Are you dreaming of studying and living in France in 2025 but worried about expenses? You’re not alone! France is famous not only for its Eiffel Tower and croissants but also for offering affordable, high-quality education, especially in public universities. But how much does it really cost to study and live in France as an international student in 2025?
This blog breaks down everything you need to know about tuition, visas, housing, transport, food, and more.
Tuition Fees at Public Universities in France
Let’s start with one of the most frequently asked questions: how much will you pay in tuition in 2025? The good news is, France keeps higher education affordable for all, including international students.
- Bachelor’s (Licence): €170/year
- Master’s: €250/year
- Engineering: Up to €620/year
- Medicine: Up to €395/year
For non-EU students, fees may be slightly higher:
- Bachelor’s: Around €2,950/year
- Master’s: Around €3,880/year
Why are these fees so low? The French government heavily subsidizes education, keeping costs manageable for all students.
To stay updated, check the Campus France website for the latest tuition information.
CVEC – Campus & Student Life Contribution (2025 Update)
Besides tuition, all students must pay the CVEC fee (Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus).
The CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus) fee in 2025 is mandatory and ensures students benefit from campus services such as sports facilities, cultural activities, student welfare, and more. It is a small yet essential investment that enhances your student life in France.
CVEC Fee for 2025: €105/year
This fee helps fund student services like sports facilities, cultural events, and health support. It’s mandatory and must be paid before you can officially enroll.
Need help? Your university’s international student office can assist. Visit the official CVEC portal to make your payment.
You can also explore Campus Bourses for scholarships that may help cover this fee.
Accommodation While Studying and Living in France: Paris vs. Smaller Cities
Where you live in 2025 will have a big impact on your budget. Paris is exciting but pricey, while smaller cities offer great quality of life at a lower cost.
Average Monthly Housing Costs
Paris:
- CROUS Dormitory: €400–€600/month
- Private Studio/Flat: €800–€1,200/month
Smaller Cities (Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Toulouse):
- Student Halls: €150–€400/month
- Shared Flat: €300–€700/month
- Private Apartment: €500–€800/month
While Paris shines with opportunity, the cost of accommodation can be double that of other cities. Choosing a smaller city could save you hundreds of euros each month.
Because housing represents a significant part of your budget, it plays a crucial role in understanding the overall cost of studying and living in France.
Explore your options and apply early via the CROUS Housing Portal to increase your chances of finding affordable student accommodation.
Health Insurance: State & Private Options
Health insurance is essential for studying abroad, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Good news: France does not require a blocked account like Germany. This makes your financial planning and visa process easier.
As you calculate the cost of studying and living in France, don’t overlook health insurance. You’ll likely need both state and optional private coverage to stay fully protected. Health insurance is an essential aspect of studying and living in France, especially for international students managing a tight budget.
State Health Insurance (Sécurité Sociale):
- Cost: Approximately €215/year (or €18/month)
- Coverage: Basic medical needs (doctor visits, general treatments)
- Requirement: Mandatory for all students
Private Insurance (Mutuelle):
- Cost: Roughly €10–€40/month
- Coverage: Dental care, eye exams, specialist consultations, and more
- Benefit: Fills the gaps not covered by state insurance
Need help choosing the right plan? Visit your university’s international student office for guidance, or explore independent providers like Heyme Insurance, designed primarily for international students in France.
Food & Groceries Expenses
Wondering how much it costs to eat well while studying and living in France in 2025? You’ll be glad to know it’s easy to stay on budget with a few smart habits.
Many students save money by shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and taking full advantage of campus cafeterias. When calculating how much it really costs to study and live in France, food expenses can be surprisingly manageable with a bit of planning, allowing you to enjoy tasty meals without overspending. One of the biggest surprises while studying and living in France is how affordable food can be, especially with CROUS cafeterias.
Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown to help you budget:
- Groceries: €150–€300/month (depends on diet and city)
- CROUS Cafeterias: €3.30/meal (budget-friendly and nutritious!)
- Eating Out: €10–€20 for a basic meal at a local bistro or café
Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save money. Plus, it’s a fun way to experience French culture.
