For many Pakistani students, studying overseas is a dream. Popular for its rich culture, top-notch education, and energetic cities, France has drawn increasing numbers of overseas students. Still, cost is a big issue, particularly for students from underdeveloped nations. This post will go into great detail on the Cost of Living in France for Pakistani Students, provide useful budgeting techniques, go over scholarship options, and address common questions, including visa requirements.

Why France is a Preferred Destination for Students

France is home to several top-ranked universities like Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, and École Polytechnique. With strong academic standards and access to modern research, these universities provide a wide spectrum of English and French courses. Furthermore, the French government provides subsidised tuition, which helps to make education very reasonable compared to other Western nations.

Pakistani students are drawn to France particularly for:

  • Reasonable public university rates
  • Possibility of scholarships
  • Possibilities to work part-time for education
  • Rich exposure to language and culture
  • The possibility to learn in English-taught courses

How much does it cost to study in France from Pakistan?

Let’s dissect the typical costs Pakistani students would pay for their studies in France.

A. Tuition Fees

Public universities in France have government-subsidised tuition. For non-EU international students (including Pakistanis), the fees are:

  • Bachelor’s degree: €2,770 per year (~880,000 PKR)
  • Master’s degree: €3,770 per year (~1,200,000 PKR)
  • PhD: Approximately €380 per year (~120,000 PKR)

Note: Private institutions could charge noticeably more. Every university has a different fee range, but the average tuition fee of the public universities in France is between 300-7000 Euros. 

B. Accommodation

Monthly expenses mostly related to accommodation are among the possibilities:

  • CROUS (university dorms): €100–€150/month
  • Shared apartments: €150–€200/month
  • Studio apartments: €300–€500/month (especially in Paris)

Pakistani students are recommended to apply early for university accommodation since it is more reasonably priced. The average accommodation expense is almost 300 Euros per month, but it could change depending on your location.

C. Daily Living Expenses

Typical expenses are broken out here monthly:

  • Food and groceries between €100 and €150
  • Transportation (with pass) €20–€75
  • Mobile and Internet €20 to €40
  • Health insurance (should it not be provided) €20–€40

Hence, depending on the city and way of living, the Cost of Living in France for Pakistani Students usually falls between €300 and €500/month.

3. Free study in France for Pakistani students

Although studying in France is not totally free for overseas students, numerous options can greatly lower or eliminate living expenses and tuition:

Scholarships

  1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

    • Funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    • Covers tuition, monthly stipend (~€1,200), and other expenses

  2. Campus France Scholarships

    • Includes a variety of grants for Pakistani students

  3. Erasmus+ Program

    • Available for master’s students; includes full tuition and monthly stipend

  4. Charpak Scholarship (by French Embassy in Pakistan)
    Offers tuition waivers, living allowance, and more

You can seek professional help from expert study abroad advisors in Pakistan to avail the best suitable scholarship. 

Tuition Waivers by Universities

For exceptional students, several French institutions grant partial or complete tuition waivers. One should search particular university websites for specifics. Thus, a mix of scholarships, grants, and tuition exemptions allows Free study in France for Pakistani students.

How much Bank Statement for a France student visa from Pakistan?

Proof of enough money is essential for the visa application. Pakistani students have to show, according to Campus France:

Minimum bank statement of €7,380 (~2,400,000 PKR) for one year

  • Funds must be available in the student’s or sponsor’s account for at least 3 months prior to the visa application

  • An affidavit of sponsorship (if applicable) and income proof of the sponsor

Exchange rates and embassy criteria may cause minor variations in this figure.

Low Budget Management for Pakistani Students to Study in France

Smartly handling finances can make a big impact. Here are several techniques:

Opt for Affordable Cities

Although Paris is costly, other towns such as Lyon, Lille, Nantes, Grenoble, and Toulouse provide outstanding education at more reasonable living expenses.

Apply for CROUS Housing

Perfect for students on a tight budget, CROUS lodging is government-sponsored.

Utilise Student Discounts

France offers first-rate student benefits:

  • Public transportation passes with discount
  • Affordable lunch at campus dining halls (€3.30 CROUS dinners)
  • Lowering of museum and movie ticket rates

Part-Time Work

Legal working hours for Pakistani students in France are 964 hours annually (~20 hours/week). This can help pay daily bills.

Budget Wisely

Track costs with mobile apps. If at all possible, stay away from high-rent neighbourhoods and stick to necessary expenditures.

Share Accommodation

Rent and electricity expenditures might be cut in half by living with friends.

This advice guarantees a seamless academic journey and immediately helps Low Budget management for Pakistani students to study in France.

Tips for Pakistani students 

Here are sensible Tips for Pakistani students to manage study in France in Low Budget:

  • Start preparing 12 months before applying to allow adequate time for language instruction (if necessary) and scholarship applications.
  • Learn basic French: Learning basic French will aid in daily life and increase your chances of finding part-time employment.
  • Purchase second-hand furniture and literature; many student groups have heavily discounted second-hand items.
  • Cook at home; Dining out costs more. Cooking keeps one healthy and saves money.
  • Travel off-peak: cheaper train travel across France is offered via student travel cards like Carte Jeune.

8. Top Cities in France for Pakistani Students

  • Paris – Best universities but expensive (~€750/month)

  • Lyon – Vibrant student city, lower cost than Paris (~€500/month)

  • Lille – Affordable, good connectivity (~€500/month)

  • Toulouse – Aerospace hub, tech-oriented universities (~€500/month)

  • Grenoble – Great for science and engineering (~€500/month)

These figures could be changed depending on conditions.

FAQs

Q1. Is France expensive for Pakistani students?

Not always. Although Paris and other locations are costly, others have reasonably priced choices. Careful budgeting helps one to study in France under control.

Q2. Can Pakistani students work in France while studying?

Yes, students can help control living expenses by working part-time up to 964 hours/year.

Q3. Are there any scholarships for Pakistani students in France?

Yes. Among popular choices are the Eiffel Scholarship, Charpak Scholarship, and Erasmus+.

Q4. How much is the average monthly expense in France for Pakistani students?

Depending on the city and way of living, students often need €400–€650 every month.

Q5. Do I need to speak French to study in France?

Not always. Although many courses are offered in English, daily life and part-time employment benefit from a knowledge of fundamental French.

Conclusion

Although a considerable issue, the Cost of Living in France for Pakistani Students is not insurmountable. Access to public universities, scholarships, and student advantages helps France to be a reasonably priced place for further study. Early planning, selecting the appropriate place, and careful expenditure would help Pakistani students to enjoy a world-class education free from undue financial burden.Whether your search is for Free study in France for Pakistani students or just for advice on Low Budget management for Pakistani students to study in France, the secret is preparation, financial discipline, and best use of the tools at hand. France is open to all, not only a place for the elite, but also for those who are intelligent and creative.