How Much Does it Cost for Indian Students to Study in France?

Annual tuition – public university (per year) EUR 2,895–3,941 (INR 3–4 L)
Annual tuition — private institution (per year) EUR 6,000–18,000 (INR 7–20 L)
Average monthly living costs EUR 835 (INR 93k)
Student visa — total estimated fees EUR 336 (INR 38k)
Total annual cost of studying in France* EUR 12,915 (INR 14 L)

*Excluding one-time visa fees, based on the low range of costs (studying at a public university)

France is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, and thanks to subsidised tuition fees, it’s also one of the most affordable.

Public universities in France charge EUR 2,895–3,941/year in tuition fees, making tuition costs in France significantly lower than other popular study destinations like Australia, Canada, and the UK.

This guide covers everything Indian students need to know about the cost of studying in France, from tuition fees and living expenses to visa costs and scholarships.

Cost of Studying in France vs. Other Popular Study Destinations

Here’s how the total annual cost of studying (tuition plus living expenses) compares to the destinations Indian students most commonly consider for higher studies.

Country Avg. monthly study cost (tuition + living)* In INR (approx.)**
France EUR 1,080 1.2 L
Australia AUD 3,250 2.2 L
Canada CAD 3,280 2.3 L
Germany EUR 1,200 1.3 L
United Kingdom GBP 3,270 4.2 L

⚠️ Germany’s near-zero tuition applies to public universities only; living costs are comparable to France. French private school fees are not included in this comparison.

*Monthly tuition calculation is [annual tuition fee]/12. Living cost estimates are based on Preparing your budget | Campus France India and Cost of Living in France.

**INR value is calculated based on exchange rates on 2026.05.28.

Why Indian students choose France for higher studies

France attracted over 400,000 international students in 2024-25. Here’s why you should consider France an option for your studies abroad.

🏆 Globally recognised degrees and Grandes Écoles

France offers internationally recognised degrees from highly ranked universities and prestigious Grandes Écoles specialising in business, engineering, public administration, and science.

📚 Wide range of English-taught programmes

You can choose from over 1,500 English-taught master’s programmes, especially in business, engineering, and IT, without needing French language proficiency.

🌍 Travel access to 27 European countries/states

A French student visa allows Indian students to travel across 27 European countries/states without an additional visa, with stays of up to 3 months within any 6-month period.

💰 Lower tuition fees than many popular destinations

France offers comparatively affordable tuition fees, particularly at public universities supported by government funding. For 2025/26, tuition fees start at around EUR 2,895/year for bachelor’s degrees and EUR 3,941/year for master’s degrees.

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Tuition Fees in France for Indian Students

Indian students can study in two main types of higher education institutions in France: public universities, which are government-funded and charge regulated tuition fees, and private institutions, which set their own fees independently.

Click each section below for more information on tuition fees.

Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in France receive subsidies from the government, which help keep fees low by international standards.

Tuition fees in French public universities for the academic year 2025/26:

  • EUR 2,895/year (INR 3 L) at the licence (bachelor’s) level
  • EUR 3,941/year (INR 4 L) at the master level

🧠 Since 2019, France has applied a system of differentiated tuition fees for non-EU international students, meaning Indian students pay more than French and EU students, but still significantly less than equivalent international fees charged elsewhere in popular study destinations.

Tuition fees at private institutions
Private institutions, particularly business schools and some engineering schools, set their own fees for their programmes. This means that tuition fees are higher than in public universities.

  • Tuition fees can range from EUR 6,000 to 20,000 (INR 7–20 L) per year, depending on the institution and programme

🧠 Tuition fees for MBAs and culinary arts programmes tend to be in the higher range, while fashion, hospitality, and life sciences programmes are typically more affordable.

Tuition fees by course
Here’s a breakdown of annual tuition fees by course for the most popular programmes in France for Indian students, across public universities and private institutions.

