Hey everyone! I’m Shivansh, and if you’re someone who’s dreaming about studying in Paris or anywhere in France but worried about the costs, I totally get you. When I first decided to study in France, the thought of living in one of the most expensive cities in the world honestly scared me. But guess what? With the right scholarships, budgeting, and a little bit of courage, I managed to complete my master’s degree in France — and yes, without emptying my wallet!
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through how to study in France affordably in 2025 — including scholarships (like the famous Eiffel Scholarship Program), cheap universities, visa tips, accommodation options, and what real student life in Paris is like. If you read till the end, I’ve also added FAQs, my personal budget breakdown, and a YouTube video that helped me before I moved there.
🎯 Why France Is One of the Best Study Abroad Destinations in 2025
France has become one of the top destinations for international students — and not just for its croissants and romantic vibes. The country offers:
- 🎓 World-class education with globally ranked universities like Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, and PSL Research University.
- 💰 Affordable tuition compared to the U.S. or U.K. (public universities charge between €200–€600 per year for EU students, and about €2,770 for non-EU students).
- 🎁 Plenty of scholarships for international students — including government, regional, and university-based awards.
- 🌍 Multicultural student life — with over 370,000 international students in 2024.
- 🗣️ English-taught programs are increasing each year, especially in management, engineering, and arts.
🎓 My Journey to France — From Dream to Reality
I was an engineering student from India who always wanted to study abroad but didn’t have a huge budget. Initially, I was focused on countries like the U.S. and U.K., but the tuition fees there were way too high. That’s when I discovered France — through a webinar by Campus France.
Campus France is an official government body that helps international students apply to French universities. Their free counselling sessions and resources literally changed my plan. I applied to several universities via their portal, including the University of Paris-Saclay, and within months, I got accepted!
💸 Step-by-Step: How I Managed My Finances & Scholarships
Let’s be honest — studying in Europe can be expensive if you don’t plan ahead. Here’s how I made it work financially:
1. Applying for the Eiffel Scholarship (France’s Most Prestigious Award)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is one of the biggest reasons many international students can afford France. It’s funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and covers:
- ✅ Full tuition waiver (usually covered by the host university)
- ✅ Monthly stipend of around €1,200
- ✅ International airfare
- ✅ Health insurance and cultural activities
I didn’t win the Eiffel myself, but a few of my classmates did — and they were living extremely comfortably. The best part? You don’t apply directly. Instead, your chosen university nominates you for the scholarship. So make sure to apply early and maintain strong academic and motivational letters!
👉 Learn more at Campus France – Eiffel Scholarship
2. University & Regional Scholarships
Many universities have their own scholarships, like:
- Émile Boutmy Scholarship (Sciences Po University)
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarship
- Grenoble INP Foundation Scholarship
- Region-specific awards like the “Ile-de-France Masters” scholarship
These scholarships usually cover tuition fees and sometimes part of your living expenses. In my case, I received a partial tuition waiver and a €500 monthly stipend, which helped a lot.
3. Working Part-Time in France
France allows international students to work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week). I found a weekend job in a café near my campus — not only did it help me pay rent, but I also improved my French quickly! Typical student wages range from €10 to €13/hour.
🏛️ Affordable Universities in France for International Students
| University Name | Average Tuition (€/year) | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Université Paris-Saclay | €3,770 | Science, Engineering, Data |
| Université de Montpellier | €2,770 | Biotech, Medicine, Environmental Science |
| Université Grenoble Alpes | €2,770 | Computer Science, Energy, Physics |
| Sciences Po | €4,100–€14,000 | International Relations, Public Policy |
Public universities in France are government-funded, so even if you’re a non-EU student, tuition is way lower than in most other countries. You can also study in English for many programs, especially at the master’s level.
📄 Applying for a French Student Visa (2025 Updated Process)
After getting my acceptance letter, the next big step was applying for the Student Visa (VLS-TS). Here’s how I did it:
- Campus France approval: Before applying for the visa, I had to create an account on Études en France.
- Submit documents: Passport, admission letter, proof of funds (€861/month), accommodation, and health insurance.
- Visa interview: Conducted at the VFS or French embassy.
- Arrival & OFII validation: Once in France, you must validate your visa online within 3 months.
Learn more at the official French Government – Student Visa Portal.
🏠 Living in France on a Budget — My Monthly Breakdown
Here’s what my monthly expenses looked like (based on Paris life):
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared studio) | 500 |
| Groceries & Food | 180 |
| Transportation (Navigo pass) | 75 |
| Internet & Phone | 25 |
| Leisure / Weekend trips | 50 |
| Total | ≈ €830/month |
It’s definitely manageable if you live smartly — cook at home, use student discounts, and share rooms with other students.
💬 What Student Life in Paris Is Really Like
Paris is not just about the Eiffel Tower — it’s a melting pot of students from all over the world. My university had students from 60+ countries. Some of my best experiences included attending international food nights, exploring art museums for free, and sipping coffee in cozy cafés after lectures.
The teaching style in France is rigorous but flexible — professors expect independent thinking. Group projects were intense but fun. I loved how much emphasis there was on creativity and research.
📚 Useful Resources for Studying in France
- Campus France – Official Information Portal
- DAAD (for comparing scholarships in Europe)
- French Government – Student Rights & Work Rules
🎥 Watch This Real Student Experience (YouTube)
❓ FAQs About Studying in France (2025)
1. Can international students really study in France for free?
Yes — if you get into a public university and win a scholarship like the Eiffel or regional awards, your tuition and even living costs can be covered.
2. Do I need to speak French to study there?
Not necessarily. Many programs are fully in English, but learning basic French helps in everyday life and part-time jobs.
3. How long does it take to get a student visa?
Usually 4–8 weeks after submission, depending on your country.
4. Are there jobs for students after graduation?
Yes, France offers a 1–2 year post-study work visa extension for graduates seeking jobs.
5. What are the cheapest cities to study in France?
Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, and Nantes are more affordable than Paris while still offering great education.
💭 My Honest Opinion — Is Studying in France Worth It?
Absolutely. France gave me more than just a degree — it gave me confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. It’s not always easy (especially dealing with bureaucracy and paperwork 😅), but it’s 100% worth it.
If you’re planning to apply in 2025, start early, stay organized, and don’t underestimate the power of a good motivation letter. Whether you dream of walking by the Seine after class or studying in a French lab, it’s possible — and affordable — with the right plan.
Bonne chance! 🇫🇷✨
📩 Need Help?
If you want guidance or need help applying to universities in France, you can visit Campus France or check the Eiffel Scholarship Program page for official updates.
Or connect with me (Shivansh) through the comments section — I love helping students who are on the same path I once walked!
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