
Do you want to know how much it really costs to study in France?
We take stock for you: tuition fees in public universities, prices for private and specialized schools, global budget (housing, transport, daily expenses)... and above all, we share practical tips to reduce the bill: scholarships, financial aid and student jobs.
For students of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, the registration fees remain very affordable thanks to the support of the State: approximately 170€ in licensing, 243€ in Master and 380€ in phd.
For the students from outside the EU, the regulations set higher rates — around €2,770 in licensing and €3,770 in Master. However, their application varies between universities and their internal policies: many institutions grant exemptions or maintain national rates.
This gap is explained by the large State subsidy: the real cost of an academic year is much higher, but this support makes studies accessible to European students.
However, exceptions exist: university contracts, double degrees, scholarships, or even certain professional courses that may benefit from exemptions.
Always check the amounts published by your institution and consult the dedicated page of Ministry of Higher Education to confirm the rules in force; also contact the school or the international relations department to find out if you are eligible for a discount, a scholarship or an exemption.
Tuition fees in private schools and colleges (business, engineering, design, etc.) are higher and vary greatly depending on the reputation of the institution.
Why is it more expensive? The absence of public subsidies, the presence of international students, reduced numbers, an active business network and additional services (internships, career support) explain these differences, even for training similar to that of the public.
In addition to the registration fees, all students must pay:
In addition to tuition fees, you must plan a monthly budget to live in France.