There is always an annoying question that interrupts your educational dream and makes you nervous about studying abroad. Yes, that's the question: how much does it cost? This is precisely what we will cover in this article, as we thoroughly investigate the cost of a PhD degree in France for 2025. 

As one of the most prestigious and thriving countries, France remains one of the most affordable destinations for international students to pursue a doctoral degree worldwide. Applying for a PhD program in France is one of the most exciting and powerful decisions an international student can make. 

If the only obstacle on your path to achieving your dreams is the question of funding, this guide will help you better understand the process and enable you to create a clear path for continuing your education in France.

In this article, we will delve into the details of the financial commitment when pursuing a PhD in France in 2025. Some of the most critical aspects of the budget you need to be a PhD candidate are tuition, registration fees, living expenses, funding availability, and practical budgeting tips. 

No matter which city or university you are planning to study at, the rules are nearly the same. However, the general costs are different. Whether you are considering institutions in Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, or elsewhere, this guide will equip you to plan realistically and feel confident as you embark on your doctoral journey.

Read more: Student Visas for PhD in France

Why Is France a Smart Choice for a PhD?

If you are reading this article, you are an international student seeking an affordable country with a rich culture and an advanced educational system to pursue your path in your field of interest.  Well, France is definitely one of those countries that people choose not only for its excellent universities, reputable institutions, and strong research-based programs, but also for the general quality of life. 

The idea of studying in some of the most beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, historically rich, and culturally traditional cities in Europe is captivating enough, let alone adding top-ranked universities to the mix. For many international students, France stands out for three main reasons: the excellence of its research institutions, the affordability of study (especially compared to other major research countries), and the cultural experience of living in Europe’s heart.

France has long been praised and honoured for its renowned universities, prestigious institutions, and rich language, which many people admire. It also values the idea of education as a ladder for progression and development. It's no surprise, then, to see how governments and politics are designed to make higher education more accessible to many passionate students worldwide. French universities and research centres have long been respected for their contributions across the sciences, humanities, technology, and social sciences. 

Based on the recent updates, France maintains remarkably modest tuition levels for doctoral studies in public institutions, thanks to substantial government subsidies. For many international PhD candidates, this means the financial barrier is much lower than in other countries, where tuition might be tens of thousands of euros per year. 

Additionally, a doctoral program in France holds far more significance than just a degree for many students. It's also an opportunity to integrate into French cultural life, travel within the Schengen area, and build an international network, which is a significant advantage.

Read more: PhD opportunities in France

Advantages of Doing a PhD in France (2026)

Tuition and Registration Fees for Doctoral Students in France

Now, let's get into the details of tuition and registration fees you need to know about. The data are clear and straightforward. The first cost you have to assess is the biggest and most significant one: the payment you make to the institution for your enrolment in the PhD programme. France’s university fees are generally affordable and reasonable, especially for international students who are usually short on budget. 

Most public higher education institutions in France have set the tuition rate for the academic year 2025/26 at the doctoral (PhD) level at €397 per year. The good news is that the amount is not different for international candidates.

However, what this means in practice, let's break it down to understand the system of payment fully. For those entering a PhD programme at a public institution (and many do, as there are numerous reputable and low-cost public universities available across the country), the tuition cost is extremely low compared to that in many other countries, such as the UK, which is generally more costly for international candidates.  

Additionally, some of the most prestigious institutions may even waive tuition entirely for doctoral students. For example, Sciences Po has recently announced that, starting from the 2025-26 academic year, all postgraduate students enrolled will be exempt from tuition fees between years D1 and D6. 

Although these rules and regulations are proper for most parts of France, there are a few exceptions. Here are some clarifications to clear up any confusion. 

• The €397 figure refers to public institutions and the standard doctoral registration fee for these institutions. This may not be true for private institutions, as they may charge significantly more. So it's better to check before enrolling.  You may encounter private institutions that charge around “€380-€30,000/year”. 

However, many of these cases involve specialised private schools or business doctorates. So, don't worry, these rates do not apply to all private schools, and also not true for public universities. 

• The low tuition cost is a key benefit, but it doesn’t mean “zero cost”. So don't think that you don't need any money. It's indeed less expensive, but you still have to pay for living expenses, travel, research materials, and possibly fees for dormitories, language courses, or association membership.
  
  

In short, for many international doctoral students in France, the tuition/registration cost is highly affordable, a small fraction of what you might pay in the US, UK, or Australia, and this makes the proposition especially attractive.

Read more: How to Apply for a PhD in France

Living Costs and Other Budget Considerations

Besides tuition fees for the actual PhD program in France 2025, there are other expenses as well that you need to consider before applying. These expenses are primarily living costs, with a few related to doctoral studies. 

If your tuition is covered, the other major part of your budget is your monthly living expenses, such as accommodation, which is the primary source of concern, and you should allocate a considerable amount of your budget to it. 

Other significant expenses include necessities such as food, transportation, health insurance, leisure activities, and research-related costs. Most of the fully-funded PhD positions offer health insurance, and transportation is also mainly affordable, and you can get a discount with your student card. While tuition figures are relatively uniform, living costs vary significantly depending on city, lifestyle, and whether you choose university housing or private rental.

Monthly Living Costs

Let's break down the expenses and provide an estimate for each category. According to one guide, in French cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, and Toulouse, a student can expect to spend €850-€1,000 per month, all-in. This is the total amount covering everything. Although the amount is naturally higher in Paris, it is around €1,250-€1,400 per month. If you choose to live in Paris, which is generally an expensive city, not just in France but also in Europe, you will need a larger budget. 

