Study Abroad Content Writer | KdTvCV - May 12, 2026
Private Grandes Écoles and business schools charge significantly more, ranging from €6,000 (₹6.74 lakh) to over €90,000 (₹1.01 crore) per year. Living costs add €600 (₹67,392) to €1,800 (₹2.02 lakh) per month, depending on the city.
A critical update for Indian students: France ended university fee waivers for non-EU students in April 2026, meaning all Indian students enrolling from September 2026 onwards will pay the full differentiated fee, with no exemptions at the university level.
Conversion Note: All INR figures are calculated at 1 EUR = ₹112.32 (12 May 2026).
- Top French Universities by QS Ranking 2026
- Tuition Fees in France for Indian Students 2025/26
- Critical Update: France Ends Fee Waivers — What Indian Students Must Know
- Monthly Living Costs in France: City-Wise Breakdown
- Accommodation Costs in France for Students
- Visa and Administrative Costs for Indian Students
- Part-Time Work Rights and Earnings in France
- Scholarships in France That Reduce Your Total Cost
- Total Annual Cost of Studying in France: Realistic Estimates
- FAQs
Top French Universities by QS Ranking 2026
France has four universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026 Top 100, with Université PSL leading at #28 globally.
- The country has 35 institutions in the overall ranking, one more than in 2025.
- QS rankings directly influence the prestige and tuition levels of French institutions, particularly private Grandes Écoles.
- Public universities in France are heavily subsidised by the French state.
- Even top-ranked public institutions like Sorbonne University charge non-EU students only €3,941 (₹4.42 lakh) per year at Master's level.
| University | QS World Ranking 2026 | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) | #28 | Public | Paris |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | #41 | Public | Paris |
| Université Paris-Saclay | #71 | Public | Paris region |
| Sorbonne University | #72 | Public | Paris |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | #205 | Public | Lyon |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | #257 | Public | Paris |
| Sciences Po Paris | #367 | Public | Paris |
| HEC Paris | FT Top 10 (Business) | Private Grande École | Paris |
Explore all top universities in France with fees and rankings on Collegedunia.
Tuition Fees in France for Indian Students 2025/26
Indian students are classified as non-EU students and pay differentiated tuition fees at French public universities. The French government subsidises around two-thirds of the actual cost of education; the true cost is around €10,000 per year, but students pay only a fraction of this. Fees differ significantly between public universities and private institutions.
The figures below are the official differentiated fees set by the French Ministry of Higher Education for the 2025/26 academic year, sourced directly from Campus France.
Public University Tuition Fees 2025/26 (Non-EU Students)
| Level of Study | Annual Fee (EUR) | Annual Fee (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence (Bachelor's) | €2,895 | ₹2.66 lakh | Differentiated fee for new non-EU entrants from 2025/26 |
| Master's | €3,941 | ₹3.63 lakh | Differentiated fee for new non-EU entrants from 2025/26 |
| Doctorate (PhD) | €397 | ₹36,524 | Non-EU doctoral students are NOT subject to differentiated fees |
| Engineering programmes (public) | €628 (EU rate) / varies | Varies | Check individual institutions; some charge higher rates |
Private Institution and Grande École Tuition Fees
| Institution Type | Annual Fee (EUR) | Annual Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Private business schools (general) | €6,000 – €18,000 | ₹5.52 lakh – ₹16.56 lakh |
| Ecole Polytechnique (Master's) | €15,400 – €18,800 | ₹14.17 lakh – ₹17.30 lakh |
| HEC Paris (MBA) | €78,000 | ₹71.76 lakh |
| INSEAD (MBA) | €91,225 | ₹83.93 lakh |
| EDHEC Business School (Master's) | €33,900 | ₹31.19 lakh |
Note for Indian students: The CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus) is a mandatory annual student contribution of €103 (INR 11,569) per year payable by all students enrolled in French higher education, regardless of nationality. This is separate from tuition fees and must be paid before registration is completed.
