How much does it cost to study in France for a year? If you are interested in studying in France, one of the most important things to consider is how much it will cost. This essential guide breaks down the costs of every aspect of university life to ensure you have a firm grasp of everything. Please note that prices and exchange rates are accurate at the time of publication and may differ from those shown here.
Tuition Fees for Studying in France
Compared to other European countries, tuition fees in France are relatively low. Most higher education universities in France are state-funded, and therefore usually charge nominal fees depending on the level of study.
Standard public universities in France charge €189 (£167) per year for a bachelor's degree, €259 (£230) for a master's degree, €393 (£348) for a doctorate, and €611 (£541) for engineering schools. It is well known that French universities levy administrative fees, which increases the price; however, this figure is far lower than in other countries, such as the United Kingdom.
To study at a highly selective private university or college in France, you could pay between €500 and €600 (£443 to £532) per year, though some fees can be as high as €10,000 (£8,864) annually. Some schools only offer postgraduate degrees, such as the École de technologie supérieure in Paris, which expects students to attend a two-year preparatory school or transfer after two or more years of undergraduate study. Its fees are €750 (£665) per year, with international students charged the same as domestic students, as is the case with most French universities.
Private universities for engineering, management, or business can cost up to €30,000 (£26,592) per year. An average bachelor's degree takes three to four years, so students will spend €567 (£503) on average, or €518 (£459) for an average two-year master's degree.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in France is cheaper than in the UK, averaging €200 to €300 (£177 to £266) per month. Regarding living arrangements, students have several options: student dormitories, shared apartments, or homestays.
The average rental price for a studio apartment (for one or two people) is €457 (£405) per month, and €542 (£480) for a one-bedroom apartment. Apartments are usually calculated by the square meter, with the average rent in Paris being €15 (£13) per square meter, or €7 (£6.20) per square meter elsewhere in France.
Homestay costs range from €200 to €800 (£177 to £709) depending on the location and include at least one meal per day.
French universities offer Cités-U accommodation at low prices (as little as €120 or €106 per month outside of Paris), which is managed by CROUS, the regional branch of the national student services organization, CNOUS. Demand is very high, and housing is allocated based on social criteria, exchange programs, or scholarships. There are several other private organizations that offer valuable student housing, such as Résidences Estudines, CLEF, and ADELE.
Other Necessary Student Expenses
The average monthly budget for electricity, gas, and internet is €60 (£53), with the average monthly internet cost being €25 (£22), shared among tenants. Books and other study materials cost €50 (£44) per month, and it is strongly recommended to pay for a health insurance mutual fund, which costs €20 to €50 (£17 to £44) per month, depending on the coverage. Students from European Economic Area countries should obtain a European Health Insurance Card.
The average monthly phone bill is €25 (£22); however, some online deals are available for as little as €10 (£11) per month.
The price of one liter of gasoline is €1.33 (£1.18), and a monthly travel card or transport pass is approximately €70 (£62), though prices for single modes of transport range from €17 to €33.
Entertainment Expenses
Grocery shopping in France is slightly more expensive than in the UK. The average cost for a weekly shop is €62 (£54), or €250 (£221) per month. The average cost of a meal in France is €12 (£10.64), and a movie ticket is usually €9 (£7.98), though student tickets are always lower, averaging €6 (£5). A Big Mac costs €4.47, a pint of beer is €5 (£4.43), and a glass of wine is €4 (£3.55). The average monthly gym membership fee is €37.70 (£33.42), and concert tickets or club entry fees average €15 (£13.30).
Most students should budget €600 to €800 (£531 to £709) per month to cover food, transport, and housing costs, although this may be slightly higher in large cities like Paris.