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Studying French in Paris is a dream for many people who admire Parisian culture — from its breathtaking scenery and world-famous architecture to its lasting artistic and cultural influence. If learning French in Paris is on your bucket list, welcome! This guide is here to help you with valuable tips and information to turn that language goal into a reality.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the costs of studying French in Paris, highlight some of the city’s most iconic spots to practice your language skills, share agencies that can support you through the process, and, of course, offer tips to help you stay connected while you’re there. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

study french in paris

How much does it cost to study French in Paris?

As you might have guessed (or already knew), Paris isn’t exactly known for being a budget-friendly city. But don’t let that discourage you— with the right planning, studying French in the City of Light can be more affordable than you think. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses to keep in mind:

ConceptApproximate price (monthly)
Intensive course (20h/week)$570-1,140
Course registration$600-170 (one-time payment)
Accommodation in residence$455-800
Room in shared apartment$570-910
Public transport (Navigo)$47-95
Food and personal expenses$285-455
Grab a pen and paper—get a clear picture of what it really costs to study French in Paris.

Please note that some schools offer discounts if you enroll for more than three months or if you pay for the entire course in advance.

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Where to get scholarships to study French in Paris?

If you’re dreaming of studying French in Paris but need a bit of financial help, there are several scholarships available for international students. Some cover the full cost of your course, others offer partial support, and a few are aimed at broader studies but include French language programs. Here are some options to consider:

1. Scholarships from the Institut Français

The Institut Français, which has offices in many countries, offers scholarships for summer courses and intensive French programs in France. Some even include accommodation and partial tuition coverage. We recommend checking with the Institut Français branch in your country for details.

2. Erasmus+ Programs (for European citizens)

If you’re already studying in Europe, you might be eligible to spend time in France through the Erasmus+ program—and it’s a great opportunity to take French courses. In some cases, you can even combine it with university studies or an internship.

3. Eiffel Scholarship (for higher studies)

If your goal is to combine language learning with a master’s degree in France, this French government scholarship is a great option—it covers tuition, insurance, a monthly stipend, and more. While it’s not specifically for French, many programs require some knowledge of the language and allow you to take preparatory courses.

4. Campus France: Scholarship search engine

Campus France is a good ally to search for scholarships available to study in France. It has a search engine by country, level of studies and type of scholarship.

Best schools to study French in Paris

Paris is full of French language schools—from classic, traditional institutes to more modern, innovative options. Some include housing, others cater specifically to adults or professionals, and there are also flexible programs that don’t offer accommodation. We’ve put together a diverse selection to help you find the one that best fits your lifestyle and goals.

France Langue – With accommodation

Location: It has several locations across France, but in Paris, you’ll find it just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. A charming, typically Parisian neighborhood—full of cafés, parks, and local life.

Reputation: It’s one of the most well-known language schools in the country. It’s accredited by Qualité FLE, an official French certification that guarantees high-quality instruction for international students.

Courses: They offer both intensive and semi-intensive programs, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. You’ll also find themed courses like “French + Fashion” or “French + Cooking”—perfect if you want to tie it to your personal interests. Programs can last anywhere from one week to a full year, depending on your schedule.

Type of French: Standard French (français général) is taught with emphasis on pronunciation and comprehension of current French.

Accommodation: They offer several housing options like student residences, homestays (with breakfast or half board), or shared apartments. Some packages also include extras like laundry service or weekly cultural activities.

Prices:

  • Courses: From 250 euros/week ($280)
  • Accommodation: From 250 euros/week ($280) in a host family

This option is perfect if you want to live the whole experience and have everything organized before your arrival.

LSI Paris – For adults

Location: Located in the 9th arrondissement, close to the Opera Garnier and the Galeries Lafayette. A very well connected and busy area.

Reputation: LSI (Language Studies International) is a global network of language schools with locations in several countries. Their Paris branch focuses on teaching adults and professionals, and they’re also certified by Qualité FLE for high-quality instruction.

Courses: They offer general French programs, exam preparation courses (like DELF/DALF), and one-on-one executive lessons. Classes range from A1 to C2 levels, and small group sizes make it easier to progress quickly.

Type of French: Standard French with the option of advanced conversation classes for business or academic settings.

Age of students: The majority are between 25 and 50 years old, although there are also older people who come to study for personal or work reasons.

Prices:

  • General courses: From 290 euros/week ($330)
  • Intensive courses: From 390 euros/week ($440)
  • Accommodation is not included but help is offered to find accommodation near the school

This is recommended if you are more mature, want to study with people of your own age and want to make the most of your time in Paris.

places paris
Studying French in Paris will be more convenient if you use your Holafly eSIM to stay connected and share your trip minute by minute. @unsplash

Alliance Française Paris Île-de-France – Without accommodation

Location: Located in the heart of Montparnasse—a neighborhood long loved by artists, intellectuals, and bohemians. It’s well connected by metro and full of terrace cafés, perfect for practicing your French over a coffee.

