Cost of Studying in Paris in 2026: A Complete Guide for International Students

Paris attracts students who want an internationally focused education, access to global networks, and the experience of living in one of Europe’s most influential cities. However, the cost of studying in Paris is much more than just tuition fees. 

Accommodation, food, transportation, health-related expenses, visa charges, study materials, and daily spending all affect your total budget. Planning these costs before applying can help you choose a suitable university, accommodation option, and financial strategy. 

France remains a popular destination for international education. During the 2024–25 academic year, the country hosted 443,500 foreign students, representing approximately 15% of its student population. (Source: Campus France)  

Key Takeaways 

• Non-EU students enrolling at public institutions in France in 2026–27 may pay approximately €2,902 annually for bachelor’s programs and €3,950 for master’s programs. These figures do not apply universally to private or international universities.  
• Students should plan for approximately €1,000–€1,500 per month for living expenses in Paris, excluding tuition. The final amount will depend mainly on rent, accommodation type, lifestyle, and personal spending. 
• Accommodation is usually the largest monthly expense. CROUS housing in Paris is listed at approximately €450 per month, while public-residence rooms may cost around €200–€300 and studios approximately €600 per month.  
• Campus France budgeting guidance estimates food costs at approximately €300 per month, while the annual Paris student transport subscription is listed at €374.40, or around €31.20 per month when averaged across the year.  
• International students should budget for visa and administrative expenses in addition to tuition and rent. France-Visas lists indicative student visa fees of €50 for Études en France applicants and €99 for applicants using other procedures.  

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Paris? 

The total cost depends on your institution, degree level, accommodation, and lifestyle. Students should divide their budget into four categories: 

• Tuition and university charges 
• Rent and household expenses 
• Food, transportation, and personal spending 
• One-time costs, including visa fees, deposits, travel, and initial purchases 

A student living in shared accommodation and cooking regularly will spend less than someone renting a private studio and eating out frequently. As a general planning range, international students may need approximately €1,000–€1,500 per month for living expenses in Paris, excluding tuition. (Source: Campus France) 

Tuition Fees in Paris 

For the 2026–27 academic year, public higher education institutions list non-EU tuition fees of approximately €2,902 per year for bachelor’s programs and €3,950 per year for master’s programs. (Source: Campus France)  

These figures apply to public institutions and should not be treated as standard fees for every university. Private and international universities establish their own tuition rates, which may vary according to the degree, academic model, student services, and program structure. 

Before accepting an offer, confirm: 

• Whether the institution is public or private. 
• Whether the fee covers the full academic year. 
• Whether registration or administrative charges are separate. 
• Whether scholarships or payment plans are available. 
• Whether internships, international study, or additional services involve extra costs. 

Tuition should be considered alongside the value of the degree, its career relevance, internship opportunities, and graduate support. 

Student Accommodation in Paris 

Accommodation is often the largest part of the cost of living in Paris for students. Prices vary according to location, room type, distance from campus, and whether utilities are included. 

Campus France lists approximately €450 per month as a typical rent for CROUS accommodation in Paris. Its guidance also indicates that standard rooms in public university residences may cost around €200–€300 per month, while studios may cost approximately €600 per month. Availability is limited, so students should apply early. (Source: Campus France)  

Common options include: 

• CROUS residences
• University accommodation
• Shared apartments
• Private student residences
• Homestays
• Private studios

A shared apartment may reduce rent and utility costs, while a studio offers greater privacy at a higher price. Remember to include the security deposit, agency fees, renter’s insurance, furniture, utilities, and internet in your calculations. 

The cheapest room is not always the least expensive option overall. A property far from campus may increase daily transport costs and travel time. When comparing accommodation, consider the complete monthly cost rather than rent alone. 

For students comparing location, academic environment, and accommodation requirements together, Schiller’s Paris campus provides another university option to include in their research. 

Monthly Student Expenses in Paris 

After rent and tuition, everyday spending becomes the next major consideration. Campus France places food spending at approximately €300 per month. Its current guidance lists the annual Paris student transit subscription at €374.40, equivalent to around €31.20 per month when averaged across a year. (Source: Campus France)

Students can control food costs by cooking at home, using student restaurants, shopping at local markets, and planning weekly meals. Walking, cycling, and using student transport subscriptions can also help reduce travel expenses. 

Your monthly student budget must include phone bills, study materials, clothing, social activities, personal care, and occasional travel. These costs may appear small individually but become significant over an academic year. 

