Study abroad in France
Visa, costs, healthcare and the best cities for exchange students in France.
Capital
Paris
Languages
French
Academic Year
Semester 1: September to January. Semester 2: February to June. Some grandes écoles run on trimester systems.
Population
68,374,000
Typical Budget
EUR 800 - 1,400/month
Overview
Home to some of Europe's most prestigious universities, France offers exchange students world-class academia, unbeatable student benefits, and a culture that rewards curiosity. From Paris to provincial gems, the country is one of the top Erasmus destinations on the continent.
Country Overview
What student life feels like in France.
France consistently ranks among the top destinations for international students, combining academic excellence with a rich cultural experience. The country hosts over 400,000 international students annually, drawn by its strong public university system, affordable student canteens (CROUS), and generous public subsidies including housing aid (CAF).
Exchange students benefit from free or heavily discounted access to national museums, student train discounts (SNCF Carte Avantage Jeune), and one of Europe's most developed public transport networks. While French bureaucracy can be demanding, universities typically support incoming students through dedicated international offices.
French language skills help considerably outside Paris, though courses in English are available at most major institutions.
Country Framework
What shapes student life in France.
Use this page to understand the legal context, budget baseline, safety feel, and everyday rhythm before comparing cities or universities.
Safety Snapshot
France is generally safe for students. Major cities have pickpocketing in tourist areas and some transport hubs; petty crime is the main concern rather than violent crime. Campus neighbourhoods are typically very safe.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Safety & Cost Indices
Source: Numbeo crowdsourced data. Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Crime Index
Moderate
World avg: 44.7
Safety Index
Be cautious
World avg: 55.3
Cost of Living
Expensive
EUR 800 - 1,400/month
Crime factors measured
Big Cities vs Small Towns
Big Cities
- Paris hosts the world's largest concentration of grandes écoles and top-tier research universities — Sciences Po, HEC, Sorbonne, Polytechnique. Academic prestige is unmatched.
- Lyon is the second academic centre — large, affordable relative to Paris, excellent food culture, and a strong engineering and biotech scene.
- Paris is expensive (rent especially) but the CROUS system, free museums under 26, and transport subsidies make it manageable on a student budget.
- International student infrastructure is mature in Paris — administrative support, international clubs, and English workarounds widely available.
Small Towns
- Toulouse, Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Strasbourg each have large student populations (25–30% of city residents) with excellent universities and significantly lower costs than Paris.
- These cities offer deep French cultural immersion — locals less likely to switch to English, which accelerates language acquisition.
- Strasbourg's bilingual French-German identity and proximity to the EU institutions makes it unique.
- Toulouse (aerospace/engineering), Grenoble (tech/physics), and Bordeaux (wine/business) have strong specialised graduate job markets.
Culture
Social Norms
- Greet with 'bonjour' every time you enter a shop, office, or classroom — skipping this is considered rude.
- The formal 'vous' is expected in academic and administrative settings; switch to 'tu' only when invited.
- Mealtimes are structured and respected: lunch 12:00-14:00, dinner 19:30-21:00. Eating on the street is acceptable but not the norm.
- Punctuality is expected in academic and professional contexts. Social gatherings can run 15-20 minutes late.
- Tipping is not mandatory in France (service is included), but rounding up or leaving 1-2 EUR at a café is appreciated.
- Debate and intellectual discussion are a social norm — expressing strong opinions is not confrontational here.
Daily Rhythm
Local pace07:30–09:00
Morning
Breakfast is light — café au lait and a tartine or croissant, often eaten standing at a café zinc. Boulangeries open from 07:00; buying fresh bread daily is routine.
12:00–14:00
Midday
Déjeuner is sacred. A full two-hour break is normal — even in universities. Many students use the CROUS restaurant universitaire for subsidised €3.30 meals. Restaurants close the kitchen at 14:00 sharp.
14:00–18:00
Afternoon
Back-to-work block. Shops open again at 14:00. Coffee around 16:00. French study hours can run late given the academic pressure of grandes écoles culture.
19:30–21:30
Evening
Dîner rarely before 20:00. Apéro (drinks before dinner) starts at 19:00 — wine, beer, and nibbles with friends is a key social ritual.