Course EUR* INR @ 111.10**
Business Administration and MBA / MiM (Master in Management) 4,000–45,000 4.4–50 L
Culinary Arts 15,000–18,000 16–20 L 
Data Science, AI, and Computing 4,000–18,000 4.4–20 L
Engineering and Technology 4,000–20,000 4.4–22 L
Fashion and Luxury Brand Management 4,000–25,000 4.4–28 L
Hospitality and Tourism Management 4,000–20,000 4.4–22 L
Life Sciences and Healthcare 4,000–15,000 4.4–16 L

*Tuition fees are subject to change

**INR value is calculated at EUR 1= ₹111.10 on 2026.05.28

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France Student Visa Costs for Indian Students

Indian students need a long-stay student visa (Visa de Long Séjour Valant Titre de Séjour — VLS-TS) to stay and study in France for the duration of their degree.

Here are the primary costs you should account for in the France student visa application process.

🧠 You’ll also need to acquire health insurance for your visa application (if you’re over 28 years old), this can cost EUR 300–600/year (INR 33–67k), depending on the provider.

📌 Students under 28 years old are automatically enrolled in France’s national health system (CPAM – Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) and receive a student social security number. This covers your basic healthcare.

Total cost of France student visa for Indian students → EUR 336 (INR 38k)

To get a France student visa, you’ll first need to complete the Études en France (EEF) procedure via Campus France. Then you can apply for the student visa through France-Visas, France’s official government portal for visa applications.

Learn more about the France student visa application process ➡️ France Student Visa for Indian Students

Required documents for French student visa application

Here’s a complete list of documents you need when applying for the long-stay student visa in France.

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (apostilled)
  • Campus France interview completion proof
  • Completed visa application form (via France-Visas)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Proof of accommodation in France
  • Proof of finances
  • University offer/admission letter
  • Valid health insurance
  • Valid passport
  • Visa fee payment receipt

💡 Need help with your France student visa application? Get help from our study-abroad experts. Get in touch today.

Cost of Living in France for Indian Students

Your monthly living costs – accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, and daily expenses – will make up a large share of your annual budget.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in France, including rent, transport, food, and other personal expenses.

Expense Monthly cost*
EUR INR @ 111.10
Accommodation 400–900 44–100k
Food and groceries 200–350 22–39k
Transport (with student pass) 30–80 3–9k
Healthcare 25–30 2.8–3.3k
Utilities and internet 80–110 9–12k
Personal expenses 100–150 11–17k
Total monthly cost (based on low range) 835 91,800

*Estimates are based on Preparing your budget | Campus France India and Cost of Living in France.

Click each section below for more information on living expenses in France.

Accommodation
Accommodation is likely to be your single largest monthly expense while studying in France and varies considerably by type and city.

Accommodation type Monthly cost Notes
EUR INR @ 111.10
CROUS university residence 200–400 22–44k Cheapest option, government-subsidised, apply early
Private student residence 500–900 56–100k Better availability, usually furnished, utilities often included
Shared apartment 300–700 33–78k Popular and most flexible option

🧠 If you live in eligible accommodation, you may qualify for CAF housing aid (APL, ALS, ALF), a French government benefit that can reduce your rent by EUR 80–€300/month. Apply through CAF after your arrival.

CROUS accommodation options for Indian students in France

Housing offered by the Regional Centre for University and School Services (CROUS) is typically the most affordable accommodation option available for students. Rooms are often furnished and include Wi-Fi, but the demand is high.

Apply through the CROUS portal as soon as you receive your admission letter to improve your chances of securing accommodation

Food and groceries
You’ll need to allocate around EUR 300 per month for your food and groceries expenses. Cooking at home is a good choice if you want to keep food expenses manageable.

French public universities have CROUS-operated cafeterias, which offer meals for just EUR 3.30 per meal. Eating at the CROUS canteen even three or four times a week can save you EUR 30–50/month compared to buying food outside.

Here are some cost estimations depending on different eating habits.

Cooking at home + CROUS canteen regularly EUR 150–200
INR 17–22k
Mix of home-cooking and occasional eating out EUR 250–350
INR 28–39k
Primarily eating out/ minimal cooking EUR 400–550
INR 44–61k

🧠 For grocery shopping, supermarkets like Lidl, E. Leclerc, and Aldi offer good value for staple items.

