Independent guides to living and studying in Europe
Study in Europe · France
STUDY IN FRANCE · BEST FOR BUSINESS, ENGINEERING
A global brand, at a public-university price.
France subsidises public university tuition even for international students, with one of the strongest global brands in business and engineering.
Public tuition, non-EU
€2,902 bachelor, €3,950 master
Business schools
€10,000–20,000+ a year
Language
French for most bachelor’s
Apply through
Campus France
WHY FRANCE
Subsidised tuition, a world-class brand, and often overlooked.
Private business schools can be expensive, but public tuition is heavily subsidised for all students. Ask each university which rate applies.
English-taught master’s programmes are growing, especially at business schools.
WHERE TO STUDY
- Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Lille About half the housing cost of Paris. The better option, not the compromise.
WHAT IT COSTS
Public tuition is genuinely low. Living in Paris is not.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Grandes écoles and business schools | €10,000–20,000+ a year |
| Accommodation, Paris | €700–1,100 a month |
| Accommodation, regional cities | €400–650 a month |
| Food and household | €250–400 a month |
| Health cover | Heavily subsidised once enrolled |
All in: At a public university outside Paris, about €13,000–18,000 a year all in (tuition of €2,902 for a bachelor’s or €3,950 for a master’s, plus living costs). Paris costs noticeably more. From August 2026 the visa asks for proof of about €877.50 a month (reported change; confirm with Campus France).
THE HONEST PART
Campus France is the gate, and it opens early.
- Start months before the visa. Campus France is a prerequisite, not a parallel step, and includes an interview.
- Prove your funds. France asks for a monthly minimum for the length of your stay.
- Take French seriously. Even on an English degree, B1 transforms the first year. Claim CAF housing help once you have a tenancy.
France suits you if
- You want a Western European degree without Western European tuition
- Your child will learn French
- You are open to a regional city
Look elsewhere if
- Your child wants to operate entirely in English
- You need a fast, simple application
- You are set on Paris on a regional budget
Coaching and guidance only, not legal advice. Not an immigration lawyer or agent. Every pathway goes through the official channel of the destination country.
Does France’s brand outweigh the language commitment?
30 minutes, €50, credited in full toward any guidance package. We take no commission from any university.
Compare with
Spain
Strong universities and the country we know best.
Germany
Little or no tuition at public universities.
Netherlands
Global reputation, English throughout.