Financing your stay

France is one of the least expensive countries in Europe and students may enjoy many benefits. Some of these benefits include university restaurants (resto U), discounts on transportation, movies, shows, museums, housing for students holding a long-term student visa, part-time work opportunities.

MONEY

The French currency is now the Euro (€); it has been adopted by states that are members of the European Union.

Expenses will vary depending on the type of course you are registered in for the duration of your stay, your financial comfort level, and your personal needs. Given the number of discounts available to students, the average monthly student budget can be approximately € 1.100 in Paris and € 800 in other cities.

TUITION FEES

University tuition is rarely more than € 300 per academic year. Tuition rates vary by program and by type of institution. In public schools of engineering, the annual tuition is approximately € 600. The range of tuition at other institutions, particularly business schools, is much wider. The French government supports higher education up to € 6.000 per student per year.

ACCOMMODATION

Unlike other countries, France does not have a tradition of large university campuses and the university residences are insufficient to accommodate the large number of students, both French and international.

- Campus accommodation costs from € 140 to 400 per month, depending on the location and type of flat. A room in a private student residence can cost from € 500 to 700 per month.

- A room rented in a private home can vary from € 800 to 1.050 in Paris, half that rent elsewhere (accommodation is usually more expensive in Paris).

Students having a residence permit (carte de séjour) could obtain financial assistance for housing.

TRANSPORTATION

A monthly public transportation pass in Paris costs between € 50 to 140, depending on transportation zones.

HEALTH INSURANCE

All students under the age of 28 who are registered in a programme for more than 4 months can benefit from the national student health plan. The annual subscription is € 180 per year. Generally you are reimbursed up to 80% of your medical expenses, including also the pharmacy expenses. For a better medical insurance, you can subscribe to complementary student insurance plans (mutuelles étudiantes).

ENTERTAINMENT

It varies widely from person to person, but a student would pay around € 3 a meal at the university restaurant, € 6 - 7 for a movie ticket, € 140 for a train return ticket Paris – Nice.