Tuition fees
They mostly depend on the type of institution:
- Public universities: for students from outside the European Union, the “differentiated” fees are about €2,900 a year for a bachelor's and €3,950 for a master's for the 2026 intake. Exemptions, once common, are now limited to 30% of the students concerned in each university.
- Private schools (business, digital, communication, tourism…): each school sets its fees, often several thousand euros a year, sometimes payable in instalments. Your EasyFR advisor gives you the exact amount for each programme.
Tuition is paid to the school once your admission is confirmed. University fees are published on Service-Public.fr.
The CVEC: €105
The student and campus life contribution (CVEC) is €105 for 2026-2027. You pay it online on the official CVEC website before enrolling, in most higher education institutions.
Housing, the biggest expense
- Crous residences: the lowest rents, around €430 a month on average in 2026, but places are limited. Apply on the Crous platform.
- Private housing: on average a little over €600 a month in 2026, much more in Paris and its region.
- Private student residences and flat-sharing: often a good compromise for the first year.
Landlords often ask for a guarantor. The free Visale guarantee can replace a guarantor in France for students under 30, international students included.
Housing aid changes in 2026
Since 1 July 2026, students from outside the European Union who do not hold a means-tested grant can no longer receive the APL housing aid. Those who work alongside their studies, and apprentices, can still receive it. Build your housing budget without counting on this aid.
Everyday life
On top of rent, plan for food, transport (student passes are reduced in most cities), phone, supplies and leisure. Depending on the city, a total monthly budget of about €900 to €1,200 is common in large regional cities, and often more than €1,200 in the Paris region.
Registering with the health insurance is free for international students, on the dedicated website; a complementary health insurance is recommended.
What you must prove for the visa
For the student visa you must show at least €877.50 a month in funds since 1 August 2026, that is €10,530 a year. This is an administrative minimum: your real budget, especially with tuition, is often higher.
Working during your studies
The student visa allows you to work up to 964 hours a year. A student job helps cover part of your expenses, but should not be planned to pay first-year tuition or rent. Work-study (alternance), which combines classes and company work, is another option: the company often pays for the training and pays you a salary.
Our budget tips
- Add up tuition, CVEC, housing deposit and the first month: that is the amount to have on arrival.
- Compare cities: for the same programme, living costs vary a lot.
- Open a French bank account quickly to pay rent and bills.
How EasyFR supports you
Your advisor helps you compare programmes and cities according to your budget, gives you the exact cost of partner schools and helps you prepare proof of funds for the visa.
Figures checked in October 2026 (Service-Public.fr, CVEC, 2026 surveys on student living costs). Amounts change every year: check them before paying.