Critical Update: France Ends Fee Waivers
France's Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced on April 21, 2026, that French universities will no longer be permitted to waive the higher non-EU differentiated tuition fees for international students. Previously, many public universities voluntarily waived the differentiated fee and charged Indian students the same low rate as French students (€178 for Bachelor's, €254 for Master's). That option no longer exists.
This is a significant change for Indian students planning to enrol from September 2026 onwards. Students who were already enrolled before this announcement and were benefiting from a fee waiver may be protected for the duration of their current programme — but this must be confirmed directly with the institution.
| Fee Type | Before April 2026 (with waiver) | From September 2026 (no waiver) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (non-EU) | €178/year (EU rate, if waived) | €2,895/year (mandatory) |
| Master's (non-EU) | €254/year (EU rate, if waived) | €3,941/year (mandatory) |
| PhD (non-EU) | €397/year | €397/year (unchanged) |
What this means for Indian students: If you are applying for the September 2026 intake, budget for the full differentiated fee at all public universities. The PhD fee remains unchanged. Scholarship holders (Eiffel, Charpak, Erasmus Mundus) are exempt from paying fees — this exemption remains in place.
Monthly Living Costs in France
Paris is 19% more expensive than the national average in France, according to Campus France's official student living expenses guide. Cities like Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes offer meaningfully lower costs while still hosting top-ranked universities. For Indian students, choosing a city outside Paris can save €200 to €400 per month.
The figures below are sourced from the official Campus France Students' Living Expenses PDF (January 2025) and the Collegedunia France city cost data.
| Expense Category | Paris (EUR/month) | Other Cities (EUR/month) | Paris (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (CROUS student housing) | €200 – €500 | €150 – €450 | ₹18,400 – ₹46,000 |
| Accommodation (private student residence) | €500 – €900 | €280 – €600 | ₹46,000 – ₹82,800 |
| Accommodation (private studio) | €500 – €1,100 | €350 – €800 | ₹46,000 – ₹1.01 lakh |
| Monthly grocery shopping | €200 – €250 | €150 – €200 | ₹18,400 – ₹23,000 |
| Annual transport pass (student rate) | €374.40/year (€31/month) | €250–€300/year (€21–€25/month) | ₹2,852/month |
| Internet contract | €20 – €50 | €20 – €50 | ₹1,840 – ₹4,600 |
| Cleaning and hygiene | €100 | €100 | ₹9,200 |
| University canteen meal (RU) | €3.30 per meal | €3.30 per meal | ₹304 per meal |
City-wise monthly total estimates (accommodation + food + transport + personal):
| City | Monthly Living Cost (EUR) | Monthly Living Cost (INR) | Key University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | €1,195 – €1,780 | ₹1.10 lakh – ₹1.64 lakh | PSL, Sorbonne, Sciences Po, HEC |
| Lyon | €891 – €1,300 | ₹82,000 – ₹1.20 lakh | ENS Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 |
| Toulouse | €799 – €1,160 | ₹73,500 – ₹1.07 lakh | Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3 |
| Bordeaux | €750 – €1,050 | ₹69,000 – ₹96,600 | Université de Bordeaux |
| Nantes | €600 – €650 | ₹55,200 – ₹59,800 | Université de Nantes |
Student insight from Quora: Indian students consistently note that the university restaurant (Restaurant Universitaire or RU) is one of the best cost-saving tools in France. A full meal costs just €3.30 — one of the cheapest subsidised student meals in Europe. Scholarship holders pay only €1 per meal. Using the RU for lunch daily can save €100 to €150 per month compared to eating out.
Read more: Study in France: Complete Guide for Indian Students
Accommodation Costs in France for Students
CROUS (Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) student housing is the most affordable accommodation option in France, with rooms starting from €150 per month outside Paris. CROUS is the French government's student welfare organisation and manages subsidised student residences across all major university cities.
CROUS housing is in high demand and allocated based on financial need and academic criteria. Indian students should apply as early as possible — ideally 4 to 6 months before arrival. Private student residences and studios are more readily available but cost significantly more.
