Budgeting for France means looking at tuition and living costs together. Full context stays in the country guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in France in 2026?
Budget approximately €2,900 a year in tuition for a Bachelor's degree and approximately €3,900 for a Master's degree at public universities following the 2026 fee changes for non-EU students, a roughly 16 times increase compared to the previous below €200 rate that applied before differentiated fees were introduced. Private institutions and Grandes Écoles charge considerably more, commonly ranging from €8,000 to over €20,000 a year depending on the school and program. On top of tuition, the student visa requires proof of at least €615 a month in living costs.
Is a French Degree Worth the Cost? (Tuition Breakdown by Institution Type)
France's tuition landscape shifted meaningfully in 2026, and understanding which tier applies to you matters more now than it did a few years ago:
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: pay the low subsidised statutory rate, a few hundred euros a year at public universities
- Non-EU students starting from the 2026-2027 academic year: pay differentiated tuition, approximately €2,900 a year for a Bachelor's and approximately €3,900 for a Master's at most public institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education
- Fee waiver exceptions: some non-EU students pay the same lower rate as EU students depending on their specific status or program, and institutions can grant waivers for students from crisis affected countries, refugees, or those facing genuine financial hardship
- Grandes Écoles and private institutions: set their own fees independently, commonly €8,000 to over €20,000 a year, well above the public university rate regardless of nationality
- PhD programs: exempt from the differentiated tuition fee changes entirely, regardless of nationality
Always confirm the exact current fee directly on Campus France's official tuition page or your specific institution's website, since 2026 was a genuine transition year for this system and figures are still settling in at some institutions.
What Is the Cost of Living for Students in France?
Budget varies sharply by city. A rough monthly range:
| Category | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared accommodation) | €600 to 1,000 (Paris) / €400 to 650 (smaller cities) |
| Food and groceries | €200 to 350 |
| Transport | €30 to 90 |
| Health insurance | Mandatory registration with French student social security once enrolled |
| Miscellaneous | €100 to 200 |
Paris runs well above the rest of the country on rent in particular, and the realistic Paris living cost genuinely exceeds the €615 official minimum, worth planning for honestly rather than budgeting to the bare legal floor.
Get personalized study abroad advice
Chat with our AI advisor about this destination guide - tailored to your profile.
Start conversation
