France has become an attractive destination for Nepali students. It has world-renowned universities, affordable tuition, and a rich cultural environment. But the question is, how much does it cost to study in France from Nepal?
In this blog, we will break down all the major expenses from tuition to living costs. So, you can plan your study journey while knowing about the total cost to study in France from Nepal.
Average Yearly Cost of Living for a Nepali Student in France
Below are some of the essential headings and costs that may occur while planning and studying in France:
| Category |
Average Annual Cost (EUR) |
Approx in NRP |
| Tuition Fees |
€2,770 – €15,000 |
NPR 4,43,200 - 24,00,000 |
| Living Costs |
€8,000 – €12,000 |
NPR 12,80,000 - 19,20,000 |
| Campus France |
€90 |
NPR 14,500 |
| Visa Application |
€99 |
NPR 15,840 |
| Travel |
€600 – €1100 |
NPR 96,000 - 1,76,000 |
| Health Insurance |
€200 – €500 |
NPR 32,000 - 80,000 |
| Miscellaneous |
€1,500 – €3,000 |
NPR 2,40,000 - 4,80,000 |
Estimated Total Cost per Year Studying in France: €13,259 – €31,789 (NPR 21,21,440 - 50,86,240)
Living Costs by City
Living cost of a student mostly depends on the standard and location of accommodation. Here is a short breakdown on costs according to location to study in France.
| City |
Estimated Monthly Living Cost (EUR) |
About City |
| Paris |
€1,200 – €1,500 |
High cost of living, RIch in culture, and home to top universities |
| Lyon |
€850 – €1,100 |
Famous for business schools and gastronomy |
| Lille |
€800 – €1,000 |
Student-friendly and is close to Belgium |
| Bordeaux |
€850 – €1,100 |
Famous for the wine business and architecture |
| Nantes |
€750 – €950 |
Has a growing student population |
| Grenoble |
€700 – €900 |
It is popular for tech and research institutions |
Accommodation Costs
The accommodation cost is included in the living cost in the above table, but here is a further breakdown of accommodation costs.
| Type |
Monthly Cost (EUR) |
| University Dormitory |
€150 – €400 |
| Shared Apartment |
€300 – €600 |
| Private Studio Apartment |
€500 – €900 |
Tuition Cost in France for Nepali Students
- Public Universities;- Public universities are very affordable as they are heavily subsidized by the French government. This makes them affordable for Nepali students. They offer programs in English, especially at the Master’s level. A bachelor’s degree usually takes three years and costs around €2,850 per year. Master’s programs last two years and cost around €3,879 per year.
- Private Universities;- Private institutions are far more expensive as they have less government funding. There are many private business schools, art schools, and engineering colleges. The tuition fees range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year. The price will vary on the program’s prestige, facilities, and specialization. They have better student-to-teacher ratios and have professionally focused programs
Scholarships and Fee Waivers offered to Nepali Students
Government and institutional scholarships will make studying significantly more affordable. The scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses or both.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship;- The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs awards it. Students studying for a Master’s and PhD from developing countries, including Nepal, are eligible for this. A monthly stipend of approximately €1,181 is given to Master’s students. Students with excellent academic records and leadership potential are awarded this scholarship.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships;- Students who are pursuing joint master’s degrees at multiple European universities, including France, are eligible for this scholarship. They cover full tuition fees, travel allowances, insurance, and also provide monthly living stipends of up to €1,000.
- University Specific Grants;- Universities also have their own scholarships which cover partial or full tuition fees based on academic excellence. The grants are awarded during the admission process or after enrollment, depending on the academic performance or financial need.
- Campus France Scholarships -;The official agency for promoting French higher education provides various scholarships for Nepali students. They may often cover tuition and living costs. Students can see available funding through the Campus France Nepal website, which has all the scholarship listings.
Campus France Fee
Nepalese students, before applying for a student visa, must go through Campus France Nepal. The Campus France fee is €90 (NPR ~ 14,500) in 2025 but can vary year to year. It is a processing fee charged by Campus France for students applying to study in France. It is a non-refundable fee. Without this approval, you cannot proceed to the visa application stage.
Visa application fee
After you have cleared Campus France, students should apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at the French Embassy. The visa application fee is €900 (NRP 14,400), and the VFS service fee is €42.27 (NRP 6,763). The total visa and VFS fee is approximately;NRP 19,563.
Travel cost from Nepal to France
The flight from Nepal to any major city of France can cost around €456 to €800 (NPR 73,100 to 1,28,300). You can book 1 to 2 months in advance and watch deals on the website to save money. The price includes baggage and travel insurance.
Travel Cost as an International Student
- Local Transportation;- You can get monthly transit passes for travelling to university and around the city. The monthly pass costs vary from city to city and will cost from €20 - €75 per month. The annual cost can be from €300 to €900.
- Intercity Travel -;You can travel from one city to another by either train or by bus. A train trip can cost around €20 to €60. In comparison, bus trips can cost €10 – €25 per trip.
- Travel to Neighboring Counties -;You can travel to other Schengen countries while studying. You can travel by either bus, train or flight. You can get flights ranging from €30 – €100 per trip. And bus and train cost around €20 – €60.
Health Insurance costs
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students.
- There is free French state health insurance, which is eligible for students under 28. This covers most of their healthcare cost.
- The state only covers some portion of medicine.
- It is advised to purchase additional private insurance for better coverage, which will cost around €200 – €500 per year.
- Private insurance is helpful for services like chiropractors, osteopaths, or psychologist appointments.
- Private insurance is also beneficial for patients with chronic conditions.
Miscellaneous Expenses
All additional personal and academic costs come under this
- Internet and Mobile;- €20 to €40 per month
- Books and study materials;- €200 to €500 yearly
- Entertainment and social activities;- €100 to €300 per month
- Clothing and gear;- €300 to €600 yearly
Final Thoughts
Studying in France can be an achievable dream for Nepali students with proper financial planning. The total cost to study in France from Nepal can range from €13,000 – €32,000 per year (NPR 21 lakh to 51 lakh). It still offers one of the most affordable study options among Western countries.
Before planning to study in France, you should always explore the scholarships available, the cost of living in different cities, and calculate your expenses. With smart financial planning and the right guidance, you can study in France from Nepal.
If you are thinking of studying in France, Student Connect can be your ideal consultancy. We provide expert guidance to students that will help you with everything from visa processing to finding better scholarship opportunities to study in France. Student Connect provides you with all the necessary information about your future study destination and supports you along the way, so you can start your journey with confidence.
FAQs
The total monthly cost can be around €1,100 to €2,500 per month. Which is about NPR 1,76,000 to 4,00,000 per month. The cost may vary depending upon city, university type, and your personal lifestyle.
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week. The students can work up to 964 hours per year. It will help to cover living expenses.
You will need to show proof of funds of at least €615 per month to cover living expenses on top of proof or tuition fee or scholarship.
Yes, international students can stay in France after graduation as France offers a Post-Study Permit for Master’s and PhD graduates, which is valid for 12 to 24 months.