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost — Paris (EUR) | Monthly Cost — Other Cities (EUR) | Monthly Cost — Paris (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CROUS student residence (shared) | €200 – €500 | €150 – €450 | ₹18,400 – ₹46,000 |
| Private student residence | €500 – €900 | €280 – €600 | ₹46,000 – ₹82,800 |
| Private studio apartment | €500 – €1,100 | €350 – €800 | ₹46,000 – ₹1.01 lakh |
| Shared private apartment (per person) | €400 – €700 | €250 – €500 | ₹36,800 – ₹64,400 |
Important: A security deposit of 1 to 2 months' rent is required for private accommodation. Multi-risk home insurance (assurance multirisque habitation) is mandatory for all rental properties in France and costs approximately €80 to €100 per year. This is a legal requirement — not optional.
APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement): Indian students on a valid student visa may be eligible for APL, which is a French government housing benefit administered by the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales). The amount varies based on income and rent, but it can reduce monthly rent by €50 to €200. Apply through the CAF website after arriving in France and signing your lease.
Visa and Administrative Costs for Indian Students
Indian students applying to study in France for more than 90 days must go through the Campus France India (Etudes en France) procedure before applying for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). This is mandatory for Indian applicants and involves a Campus France registration fee, an academic interview and a visa application fee.
A major update for Indian students: France eliminated annual student visa renewals in 2026. Visas are now issued for the full duration of the enrolled programme, removing the need for yearly renewal appointments and associated costs.
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus France India (EEF) registration fee | ~€200 | ~₹18,400 | Mandatory for Indian applicants; paid to Institut Français en Inde |
| Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) | €99 | ₹9,108 | Non-refundable; required for courses over 90 days |
| VFS Global service charge | ~€30 | ~₹2,760 | Biometric processing; mandatory |
| OFII validation (on arrival) | €50 (tax stamp) | ₹4,600 | Must be completed within 3 months of arrival in France |
| CVEC (annual student contribution) | €103/year | ₹9,476/year | Mandatory for all students; paid before registration |
| Multi-risk home insurance | €80 – €100/year | ₹7,360 – ₹9,200/year | Legally mandatory for all rental accommodation |
| Flight (India to France, one-way estimate) | €400 – €700 | ₹36,800 – ₹64,400 | Varies by season and airline |
Exemptions from Campus France fee and visa fee: French Government scholarship holders (Eiffel, MOPGA), Charpak Scholarship holders, Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders and several co-financed scholarship holders are exempt from the EEF fee and visa fee. All exempted students must still pay the VFS service charge.
Proof of funds required: Indian students must demonstrate access to at least €615 per month (approximately ₹56,580/month) as proof of financial resources for the visa application. This is the minimum required by the French consulate — not a recommended budget.
Read more: France Student Visa: Complete Guide for Indian Students
Part-Time Work Rights and Earnings in France
Every international student in France — regardless of nationality — has the legal right to work while studying. This right is guaranteed under French law. Indian students on a valid student visa can work up to 964 hours per year, which is equivalent to approximately 20 hours per week during a standard academic year.
There is no separate work permit required. The student visa itself authorises part-time work. Students can work more than 964 hours per year with special authorisation from the French labour authorities (DREETS), though this is rarely granted for students.
| Work Type | Permitted Hours | Estimated Monthly Earnings (at SMIC) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time during studies | Up to 964 hrs/year (~20 hrs/week) | ~€800 – €900/month | ~₹73,600 – ₹82,800/month |
| Post-study (APS — Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) | Full-time (35 hrs/week) | ~€1,600 – €1,800/month | ~₹1.47 lakh – ₹1.66 lakh/month |
The French national minimum wage (SMIC) from January 2026 is €11.88 per hour gross. Working 20 hours per week at SMIC generates approximately €950 per month gross before tax. After social contributions, net take-home is approximately €800 to €850 per month.
Post-study work: After completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in France, Indian students can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — a 12-month temporary residence permit that allows full-time work to find employment. The APS is only available to students who have completed a professional Bachelor's or Master's level degree. It is not renewable.
Read more: Part-Time Work While Studying in France
Scholarships in France
The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship available to Indian students for studying in France, offering a monthly stipend of €1,181 for Master's students and €1,400 for PhD students. It does not cover tuition fees but significantly offsets living costs. The 2026 Eiffel results were published on March 30, 2026. The next call opens in October 2026 with a January 2027 deadline.
