Studying in Paris puts you at the centre of one of the world’s great student cities. Between world-class universities, iconic architecture, and a genuinely international student population, it’s easy to see why so many students choose the French capital.
But before you pack your bags, you need the practical details: how much does it really cost, where should you live, and what does everyday student life actually look like? This guide covers all three.
Why Study in Paris?
Paris hosts some of Europe’s most respected institutions, alongside a growing number of specialist schools in business, fashion, and the arts. You’ll study in a city where world history sits alongside modern innovation, and where English-taught programmes are increasingly common.
For international students, Paris also offers something practical: a central location. You’re a short train ride from London, Brussels, and Amsterdam, making weekend trips part of your everyday student experience.
Where to Study in Paris
Paris is home to several respected institutions offering English-taught programmes for international students, particularly in fashion, business, and communications.
École IRIS – specialises in fashion and creative programmes, with strong industry links across the Paris fashion scene
ECS Paris – a business school known for its international outlook and close ties to French and global employers
BSBI Paris – part of a wider European network, offering business degrees with flexible study pathways
Each of these schools works with Global Study UK, so our advisers can guide you through the application process from start to finish.
The Real Cost of Studying in Paris
Money matters when you’re planning your move, so let’s break down what you’ll actually spend.
Tuition Fees
Tuition varies significantly depending on your institution and programme type. Public French universities charge relatively low fees for international students, while private business and specialist schools, such as those offering fashion, design, or business programmes, set their own tuition rates, which tend to run higher.
Always check the specific fee structure for your chosen programme, since costs can shift year to year.
Accommodation Costs
Housing is usually your biggest monthly expense. Options include:
University halls or CROUS residences – the most budget-friendly option, though demand is high and applications open early
Shared flats (colocation) – a popular middle ground that also helps you build a social circle fast
Private studios – more independence, at a higher price point, especially in central arrondissements
Booking early and applying for CROUS housing as soon as your offer is confirmed will save you both money and stress.
Daily Living Expenses
Beyond rent, budget for:
Groceries and food – cooking at home costs far less than eating out regularly
Transport – a discounted student Navigo pass covers the metro, bus, and RER network
Phone and internet – student SIM deals are widely available
Leisure and socialising – museums, cinemas, and many cultural sites offer reduced student rates, and some are free for under-26s from the EU.
Money-Saving Tips
Get your student card as soon as possible, since it unlocks discounts almost everywhere
Shop at local markets rather than convenience stores
Take advantage of free museum days and student cultural passes
Cook in batches with flatmates to cut food costs
Best Student Neighbourhoods in Paris
Where you live shapes your entire experience. Here’s a breakdown of the areas most popular with students.
The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
The historic heart of student Paris, home to the Sorbonne and countless bookshops, cafés, and lecture halls. It’s central, walkable, and steeped in academic tradition, though rents here reflect the location.
Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Known for its artistic charm, winding streets, and views over the city from Sacré-Cœur. It’s slightly further from central campuses but offers a more relaxed, creative atmosphere and generally better value for money.
Belleville and Ménilmontant (20th Arrondissement)
A diverse, up-and-coming area popular with students looking for lower rent without sacrificing good metro connections. Expect a lively mix of cultures, food, and nightlife-free evening spots like rooftop cafés and live music venues.
La Défense and Nanterre
If you’re studying at a business school on the western edge of the city, this modern business district offers newer housing stock and a shorter commute, though it has a more corporate feel than central Paris.
Choosing the Right Area for You
Consider these factors before signing a lease:
- Distance to your campus and daily commute time
- Budget for rent versus other living costs
- Whether you want a lively student hub or a quieter residential feel
- Access to metro and RER lines for weekend travel
Student Life in Paris
Culture and Leisure
Paris offers an unmatched cultural calendar. Between the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and countless smaller galleries, you could spend every weekend exploring and still not see it all. Many museums offer free or discounted entry for students, so make the most of it.
Food and Social Life
French café culture is part of daily student routine. Long conversations over coffee, weekend markets, and affordable bakeries make everyday life feel like an occasion. Shared meals with flatmates and classmates are one of the easiest ways to settle in quickly.
Clubs, Societies and Sports
Most universities and specialist schools run active student unions with sports clubs, cultural societies, and volunteering opportunities. Joining even one group in your first term makes a noticeable difference to how quickly you feel at home.
Getting Around
The Paris metro is extensive, frequent, and easy to navigate once you learn a few key lines. Cycling is also increasingly popular, with the city’s bike-share scheme and expanding cycle lanes making two wheels a genuine commuting option.
Making Friends as an International Student
Paris attracts students from across the world, so you’ll rarely be the only international student in your programme. Language exchange meetups, student societies, and shared accommodation are the fastest ways to build a social circle beyond your course.
Getting Started
Studying in Paris means balancing a realistic budget with the right neighbourhood for your lifestyle, then diving into everything the city’s student community has to offer. The earlier you start planning tuition, housing, and your visa paperwork, the smoother your move will be.
Ready to take the next step? Register with Universities in France and our advisers will help you find the right programme and plan your move to Paris.