22:00–02:00
Night
Bars close at 02:00. Paris club scene (Batofar, Rex Club, Concrete) goes to dawn. Student cities like Lyon and Toulouse have active nightlife Thursday–Saturday.
Food Culture
Baguette & Croissant
EUR 1.10-1.80Bakery staples available at any boulangerie. The baguette is so culturally significant it is UNESCO-listed.
Boulangeries sell day-old baguettes at 50% off around closing time (typically 19:30-20:00).
CROUS Cafeteria Meal
EUR 3.30The Restaurants Universitaires (RU) run by CROUS offer a subsidised 3-course meal for €3.30 (2024 rate). Available at most French universities.
Show your student card at any CROUS across France — you can use canteens at other universities too.
Crêpes
EUR 2.50-6.00From sweet Breton crêpes to savoury galettes, these are a classic student street food and very affordable.
Crêperies in university neighbourhoods offer student menus (galette + crêpe + cider) for under €10.
Steak-Frites
EUR 12-18The quintessential French brasserie dish. A reliable and filling lunch option at traditional restaurants.
Order the 'menu du midi' (weekday lunch formula) for a starter + main or main + dessert at a fixed price, usually €12-16.
Cheese & Charcuterie Board
EUR 3-8 (supermarket)France produces over 400 cheese varieties. A market or supermarket board is a cheap and authentic dinner option.
Buy at Lidl, Aldi, or market end-of-day — camembert, brie, and comté are widely available under €4.
Ratatouille
EUR 8–15Provençal vegetable stew of tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, and peppers — a simple, healthy classic found in traditional brasseries and CROUS canteens.
Ratatouille is a recurring dish at CROUS cafeterias; eat it fresh — it also reheats well the next day.
Dos and Don'ts
Do
Say 'bonjour' before asking for anything in shops, cafes, classrooms, or offices.
Use 'vous' first with staff, professors, and new acquaintances until invited to switch.
Take meals seriously; lingering over lunch or coffee is social normality, not inefficiency.
Dress with a bit of intention in class and in the city; polished casual usually lands better than sloppy comfort.
Join the conversation when ideas are being debated; thoughtful disagreement is often welcomed.
Lower your voice on transit and in compact public spaces; quieter energy reads as respectful.
Apply for CAF housing aid as soon as you have a signed lease — monthly payments can offset EUR 100-200 of your rent.
Register on the Ameli platform (etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr) within the first weeks to activate your French Sécurité Sociale number.
Get the SNCF Carte Avantage Jeune (EUR 49/year) before your first intercity trip — 30% off TGV and trains immediately.
Don't
Do not open straight with a request and skip the greeting.
Do not assume people will switch to English immediately, especially outside the most international areas.
Do not treat every interaction like a speed-run; social rhythm matters more than pure efficiency.
Do not expect Sunday hours or late-evening convenience everywhere; daily rhythms are more fixed.
Do not call everyone by first name too quickly in formal or administrative settings.
Do not speak too loudly in cafes, metro cars, or smaller classrooms.
Do not forget to validate your VLS-TS visa on OFII within 3 months of arrival — it is mandatory and commonly missed.
Do not leave housing search for after arrival — CROUS and private room availability in Paris and Lyon fills fast.
Do not skip the CVEC annual student contribution (EUR 103) — required before registering at any French university.
Lifestyle & Travel
Ski and snowboard trip
World-class slopes within 3h of Lyon or Grenoble. Student sports associations organise all-inclusive weekend trips (transport, lift pass, accommodation) from ~€150.
Learn more
Loire Valley château tour
The highest concentration of Renaissance châteaux in the world, all reachable by bicycle rentals from Blois or Tours. EU students under 26 enter for free.
Learn more
Wine harvest and cellar tours
Harvest festivals open cellars to visitors; tastings are often free or €5-10. A uniquely French cultural experience very popular among exchange students.
Learn more
D-Day beaches and Normandy
A deeply moving historical itinerary accessible from Paris by train in 2h. Major WWII sites and free outdoor memorials. Very popular on exchange student bucket lists.
Learn more
Hiking in the Pyrenees or Vercors
France's mountain ranges offer free and accessible hiking. The GR10 crosses the entire Pyrenees; day hikes from university towns like Pau or Grenoble are easy.
