Estimated cost of studying in France

 Estimated cost of studying in France

Tuition fees, rental costs in France are relatively low compared to the rest of Europe, not to mention the country has many student discounts.

1. Tuition fees

Most higher education institutions in France are funded by the state, so students usually only have to contribute a small fee depending on the level of study.

Public universities in France charge an average of 170 euros per year for a bachelor's program, 243 euros for a master's, 380 euros for a doctorate and 611 euros to attend a technical school.

For undergraduate international students, the tuition fee will be 2,770 euros per year, postgraduate study is 3,770 euros.

To study at one of France's highly selective private universities, students can pay 500-600 euros per year, some schools up to 10,000 euros (258 million).

Photo: Campus France

Photo: Campus France

2. Accommodation costs

Accommodation in France is generally cheaper than in many other European countries, but also depends on the city. Students have a few options such as student dormitories, shared apartments or homestays (hosts' homes).

The average rent for a studio apartment (for one or two people) is 575 euros per month, 660 euros for a one-bedroom apartment, 200-800 euros for a homestay (depending on location and includes at least one meal) eat every day).

Universities in France offer cheap accommodation called cités-U (some are as little as 120 euros per month) and they are managed by the Regional Center for Higher Education and Higher Education ( CROUS). Due to the low price, the demand for students here is very high and the schools will choose students to live in based on social criteria or for students under exchange or scholarship.

In addition, a number of private institutions offer student accommodation such as Résidences Estudines, CLEF and ADELE.

Students can apply for a grant from their local Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF) to receive a rental subsidy. You may not always be eligible for it but apply as there is no fee and if accepted you can get up to 35% of your monthly rent back.

3. Other essential expenses

The average monthly budget for electricity, gas, and Internet is 60 euros, and the cost of connecting to the Internet averages 25 euros per month, divided among the tenants.

Books and other learning materials can be 50-100 euros a month. Depositing into a health insurance mutual fund is highly recommended and the fee is 20-50 euros per month, depending on the type of insurance.

The monthly phone bill averages 25 euros but some online transactions are only 10 euros per month.

A liter of gasoline is about 1.65 euros and a monthly public transport pass is about 70 euros. Bicycle rentals are popular in many French cities. Students can rent bicycles through the Vélib system. The average cost for a round trip on a TGV (express train) to another city is 25 euros, when booked in advance.

It is always worth researching student travel card options, for example in Paris Carte Imagine R unlimited for students is 38 euros per month, 32 euros cheaper than non-students .

4. Optional living expenses depending on lifestyle

Shopping costs on average 60-250 euros per month. A meal in France averages 12 euros and movie tickets are usually 9 euros, although there are always cheaper tickets for students - around 6 euros.

A Big Mac (hamburger) costs 8 euros with a pint of beer 5 euros. The average monthly gym membership cost is 37 euros.

Most students should set aside 600-800 euros a month to cover food, travel and accommodation, in a big city like Paris it's a little more.

According to French law, any foreign student who wants to study in the country must prove they have sufficient financial resources: 615 euros per month or 7,318 euros per year, to support themselves without needing to do so. to work. This number is an estimate only. In fact, some areas need a higher rate, for example in Paris it has to be 1,100 euros a month.

However, with careful budgeting, a student can live on 600 euros a month. One great thing for students is the university cafeteria system that serves meals for as little as 3 euros.

France is known for having one of the best student discount countries, so a discount is always worth asking, whether you're at a restaurant, clothing store, gallery or museum. Many galleries and museums are completely free for people under the age of 26.