Transportation
France has an excellent public transport network. In most cities, a monthly student pass gives you unlimited access to metro, tram, and bus services.

  • Annual transit subscription in Paris → EUR 342 (INR 38k)
  • Annual transit subscription outside of Paris → EUR 250–300 (INR 28–33k)

For intercity travel, SNCF (French rail) offers the Carte Avantage Jeune for students under 27, giving 30–60% off train fares. Carpooling services like BlaBlaCar are widely used among students as a budget-friendly alternative for intercity journeys.

Health insurance
All students enrolled at a French public university are automatically affiliated with the Sécurité Sociale étudiant, France’s public student health insurance system. Registration is free, and the system covers approximately 60% of standard medical costs.

Most students also take out a mutuelle (complementary/top-up insurance) to cover the remaining 40%. This can cost EUR 300–600/year (INR 33–67k), depending on the provider.

Utilities
If you are in CROUS accommodation or a managed private student residence, utilities – electricity, water, internet – are typically included in your monthly rent. If you rent privately, budget separately for the following.

  • Electricity and heating → EUR 30–60 (INR 3–7k)
  • Internet → EUR 15–30 (INR 1.7–3k)
  • Mobile phone plan → EUR 10–20 (INR 1–2k)

🧠 For mobile plans, SFR, Orange, Bouygues Télécom, and Free Mobile offer competitive low-cost plans (approx. EUR 2–10/month) popular with international students.


Entertainment and leisure
France offers a wide range of cultural experiences at varying budget levels. You’ll often get discounts and special rates when you show your student card or if you are under 25.

Here are a few examples of entertainment costs you can expect monthly:

  • Dining out/ cafés → EUR 50–100 (INR 5.6–11k)
  • Cinema → EUR 15–30 (INR 1.7–3k)
  • Weekend travel (domestic/ Schengen) → EUR 30–80 (INR 3–9k)
  • Entry for a museum or national monument → EUR 5–15 (INR 560–1.7k)

📌 You can purchase an unlimited cinema subscription in France for approximately EUR 30.

Hidden costs
Apart from these costs, there are costs that rarely appear in university brochures but routinely catch students off guard, particularly in the first semester.

  • Accommodation deposit → 1–2 months worth of rent
  • Textbooks and course materials → EUR 100–300 (INR 11–33k)
  • Winter clothing → EUR 200–400 (INR 22–44k)
  • One-way airfare from India to France → EUR 670–900 (INR 75–100k)

‼️ Under French law, a landlord can’t ask for more than one month’s rent as a deposit for an unfurnished apartment, or two months for a furnished one. Keep this in mind when you’re looking for accommodation, especially private rentals.

City-wise Cost of Living in France for Indian Students

Cost of living can vary significantly between different French cities. Paris, the capital of France, tends to be the most expensive, and cities like Bordeaux and Grenoble have lower costs of living.

City Average monthly living costs*
EUR INR @ 111.10
Bordeaux 1,750 1.9 L
Grenoble 1,600 1.8 L
Lyon 1,770 2 L
Marseille 1,780 2 L
Paris 2,480 2.8 L
Toulouse 1,710 1.9 L

*Estimates are based on Cost of Living in France: prices in 151 cities compared.

Scholarships and Funding Options for Indian Students in France

You have several options to fund your education in France, ranging from government scholarships, institution-specific awards, and education loans from Indian banks.

Scholarships in France for Indian students

The French government and several higher education institutions in India offer scholarships for Indian students to help manage their living expenses and tuition costs.

Government scholarships

Scholarships from institutions

Several private and public institutions in France offer their own merit and need-based scholarships for international students. Award amounts and eligibility criteria vary by programme and intake.

Find available scholarships for Indian students ➡️ CampusBourses

Education loans in France for Indian students

Several Indian banks and non-banking financial companies offer education loans for France. Most lenders accept France as an approved study destination and will recognise cost-of-living estimates for French cities in their loan calculations.

