Master’s in France Under 20 Lakh: Top Affordable Master’s for 2026

France really stands out for Indian students looking to get a master’s degree without burning through their savings. Private schools in France do cost more than public ones, but you can still find surprisingly affordable options especially compared to places like the US or UK. The country’s multicultural vibe and global reputation for education make it a pretty tempting alternative if you’re wary of sky-high tuition.

There are over 400 English-taught master’s programs, so you don’t have to stress about learning French just to keep up in class. The variety is impressive business, tech, arts, you name it. On top of that, you’ll get to soak in French culture and meet people from all over the world. Public universities are even cheaper, but let’s focus on the private options here.

France also helps out with housing subsidies and a bunch of scholarships for international students. These can make a big difference, especially if your budget is tight. The overall experience affordable, high-quality, and internationally recognized makes studying in France a smart move for a lot of folks.

4 Budget-Friendly English-Taught Programmes for Master's in France Under 20 Lakh

Several private French schools offer English-taught master’s programs that fit comfortably under the 20 lakh mark. Tuition fees range anywhere from ₹15,000 up to ₹4 lakh per year. For Indian students who want a European degree but don’t want to pay a fortune, these are worth a look.

Master’s programs in International Business and Finance  – ISC Paris Business School

At ISC Paris Business School, you’ll find master’s programs in International Business and Finance with tuition starting around €8,750 per year (roughly ₹7.5 lakh). It’s not as cheap as public universities, but for a private school in Paris, that’s a solid deal.

The courses are taught entirely in English and run for one or two years. You can pick up skills in marketing, cross-cultural management, or international finance, depending on your focus.

Key Programme Features:

• All classes in English

• Strong internship connections

• Options for Erasmus exchanges

• Active alumni network, especially in business hubs
  

Living in Paris does bump up your monthly expenses (expect €1,000-1,300), but the total cost for tuition plus living still stays under 20 lakh if you budget smart.

MSc in Data Analytics, Intelligence and Security – Rennes School of Business

The MSc in Data Analytics, Intelligence and Security at Rennes School of Business runs about €13,000 per year (around ₹11 lakh). This is for folks who are serious about tech, data, and analytics.

You’ll dive into machine learning, big data, and get hands-on with Python and R. There’s a strong focus on practical projects, often in partnership with French tech companies.

Programme Highlights:

• 18-month program with an internship

• Industry-driven curriculum

• Access to research labs

• Career support for placements
  

Rennes is more affordable than Paris for living costs figure about €800-1,000 a month. If you’re careful, two years here will keep you well within the 20 lakh limit.

International Master in Wine and Spirits Business – INSEEC School of Wine & Spirits

The International Master in Wine and Spirits Business at INSEEC costs about €10,000 per year (₹8.7 lakh). This program brings together business know-how and France’s legendary wine culture.

You’ll learn marketing, international trade, and supply chain management all with a focus on luxury beverages. Expect vineyard visits and real-world internships in the industry.

Unique Features:

• Direct access to top wine regions

• Industry mentorships

• Global business outlook

• Networking with wine pros

Costs for living in Bordeaux are moderate, so your total spend for the two-year program usually lands between 16-18 lakh. If you’re interested in luxury goods, this is a great launchpad.

Master’s in Sustainable Engineering – Grenoble Ecole de Management

The Master’s in Sustainable Engineering at Grenoble Ecole de Management is about €11,000 per year (₹9.6 lakh). It’s all about environmental tech and renewable energy fields that are only getting hotter.

Set right in the French Alps, the school gives you access to unique research and a mountain backdrop. You’ll work on real sustainability projects with European companies.

Programme Benefits:

• Research-focused curriculum

• Mountain campus (pretty cool, honestly)

• Strong industry ties

• Emphasis on new tech
  

Living costs in Grenoble are manageable, and the total for tuition plus expenses comes in under 18 lakh. If you care about the environment, you’ll find plenty to get excited about here.

Housing Aid & Scholarship Quick Wins

APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) is probably the fastest way to cut down your rent. You can get €100-300 off your monthly payment, which really helps in cities like Paris or Lyon.

ALS and ALF are other options for housing support usually covering 30-40% of your rent. Not bad, right?

Apply for housing aid as soon as you land. The CAF website process is a bit tedious but usually done in 2-3 weeks.

Quick Win Scholarships	Amount	Application Time
CROUS Social Aid	€1,000-5,000/year	2-4 weeks
Regional Council Grants	€500-2,000	1-3 weeks
University Emergency Fund	€200-1,000	1-2 weeks

Campus Bourses is the main directory for scholarships. You can search in French or English and filter by your background, which is handy.

Some government exchange programs are open to students from certain regions. These often cover tuition and throw in a monthly stipend (€600-1,200) to help with living costs.

Erasmus+ funding is available for EU students covers travel and gives a monthly allowance. Not everyone qualifies, but it’s worth checking out.

If you speak French at a B2 level or above, more scholarships open up. Regional programs tend to favour students who can show language skills. Most universities have emergency aid funds for students who hit a rough patch. The process is quick usually 1-2 weeks and can be a lifesaver if something unexpected happens.

Book Your France-Budget Session with EduMox

If you're thinking about a master's in France under 20 lakh, getting some tailored advice can make a real difference. EduMox runs budget sessions that dig into the nitty-gritty of studying abroad without breaking the bank.

The France-Budget Session zeroes in on what matters most for students watching their expenses. You'll get the lowdown on private universities that won't drain your wallet, scholarship options, and what to expect when it comes to living costs in different French cities. Public universities exist, but the focus here is on private options that fit within your budget.

Key session benefits include:

• Personalized budget plans based on your own situation

• University picks that actually fit your 20 lakh cap

• Strategies for landing merit-based scholarships

• Clear breakdowns of rent, food, and daily spending
  

EduMox counselors take a real look at your academics and finances, then map out a plan that feels doable. It's not just theory they'll actually help you connect your goals to what you can afford.

You'll walk away with practical tools for keeping tabs on your spending, including spreadsheets and checklists to help you stay organized while you're there.

Booking's easy just hop onto EduMox's site, pick a time that works, and choose whether you want to chat over video or meet face-to-face. The consultation gets you all the session materials plus ongoing support. You'll have access to the latest info on private French universities and how their fees stack up.

If you book early, you’re more likely to snag a slot with someone who really knows the France scene. Sessions usually run about 90 minutes, with plenty of space for your questions. After the session, you'll get a written summary of the advice and recommendations handy to keep around as you apply and plan.