Cost of living in France
Public-university tuition in France is famously low by international standards, but non-EU students should understand the differentiated tuition rates, the mandatory CVEC fee, and the everyday cost of living. All figures change, so confirm the current amounts officially before you budget.
Tuition at public universities
EU/EEA students pay the standard public rates:
- Licence (bachelor): €178 / year
- Master: €254 / year
Non-EU students are charged "differentiated" tuition:
- Licence: about €2,895 / year
- Master: about €3,941 / year
- Doctorate: €397 / year
Many universities currently waive or reduce the differentiated rate, so non-EU students often pay the lower EU figures. Note that from September 2026 the differentiated non-EU tuition becomes mandatory: many institutions opt out today, but that flexibility is set to end. Always check the policy of your specific institution.
The CVEC and proof of funds
- CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus): a mandatory €105 fee, paid before enrolment.
- Proof of funds for your visa: about €615 per month (roughly €7,380 per year).
Everyday living costs
Your biggest variable is accommodation, which is far cheaper outside Paris. Part-time work of up to 964 hours a year can help, but should not be your main funding plan. Student discounts, subsidised CROUS canteens, and housing aid all help stretch a budget.
Official sources: Campus France, Service-Public.fr, etudiant.gouv.fr.