France has become one of the most suitable study abroad destinations for international students because of its excellent education, diverse culture, and affordable tuition fees when compared to countries such as the US and UK. There are many universities in France for international students, who offers an undergraduate and graduate at a manageable cost. Applicants must understand the tuition fees structure of french universities before planning to study in France.
This article will provide a brief overview of cost of studying at top universities in France along with living costs and global ranking.
Study in France
France is home to many globally ranked universities such as Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, and HEC Paris. These universities in France provide multiple undergraduate and graduate programs in English in fields like engineering, arts, business, law, fashion, and humanities. France also ranks high in academic research and innovation, providing students access to advanced facilities and experienced faculty. Mentioned below are the major reasons to study abroad in France for students:
- Affordable tuition fees at public universities
- Opportunities to study courses in English
- Multicultural campuses with a strong international community
- Availability of scholarships for international students
Cost of Studying in France
France is known for making higher education more affordable for international students. The cost of studying in France is vary as per the university type and course level. Public universities in France are more affordable than private universities and prestigious Grandes Écoles. Apart from tuition fees, applicants must also manage their living expenses during their study in France. It is slightly cheaper than other european countries like Germany and Italy.Â
Tuition Fees of Universities in France
Take a look at the list of some universities in France with its first year tuition fees:
| Universities | First Year Fees |
| University of Bordeaux | INR 4.0 L |
| University of Strasbourg | INR 4.5 L |
| Aix Marseille University | INR 5.5 L |
| University of Lorraine | INR 10.0 L |
| Paris Cite University | INR 25 L |
Living Expenses in France
The cost of living in France is depends on multiple factors like lifestyle, location, and city. The average living expenses varies from €600 to €1400 as per the city for international students. Take a look at the monthly living costs of popular cities in France:
| Popular Cities in France | Average Monthly Expenses |
| Paris | €1,000 – €1,800 |
| Lyon | €800 – €1,000 |
| Bordeaux | €800 – €1,000 |
| Smaller cities | €650 – €800 |
Top Universities in France
There is a long list of universities in France for international students that rank high in the world as per major ranking bodies. As per the QS World University Ranking for 2026, approximately four universities are among the top 100 globally. Examine the following list of the top 10 universities in France:
| Top Universities in France | QS Ranking in 2026 |
| Université PSL | 28 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 41 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 70 |
| Sorbonne University | 72 |
| École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 205 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 257 |
| Université Paris Cité | 300 |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | 321 |
| Sciences Po | 367 |
| Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon | 406 |
Conclusion
Universities in France for international students provide an ideal combination of low tuition fees and quality education, particularly at public institutions. While tuition is affordable, living in France in some big cities requires perfect planning for budgeting. With a clear understanding of the cost of studying and living expenses, international students can confidently plan their journey to study in France.