Public Transport Costs in France: Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank
Getting around efficiently is part of student life. Luckily, France has great transport options that are budget-friendly.
Paris
- A Monthly Navigo Pass (all zones) costs about €75-€88.80/month
Smaller Cities
- Local transport (buses, trams): €30–€65
- Bike-sharing (e.g., Vélib’): €15–€25
Look for student discounts on local transport websites like RATP (Paris) or TCL (Lyon).
Student Visa Costs for France
You can’t calculate real cost of studying and living in France without factoring in visa-related expenses. The good news? France keeps these costs fairly reasonable, especially compared to other popular study destinations.
Even better, France does not require a blocked account for student visa applications in 2025. Instead, you’ll need to show proof of monthly funding of around €615.
Here’s what you’ll need to pay:
- Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): €50
- Residence Permit Renewal: €75
Get these sorted early to avoid last-minute panic. Visit France-Visas Official Site for for the latest updates.
Monthly Personal Expenses
When asking about true cost of studying and living in France, it’s easy to focus only on tuition or rent, but smaller day-to-day expenses matter too.
Here are the typical monthly costs for personal needs in 2025:
- Mobile & Internet: €20–€50/month
- Leisure & Fun: €100–€200/month (movies, coffee, local outings)
- Books & Supplies: €50–€80/month
These little expenses add up, so make sure they’re part of your calculation when asking how much does it cost to study and live in France.
Remember, your lifestyle can make or break your total monthly living cost!
Monthly Budget Example: How Much Does It Cost to Study and Live in France in 2025″
Here’s a sample monthly cost breakdown to give you a realistic view:
| Expense | Paris (€) | Smaller City (€) |
| Rent | 500 – 1,000 | 300 – 600 |
| Food & Groceries | 200 – 300 | 150 – 250 |
| Transport | 75 | 30 – 50 |
| Health + Insurance | 38 | 38 |
| Mobile & Internet | 30 | 25 |
| Leisure & Personal | 150 | 100 |
| Study Materials | 60 | 40 |
| Total | 1,053 – 1,953 | 693 – 1,103 |
Tips to Save Money While Studying in France
Still wondering how to budget for studying and living in France without overspending? The answer often depends on how smartly you manage your student budget.
Here are some proven ways to save while studying in France in 2025:
- Apply early for CROUS housing to secure affordable rooms
- Eat at CROUS cafeterias for meals under €4
- Use city bikes or student transport passes to save on travel
- Claim CAF housing allowance, which could give you up to €250/month
- Work part-time, legally allowed up to 964 hours/year
- Use student discounts through ISIC or Student Universe
Use international student cards like the ISIC Card or platforms like Student Universe to unlock exclusive travel, food, and entertainment discounts across France!
What Studying in France Really Costs And Why It’s Worth It in 2025
In 2025, the cost to study in France remains wonderfully affordable, especially for students choosing public universities. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree, France offers excellent education without breaking your budget. Planning smartly, by living in a smaller city or cooking your meals, can cut your total costs by half!
Now that we’ve explored how much does it really cost to study and live in France, you can plan ahead and enjoy affordable, high-quality education in 2025.
With smart planning like choosing a smaller city, budgeting wisely, and taking advantage of student benefits, you can make the most of your time in France both academically and financially.
FAQs
How much does it cost to study bachelor in France in 2025?
For public universities, tuition fees for bachelor’s programs are around €170/year.
Is living in Paris more expensive than other French cities for students in 2025?
Yes, by €400–€600 more monthly, mostly due to accommodation.
Do non-EU students pay higher tuition in France?
Yes, non-EU students may pay €2,770–€3,770 annually for some programs.
What is the France health insurance cost for students in 2025?
State insurance is €215/year, with private options adding €20–€50/month.
Can I work part-time in France as a student to manage living costs?
Yes, students can legally work up to 964 hours a year.
Is a blocked account required like in Germany in 2025?
No, France does not require a blocked account for visa or financial proof purposes in 2025.
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