The Charpak Scholarship Programme is specifically designed for Indian students and is administered by the French Embassy in India. It is the most India-specific funding option available and covers both living costs and visa fees.
| Scholarship | Provider | Level | Value | Key Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship | French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs | Master's and PhD | €1,181/month (Master's); €1,400/month (PhD) + transport + insurance | Does NOT cover tuition fees; applied for by French institutions on behalf of students; next call opens October 2026 |
| Charpak Scholarship Programme | French Embassy in India | Master's and Research internships | €700 – €860/month stipend + visa fee waiver + health insurance | Specifically for Indian students; merit and need-based; administered by Institut Français en Inde |
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarships | European Commission | Master's and PhD | €1,100 – €1,500/month + 100% tuition waiver + travel allowance | Full scholarship; covers tuition and living; highly competitive; open to Indian students |
| Émile Boutmy Scholarship | Sciences Po | Bachelor's and Master's | €3,600 – €13,100/year tuition reduction | Need and merit-based; separate application after admission offer from Sciences Po |
| Paris-Saclay International Master's Scholarship | Université Paris-Saclay | Master's | €10,000/year + up to €1,000 for travel and visa | Open to all nationalities including Indian students; merit-based |
| ENS International Selection Scholarship | École Normale Supérieure | Master's | €1,000/month for 3 years + campus accommodation | For students under 26, the sciences and humanities are highly selective |
| HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence | HEC Paris | MBA | 50% tuition fee reduction | Merit-based; applied for during the MBA application process |
What's next for 2026 applicants: The Eiffel 2026 results are out (March 30, 2026). If you missed this cycle, the next Eiffel call opens in October 2026 with a January 8, 2027 deadline. For the September 2026 intake, focus on the Charpak Scholarship (check the French Embassy India website for the 2026 cycle timeline) and university-specific scholarships like Paris-Saclay and Sciences Po Émile Boutmy.
Explore all scholarships in France for Indian students on Collegedunia.
Total Annual Cost of Studying in France
The total annual cost of studying in France for Indian students depends on three variables: the institution type (public vs private), the city and the programme level. Public universities in cities outside Paris offer the most affordable combination of tuition and living costs in Europe for a top-quality degree.
The estimates below combine official tuition fees with Campus France living cost data. First-year students must add approximately €500 to €700 (₹46,000 to ₹64,400) for one-time pre-arrival costs, including the Campus France fee, visa, OFII stamp and initial setup.
| Student Profile | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Annual Living Cost (EUR) | Total Annual Cost (EUR) | Total Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's at a public university — outside Paris (e.g. Lyon, Toulouse) | €3,941 | €9,600 – €13,200 | €13,541 – €17,141 | ₹12.46 lakh – ₹15.77 lakh |
| Master's at a public university — Paris (e.g. Sorbonne, Paris-Saclay) | €3,941 | €14,340 – €21,360 | €18,281 – €25,301 | ₹16.82 lakh – ₹23.28 lakh |
| Bachelor's at a public university — outside Paris | €2,895 | €9,600 – €13,200 | €12,495 – €16,095 | ₹11.50 lakh – ₹14.81 lakh |
| PhD at a public university (any city) | €397 | €9,600 – €21,360 | €9,997 – €21,757 | ₹9.20 lakh – ₹20.02 lakh |
| Master's at private business school — Paris (e.g. EDHEC, EMLYON) | €17,500 – €33,900 | €14,340 – €21,360 | €31,840 – €55,260 | ₹29.29 lakh – ₹50.84 lakh |
| MBA at HEC Paris or INSEAD | €78,000 – €91,225 | €14,340 – €21,360 | €92,340 – €1,12,585 | ₹84.95 lakh – ₹1.04 crore |
Key insight for Indian students: A Master's degree at a top public French university outside Paris — such as Université Grenoble Alpes (#321 QS 2026) or Université de Strasbourg (#420 QS 2026) — costs approximately ₹12 to ₹16 lakh per year in total. This is significantly lower than comparable programmes in the UK, Ireland or Australia. The trade-off is that many programmes at public universities require French language proficiency at B2 level or above.
