Paris combines France’s most famous universities and business schools with relatively low public tuition for a major world city, but it is also the country’s most expensive place to live. For 2026–27, non-EU students at public universities pay €2,902 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,950 for a master’s, and applicants for a student visa must now show €877.50 a month in funds for applications filed from 1 August 2026. This guide explains how the system works for Indian students: institutions, costs, the Campus France process, visa rules, work rights, housing and a realistic timeline. Last reviewed on 11 November 2026.
Why Students Choose Paris
- Range of institutions. Public universities, elite research institutions and specialist schools in business, politics, arts and engineering are all concentrated in one metropolitan area.
- Lower public tuition than the UK or US. Even with the higher fees for non-EU students, a year at a public university costs a fraction of tuition in those countries.
- Student support. Subsidised canteens, a low-cost transport pass for under-26s and housing aid can reduce your real costs.
- Career access. Paris is home to many large companies, institutions and start-ups, and the city is well connected to the rest of Europe.
- The trade-off. Housing is hard to find and expensive, and many degrees are taught in French, so budget time to prepare.
Top Universities and Schools in Paris
| Institution | Known for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sorbonne Université | Humanities, sciences, medicine | Public; mostly French-taught, with some English-taught master’s |
| Université Paris Cité | Medicine, biology, psychology, sciences | Public and research-focused |
| Université PSL (including École normale supérieure) | Sciences, arts, humanities, research | Highly selective; check each constituent school’s own admission rules |
| Sciences Po Paris | Political science, international relations, social sciences | Own admission process and fee schedule; English-taught programmes available |
| HEC Paris | Business and management | Campus is outside central Paris, at Jouy-en-Josas; own admission process and fees |
| Université Paris-Dauphine (PSL) | Economics, management, applied mathematics | Public institution with selective admissions |
Private schools and grandes écoles set their own admission rules and fees, so compare them separately from public universities and check each school’s accreditation.
Tuition Fees in France for 2026–27
| Level at a public institution | Non-EU annual fee, 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (licence) | €2,902 |
| Master’s | €3,950 |
| Doctorate | €398 |
These are the nationally set fees for non-EU students, and older guides may show slightly lower figures from earlier years. Every student also pays the CVEC student life contribution, which is €105 for 2026–27. A decree in May 2026 limits how many non-EU students a university can exempt from the differentiated fees, so do not count on a waiver. Private schools and business schools charge far more than public universities, and some set their own fee schedules, so check each school’s website.
Cost of Living in Paris
| Expense | Typical cost (estimate) |
|---|---|
| CROUS student residence room | About €265 to €450 a month |
| Private studio in Paris | About €750 to €1,300 a month |
| Groceries | About €250 to €350 a month |
| University canteen (CROUS) meal | €3.30 for students |
| Imagine R transport pass for under-26s | About €393 a year, or roughly €33 a month, for all zones in Île-de-France |
| Phone and internet | About €20 to €50 a month |
Most guides put a realistic Paris student budget at roughly €1,200 to €1,650 a month before any housing aid, with rent as the biggest item. The CAF housing benefit can return roughly €100 to €250 a month to eligible students, including international students, but it depends on your lease and situation. CROUS rooms are far cheaper than private housing, but demand is high, so apply early. These figures are estimates and change every year.
Student Visa, Campus France and Funds
Indian applicants for most French programmes go through Campus France India and the Études en France platform. Some schools run their own application portals, so read each programme’s instructions. After admission, you apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) on the France-Visas website, then validate it online after you arrive. Check Campus France and France-Visas for the current steps and fees.
- Proof of funds: €877.50 a month for applications filed from 1 August 2026. Older guides that say €615 a month are out of date.
- Acceptance and documents: admission letter, passport, proof of accommodation or an address in France, and your financial evidence.
- CVEC: you obtain the CVEC certificate before you enrol. It costs €105 for 2026–27 for most students.
- Language: French-taught programmes ask for French (TCF or DELF), and English-taught programmes usually ask for an English test. Check each programme’s requirement.
Working While You Study and After Graduation
- During your studies: a student residence permit lets you work up to 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week, with no separate work permit. Pay must be at least the legal minimum wage, which is roughly €12 an hour gross. Internships that are part of your course do not count towards the 964 hours.
- After your degree: graduates of a master’s or higher can apply for the post-study residence permit for job search or business creation, now called RÉCE (formerly APS). It is normally valid for 12 months and not renewable, although some situations may allow longer. Confirm the current rule with Campus France before you rely on it.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: a French government programme for master’s and PhD students, with a monthly allowance and other support. It is competitive, and universities nominate candidates.
- Charpak scholarships: run through the French Embassy in India for eligible Indian students. Check the current call for categories, eligibility and deadlines.
- University and school scholarships: many institutions offer their own awards. Check each institution’s page, since amounts and eligibility vary widely.
- Campus France scholarship search: lists scholarships by level and country of origin.
Where Students Live
- 5th and 13th arrondissements. The Latin Quarter is the traditional student area near the Sorbonne, and the 13th has more affordable housing and good transport.
- 11th and 19th arrondissements. Younger areas with a lively cultural scene and generally lower rents than the centre.
- Suburbs such as Cachan, Nanterre and Saint-Denis. Cheaper rent and student residences, with good Metro or RER links.
- CROUS residences. The cheapest option, but apply early because places are limited.
Rental scams are common, so never pay a deposit before you have seen the contract and, where possible, the flat. Our student accommodation page explains how we can help.
Public Universities vs Private Schools
| Feature | Public universities | Private schools and grandes écoles |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | €2,902 (bachelor’s) or €3,950 (master’s) for non-EU students | Much higher; set by each school |
| Teaching language | Mostly French, with growing English-taught master’s | Often English or bilingual |
| Class size | Larger lectures | Smaller cohorts |
| Best for | Budget-conscious students and research paths | Specialised programmes, MBAs and business courses |
A Typical Application Timeline
Deadlines vary by programme, so use this as a rough guide for a September start.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October to December | Shortlist programmes, check language and test requirements, and register with Campus France India |
| January to March | Prepare documents and submit applications through Études en France or each school’s portal |
| April to May | Admission decisions and scholarship results |
| June to July | Visa application, CVEC certificate and housing search |
| August to September | Travel, validate your visa online and attend orientation |
FAQs About Studying in Paris
Yes, if you choose an English-taught programme, which are more common at master’s level and in business schools. Basic French still helps with housing, administration and daily life, and French-taught degrees require a French test.
For applications filed from 1 August 2026, you must show €877.50 a month. Older figures such as €615 a month are out of date.
For 2026–27, non-EU students pay €2,902 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,950 for a master’s, plus the €105 CVEC. Private schools charge more.
Yes, up to 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week, with no separate work permit, at no less than the legal minimum wage.
Master’s graduates can usually apply for the RÉCE post-study residence permit, normally valid for 12 months, to look for work or start a business. Confirm the current rule with Campus France.
Yes. Our counselling is free for students and covers study in France and elsewhere. Start with the free profile assessment.
Get Help Choosing a French University
Eduvisor’s counselling is free for students. We are paid by partner universities and colleges once a student enrols and pays tuition fees, and we still show you options that suit your profile, including ones that are not with our partners. Start with the free profile assessment or contact us. You can also compare other French cities, such as Toulouse, Montpellier and Grenoble.
Sources: Campus France, French Ministry of Higher Education fee decrees for 2026–27, France-Visas guidance as summarised by education portals, and student-cost guides for Paris. Fees, funds and permit rules change often, so confirm them with Campus France and the institution before you apply.