Learn more
Surfing in Biarritz
Europe's surf capital. Surf schools offer beginner packages from €30/2h. The beach and board culture attract a young, international crowd ideal for social exchange.
Learn more
Cycling along the Loire à Vélo route
800km of signposted cycling paths along the Loire river, flat and suitable for all levels. Very popular among exchange students for multi-day weekend adventures.
Learn more
Camargue natural reserve visit
Flamingos, white horses, and wetlands 1h from Marseille. One of Europe's most unique ecosystems and a striking break from city life.
Learn moreFestival Calendar
June 21 (annual, fixed date)
Fête de la Musique
All of France (major events in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux)
Free outdoor concerts across every street and public space in France — the biggest one-day music celebration in Europe. Completely free, all genres.
July 14 (annual, fixed date)
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
Paris (main parade), all French cities
Military parade on the Champs-Élysées, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and free public balls (Bal des Pompiers) in local fire stations. The unmissable French national holiday.
First three weeks of July
Festival d'Avignon
Avignon (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)
The world's largest live performance arts festival — hundreds of theatre, dance, and circus shows in historic venues and the streets. Student pass (Pass Off) gives access to dozens of low-cost shows.
Mid to late May
Cannes Film Festival
Cannes (Côte d'Azur)
The most prestigious film festival in the world. Students can attend free public screenings on the beach (Cinéma de la Plage) and catch red-carpet arrivals. Film studies students can apply for accreditation.
First Saturday of October
Nuit Blanche Paris
Paris
All-night free contemporary art installations in public spaces, museums, and unexpected urban locations across Paris. A surreal and totally free cultural experience.
February
Carnaval de Nice
Nice (Côte d'Azur)
One of the world's largest carnivals — two weeks of parades, floats, confetti battles, and flower processions along the Promenade des Anglais.
Travel Tips
- Get a Carte Avantage Jeune (SNCF, €49/year) before your first intercity trip — 30% off all trains, including TGV to Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain.
- Book Ouibus/FlixBus for very cheap intercity journeys (Paris to Lyon from €5 with 2 weeks' advance booking).
- Use BlaBlacar for weekend trips with locals — culturally immersive, very affordable, and great for practising French.
- Interrail Global Pass is worthwhile if you plan to travel to 3+ countries. Book at least 2 months ahead for peak summer.
- For ski trips: book through your university sports association (FFSU / SUAPS) for group-discounted packages that can be 40-60% cheaper than commercial operators.
Benefits & Scholarships
Personalize this layer
Add where you currently study in your profile to separate incoming support from outgoing scholarships.
Support is clearer once we separate incoming help from outgoing mobility money.
If you are coming to this country
Grants, discounts, and student support you can unlock once you study here.
Reduced-price CROUS meals
If you are coming to FranceEnrolled students in France can use CROUS restaurants and campus food outlets at the student rate. Some students can also qualify for the EUR 1 social meal.
Typical amount
EUR 3.30 per meal, EUR 1 social rate if eligible
Duration
Throughout enrollment
Apply when
Activate once your student status and payment app are live
Who it is for
Students with active student status in France. The EUR 1 rate mainly applies to grant holders and students recognized as financially fragile.
How to unlock it
Use your student account or Izly access and eat through the CROUS network near campus.
Often stackable with
Etudiant.gouv / CROUS
Official sourceStudent housing aid (APL / ALS)
If you are coming to FranceStudents renting in France can apply for housing aid. The amount depends on rent, resources, and the housing type, so it is worth checking even on exchange.
Typical amount
Variable by rent and situation
Duration
Monthly while eligible
Apply when
Apply right after moving in and signing the lease
Who it is for
Students with a signed lease in France who meet the housing-aid conditions.
How to unlock it
Run the official simulation and submit the claim once you have your lease, banking details, and supporting documents.
Often stackable with
Service Public / CAF
Official sourceIf you study here and want to go abroad
Mobility money and scholarships tied to your home institution in this country.
Erasmus+ mobility grant
If you study in France and go abroadFrench higher-education institutions organize Erasmus+ mobility for studies or internships in Europe and some partner countries. The grant helps cover travel and living costs.