Visa, Insurance, and Initial Expenses 

Students from outside the European Union may need a long-stay student visa before beginning their program in France. France-Visas lists an indicative fee of €50 for applicants using the Études en France procedure and €99 for applicants from other countries. The exact amount depends on the applicant’s country and procedure. (Source: France-Visas)  

Additional pre-arrival expenses may include: 

• Campus France or application charges, where applicable 
• Document translation and certification 
• Travel to the visa center 
• Airfare 
• Accommodation deposits 
• Initial groceries and household items 
• Local registration or administrative costs 

International students coming to France must register with the French health insurance system through the dedicated student process. As individual circumstances vary, students should check the official requirements for their nationality, age, program, and residence status. Do not assume that one standard monthly insurance cost applies to everyone.  

Scholarships and Financial Support 

Scholarships in France may help reduce tuition or living expenses. Funding can be based on academic performance, financial need, nationality, field of study, or cooperation agreements between countries and institutions. 

Potential sources include: 

• University scholarships 
• Campus France awards 
• Government funding 
• Home-country education grants 
• External foundations 
• Program-specific financial assistance 

Check whether an award covers tuition, accommodation, travel, or monthly living expenses. Deadlines may be several months before the academic year begins. 

Housing assistance also requires careful attention in 2026. From July 1, eligibility changed for some non-EU students. Those holding a student visa or residence permit may need to meet additional conditions, including receiving a need-based higher-education scholarship. Employed students and certain other categories may remain eligible.  

Treat housing support as possible assistance, not guaranteed income, until your eligibility has been confirmed. As you plan the financial side of studying in Paris, reviewing available financial aid and funding options can help you understand the support that may be available. It is also worth reviewing the France student visa requirements early, particularly the financial documentation and proof of funds required for the application. 

Consolidated Student Budget for Paris

Practical Ways to Manage Your Paris Budget 

A realistic budget should separate fixed expenses from flexible spending. Rent, tuition installments, transport, and phone services are usually predictable. Restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and weekend travel can be adjusted when necessary. 

Useful strategies include: 

• Apply for student accommodation as early as possible. 
• Compare shared housing with private studios. 
• Check whether utilities are included in the rent. 
• Prepare meals regularly instead of relying on restaurants. 
• Track spending every week. 
• Research scholarships before submitting applications. 
• Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected costs. 
• Avoid relying on part-time work to cover essential expenses before confirming your work rights and job prospects. 

When comparing universities, look beyond the headline tuition fee. Consider the curriculum, professional skills developed, internship access, career services, employer engagement, and graduate outcomes. 

For students who want to study in English while developing an international academic perspective, the availability of English-taught university programs in France may also influence the final decision. 

Schiller International University as Your Study Option in Paris 

Once your budget is clear, the next decision is whether the university’s academic model supports your long-term plans. Schiller International University gives students considering Paris the opportunity to study in an international university environment with a globally focused approach to higher education.  

For prospective students, the relevant question is not simply how much tuition costs. It is what the program offers in return: the academic skills developed, the international perspective gained, the relevance of the curriculum, and the professional direction it supports. Students should review Schiller’s specific program fees, admission requirements, course structure, student services, and available financial support before deciding. 

The Paris campus may be particularly relevant to students who want their university experience connected to an international setting rather than limited to one national perspective. Applicants can review Schiller’s Paris campus alongside their accommodation options, estimated living expenses, and preferred career pathway. 

Planning Your Next Academic Move 

The cost of studying in Paris in 2026 will depend mainly on tuition, accommodation, and everyday spending. Public tuition can provide a useful starting point for eligible students, but rent and regular living expenses also need to be factored into your budget. 

Build your budget around confirmed university fees, a realistic rent estimate, monthly expenses, visa costs, and an emergency reserve.  

Explore the Schiller’s Paris campus programs and find an option that fits your academic and career plans. 

FAQs 

Q1: How much does it cost to study in Paris in 2026? 

Non-EU students at public institutions may pay approximately €2,902 annually for bachelor’s programs and €3,950 for master’s programs in 2026–27. Living expenses may require around €1,000–€1,500 per month, excluding tuition.  

Q2: What is the average monthly cost of living in Paris for students? 

A practical planning range is €1,000–€1,500 per month. Rent is the largest variable, while food may cost around €300 per month and student transportation approximately €31.20 per month when averaged annually.  

Q3: Is Paris affordable for international students? 

Paris can be manageable with early accommodation planning, regular expense tracking, shared housing, student services, and financial support. Students should prepare a realistic budget rather than rely on national averages. 

Q4: Are scholarships available in France? 

Yes. International students may find scholarships through universities, Campus France, governments, foundations, and other organizations. Requirements and deadlines vary. 

Q5: How can students reduce the cost of studying in Paris? 

Shared accommodation, early applications, home cooking, student transport subscriptions, weekly budgeting, and scholarship research can help reduce expenses. Students should also maintain an emergency reserve.