Every year, thousands of Vietnamese students choose France to pursue their higher education. Internationally recognized universities, rich cultural heritage, high quality of student life, and degrees valued worldwide: France continues to attract young people looking to build an ambitious academic future.
However, preparing to study in France is not only about choosing a university or completing Campus France procedures. Another question quickly becomes essential: how much does it really cost to live and study in France?
Over the past few years, the cost of studying for international students has evolved significantly. Rising tuition fees, housing costs in certain cities, and daily living expenses now make it essential to carefully plan a realistic budget before departure.
Fortunately, France also offers many support systems for international students: scholarships, housing assistance, student discounts, low-cost university restaurants, tuition fee exemptions, and even the possibility of working during oneโs studies.
In this article, we will explore:
- the real cost of studying in France for Vietnamese students;
- the average monthly budget to expect;
- available scholarships and financial aid;
- student discounts and practical ways to reduce expenses;
- and how to prepare your study project under the best possible conditions.
At LโAtelier An Phu, we regularly support Vietnamese students who wish to study in France, particularly for TCF preparation, Campus France procedures, and academic French improvement.
This guide aims to help you better understand the financial reality of student life in France so that you can prepare your project with greater confidence and peace of mind.
1. Tuition fees in France for international students
France remains one of the most affordable Western countries for higher education, particularly thanks to its public university system, which is largely funded by the French government.
However, an important change now concerns international students from outside the European Union, including Vietnamese students.
Starting from the 2026 academic year, tuition fees at French public universities are expected to increase significantly for non-European students.
This reform reflects the French governmentโs desire to reduce automatic tuition exemptions and gradually align university fees with those charged in other international destinations.
For many years, international students often benefited from the same tuition rates as French students, which amounted to only a few hundred euros per year. The announced fees are now considerably higher.
The estimated tuition fees for non-EU students are:
- Bachelorโs degree: approximately โฌ2,895 per year
- Masterโs degree: approximately โฌ3,941 per year
- PhD: approximately โฌ380 per year (most doctoral students remain exempt from the increase)
By contrast, students from the European Union continue to pay the same tuition fees as French students, generally between โฌ175 and โฌ250 per year depending on the degree.
Even with these increases, French universities are still often less expensive than institutions in English-speaking countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom.
International comparison of tuition fees
| Country | Public University โ Bachelorโs Degree | Public University โ Masterโs Degree |
|---|---|---|
| France | โ โฌ2,895 / year | โ โฌ3,941 / year |
| United Kingdom | โ โฌ15,000 to โฌ25,000 / year | โ โฌ18,000 to โฌ35,000 / year |
| United States | โ โฌ20,000 to โฌ45,000 / year | โ โฌ25,000 to โฌ50,000 / year |
These figures are indicative and may vary depending on the university, program, and city.
Tuition exemptions are still possible
Even though the general trend is toward higher fees for international students, some exemptions remain available.
French universities may still grant:
- full tuition exemptions;
- partial reductions;
- or specific financial support depending on the studentโs social or academic situation.
The French government has also announced that universities may continue to exempt part of their non-EU student population based on economic criteria.
It is therefore highly recommended to check tuition fees and financial aid options directly on the official website of the university you are applying to.
2. Main scholarships for Vietnamese students
France and Vietnam have maintained strong academic cooperation for many years. Thanks to this relationship, several scholarship programs allow Vietnamese students each year to partially or fully finance their studies in France.
A. The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
The Eiffel Scholarship is currently one of the most prestigious financial aid programs for international students wishing to study in France at the masterโs or doctoral level. It is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France.
Every year, dozens of Vietnamese students receive this scholarship, making Vietnam one of the major beneficiary countries of the program.
The Eiffel Scholarship may include:
- a monthly allowance;
- airfare coverage;
- health insurance;
- certain cultural activities;
- and sometimes housing assistance.
Please note: students cannot apply independently. French universities must submit the strongest applications to Campus France.
Learn more about the Eiffel Scholarship
B. Excellence scholarships from the French Embassy in Vietnam
The French Embassy in Vietnam also offers excellence scholarships for Vietnamese students wishing to pursue a Masterโs degree or PhD in France.
These scholarships mainly concern priority fields such as:
- science;
- engineering;
- economics;
- management;
- or law.
Candidates are selected according to highly competitive academic criteria.
C. Vietnamโs โ911โ doctoral program
Vietnam also finances overseas academic mobility through governmental doctoral training programs.
The โ911โ program, supported by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education, has enabled many Vietnamese doctoral students to pursue research in France.
Historically, France has been one of the main host countries for beneficiaries of this program.
D. Scholarships offered directly by French universities
Many French universities also offer their own financial support for international students:
- excellence scholarships;
- tuition fee exemptions;
- social assistance;
- or dedicated funding for specific programs.
Some prestigious French grandes รฉcoles even offer scholarships covering a large portion of tuition fees in order to attract the best international candidates.
It is therefore essential to consult the official website of the institution you wish to apply to.
E. Campus France Vietnam: a key institution
To obtain reliable information about available scholarships, Campus France Vietnam remains the main official reference.
Campus France supports Vietnamese students with:
- university applications;
- the โรtudes en Franceโ procedure;
- student visa applications;
- and information about available funding programs.
The organization also hosts student fairs and information sessions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
View the page dedicated to scholarships and financial aid
F. University tuition exemptions
Some French universities independently decide to fully exempt international students from differentiated tuition fees.