Typical amount
Variable by destination and institution
Duration
Up to 12 months per study cycle
Apply when
Apply months before departure through your international office
Who it is for
Students enrolled in a French higher-education institution whose mobility is part of their degree.
How to unlock it
Contact the international relations office of your French institution and complete the mobility agreement they require.
Often stackable with
Service Public / your institution
Official sourceInternational mobility aid (AMI)
If you study in France and go abroadNational mobility support for eligible students leaving France for studies or an internship abroad.
Typical amount
EUR 400 per month
Duration
1 to 10 consecutive months
Apply when
Ask your institution early before departure
Who it is for
Students who receive a needs-based grant or annual specific aid and prepare a national diploma. Some Erasmus+ students can also qualify under conditions.
How to unlock it
Collect the AMI file from your institution international office, attach your study or internship project, and submit it there.
Often stackable with
Service Public / your institution
Official sourceRegional or departmental mobility top-ups
If you study in France and go abroadSome French regions, departments, and overseas collectivities add their own mobility money on top of national schemes.
Typical amount
Varies by territory
Duration
One-off or monthly depending on the scheme
Apply when
Check before departure because local calendars differ
Who it is for
Students whose home institution or residence falls inside a territory with an active mobility scheme.
How to unlock it
Search your local territory scheme and ask your institution which top-ups can be combined with Erasmus+ or AMI.
Often stackable with
Service Public / local authorities
Official sourceUseful either way
Support and discounts that still matter even if you are not in a strict incoming or outgoing case.
SNCF youth travel card
Useful either wayThe Carte Avantage Jeune can cut intercity train costs and becomes useful fast if you plan weekend or semester-break travel.
Typical amount
EUR 49 per year
Duration
1 year
Apply when
Buy when your travel season starts
Who it is for
Usually travelers up to age 27 who want cheaper train travel in France.
How to unlock it
Buy the card through SNCF Connect and attach it to your bookings.
Often stackable with
SNCF Connect
Official sourceMuseum and culture access
Useful either wayFrance keeps many national museums and cultural venues affordable for young visitors, which matters if you want real cultural access without paying tourist prices every week.
Typical amount
Free or reduced entry depending on the venue
Duration
Throughout your stay
Apply when
Check the venue rules before each visit
Who it is for
Young students and visitors, with eligibility depending on age, nationality, and venue policy.
How to unlock it
Carry your ID and student documents and verify the venue policy before booking.
Often stackable with
Ministere de la Culture
Official sourceVisa Requirements
Difficulty: EasyNational ID card or passport
EU, EEA and Swiss students do not need a visa or residence permit to study in France. For stays over 3 months, registration at the local prefecture (mairie) is recommended though not always mandatory. Health coverage via EHIC is accepted.
VLS-TS (Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour — student category)
Non-EU students staying more than 90 days must obtain a VLS-TS before arrival. Within 3 months of arrival, the visa must be validated online with OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration). Financial proof: approx. €615/month. Work authorisation: up to 964 hours/year included automatically.
Schengen visa (short-stay, type C) or visa-exempt passport
Students from countries with Schengen visa exemption can attend short intensive programmes without a student visa. Check your nationality against the Schengen exemption list.
Application Checklist
8 steps-
1
Determine your stay length: under 90 days (Schengen rules apply) or over 90 days (VLS-TS required).
-
2
Apply for your VLS-TS through the Campus France procedure (mandatory for most non-EU countries with bilateral agreements).
-
3
Obtain your Letter of Acceptance (lettre d'admission) from the host French institution.
-
4
Prepare financial proof: approx. €615/month for the duration of the stay (bank statements or sponsor letter).
-
5
Arrange health insurance: EHIC for EU students; full medical coverage for non-EU students.
-
6
After arrival, validate your VLS-TS online via the OFII portal within 3 months — this is mandatory and often overlooked.
-
7
Register with your host institution's international office to receive your student card and access CROUS benefits.
-
8
Apply for CAF housing aid (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) as soon as you have a signed lease — processing takes 4-6 weeks.
Regional Variations
Alsace-Moselle
Local law (droit local) still applies in the departments of Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, and Moselle. This includes a supplementary health insurance scheme (régime local d'assurance maladie) which provides better reimbursement rates than national coverage.
