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CyprusCost of a first year
France vs Spain: what a year of study costs
The two cost about the same for a first year.
EUR 11,400 to 23,200
EUR 10,000 to 25,100
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  France |  Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 2,900 to 4,000 | EUR 1,500 to 8,200 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 8,400 to 19,200 | EUR 8,400 to 16,800 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 99 | EUR 80 |
| First year, all in | EUR 11,400 to 23,200 | EUR 10,000 to 25,100 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 10,530 | EUR 7,200 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 30 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 1 year | 2 years |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the France and Spain guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in France or Spain?
The two cost about the same for a first year. A first year in France costs about EUR 11,400 to 23,200 and in Spain about EUR 10,000 to 25,100, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in France and Spain?
France: EUR 10,530 a year. Spain: EUR 7,200 a year.