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 — 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.