |
| Student accommodation | €200-€400 |
| Food and groceries | €250-€300 |
| Phone and internet | €130 |
| Public Transport | €30-€50 |
Please note: The costs mentioned above are simply for reference purposes. The actual expenses can vary depending on the lifestyle, needs, and other factors.
How to Manage Costs and Save During Your Master’s in France
- Accommodation: Costs are lower for university residences (e.g., CROUS) but competitive to secure. Private or shared apartments are pricier, especially in Paris. Apply early for accommodations near campus.
- Food: Grocery costs assume cooking at home (e.g., shopping at supermarkets like Lidl or Carrefour). Dining out occasionally increases expenses.
- Transportation: Public transport passes often include student discounts. Paris’s Navigo pass is pricier due to the extensive network. Smaller cities have cheaper options, and biking is popular (subscriptions €15–€30/year)
- Tips for Savings: Opt for student residences, use public transport passes, shop at budget supermarkets, and apply for housing benefits (e.g., CAF) or scholarships (e.g., Charpak for Indian students).
- Part-Time Work for International Students: Non-EU students, including Indians, can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours/week) in France. Jobs like tutoring, retail, or campus roles pay €10–€15/hour, helping cover living costs, though availability depends on language skills and city.
- Scholarships for Indian Students: Scholarships like the Charpak Scholarship (€860700/month), Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (up to €1,181/month), and university-specific grants reduce financial burdens for Indian students. Campus France lists options, with eligibility often based on academic merit and program type, covering tuition or living expenses.
Final Thoughts
Studying in France is a thrilling and instructive experience, but you need to be financially ready. With careful planning, budgeting, and scholarships, your Master’s education can be affordable and enriching.
For Indian students who are aspiring to study at France’s top universities, navigating admissions, scholarships, and visa processes can also be daunting. LilacBuds, a trusted admissions consultancy, offers personalized guidance to secure spots at prestigious institutions. With expert support, students can confidently manage applications, finances, and cultural transitions to thrive in France’s vibrant academic landscape.
We hope this guide gives you the confidence to handle the financial side of your French experience. If you need more information or guidance, book a consultation today!
