Engineering Program MIM Program

Everything You Need to Know About Life in France

Published on Thursday, August 27, 2026

Imagine studying in one of the world's most popular destinations while enjoying a vibrant student life, rich culture, renowned cuisine, and unforgettable experiences. Studying in France is about much more than just attending classes, but proper preparation is key. In this article, you will find all the information you need before starting your adventure.

Plan Your Budget

In addition to the school fees, you will need to budget approximately 980 euros per month outside of Paris and around 1 330 euros in Paris.

Your monthly expenses generally include:

  • Accommodation
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Personal expenses and leisure activities
  Paris Outside Paris
Accomodation 800 € 500 €
Transportation 30 € 30 €
Food 300 € 250 €
Other(subscriptions, entertainment) 200 € 200 €
Total 1,330 € 980 €

Good to know!

Living in the Paris suburbs or opting for shared accommodation can significantly reduce your housing costs. International students are also eligible to receive housing assistance from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) once they have found a place to live. For more information on the costs of living in France, here are the estimates and recommendations provided by Campus France.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many students finance part of their studies through scholarships or tuition fee waivers.

We recommend that you submit your application through Join a School in France before applying for scholarships, as most funding opportunities require proof of admission to a higher education institution.

Every year, around 30% of admitted students receive financial aid, including partial tuition fee exemptions offered by our partner schools.

Several funding opportunities may be available depending on your nationality and academic profile, including:

Because scholarship applications can take time, we strongly encourage you to start your application process as early as possible.

Student Visa

Once you have received an admission offer, you will need to prepare your arrival in France.

Students from countries outside the European Union generally require a long-stay student visa (Visa D). Visa procedures may take several weeks, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible after admission.

Campus France and your future school will guide you through the necessary steps to help you prepare for your studies in France.

If you participated in the TAPIF program through the Embassy of France in the United States, you may be eligible for special tuition rates.

Candidates from Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Cameroon who are part of HEC’s PACT program are eligible for preferential tuition rates.