- Student visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) required for non-EU nationals staying over 90 days — apply through Campus France in your home country
- EU students pay the same tuition as French students — very low at public universities (€170–€600/year); non-EU students pay €2,770–€3,770/year at public institutions
- CROUS student housing (résidences universitaires) offers subsidised rooms for €200–€500/month — apply via Parcoursup or your exchange coordinator
- France is the world's top Erasmus destination — Erasmus+ covers mobility grants (€200–€800/month) for EU students to offset costs
France is one of the world's top study destinations — combining world-class research universities, a unique system of elite Grandes Écoles, and a cultural and intellectual environment that has shaped global thought for centuries. The Sorbonne, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, and INSEAD are global leaders in their fields. Erasmus+ makes France one of Europe's most popular exchange destinations — and the numbers confirm it: France receives more Erasmus students than any other country. Beyond the academic prestige, studying in France means living inside the world's greatest food culture, learning one of the world's most important languages, and accessing the European continent from a uniquely central position.
Cost of Living
France is a mid-range study destination. Paris is significantly more expensive than the rest of France — students in Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Montpellier can live much more affordably. Monthly student budget in Paris: €900–€1,400 (including CROUS housing). Outside Paris: €700–€1,100/month. Tuition at public universities: €170–€600/year for EU students; €2,770–€3,770/year for non-EU at public institutions; significantly higher (€5,000–€30,000+) at private Grandes Écoles. CROUS restaurants (Restaurants Universitaires, RU) offer full hot meals for €3.30 — one of Europe's best student food subsidies.
Housing
CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) manages student housing — single rooms in résidences universitaires from €200–€500/month. Apply through your university exchange coordinator or Parcoursup — CROUS places are limited and competitive. Private studios near universities: €400–€800/month in most cities; €700–€1,200 in Paris. Housing search platforms: PAP.fr, ImmoJeune, and Studapart. The APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) housing benefit from CAF can reduce rent by €50–€200/month for eligible students.
Visa & Entry
EU/EEA students need no visa — register at your university and apply for a Carte de Séjour Étudiant if staying over 3 months. Non-EU students must apply for a Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) through Campus France in their home country — it functions as the first residence permit. The application requires: university acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, financial means (€615/month), and health insurance. Campus France processes most applications — they run a mandatory interview in many countries to verify academic fit. Processing time: 4–8 weeks. After arriving, validate your VLS-TS on the ANEF platform (étrangers.interieur.gouv.fr) within 3 months.
Expat Life
France has one of Europe's largest student populations — 2.9 million students, including 400,000+ international students. The student life infrastructure is excellent: student cafeterias (RU), student associations (BDE), sports facilities (SUAPS), and cultural events. Campus France's 'Bienvenue en France' label certifies universities for quality international student welcome. International student associations at most universities help newcomers integrate quickly. Paris's student life is concentrated around the Latin Quarter, but city campuses across France have vibrant student cultures.
France suits exchange students who want world-class academic prestige and a genuine French cultural immersion, business and social science students drawn to Sciences Po and HEC Paris, engineering students targeting École Polytechnique and Mines ParisTech, humanities and arts students who want Paris as their classroom, and any student seeking Erasmus+ mobility within Europe's academic heartland.
The visa process for non-EU students requires early planning — Campus France interviews are mandatory in many countries and have specific documents requirements. CROUS housing is limited — apply early and have a private-sector backup plan. French university administration can be slow and paper-heavy. Language requirements: most programmes at public universities are taught in French — ensure your French level matches the programme requirements before applying.
Practical Tips
- Apply through Campus France in your home country before applying directly to French universities — in many countries (over 40), it's mandatory and includes a mandatory interview. The Campus France portal (campusfrance.org) guides the process step by step.
- Apply for APL housing benefit from CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) immediately after arriving in France — even exchange students in private accommodation qualify if their rent contract meets requirements. The benefit is paid monthly and can save €100–€200/month on rent.
- Open a French bank account with BNP Paribas (has a student international service), Crédit Agricole, or La Banque Postale — required for APL, French SIM, and many services. Alternatively, Wise or Revolut bridge until you have a French account. Student bank accounts typically have no fees.
- Campus France insurance: French universities require health insurance — EU students with EHIC/GHIC are covered. Non-EU students must either join the French social security system (LMDE or Mutuelle des Étudiants if under 29 and in France for over 3 months) or maintain equivalent private cover.
- Language: most Erasmus programmes offer French-language courses at the university. Alliance Française and CIEP have excellent French classes in all major cities. Even B1 French transforms your experience — attending lectures, navigating administration, and building French friendships all require some French.
- Regional universities offer the best balance of academic quality and cost — Lyon (research excellence, excellent food city), Toulouse (aerospace, strong student life), Bordeaux (wine culture, Atlantic coast), Montpellier (Mediterranean, large student population), and Grenoble (Alpine, strong tech and engineering faculty).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French for university in France?
Depends on your programme. Most Bachelor's programmes at public universities are in French — you'll need B2–C1 French. Many Master's programmes and Grandes Écoles offer English-language programmes. Sciences Po, HEC Paris, ESSEC, and EDHEC all have extensive English-medium programmes. Erasmus students are often accepted with B1 French plus commitment to improve. Always check the language requirement of your specific programme.
How does the Erasmus+ grant work for France?
Erasmus+ is funded by the EU and supports mobility between partner universities. If your home university is in the EU, you may receive a monthly grant (€200–€800 depending on the destination country's cost of living) for your semester or year abroad. France is classified as a medium-cost destination — grants for study in France are typically €350–€450/month. Apply through your home university's International Relations Office — they coordinate the Erasmus+ partnership and grant application.
What are the best universities in France for international students?
Sorbonne University (Paris) — humanities, science, medicine; Sciences Po Paris — political science, law, international relations; École Polytechnique (Paris-Saclay) — engineering, applied mathematics; HEC Paris — business, management; INSEAD (Fontainebleau) — MBA, executive education; Université de Lyon — comprehensive, research-intensive, most internationalised outside Paris; Université de Bordeaux — wine science, social sciences; Université Toulouse III — aerospace, engineering; École Normale Supérieure — humanities and sciences elite.
How much does it really cost to be a student in France?
EU students at a public university: €170–€600/year tuition. Non-EU students at a public university: €2,770–€3,770/year. Monthly living: €700–€900/month outside Paris; €1,000–€1,400 in Paris (with CROUS housing). Budget for a semester (5 months): approximately €3,500–€6,000 all-in outside Paris. Erasmus+ grant (€350–€450/month for France) covers approximately 35–50% of living costs. APL housing benefit and RU meal subsidies further reduce costs.
Official Resources
Updated 2026-04-12