These estimated figures mainly cover rent, utilities, food, transportation, and some additional expenses (such as clothing, outings, and occasional travel). Although these are not fixed numbers, your costs may vary depending on your specific needs and lifestyle. Therefore, please check in more detail. 

Accommodation

Knowing where you will stay is an essential step when allocating your budget, and you also need to provide a valid address to the embassy when requesting a visa. In France, University halls of residence are managed by the CROUS system, which is student-friendly and an affordable option. However, most private apartments in city centres can drive costs up significantly, especially in Paris. 

You should carefully review the prices of different accommodations before making an application. Your place of residence can significantly impact your quality of life, underscoring the importance of gathering data from reliable and official sources. 

Health Insurance and Mandatory Contributions

Not having health insurance can lead to significant financial difficulties for international students. Additionally, a health insurance document is required in a visa application, which means that all doctoral students must register for French social security (student health insurance) unless a bilateral treaty covers them. Many students are also required to pay the CVEC (as above) and any association or enrolment fees unique to the university.

Sample Annual Budget Estimate

Here is a rough budgeting scenario for 2025. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change. For more precise and accurate information, always check updated official resources. 

• Tuition/registration fee: ~€397
  
  

• CVEC contribution: ~€105
  
  

• Living costs (12 months in a non-Paris city  €900/month): ~€10,800
  
  

• Health insurance and campus services: ~€300–€500
  
  

• Research/incidentals: ~€1,000 buffer
  
  

Funding, Scholarships, and Effective Cost Reduction

France is known for its well-structured educational system that alleviates PhD expenses, primarily through funding and employment opportunities. So, don't worry if you have a tight budget, because there are plenty of public universities in France that offer contrat doctoral positions, three-year paid research contracts that include a salary and social benefits, transforming doctoral studies into a professional role.  

You can check all recent fully-funded PhD positions and programs in France on Applykite. To get started, simply visit our website and click the "Solution" button located at the top of the homepage. Then filter your search based on your personal situation and requirements. 

Additionally, numerous scholarships and grants are available for talented students. Since tuition fees are already minimal, most funding focuses on supporting daily living and research rather than tuition costs themselves. 

Things to Check

Here is a quick checklist to help you narrow down your search and make the process easy and fast. 

• Duration of the funding, whether it's 3 years or 4 years.
  
  

• Whether the contract or scholarship covers research trips or fieldwork
  
  

• What happens if your PhD extends beyond the funded period
  
  

• Tuition waiver or exemption status (some institutions waive the nominal fee entirely, as noted above)
  
  

• Whether working part-time alongside your funding is permitted.
  
  

By combining low tuition, possible contracts, and part-time work, many international doctoral students in France find that their out-of-pocket cost is far lower than the headline “living cost” might suggest.

Smart Budgeting Tips

• Consider student housing, as university halls often cost considerably less than private apartments.
  
  

• Consider cities outside Paris to reduce rent and living expenses significantly. Paris is generally costly, especially for housing and accommodation.
  
  

• Review each doctoral contract or scholarship to determine if it includes allowances for fieldwork, travel, or conferences.
  
  

• Open a French bank account early to avoid high foreign transaction fees.
  
  

• Use public transport passes (many student discounts available).

How France Compares: Value for Money?

No matter what your field of interest or academic excellence, France stands out as one of the most affordable and rewarding destinations for doctoral studies in 2025. While PhD tuition in countries like the UK, US, or Australia can reach tens of thousands of euros per year, public universities in France charge around €397 annually, even for non-EU students. Living costs, averaging €900–€1,200 per month, are also moderate by European standards. 

So don't let financial problems get in your way and start your application now. France has long believed in the decisive role of the academy and its potential to impact lives positively. This country has also been a welcoming and thriving home for many international students who are passionate, talented, and bring bright ideas to their communities.

If you need to know more about PhD in French universities and whether they are suitable for you, check your resume, academic background, and field of interest with ApplyKite’s AI tool. In less than 30 seconds, you will get professional feedback from an exclusive AI search engine designed for applying and studying abroad. 

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD Costs in France

Can I work while doing my PhD in France?
Yes. Students on a long‐stay student visa (VLS-TS) are typically allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (around 20 hours/week). Many doctoral candidates also hold a contract doctorate, which is a paid research contract. 

Will the tuition cost change during the 3-to 4-year period of a PhD?
Institutions may adjust their fee schedules from year to year, but the €397 rate is set by government decree for the 2025/26 academic year. If you enrol, you usually pay the same rate as long as your programme continues uninterrupted. That said, always verify for your specific institution.

Do I need to know French?
While many doctoral programmes in France are conducted in French, an increasing number are offered in English, especially in STEM and social sciences. However, speaking or learning French will significantly improve your daily life, integration, and networking opportunities.

Conclusion: 

If you are an international student planning to pursue your PhD in 2025, make it easy and choose a country like France, where an affordable PhD is offered alongside a high quality of life and bright future career prospects. You’ll find that France offers one of the most financially accessible and academically robust destinations in Europe. 

With nominal tuition fees of around €397 per year at many public universities, relatively moderate living costs, and strong possibilities for salaries via doctoral contracts, your investment is comparatively low, and the potential return in knowledge, experience, and career advancement is high.

Through applying for a PhD program in France, you can always count on ApplyKite’s assistance. Whether you are looking for programs that suit your preferences or searching for supervisors who are available in your favoured universities, Applykite is here to make things smooth and easy. All of this information is available on our website. No complex registration is needed. Just create an account and quickly use our exclusive platform.