6 Ways to Make Studying in France More Affordable

Both domestic, EU/EEA and international students are charged the same PhD tuition fees, at €380 per year. Typically, a PhD will take four years and so total tuition sits at €1,580.

#2 Sort accommodation early

After tuition, rent is the next big budget consideration. The cheapest option for postgraduate students is to live in student halls. As these are typically the most affordable options they’re also in high demand and so the sooner you’re able to apply, the better.

Generally, university halls cost around €250-300 per month, depending on which city you live in. Organisations such as CROUS also rent out publicly owned housing at rates subsidised by the government. These halls cost on average €350 per month, or €450 in Paris.

#3 Live outside the city centre

Another way to keep rent down is to live outside of the city centre. Typically, central apartments and housing cost more due to high demand, close amenities and short commute times. However, often living further out and investing in a travel card can help reduce the monthly expenditure.

Also, make sure to check the average living costs for the university cities you’re interested in. Locations such as Paris, Lyon and Toulouse are all more expensive to live in than the national average whereas Grenoble, Lille and Strasbourg are generally cheaper.

#4 Work while you study

Another great way to manage your financial situation is to bring money in with a part-time job. All students are given the right to work throughout their degree. Most universities will have a careers service or portal advertising casual work opportunities.

Your department will also likely offer research and teaching assistance roles which you can enquire about.

While international students are allowed to work during a postgraduate degree, there are a few restrictions. You’ll need a valid residence permit and will only be able to work up to 964 hours per year, or the equivalent to 60% of a full-time job.

At a more localised level, many universities have their own in-house funding opportunities. These may be topic specific, awarded based on academic merit or on personal need. Each of the 22 regions in France also have some autonomy in providing funding for postgraduate education. Make sure to check the websites for the relevant Conseils Regional to see what’s on offer and have a read of our France funding guide for more information.