Find out how much international students can expect to spend in France.
Expenses In a Nutshell
Getting ready financially is one of the biggest preparations that international students have to make. From rent and utilities to food and daily transportation, all the way to weekend hobbies and travel, your student budget must cover your necessities (and then some).
French government subsidies help lessen costs, which allows a more reasonable cost of living for international students compared to other popular student destinations. You may find more detailed explanations of each type of expense further below.
ACCOMMODATIONS
ACCOMMODATIONS
The biggest portion of your expenses will be allocated to your accommodation, which can cost at least 400 or 700 Euros outside and in the French capital, respectively.
Several options for accessible lodging are available to international students, including CROUS student accommodations and co-living/shared apartments. If you opt for privately-leased accommodations in Paris, look for options in the city's outskirts or away from the city center. Thanks to France's public transportation system, getting around by train or bus makes travel to and from the city center easy.
International students may also benefit from the CAF - Caisse des Allocations Familiales, a state-issued housing subsidy to fund up to 1/3 of your lodging costs. The eligibility and the amount of the grant are based on several factors, including social criteria and the location of the leased property.
FOOD
FOOD
When eating out, students also benefit from subsidies by the French state. CROUS student meals at 3,30 EUR are offered at select CROUS restaurants and canteens. At around Php 200, you get an appetizer, a main course, and dessert! Otherwise, restaurants offer a formule or set menu option at around 10,00 EUR, which includes at least two courses and features the dishes of the day.
Buying food and preparing your meals at home remains the most economical approach. An abundance of markets and grandes surfaces or grocery stores offer a selection of cheap but good products.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Transportation for students is also subsidized, with discounted subscriptions available for students on a monthly or annual basis. Expect to pay from 30 to 40 EUR every month, or less if you avail of the annual rates.
The most popular ones are Paris' Navigo and Imagine R packages, both of which are offered by the state-run RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens). Cities beyond the Ile-de-France region have their own transport subscriptions. Make sure you have the appropriate card for your city!
MOBILE PHONE SERVICE
MOBILE PHONE SERVICE
There are multiple data carriers in France providing SIM cards and data plans for students, with plans averaging around 10 to 20 EUR per month. These data plans may offer data usable in France or in Europe, as well as unlimited calls and texts depending on your location.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITES
Study hard, play hard! Students in France can enjoy various activities in their downtime—a stroll in the park, museum tours, and even trips outside France!
IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
Thanks to France's location in Europe, travel to neighboring countries is easy. Trips by public transportation—whether by train or bus— are efficient and affordable.
A CULTURALLY-ENRICHING EXPERIENCE
International students have preferential rates for activities around the city. Catch the latest blockbuster with cinema tickets from 6,00 EUR, or see a live performance in a theater from 10,00 EUR.
Many of France's cultural heritage sights are free. In Paris, the Arc de Triomphe, the Saint-Chapelle, and the Notre Dame cathedral are all a few stops away on the Paris Metro. If you're looking to get your Instagram-worthy photo of the Eiffel Tower, we recommend heading to the Trocadero Plaza for the best view!
Have a different kind of weekend night by visiting the Louvre Museum for free on Fridays from 6:00 p.m. onwards. Just make sure to bring your student ID!
RESOURCES
You can find more information on student budgets by consulting Campus France Paris' dedicated page. You may also browse the Monuments Nationaux directory to find cultural sites that you can add to your itinerary.
