Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students
A Complete Breakdown

Are you dreaming of croissants by the Seine while earning a degree? France attracts students because of its academic excellence, delectable cuisine, rich culture, and affordable options. Studying in France is more than just earning a degree for Indian students; it’s a chance to dive into a rich amalgamation of history, innovation, and global networks. Whether you are attracted to high-ranked universities, reasonable tuition fees, or access to scholarships, France offers a memorable experience. 

Now, a major part of studying in the country will be about the finances. Even though the living expenses in cities such as Paris are high, and so is the cost of studying in France for Indian students, if you look at the country from a student’s perspective, how costly would it be? Let’s find out! 

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students 

So, what is the cost of education in France, especially for Indian students? The expenses discussed below are a major component of the overall cost of pursuing an educational journey in the country. Here is a complete breakdown of all the expenses 

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are lower in public universities than in private ones. The cost of studying in France for Indian students in public colleges is much more reasonable because of government subsidies, making quality education accessible. 

The cost of an undergraduate program in a private university ranges between Rs. 2.5 to 12 lakhs yearly on average, which is still less than the education cost in the US or UK. The fees of a master's course in Engineering, Business, and Sciences vary between ?2.5 to ?18 lakhs per academic year. On the other hand, public colleges, popular for their affordability, charge low tuition fees, around ?2.5 to ?4 lakhs annually. Now, you may think: which university should you apply for admission to? This depends on your course availability, academic intake, and requirements. 

Living Expenses 

Housing, food, travel, and personal expenses can cost approximately ?7,50,000 yearly, depending on the city. Being expensive, Paris is expensive. 

Below is a breakdown of the of the living cost of studying in France for Indian students: 

Accommodation  

Many options are available for you to choose from when selecting accommodations. The most common one is to apply for student residence, which in any French city would cost approximately Rs. 19,622, except in Paris, where the rent is around Rs. 39,244 per month on average. You can rent out an apartment with your fellow students and stay in a shared accommodation, which would cost you around Rs. 39,244 to Rs. 68,678 monthly. You can also stay with host families, where they pay Rs. 19,622 on average. In addition, you can arrange your stay at private studios or separate apartments, all of which would cost you somewhere around Rs. 58,867 to Rs. 1,47,168. 

Food and Groceries

When you are in France, you cannot resist the delectable cuisine that makes the country so popular. From croissants to macrons, everything is delicious. You can find budget meals easily, which would cost you around Rs. 981 to Rs. 1,471.68. When shopping for groceries, you can expect the cost to be somewhere around Rs. 19,622 to Rs. 29,433. However, cooking at home is much more significant to decrease monthly food costs in France. Self-cooking is more budget-friendly than ready-to-cook or packaged foods. 

Transportation/Travel 

Travel or transportation costs in France vary from one city to another. Many students use public transport, which is more affordable and convenient. When in France, investing in a monthly pass makes more sense than purchasing a ticket every day. A monthly pass for transport services like bus, metro or tram would cost you around Rs. 2,943 to Rs. 7,358. You can also rent a bike for your travel through the country’s rental program.  

Health Insurance 

All international students should have health insurance. Enrolling in the French social security system for health coverage is compulsory for students. Public health insurance schemes cost approximately Rs. 18000 per year, while private plans customised for international students offer a range of coverage and costs. Private health insurance schemes can cost somewhere around Rs.1,700 and  Rs.4,500 monthly, based on the desired coverage extent. 

Administrative Fees and Other Costs 

In addition to the costs discussed above, there are other costs such as books and supplies, visa processing fees, administrative charges, residence permit fees, Internet and mobile plans, and leisure activities. Administrative charges are often ignored, but they are important. These charges include visa processing charges and university administrative fees. Visa processing costs approximately Rs. 8300, while residence permit fees cost approximately Rs. 4200 to Rs. 6000. Internet and mobile plans and leisure activities range from around Rs. 1,962 to Rs. 4,905 and Rs. 4,905 to 14,716 per month, respectively.  

Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students: Course-Wise Fees 

Whether you want to pursue an MBA, Data Science, Hotel Management, Fashion Designing, or Engineering, the country provides competitive pricing for world-class education. The below table gives a course-wise overview of the average cost of studying in France for Indian students: 

Tips for Budget-Conscious Students 

Listed below are some tips that you should keep in mind: 

• Complying with deadlines is crucial. Hence, apply for scholarships and education loans well before time. 

• Consider part-time employment opportunities. It will help you with work experience and provide you with an earning source to manage additional expenses. 

• Plan your budget thoughtfully. Research living expenses, prioritise requirements and cook at home whenever possible. 

• Paris is beautiful and mesmerising, but the living expenses are high. Cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, etc. offer low living expenses. 

Conclusion 

Managing finances while studying overseas requires a thorough understanding of the living costs. Although France offers top-notch universities, a world-class education system, a vibrant culture, and a rich history, living expenses are high, especially in major cities such as Paris. However, you can use student discounts, apply for scholarships, make well-thought-out plans, reduce the cost of studying in France for Indian students, and manage education expenses efficiently. All set to start off on your education journey in France? Career Gyan helps you with professional advice, study plans, admission procedures, visa applications, etc. With us supporting you, turn your educational dream into reality and unlock the doors to a global future! 

Now that you have a clear idea of the cost of studying in France for Indian students, the next step is to arrange funds. The most common way to arrange finances is to apply for an education loan. Our partner, Qck Loans, can assist you with that and offers unsecured loans that help you manage your finances. Connect with Career Gyan and schedule your consultation with us now!