This depends on:
- academic performance;
- financial situation;
- or the universityโs own policy.
With the reform announced for 2026, these possibilities may become more widespread.
How much budget should an international student plan for living in France?
Tuition fees only represent part of the overall budget.
According to a 2025 UNEF study, the average monthly budget for a student in France is โฌ1,226.
However, the cost of living varies greatly depending on the city. Paris remains the most expensive city, while cities such as Lille, Poitiers, Limoges, Clermont-Ferrand, or Brest are much more affordable.
Here is an estimated average monthly budget for a student:
| Expense | Average Budget |
|---|---|
| Housing | โฌ400 to โฌ900 |
| Food | โฌ200 to โฌ350 |
| Transportation | โฌ20 to โฌ80 |
| Internet / phone | โฌ15 to โฌ30 |
| Insurance / healthcare | โฌ20 to โฌ60 |
| Entertainment and miscellaneous expenses | โฌ100 to โฌ250 |
An international student should generally plan for:
- โฌ700 to โฌ1,000 per month in a medium-sized city;
- โฌ1,200 to โฌ1,800 per month in Paris.
Read our article about the best student cities in France
3. Student housing: the main expense
Housing is often the largest expense for students.
International students can choose between:
- CROUS university residences;
- shared apartments;
- private studios;
- or private student residences.
CROUS residences are generally the cheapest option, with rents starting around โฌ250 to โฌ400 depending on the city.
In Paris and large metropolitan areas, prices increase rapidly.
Visit the official website to find CROUS student housing
Housing assistance (CAF)
Good news: international students generally have access to French housing assistance through the CAF (Caisse dโAllocations Familiales).
This financial aid can reduce rent by:
- โฌ100 to โฌ300 per month, sometimes even more.
Many Vietnamese students are unaware of this possibility before arriving in France.
Visit the official CAF website to apply for housing assistance as an international student
4. Smart tips: discounts and advantages for international students in France
Even on a limited budget, student life in France offers many financial advantages. International students generally benefit from the same discounts as French students, which can significantly reduce everyday expenses.
For many Vietnamese students, these discounts and benefits represent several hundred euros in savings every month.
A. CROUS university restaurants
The CROUS university restaurants allow students to eat at very low prices.
A complete meal generally costs between โฌ3 and โฌ4, including:
- a starter;
- a main dish;
- and a dessert.
This is often much cheaper than regular restaurants or even some fast-food chains.
B. Discounted transportation for students
Most French cities offer special transportation subscriptions for students.
For example:
- in Paris, the Imagine R pass allows unlimited travel at reduced prices;
- in major university cities, discounts can reach 50% or more on public transportation;
- some regions also offer discounts on TER regional trains.
Students under 27 can also benefit from SNCF discount cards for cheaper train travel throughout France.
C. Healthcare and student social security
International students enrolled in French higher education institutions generally benefit from the French student healthcare system.
Certain medical consultations are therefore reimbursed.
Many universities also provide:
- student health centers;
- free psychological consultations;
- or social support services.
D. Cultural discounts
France strongly encourages young peopleโs access to culture.
Students can benefit from reduced prices for:
- museums;
- cinemas;
- concerts;
- theaters;
- libraries;
- or certain sporting events.
Many national museums are even free for people under 26 living in the European Union, and some institutions also offer special discounts for international students.
E. Student cards and partner offers
The French student card often provides additional discounts for:
- gyms;
- shops;
- restaurants;
- digital platforms;
- or phone operators.
Some French banks also offer special packages for international students, including:
- reduced banking fees;
- account opening bonuses;
- or included insurance.
F. Food aid and student associations
Due to the increasing cost of living, many student associations and local organizations now provide:
- food distributions;
- solidarity grocery stores;
- emergency financial aid;
- or low-cost furniture for newly arrived students.
These services are often unknown to international students even though they can be extremely helpful during the first few months in France.
5. Student jobs in France
International students are also allowed to work in France during their studies.
With a student visa, it is generally possible to work up to 964 hours per year, which is approximately 20 hours per week.
Students often work in:
- restaurants;
- cafรฉs;
- shops;
- private tutoring;
- or university services.
In 2026, the French minimum wage (SMIC) is approximately โฌ11.88 gross per hour, which equals around โฌ9.40 net after social contributions.
In practical terms, a student working around 20 hours per week may expect to earn:
- โฌ700 to โฌ850 net per month depending on the number of hours worked;
- and potentially more during university holidays, when students are allowed to work additional hours.
This income often helps cover a significant portion of daily expenses, especially food, transportation, or part of the rent.
However, it is still recommended to prepare a stable budget before departure, since finding a job may take time, especially during the first months after arriving in France.
Preparing your study project with LโAtelier An Phu
Even though tuition fees are gradually increasing for international students, France remains a country where it is still possible to benefit from many public aids and student discounts.
With proper preparation, suitable housing, and effective use of available support systems, many international students manage to significantly reduce their monthly expenses while fully enjoying their university experience in France.
Studying in France is an exciting project, but it also requires solid financial and linguistic preparation.
At LโAtelier An Phu, we support students who wish to continue their studies in France through:
- TCF, DELF, and DALF preparation;
- French courses adapted to higher education;
- personalized support to improve oral confidence;
- and guidance to better understand French study procedures.
Having a strong level of French not only helps students succeed with Campus France procedures, but also makes it easier to integrate once in France and fully enjoy the university experience.
