The Real Cost of Studying in France: An Indian Student’s Journey from Dreams to Reality

For a long time, the UK and the US were the “default” choices for Indian students heading abroad. However, recently, France has transitioned from a holiday destination to a serious academic destination. Pursuing education in Franceis a smart decision for anyone who wants to acquire a prestigious degree without spending a fortune.

As a part of its “Choose France” program, the French government is actively working to welcome thousands of Indian students to study in the country till 2030. This has resulted in increased connections and, more importantly, easier visa procedures and more scholarship programs for international students.

But before you move to study in France, it is imperative that you understand the financial side clearly. In this blog, we will highlight the complete financial picture of studying in this country.

Table of Contents

The Complete Financial Reality of Studying in France

From tuition and living expenses to hidden fees, this is the complete financial picture Indian students need to plan for.

1. Tuition Fees — Value Without Excessive Burden

One of the standout advantages of choosing France is relatively low tuition fees compared to the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia — especially in public institutions.

Tuition Fees Overview

Institution Type	Annual Tuition Fees (Approx.)	Remarks
Public Universities	€2,770 – €3,770	Heavily subsidized by the government and affordable for Indian students.
Private Universities/Business Schools	€8,000 – €20,000	Varies by program and ranking.
Grandes Écoles (Engineering/Management)	€4,000 – €35,000+	Elite institutions with strong placements.
Doctoral/PhD Programs	~€380	Highly subsidized.

Key Insight: Public universities provide tremendous value — even for international students. This affordability is a major reason why Indian students see France as a cost-effective global education destination.

2. Cost of Living — Reality Check

Moving abroad means budgeting not just tuition but also daily life. Ensure to consider the following aspects when calculating the cost of study in France.

Monthly Living Cost Typical Ranges:

Expense Category	Paris (€)	Other Cities (€)
Accommodation	500–900	300–600
Food and Groceries	200–300	150–250
Transport	40–75	20–50
Utilities and Internet	50–80	40–70
Insurance/Phone	30–60	20–50
Leisure/Miscellaneous	50–150	50–100
Total Estimate	€900–€1,600	€700–€1,200

Location is the biggest factor affecting the living costs. It’s no surprise that Paris has high prices in comparison to other cities when it comes to rent and other expenses. This is because it is the capital. If you’re willing to save, you should opt for smaller cities such as Saint-Étienne, Limoges, etc.

Hidden & One-Time Costs to Budget For

Do not overlook additional necessary expenses that often slip under first-time planners’ radars:

Visa & Campus France fees: ~€99 + additional processing.
Security deposits (housing): €500–€1,500.
Utilities setup & travel: €150–€500.
Round-trip airline ticket: €600–€1,200.

3. Scholarships in France for Indian Students — Strategic Financial Relief

Financial aid can be considered as one of the most effective methods to minimize the cost of studying in France. France has a variety of scholarships, such as-

Top Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship	Provider	Benefits
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship	French Ministry	Full tuition + monthly stipend (~€1,200) + travel/insurance support.
Charpak Scholarship	French Embassy–Campus France	Partial support for tuition & travel.
Erasmus+ Grants	EU Program	Tuition support + mobility funding.
University Merit Awards	Specific Institutions	Fee waivers or tuition discounts.

Tip

The competition for most of these scholarships is quite tough. Students have to begin early and perform well.

4. Work While Studying — Earning While Learning

Indian international student visa norms in France allow part-time work while studying for up to twenty hours per year.

Practical Advice

Flexible jobs in France would involve employment in various sectors. Though not enough to meet all expenses, the additional income from these jobs can be quite helpful.

5. The Journey — From Dreams to Reality

Here’s what students often overlook until they arrive:

Reality vs Expectation

Expectation–Tuition is the highest cost.
Reality–For many, living costs and hidden one-time fees can surpass tuition, especially in cities like Paris.

Expectation–Scholarships will cover everything.
Reality–Scholarships reduce the burden but rarely cover all living costs. Plan a backup budget.
Expectation–Work covers daily expenses.
Reality–Student work provides support but is not a substitute for budgeting, due to limited weekly hours.

6. Choosing Best Study Abroad Consultants — Why It Matters

The process of planning a study in France consists of subtle procedures: shortlisting universities, eligibility assessment, and scholarship plans. The right guidance from Study abroad consultants plays an important role in turning study abroad plans into successful outcomes.

What Top Study Abroad Consultants Provide

Personalized university shortlisting and eligibility assessment
Tailored scholarship strategy and application support
Visa documentation and interview coaching
Pre-departure orientation and post-landing assistance
Loan counselling and financial planning support

Note

Although online resources help you to do preliminary research, accessing consultants who have French experience in terms of admissions and visa success stories helps refine your planning and is more likely to get a desirable offer within your budget.

Conclusion — Plan Thoroughly, Research Deeply

The decision to study in France is crucial. The dream can become a reality without any terrifying financial shock by planning the tuition and living cost plus scholarships and counseling from the best study abroad consultants.

Select the first step, carefully: verify the programs, cities, and the cost of living, find out whether they may offer you some scholarships, and consult with the professionals at Imperial Overseas Education Consultants who have already cooperated with hundreds of students and managed to fulfil their international ambitions.

Imperial Overseas Education consultants thane supports your French study journey with strategic expertise.