Cost of study in France for Indian students: in euros and rupees

Studying in France is an exciting opportunity for Indian students, offering access to world-class education, rich cultural experiences, and diverse career prospects. However, before making the decision to study abroad, it's essential to understand the financial aspects involved, including tuition fees, living costs, and visa requirements. This guide will provide comprehensive insights into the costs associated with studying in France, helping you plan your finances effectively.

 

What is the cost of moving to France for Indian students?

 

For Indian students planning to move to France, whether it's to study in Paris, Lyon, or smaller cities like Bordeaux or Grenoble, it’s crucial to understand the living expenses and how much to budget for their stay. Along with the airfare to France, students should also plan for their monthly expenses, which include housing, utilities, education fees, transportation, food, and healthcare.

 

The cost of living in France can vary significantly based on the city and the choice of accommodation. Cities like Paris are known for their high living costs, while smaller cities or towns are generally more affordable. Additionally, where students decide to live within a city plays a major role in the overall expenses. Opting for housing in the city center will usually cost more compared to living on the outskirts, though students who live farther away may incur higher transportation costs, especially if they need to commute to the center daily for classes.

 

On average, the monthly cost of living in France for a single person is estimated to be between €800 and €1,200 until €1,800 (approximately ₹1.56 Lakhs). This estimate includes all essential expenses such as rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation, and it can vary depending on the city and lifestyle choices of the student. Therefore, Indian students should carefully assess their budget and decide on their accommodation and lifestyle preferences to ensure they can manage their expenses effectively.

 

Visa requirements and costs for Indian students

 

To study in France, Indian students need a student visa. The two main types of visas are:

 

Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS):

• For students enrolled in a degree program lasting longer than 6 months.
• Visa fee: €99 (Approx. ₹8,600)

 

Short-Stay Visa:

• For courses shorter than 3 months.
• Visa fee: €60 (Approx. ₹5,200)

 

In addition to the visa fee, students need to prove sufficient funds to support their stay in France, which generally amounts to about €615 per month (Approx. ₹53,500). The total for the year would be approximately €7,380 (₹6.4 Lakhs).

 

More about visas in France

 

Cost of living in France

 

The cost of living in France varies significantly depending on the city. Larger cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.

 

Housing, rent & utilities

 

Rent typically represents the largest portion of a student's monthly budget in France, and prices vary widely depending on the city and type of accommodation. For Indian students, it's important to consider that renting an apartment in the heart of Paris can be quite expensive, with the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center reaching €1,100 (approximately ₹97.000). In contrast, cities like Bordeaux and Lille offer more affordable housing, with rents often under €900 (around ₹80,000). Students who choose to study in smaller cities or live on the outskirts of major cities can significantly reduce their accommodation costs.

 

Utilities, such as electricity, water, heating, and garbage collection, also play a significant role in the cost of living. In Paris, these services can be up to 25% more expensive compared to cities like Bordeaux. The cost of utilities depends on the providers, with major suppliers like EDF and Engie offering contracts based on fixed monthly rates or actual consumption, which can fluctuate depending on seasonal usage or peak rates.

 

 

Fortunately, Indian students have access to various housing options, including university dormitories, shared apartments (called "colocation"), and studio apartments. "Colocation" is a popular choice for international students looking to cut costs, as sharing an apartment with others can be significantly cheaper, especially in larger cities like Paris. Exploring different options can help students find an arrangement that fits their budget and lifestyle.

 

 

 

Education costs

 

The cost of higher education in France varies greatly depending on whether students are enrolled in public universities or private institutions. For Indian students, public universities are typically more affordable. For the 2023/24 academic year, non-EU students (like Indian students) will pay the following tuition fees at public universities:

• €2,770 (approximately ₹2.4 Lakhs) per year for a Bachelor's (Licence) program.
• €3,770 (around ₹3.2 Lakhs) per year for a Master's program.

 

However, if you choose to study at a private institution, particularly in business schools, tuition fees can be much higher. These can range from €3,000 to €10,000 per year (approximately ₹2.6 Lakhs to ₹8.7 Lakhs), with some prestigious business schools charging even more. While public universities offer affordable options, the cost of private institutions can be a significant consideration, especially for students planning to pursue business or specialized courses.

 

Transportation costs

 

France boasts an extensive public transportation system, which is especially convenient for international students. In cities like Paris, a single metro or bus ride costs about €2.10 (approximately ₹180). Students can also opt for the Navigo Pass, an unlimited monthly transportation pass, which costs around €84.10 (₹7,300). In smaller cities or towns, transportation costs are generally lower, and students may benefit from discounted student passes.

