USA Office
INDIA OfficeStudy in France 2025-26: Costs, Loans & Work Opportunities for Indian Students
Introduction
France is not only the land of art, fashion, and history, but also one of the fastest-growing study abroad destinations for Indian students. With globally ranked universities, affordable public education, and new visa benefits, France is aiming to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
If you’re preparing for the 2025-26 intake, this blog will break down the cost of studying in France, education loan options, and work opportunities. With Lorien Finance’s trusted network of global lenders and banks, you can secure the right loan for your dream university, with quick sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation.
Cost of Studying in France 2025-26
France stands out for its subsidized public university fees and relatively moderate living costs outside Paris. Here’s what you should know:
Tuition Fees
- Public Universities (Non-EU Students including Indians):
- Bachelor’s (Licence): €2,770 per year (~₹2.5–2.7 lakh)
- Master’s: €3,770 per year (~₹3.4–3.8 lakh)
- Doctoral Programs: Often nominal or waived fees.
- Private & Business Schools: Range between €4,000 – €30,000+ per year (~₹3.6–27 lakh). For elite schools (e.g., Sciences Po, ESCP), it can exceed €20,000.
Living Expenses
| Expense | Monthly Range (€) | Annual Range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 300 – 700 | 3,600 – 8,400 |
| Food & Utilities | 150 – 250 | 1,800 – 3,000 |
| Transport | 50 – 80 | 600 – 960 |
| Miscellaneous | 50 – 100 | 600 – 1,200 |
| Total | 800 – 1,200 | 10,000 – 18,000 |
Paris vs Other Cities: Paris is costlier by 30–40% compared to Lyon, Lille, or Toulouse.
Learn more on our Study in France guide.
Top Universities in France and Why They Stand Out
- Sorbonne University (Paris): Renowned for arts, humanities, and sciences with centuries of legacy.
- Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres): Globally ranked for research, science, and innovation.
- HEC Paris: One of the top global business schools, known for MBA and management.
- École Polytechnique: Elite engineering and tech institute producing global leaders in STEM.
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: Popular for business, AI, and digital transformation programs.
Average Graduate Salaries in France by Field
- STEM & Engineering: €32,000 – €40,000/year
- Business & Management: €35,000 – €45,000/year
- Design & Arts: €25,000 – €30,000/year
- Humanities & Social Sciences: €22,000 – €28,000/year
(Paris offers higher salaries, but cost of living is also higher compared to Lyon or Lille.)
Education Loan Options for Indian Students
Funding is where many students feel stuck, but with the right planning, you can cover 100% of your costs.
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹1.5–2 crore (depending on university and program).
- Coverage: Tuition, living, travel, visa, health insurance.
- Interest Rates: Generally 7% – 12% p.a. depending on profile and lender.
- Repayment & Moratorium: Course duration + 6–12 months grace.
- Collateral Rules: For higher amounts, lenders may ask for collateral papers (title deeds, registration papers, proof of ownership).
Tip: Always compare multiple lenders. Lorien Finance helps you negotiate for better interest rates and loan terms.
Part-time and Post-Study Work Opportunities
Part-time Work During Studies
- Indian students can legally work up to 964 hours per year (~20 hours/week).
- Minimum wage in France: €11.65/hour (gross), ~€9.22 net after deductions.
- Earnings from part-time jobs can cover basic living costs but not tuition.
Post-Study Work
- Graduates with a Master’s or higher can apply for a 5-year post-study visa extension.
- Pathways exist to transition into Talent Passport or EU Blue Card with qualifying jobs.
- Sectors in demand: IT, data science, engineering, healthcare, finance, renewable energy.
Latest Policy Updates & Trends
- France targets 30,000 Indian students by 2030, reflecting strong bilateral ties.
- Emergency Admissions Pathway (2024): French schools absorbed students impacted by US visa delays, showing flexibility.
- France positions international students as drivers of political, scientific, and economic growth, ensuring long-term support for foreign talent.
- Compared to stricter visa climates in parts of Europe, France remains a favorable destination.
Common Challenges & Solutions for Indian Students in France
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| High Paris living costs | Opt for cities like Lille, Lyon, or Toulouse, which are 30–40% cheaper. |
| French language barrier | Learn French up to A2/B1 level to improve employability and day-to-day integration. |
| Administrative delays in visas & permits | Apply early, keep all documents organized, and maintain digital copies. |
| Currency fluctuation (INR vs Euro) | Keep a 10–15% buffer in your loan or financial plan to avoid shortfalls. |
| Limited scholarship seats | Apply early to Campus France and university-based scholarships to maximize chances. |
| Loan documentation hurdles | Work with Lorien Finance for pre-verified documentation and faster sanction. |
How Lorien Finance Helps
Lorien Finance partners with 18+ Indian and global lenders (banks & NBFCs) to ensure Indian students can:
- Get quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation
- 18+ lenders to compare to get the best personalized study abroad loan
- Compare secured vs unsecured loans for the best ROI
- Get multiple loan types no collateral, no cosigner, cosigner, collateral, fast track and refinancing.
- Access negotiated interest rates and flexible repayment terms
- Plan with loan eligibility and EMI calculators
- Get bundled study abroad essential services like forex, insurance, housing support and much more.
The Bottomline..
France in 2025-26 is more than just a cultural hotspot — it’s an affordable, globally respected destination that opens doors to Europe and beyond. From low tuition in public universities to favorable post-study visas, the opportunities are immense. With Lorien Finance, you don’t just get access to 18+ lenders but also quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation. That means less stress, more focus on your admission, and a smoother journey ahead. Check your eligibility today and move one step closer to your France dream.
FAQs
How much does it cost to study in France for Indian students in 2025-26?
Public universities charge ~€2,770 (UG) and €3,770 (PG) per year. With living costs of €10,000 – €18,000, total annual cost is ~₹12–20 lakh.
Can Indian students get loans to study in France?
Yes. Indian lenders offer loans up to ₹1.5–2 crore covering tuition, living, and travel. Collateral may be required for higher amounts.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes, up to 964 hours per year (20 hours/week). Students earn around €9/hour net.
What are the post-study work options in France?
Masters’ graduates can extend stay up to 5 years, with pathways to long-term work visas like the Talent Passport.
Is France affordable compared to the US or UK?
Yes. Tuition fees at public universities are much lower, though living costs vary by city.