Explore: Top Universities in France with Fees and Rankings
FAQs
Ques. How much does it cost to study in France for Indian students per year?
Ans. The total annual cost ranges from approximately €12,500 to €25,300 (₹11.50 lakh to ₹23.28 lakh) for a Master's at a public university, depending on the city. Paris is the most expensive city. Outside Paris, total annual costs (tuition plus living) are typically ₹12 to ₹16 lakh per year. Private business school programmes cost significantly more — MBA programmes at HEC Paris or INSEAD exceed ₹85 lakh per year in total costs.
Ques. What are the tuition fees in France for Indian students in 2025/26?
Ans. As per Campus France's official portal, non-EU students pay €2,895 per year for a Bachelor's degree and €3,941 per year for a Master's degree at public universities in 2025/26. PhD fees are €397 per year and are not subject to differentiated fees. Private institutions charge €6,000 to over €90,000 per year, depending on the programme. From September 2026, all public universities must charge the full differentiated fee; university-level fee waivers are no longer permitted.
Ques. Is France cheaper than the UK or Ireland for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, significantly. A Master's at a top public French university costs €3,941 per year in tuition, compared to €15,000 to €30,000 per year in the UK or Ireland. Living costs in French cities outside Paris are also lower than in London or Dublin. The total annual cost of a Master's in France outside Paris (₹12 to ₹16 lakh) is roughly half the cost of a comparable programme in the UK or Ireland. The trade-off is that many French public university programmes require French language proficiency.
Ques. What is the Eiffel Scholarship, and can Indian students apply?
Ans. The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship is awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It provides €1,181 per month for Master's students and €1,400 per month for PhD students, along with transport assistance and insurance. It does not cover tuition fees. Indian students cannot apply directly — applications are submitted by French higher education institutions on behalf of students. The 2026 results were published on March 30, 2026. The next call opens in October 2026 with a January 8, 2027, deadline.
Ques. What is the Campus France fee for Indian students?
Ans. Indian students must complete the Etudes en France (EEF) procedure through Campus France India before applying for a student visa. The Campus France registration fee is approximately €200, paid to the Institut Français en Inde. This is separate from the long-stay visa fee of €99 and the VFS service charge of approximately €30. Scholarship holders (Eiffel, Charpak, Erasmus Mundus) are exempt from the Campus France fee and visa fee but must still pay the VFS service charge.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying in France?
Ans. Yes. Every international student in France has the legal right to work while studying — no separate work permit is required. Indian students can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week). The French national minimum wage (SMIC) from January 2026 is €11.88 per hour gross. Working 20 hours per week generates approximately €800 to €850 per month net after social contributions. This can cover a significant portion of monthly living costs.
Ques. What is the cheapest city to study in France for Indian students?
Ans. Nantes is generally the most affordable major university city in France, with monthly living costs of €600 to €650. Bordeaux and Toulouse are also significantly cheaper than Paris, with monthly costs of €750 to €1,160. Paris is the most expensive city, with monthly living costs of €1,195 to €1,780. Choosing a university outside Paris can save €400 to €700 per month in living costs while still accessing top-ranked institutions.
Ques. What proof of funds is required for a French student visa?
Ans. Indian students must demonstrate access to at least €615 per month (approximately ₹56,580 per month) as proof of financial resources for the French long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). This is the minimum required by the French consulate. In practice, students in Paris spend considerably more than this. The visa fee is €99 for a long-stay VLS-TS visa. Since 2026, France has issued visas for the full duration of the enrolled programme — annual renewals are no longer required.
Ques. Are PhD fees in France the same for Indian students as for EU students?
Ans. Yes. Non-EU doctoral students in France are not subject to differentiated tuition fees. Indian students enrolled in a PhD programme pay the same fee as EU students — €397 per year for the 2025/26 academic year. This makes France one of the most affordable countries in the world for doctoral studies. The differentiated fee structure applies only to Bachelor's and Master's level programmes.
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