While the cost of education is, all in all, very low in France, the price of housing can turn out to be substantial, especially in Paris.
Inexpensive Course Programmes
The low cost of education is one of the factors that make the French system attractive. You will be (far) below the fees required by Anglo-American countries. The establishments, in large part subsidised by the State, do not require that students cover the actual cost of their enrolment. To witness, a year at a university can vary from €150 (in the Licence programme) to €290 (in the Masters or doctoral programme).
Moreover, many engineering schools - including some of the best - are public and you will only pay the cost of registration or university fee (around €450 per year). In contrast, private schools or those operating under chambers of commerce charge much higher prices (€6,000 per year, or more).
Note: the fee to register for the competitive entrance exam to engineering schools can reach €200.
A Budget for Living in France
The Observatory on Student Life (OVE) published a survey in 2003 on students' living conditions. On average, their monthly resources amounted to €582. Their largest expense was rent, which came to a monthly average of €347. Note, however, that rent is far higher in the Paris area than in the provinces. In Paris, it often reaches as high as €500 per month.
The CNOUS estimates that a student needs €700-€850 per month. The amount is all the less, of course, if you can find housing with a friend or family member. EduFrance, meanwhile, estimates the monthly budget at €1,132 including €600 on housing.
To learn more: you may check EduFrance's Web site or that of OVE.
Healthcare Fees Almost Non-Existent
You will register for national healthcare coverage when you complete the administrative portion of your university enrolment. The annual dues (€180 in 2004-2005) guarantee that you will be covered for all disease and hospitalisation risks during your stay. Note, however, that the national healthcare system does not reimburse all services 100%, and it is thus preferable to take out a supplementary guarantee with a student mutual insurance fund. You can check the sites of student mutual insurance companies, like LMDE (www.lmde.fr) or SMEREP (www.smerep.fr). Set aside €46-€305 per year (source: Je vais en France guide, CNOUS, 2003-2004), depending on the insurance company and type of guarantee.
Tip: Think Resto-U!
When it comes to buying a meal, you may enjoy the benefits of France's university dining halls ( 'Resto-U'). A full meal (appetizer, hot main dish, dessert) costs €2.65 - a price that can't be beat!