No additional visa document, but students at University of Strasbourg automatically enrol in the local health scheme.
The régime local covers up to 90% of healthcare costs vs the national ~70%. Highly advantageous for students studying in Strasbourg.
Overseas Territories (DOM-TOM)
French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, Mayotte) follow French law but have different cost-of-living profiles and distinct local transport networks. Exchange students attending universities in these territories should plan for additional travel costs.
No additional visa for EU students. Non-EU students use the same VLS-TS process.
Social security applies as in mainland France.
Health & Healthcare
How It Works
All students enrolled at a French university are automatically affiliated to the French Social Security system (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) and receive a 'numéro de sécurité sociale'. This covers approximately 70% of GP consultation costs and 80-100% of hospitalisation. EU students with a valid EHIC card can access care immediately. Non-EU students must register at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr within the first weeks to activate coverage. France has a strong, highly accessible healthcare system — GPs can be seen within a few days, and campus health services (SIUMPPS/SSE) are free for enrolled students.
Student Needs
Register with Ameli (the Social Security platform) using your student ID and passport within 3-6 weeks of arrival. Non-EU students: activate Social Security at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr and complete identity verification. All students should also consider a mutuelle (complementary private insurance) to cover the ~30% co-pay not reimbursed — LMDE and HEYME are the most popular student options (EUR 80-200/year). Declare a médecin traitant (personal GP) on your Ameli account to unlock maximum reimbursement rates.
Emergency vs Clinic
Call 15 (SAMU) for medical emergencies or go directly to Urgences (A&E) at the nearest hospital. For non-urgent care, consult a médecin généraliste (GP) first — this is the official entry point into the French healthcare system and allows full reimbursement chains.
Public Coverage Notes
All enrolled students at French universities access Sécurité Sociale. Reimbursement is typically 70% of tariff rates for GP visits (around €7 back from a €25 consultation).
EU students: EHIC covers emergency and medically necessary care under French rates. Registration with Ameli is still recommended for longer stays.
University Plans
LMDE (La Mutuelle Des Étudiants) — dedicated student mutuelle available nationwide, covers the co-pay and dental/vision extras.
HEYME — competitive student mutuelle with digital onboarding, popular with exchange students for short-stay coverage.
Private Coverage
Non-EU students not covered by Social Security from day one should have private insurance valid from arrival date to Social Security registration confirmation.
A good policy covers emergency hospitalisation, repatriation, GP visits, and prescription drugs. EHIC holders should still carry the card plus a mutuelle for full cost coverage.
Non-urgent
Médecin traitant (GP) or campus health service (SIUMPPS/SSE)
Campus health services (Services de Santé Étudiants) at most universities are free or heavily subsidised for enrolled students. Declare a médecin traitant (personal GP) on Ameli.fr to maximise reimbursement rates.
Urgent
SAMU (15) or Urgences at nearest hospital
Call 15 for triage by phone. Emergency treatment is provided regardless of insurance status — billing and reimbursement follow. SOS Médecins (house-call doctors) is an option in major cities for urgent but non-emergency cases.
Emergency
112 (EU universal); 15 (SAMU medical), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)Cities to Explore
Paris
The most iconic student city in the world: world-class universities, unbeatable culture, subsidised meals, and a metro that goes everywhere — if…
Open City Guide
Lyon
France's big-city Erasmus choice without Paris intensity: strong universities, serious food culture, reliable metro and tram links, and easy weekend access to…
Open City Guide
Marseille
A warmer, rougher, more lived-in French exchange option: sea, day trips, strong identity, and more breathing room than Paris if you want…
Open City Guide
Toulouse
A practical Erasmus favorite in southern France: strong student volume, lower pressure than Paris, good weather, and a city center that still…
Open City Guide
Montpellier
One of France's most student-heavy cities: sunny, walkable, social, and usually easier to enjoy day to day than Paris if you want…
Open City Guide
Bordeaux
A polished, riverfront Erasmus city with strong campus life around Pessac-Talence-Gradignan, a walkable historic center, Atlantic weekend trips, and a calmer rhythm…
Open City Guide