France wants to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. At present, it hosts around 10,000 students each year. The statement came from President Emmanuel Macron himself, who invited Indian students to consider France for higher education at a time when some countries are tightening entry norms. He assured that French institutions offer lower tuition fees while maintaining high academic standards, unlike the significantly higher costs seen in many American, European and Australian universities. So, how much does it actually cost to study in France? Here, we try to understand everything, from tuition fees to the cost of living.
During his recent visit to India, Macron addressed a common perception that affordable education may compromise quality. “It’s a strange argument, but the cost of studying in France is significantly lower than in many countries.
This is not a sign of poor quality,” he said. “I’ve heard that education is somewhat free here. This does not mean that the quality of education is poor.”
His statement reflects the French higher education model, where the government subsidises a large share of academic costs. According to Campus France, a government agency promoting higher education, the state covers nearly two-thirds of the actual cost of university education, ensuring that students pay only a portion of the total expense.
TUITION FEES LOWER THAN GLOBAL COMPETITORS
For international students, including Indians, tuition fees in public universities remain regulated. Campus France data shows that annual tuition fees for non-European Union students are around €2,770 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh) for a bachelor’s degree and €3,770 (around Rs 3.4 lakh) for a master’s programme. Doctoral programmes are significantly cheaper, with fees of about €380 (around Rs 35,000) per year.
This is considerably lower than fees in countries such as the United States, where international students often pay between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, according to the US-based Institute of International Education. In the UK, the British Council reports international undergraduate fees typically range between £11,000 and £26,000 per year.
However, private institutions in France, particularly business schools and specialised engineering colleges, charge much higher fees. These can range from €8,000 to €20,000 (Rs 7 lakh to Rs 18 lakh) per year, depending on the course and institution.
| Expense Category | Public Universities (Annual) | Private Institutions (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s tuition fee | Rs 2.5 lakh (€2,770) | Rs 7 lakh – Rs 18 lakh (€8,000–€20,000) |
| Master’s tuition fee | Rs 3.4 lakh (€3,770) | Rs 7 lakh – Rs 20 lakh (€8,000–€22,000) |
| PhD tuition fee | Rs 35,000 (€380) | Often funded / varies |
LIVING EXPENSES REMAIN A MAJOR COMPONENT
While tuition fees are relatively moderate, living costs form a significant part of a student’s budget. According to Campus France, international students typically spend between €600 and €1,000 per month (54,000 to 90,000), depending on the city. Paris remains the most expensive, while smaller cities such as Lille, Toulouse, and Lyon offer lower living costs.
Accommodation alone can cost between Rs 36,000 and Rs 72,000 per month. Food expenses range from Rs 18,000 to Rs 27,000 monthly, while transport costs may add another Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000.
To reduce the financial burden, students can access housing support through the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF), a government housing assistance programme that reimburses 20 to 40 per cent of rent. France also provides student health coverage through its national social security system at minimal cost.
| Living Expense | Average Monthly Cost | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 – €800 | Rs 36,000 – Rs 72,000 |
| Food | €200 – €300 | Rs 18,000 – Rs 27,000 |
| Transport | €30 – €75 | Rs 3,000 – Rs 7,000 |
| Miscellaneous | €100 – €200 | Rs 9,000 – Rs 18,000 |
| Total | €730 – €1,375 | Rs 66,000 – Rs 1.24 lakh |
SCHOLARSHIPS AND RISING INDIAN ENROLEMENT
The French government and institutions offer several scholarships for Indian students, including the Charpak Scholarship, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, and institution-specific grants. Many of these include tuition waivers and monthly stipends.
France hosted over 10,000 Indian students in 2023, according to Campus France, a sharp increase from around 6,000 in 2019.
The government now aims to triple that number within the decade.
France’s pitch is built on a simple proposition, globally recognised degrees at lower tuition fees, supported by government subsidies. While living costs remain significant, the overall expense remains lower than in many Western countries, making France an increasingly competitive destination in the global education market.