 

Additionally, students can take advantage of special discounts for rail travel on the SNCF network, which offers student cards that provide savings on long-distance travel.

 

For Indian students, using public transport is an affordable and efficient way to get around, and living near metro stations or bus routes can save both time and money.

 

Food costs

 

The cost of food in France can vary significantly depending on whether students prefer to cook at home or dine out. On average, Indian students should budget between €100 and €300 per month (approximately ₹8,700 to ₹26,000) for groceries. France is home to a variety of supermarket chains, including discount options like LIDL, which can help students stick to a budget. Many cities also have outdoor markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices.

When dining out, Indian students can expect to spend around €15 (approximately ₹1,300) for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. While eating at high-end establishments may be costly, the French food culture emphasizes good-quality, reasonably priced meals. For students on a budget, cooking at home or dining at casual eateries provides an excellent way to enjoy French cuisine without breaking the bank.

 

Health insurance

 

One of the significant advantages of studying in France is the access to the French social security system, which covers a significant portion of healthcare costs. All students are required to register for social security upon arrival, which allows them to obtain the "Carte Vitale", the national health insurance card. The system generally reimburses about 70% of doctor’s bills and between 15% to 100% of medication costs, depending on the treatment.

 

While the basic health insurance coverage is free, students may also choose to purchase complementary health insurance, known as a "mutuelle", to cover additional costs. A "mutuelle" typically costs around €30 per month (approximately ₹2,600). This provides enhanced coverage for medical expenses and ensures students have access to necessary healthcare while studying in France.

 

By understanding and planning for these essential costs, Indian students can better manage their finances and enjoy their time studying in France with fewer worries about their living expenses.

 

Resume: average monthly living expenses and total estimated monthly costs

 

Category	Cost in EUR	Cost in INR
Accommodation (Shared apartment or student dorm)	€300 - €600	₹26,000 - ₹52,000
Accommodation (Private apartment)	€800 - €1,200	₹70,000 - ₹1.04 Lakhs
Food (Groceries and eating out)	€150 - €300	₹13,000 - ₹26,000
Transportation (Public transport)	€30 - €75	₹2,600 - ₹6,500
Health Insurance	€30 - €50	₹2,600 - ₹4,300
Total Estimated Monthly Costs (Small city)	€600 - €800	₹52,000 - ₹70,000
Total Estimated Monthly Costs (Paris or large cities)	€1,000 - €1,500	₹87,000 - ₹1.3 Lakhs

 

Tuition fees for international students

 

Tuition fees in France vary depending on the level of study, type of institution, and program chosen. For Indian students, tuition fees are typically higher at private institutions compared to public universities.

 

Public Universities:

• Bachelor's Degree: €170 - €380 per year (Approx. ₹15,000 - ₹33,000)
• Master's Degree: €243 - €350 per year (Approx. ₹21,000 - ₹31,000)
• Doctorate (Ph.D.): €380 per year (Approx. ₹33,000)

 

Private Universities & Business Schools:

• Bachelor's Degree: €3,000 - €10,000 per year (Approx. ₹2.6 Lakhs - ₹8.7 Lakhs)
• Master's Degree: €6,000 - €20,000 per year (Approx. ₹5.2 Lakhs - ₹17.4 Lakhs)

 

Top institutions like HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, and INSEAD often have higher tuition fees, particularly for business and management courses. Additionally, courses in business schools may cost more due to the specialized nature of the programs.

 

Scholarships for Indian students in France

 

Various scholarships are available for Indian students who wish to study in France. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

 

Notable scholarships:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Offered by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs to attract top international students to French institutions. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
• Charpak Scholarship: A French Government scholarship for Indian students, covering tuition fees, living allowances, and travel.
• Emile-Boutmy Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship provided by Sciences Po for international students, covering part of the tuition fees.

 

In addition to these, many universities offer their own merit-based scholarships for international students. Be sure to check with your chosen university or business school in France for available opportunities.

 

 

Cost of studying in different cities

 

Living costs can vary depending on the city in which you choose to study. Here's a comparison of living costs in some popular cities.

• Paris: One of the most expensive cities to live in, with high rent prices and overall living costs.
• Lyon: Slightly more affordable than Paris but still a major student hub with good amenities.
• Bordeaux: Known for its vibrant student population and lower living costs compared to Paris.
• Grenoble and Toulouse: More affordable options with a mix of culture, education, and career opportunities.

 

Conclusion

 

Studying in France offers great opportunities for Indian students, but it’s important to plan your finances carefully. Understanding the tuition fees, living costs, visa fees, and available scholarships will help you make an informed decision about your study abroad journey. By considering your options and budget, you can make the most of your higher education in one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. Good luck with your study in France adventure!

 

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