📌 Most lenders will require your admission letter, a detailed cost estimate (tuition + living expenses in France), and either collateral or a strong co-applicant when applying for an education loan.

Tips to Manage the Cost of Studying in France as an Indian Student

Here are a few practical tips to help you manage your budget as an Indian student in France.

  • Apply for CROUS housing early, ideally before or alongside your university application. Places fill up quickly.
  • Check CROUS cafeteria meal plans, where student meals cost around €3.30.
  • Cook at home regularly to keep food expenses manageable. Eating out regularly can push your budget significantly.
  • Explore on-campus part-time work first. Campus roles like library assistant, lab support, and research assistant are easier to secure, require less French fluency, and typically pay France’s minimum wage (approx. EUR 11.65/hour).
  • Open a French student bank account to avoid international transaction fees and make it easier to be reimbursed for healthcare expenses.
  • Register for CAF housing aid as soon as you move in. If you live in eligible accommodation, you can reduce your rent by EUR 80–€300/month.
  • Take full advantage of under-28 discounts. National museums, cinemas, theatres, SNCF rail fares, and many events offer discounts for students under 26–28.
  • Use student transport passes like the Imagine R Student Pass to reduce monthly travel costs.
  • Use the Visale scheme if you’re renting private accommodation. It’s free, backed by the French government, and accepted by most landlords.

Is France worth it for Indian students?

Low tuition fees in public universities and student support services like CROUS subsidised housing, CAF benefits, and free student healthcare make France one of the most financially compelling study destinations available to Indian students.

The full annual budget for an Indian student at a French public university typically falls between EUR 12,000–18,000/year (INR 13–20 L).

If you’re considering France as your study-abroad destination, StudyIn can help you navigate your options, from shortlisting universities and understanding visa requirements to finding scholarships that fit your profile.

Book a counselling session and explore what France has to offer you today.

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FAQs

What is the total cost of studying in France for an Indian student in 2026?

The total annual cost of studying in France for Indian students typically starts from around EUR 12,915 (INR 14 L) at a public university, excluding one-time visa costs (which is approx. EUR 336 (INR 38k).

Is education in France free for Indian students at public universities?

No. Indian students pay the standard non-EU tuition fee at public universities.

  • EUR 2,895/year (INR 3 L) at the licence (bachelor’s) level
  • EUR 3,941/year (INR 4 L) at the master level

How much is the Campus France processing fee for Indian students?

The Études en France (EEF) processing fee for Indian students is EUR 165 (INR 18k).

Which is the cheapest city in France for Indian students to live in?

Bordeaux, Grenoble, and Toulouse are among the most affordable cities in France for Indian students, with an average monthly cost of living of EUR 1,600–1,750 (INR 1.8–1.9 L).

What is the realistic 1-year budget for an Indian student in Paris vs a regional city in France?

Indian students in Paris may need around EUR 29,000–30,000/year, while students in regional cities may require approximately EUR 19,000–22,000/year depending on accommodation and lifestyle choices.

What hidden costs should Indian students plan for when studying in France?

Students should budget for accommodation deposits, textbooks and course materials, winter clothing, and airfare from India to France.

What is the total cost of a French student visa for Indian students?

The estimated total cost of a French student visa is around EUR 336 (INR 38k), including EEF fees, visa application fees, VFS charges, and OFII validation fees.

Do Indian students need to know French to study in France?

Not always. France offers more than 1,500 English-taught programmes, especially at the master’s level.

What is the post study work visa in France?

After completing a master’s degree or higher in France, Indian students can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), a temporary post-study residence permit. It allows you to stay and work full-time in France for one year.

Can Indian students work part-time in France and how many hours are allowed per week?

Yes. Indian students in France can work up to 964 hours/year (approx. 20 hours/week) while studying on a valid student visa (VLS-TS) without requiring a separate work permit.

Are there education loans in India that cover studying in France?

Yes. Indian students can apply for education loans from lenders such as SBI, Bank of Baroda, Credila, and Avanse Financial Services to cover tuition fees and living expenses in France.