Studying in France has become one of the top choices for Indian students, thanks to its world-class universities, diverse culture, and affordable education compared to the USA, UK, or Australia. But before planning your journey, it’s crucial to understand the overall cost of studying in France, including tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and other essentials.
This guide gives you a complete breakdown of costs in 2025, so you can plan your budget confidently.
1. Tuition Fees in France for Indian Students (2025)
France offers both public universities and Grandes Écoles (elite institutions), and the fee structure varies.
| Type of Institution | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| Public Universities | €2,770 (UG), €3,770 (PG) (~₹2.5–3.5 lakh) |
| Grandes Écoles (Business/Engineering Schools) | €8,000 – €20,000 (~₹7–18 lakh) |
| Private Universities | €6,000 – €30,000 (~₹5–25 lakh) |
| MBA Programs (Top schools) | €30,000 – €70,000 (~₹25–60 lakh) |
💡 Tip: Public universities are highly affordable for Indian students compared to the US/UK. However, specialized programs like MBA and Engineering in Grandes Écoles can be more expensive.
2. Cost of Living in France for Indian Students (Monthly Breakdown)
Living costs depend on the city you choose—Paris is the most expensive, while cities like Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, or Grenoble are more affordable.
| Expense Category | Paris (₹ per month) | Other Cities (₹ per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (rent) | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Food & groceries | ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Transportation | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Health insurance | ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Miscellaneous (phone, entertainment, study materials) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
👉 Estimated Monthly Total:
- Paris: ₹1.0 – 1.3 lakh
- Other Cities: ₹65,000 – 90,000
3. Student Accommodation Options in France
Indian students can choose from different housing options:
- University Residences (CROUS) – Affordable, around €150–€300 (₹13,000–₹25,000) per month.
- Private Rentals – €400–€800 (₹35,000–₹70,000) depending on location.
- Shared Apartments – Popular option, around €300–€600 (₹25,000–₹50,000).
- Homestays – €200–€600 (₹18,000–₹50,000), includes meals sometimes.
4. Scholarships for Indian Students in France
France offers numerous scholarships that can reduce your study cost:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – Covers tuition + monthly stipend.
- Charpak Scholarship (French Embassy India) – Tuition waiver + living allowance.
- Erasmus+ Scholarship – For Master’s programs in Europe, including France.
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship – Up to €10,000/year.
💡 Applying early increases your chances of winning scholarships.
5. Part-Time Job Opportunities in France
International students in France can work up to 20 hours per week. Average pay: €8–€12/hour (~₹700–1,000/hour).
👉 Monthly earnings: €600–€900 (₹50,000–75,000) — this can cover a big part of your living costs.
6. Health Insurance & Other Costs
- Mandatory Health Insurance: €300/year (₹25,000).
- Student Visa Fee (VLS-TS): €99 (~₹8,500).
- Campus France Processing Fee: ~₹18,000.
- Flight Ticket (India–France, one-way): ₹40,000–₹60,000.
7. Cost Comparison: France vs Other Countries
| Country | Average Tuition Fees (per year) | Average Living Costs (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| France | ₹2.5 – 25 lakh | ₹8 – 12 lakh |
| USA | ₹30 – 60 lakh | ₹10 – 15 lakh |
| UK | ₹15 – 40 lakh | ₹12 – 15 lakh |
| Canada | ₹10 – 30 lakh | ₹8 – 12 lakh |
| Australia | ₹15 – 35 lakh | ₹10 – 14 lakh |
👉 France offers one of the most affordable study destinations in terms of tuition fees among developed nations.
8. How Blueribbon Overseas Can Help You
At Blueribbon Overseas, we provide end-to-end support for Indian students planning to study in France:
✅ University Selection – Based on budget & career goals.
✅ Scholarship Guidance – Maximize your chances of fee reduction.
✅ Visa Assistance – Hassle-free documentation & interview prep.
✅ Accommodation Help – Find affordable housing options.
✅ Pre-departure & Post-arrival Support – Smooth transition abroad.
📞 Ready to study in France in 2025? Contact Blueribbon Overseas today for personalized counselling.
FAQs on Cost of Studying in France
1. Is studying in France cheaper than in the USA/UK?
Yes. France’s public universities are much more affordable, with tuition starting at just ₹2.5 lakh/year.
2. Can Indian students study in France for free?
Not completely free, but scholarships like Eiffel and Charpak can cover tuition + living costs.
3. What is the average budget for an Indian student in France?
Expect around ₹12–15 lakh per year (including tuition + living).
4. Is part-time work enough to cover living costs in France?
It helps cover a big portion, but you’ll still need financial backup for tuition and emergencies.
Final Thoughts
France offers world-class education at a fraction of the cost of other Western countries. With careful planning, scholarships, and part-time jobs, studying in France can be highly affordable for Indian students in 2025.
🎯 Take the first step today – Contact Blueribbon Overseas to get personalized counselling for your France study plans.