Reputation: Quite possibly the most famous French language school in the world, it’s been teaching since 1883—over 140 years of experience. It’s accredited by Qualité FLE and also serves as an official testing center for the DELF, DALF, and TCF exams.

Courses: They offer a wide range of courses—general French, business French, pronunciation workshops, writing, and grammar. You can also choose from online classes or one-on-one lessons. Programs are available for all ages and skill levels.

Type of French: Standard French of France, with materials designed by expert linguists and specialized teachers.

Prices:

  • Standard course (20h/week): From 250 euros/week ($280)
  • Intensive course (26h/week): From 310 euros/week ($350)
  • Accommodation not included

This is a great option if you’re looking for a school with a strong academic reputation, tradition, and a vibrant international community. Plus, you have the flexibility to arrange your own accommodation for more independence.

How to study French in Paris and work at the same time?

Studying French in Paris can be a significant investment, so if you’re thinking about working to help cover some of the costs, it’s definitely possible—but there are certain requirements you’ll need to meet.

If you have a passport from an EU or EEA country, you can work without any restrictions. But if you’re from Latin America or another non-European country, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.

With the French student visa, you are allowed to work:

  • Up to 964 hours per year, which equals 20 hours per week approximately.
  • The minimum wage in France is around 11.65 euros ($13) per hour (gross) in 2025, so you should be able to cover your basic expenses.

What can you work in while studying French in Paris?

The most common jobs for international students are:

  • Customer service in cafés, restaurants and boulangeries
  • Babysitting (ideal if you speak some French)
  • Reception in hostels or hotels
  • Flyering or assisting at events
  • Delivery (with apps like Uber Eats or Deliveroo)

Many schools have job boards or partnerships with local businesses to help students find work. You can also join Facebook groups for students in Paris—great places to spot job opportunities and connect with others.

Best seasons to study French in Paris

One of the great things about studying in Paris is that you can do it year-round. But depending on your interests, budget, or preferred weather, some seasons might suit you better than others:

Spring (April-June)

  • Perfect weather for strolling around the city, picnics on the Seine or in the Luxembourg Gardens.
  • Many courses start at this time and there is plenty to choose from.
  • Paris is at its best—everything’s in bloom, both literally and figuratively.

Summer (July-August)

  • High tourist season. Schools offer intensive courses and very popular summer programs.
  • The weather is warm, there are festivals and many cultural activities.
  • It is more expensive than other seasons (especially accommodation).

Autumn (September-November)

  • Perfect if you want to avoid mass tourism.
  • Beginning of many regular courses (3, 6 or 9 months).
  • The weather is cool but pleasant. Paris is full of autumn colors.

Winter (December-March)

  • Fewer people in the city = lower prices on flights and accommodations.
  • Perfect for those who prefer the cold and don’t mind the early evening.
  • Schools offer discounts on longer courses or flexible program starts.

Popular agencies for studying French in Paris

If you’d rather not handle everything on your own—or if it’s your first time studying abroad—there are agencies that guide you through every step, from choosing the right school to helping with your visa and finding a place to stay.

GrowPro Experience

GrowPro stands out for its laid-back, student-friendly vibe. They’ll help you find the perfect school, sort out your study plan, walk you through the visa process, and even host events so you can connect with fellow students in Paris.

Extras: They have ambassadors in Paris who organize activities so that you don’t feel lonely upon your arrival.

EF Education First

This agency has solid experience with programs in France and specializes in helping people who want to combine studying with working. They’ll assist you with school enrollment, the visa process, getting health insurance, and finding either temporary or long-term housing.

Extras: Digital advice, webinars and updated content about living and studying in Europe.

living in paris
Iconic Parisian sites are part of the pros of choosing this city to learn French. @unsplash.

Frequently asked questions about where to study French in Paris

Do I need to know any French before coming to Paris to study?

No. Many schools accept complete beginners. Remember to be clear about your goal and choose a program that starts at level A1.

How much does it cost in total to study French in Paris for 3 months?

Including course, accommodation, transportation and food, you could spend between 2,500 and 4,000 euros ($2,840-4,540) depending on your lifestyle and the type of accommodation.

Can I study and work if I have a student visa?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week on a student visa. It is a very common way to help support your income and practice your language skills.

Which school is best for people over 30 or 40?

LSI Paris is an excellent choice for adults.

Is it better to study in the summer or during the year?

Depends on what you’re looking for. Summer is great for short, intensive courses—perfect if you’ve only got a few weeks. During the rest of the year, you can take longer programs, settle into the city more easily, and find more budget-friendly options.