If you’re an international student looking to study in Europe in 2024, then you should definitely consider France.

France is well known for its cuisine, history, architecture, fashion, and lifestyle. But aside from this, it’s also home to many prestigious universities — in 2023, as many as 32 French universities were ranked in the QS University World rankings.

Some other reasons to study in France are:

• Financial aid: there are many scholarships offered by government and non-governmental organizations for international students. These scholarships can provide total funding and tuition waivers or cover your living costs. Some examples of these scholarships are the Eiffel Scholarships, The Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships for Foreign Students, and The Charpak Scholarships.
• Affordable tuition fees: France is one of the top five destinations for international students after the US, UK, Germany, and Australia. It’s also one of the most affordable, especially for students on a budget, as tuition fees for its public universities are generally lower.
• Career prospects: France offers post-graduate work opportunities across various fields like tourism, technology, fashion, and agriculture, and a healthy work-life balance that makes it an attractive destination for international students.

Also read: Jobs You Can Get as an International Student in the UK

• Travel opportunities: France’s proximity to other European countries makes it easy for you to explore different cultures and gain more travel experience during your studies.

But despite this, many international students reconsider studying in France mainly because of its cost of living. So, in this post, we’ll be helping you out by sharing some of the cheapest cities in France for international students.

Clermont-Ferrand:

This city is located in the heart of France. It is known for its rich history, cultural events, architecture, and natural attractions like the Chaîne des Puys — a chain of volcanoes.

The cost of living in this city is lower compared to other cities in Paris, with an  average monthly rent of €375. Also, its  well-developed transportation system makes it easy for students to save money using public transport like buses and trains.

Lille:

Lille is a merchant city in Northern France and a famous student town with a student population of over 100,000.

As a student, you can live there for €700 a month, and like many cities in France, many local shops, restaurants and other services offer student discounts. Its location also makes it easy for students to visit other countries.

Limoges:

Limoges is well known for its decorated porcelain, which you can find at the Musée National Adrien Dubouché. This city is also famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

This city has a vibrant student population, and you’re expected to spend an average of €600-800 monthly, which includes rent of around €380.

Grenoble:

This city is called the “City of the Alps” because it’s at the foot of the French Alps. It’s also a science and technology hub, attracting a diverse international community.

The average monthly rent in Grenoble is around €646, while other expenses average €200. There are also very good student discounts so you can eat in the university cafeterias for less than €5.

Toulouse:

Toulouse, located in Southwest France,  is known as  “The Pink City'' due to its terracotta buildings. It’s France’s fourth-largest student population, with almost 140,000 students.

Toulouse is regarded by many as one of the cheapest French cities, as students can live on €600 monthly and still enjoy a high quality of life.

Wrapping up

As an international student, studying in France is an excellent opportunity to receive top-notch education, learn about new cultures, and improve your prospects in the job market. You can simplify your application journey and enjoy seamless EUR transactions by opening a EUR virtual account with us today.

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