Planning your budget as a student in Paris will enable you to determine your needs. You will then be able to define your requirements in terms of finance. The cost of living is higher in Paris than elsewhere in France, and rents are particularly high. As a student, however, you will be entitled to special discounts (transport pass, swimming pool, sport, museums, shows, university restaurant, etc.).

To be able to stay in France and obtain a student visa (N.B.: students from EU member States do not need a visa), you must be able to prove that you have financial resources of at least €450 per month for the duration of your stay.
You should note, however, that you will need at least €800 to €900 per month if you are to enjoy reasonable living conditions in Paris.

Financial needs can vary considerably from one person to another, depending on lifestyle and programme of studies. Your expenses will be greater if you are a postgraduate (doctorate) student and/or aged 26 or over.

Expenses on arrival in France:

CERTIFICATION OF YOUR VISA BY OFII (non European students only) :
- OMI (or ANAEM) stamp : 55€ (for further information >>) 

REGISTRATION AT UNIVERSITY OR SCHOOL :
- Registration at the university: €177 for Licence, €245 for Master, €372 for Doctorat (2011-2012 fees)
- Registration in a "grande école" or specialist school: €500 to €9,000
- Student medical insurance ("Sécurité sociale"): €203 (for further information >>) 

ACCOMODATION :
- Deposit ("caution") for studio or apartment: 1 month rent, refunded when you leave (for further information >>)
- Home insurance (obligatory): €13.50 to €60 (for further information >>)
- Real estate agencies' fees : if you rent a studio through a real estate agency, you will have to pay agency fees, corresponding to one month rent.

Monthly expenses in Paris:

- Rent: €480 to €900 for a studio / 350€ in average in a students’ residence
Apply to the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) for a rent allowance. This body will refund part of your rent (for further information >>). 

- Transport: €1.70 for a metro/bus/RER ticket, €62 for a monthly pass and €33.16 for a Carte Imagine-R (monthly pass for students under 26) 

- Food: at least €200
A meal in a CROUS university restaurant costs €3.05.
A sandwich and a meal in a restaurant will typically cost around €4 and €15, respectively. 

- Electricity: around €25 

- Telephone & Internet subscription: around €30

Leisure- some prices: 

- A cinema ticket: €8.50 to €10.50 standard rate, and around €7 student rate. €5.90 to €6.70 in certain cinemas with the Carte Imagine-R . 

- A theatre ticket: €10 to €17 for young people under 26 (sometimes under 30). 

- Swimming pool: €1.70 for young people under 26

Check our Agenda section regularly for invitations and special rates for exhibitions, shows and other activities, and for news of free events in Paris.

If you do not obtain a scholarship and your family cannot provide sufficient financial assistance, you will undoubtedly need to find a job. For details of work regulations for foreign students in France, see the sheet entitled Working in France during your studies.

Always take care to put study before work. You will find it difficult to study successfully if you work more than 10 hours per week. 

Visuel : Flickr kevharb