Erasmus guide Université de Lille
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Université de Lille in Lille, France.
Snapshot
France's largest public university by enrollment (76,000 students, founded as merged entity 2018), Université de Lille spans science, health, humanities, law, and technology in a dynamic northern city 35 minutes from Brussels and 80 from Paris by TGV.
Why students shortlist it
Large public university in the Lille metro area, with campuses connected by public transport and useful access to northern France, Belgium and Paris. Strong fit for French-speaking exchange students in health, law, political science, digital fields and humanities.
Teaching languages: French (primary); English courses available, growing international track catalogue
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.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, academic transcript, learning agreement, language proof, and valid health insurance.
Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator nominates to Lille's Relations Internationales. Lille then contacts you directly for the online application.
Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa needed. Non-EU: French long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) — apply at French consulate at least 10 weeks before arrival. Lille provides pre-enrollment certificate for the application.
Buddy System
ESN Lille and Lille student associations run buddy matching and social events for exchange students.
Orientation Week
Université de Lille International Welcome Day runs before semester start. ESN Lille Welcome Week includes city tours and social events.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Semester 2 (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Non-EU: apply for French VLS-TS student visa at French consulate — allow 10 weeks.
- Register with CROUS Lille for housing — apply in May–June for autumn intake.
- Get ilévia (Lille metro/tram/bus) monthly student pass — essential for cross-campus travel.
- Open French bank account (BNP, Crédit Agricole, or Lydia app) — needed for CAF housing allowance.
Academics
Course Registration
Course selection via Lille online portal after admission. Multi-campus structure means some courses are at Villeneuve-d'Ascq, others in Lille centre — check location before finalising learning agreement.
Credit System
France uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
French 0–20 scale: 10/20 = minimum pass. 12–14 = Assez Bien, 14–16 = Bien, 16+ = Très Bien. Grade conversion tables provided.
Exam Culture
Contrôle continu (continuous assessment) plus final exams. Sciences lean exam-heavy; humanities use essays and projects.
Library Access
BU Lille network — multiple libraries across campuses. Full digital access with student card.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to Lille (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Université de Lille. Living costs in Lille: €700–950/month — more affordable than Paris, with excellent connectio… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €170/year (Licence); €243/year (Master) | French statutory registration fees — one of Europe's most affordable fee structures. EU students eligible for CAF housing allowance. |
| Full degree – non-EU | €2,770/year (Licence); €3,770/year (Master) | Non-EU fees via Bienvenue en France programme. Eiffel Excellence and Campus France scholarships available. |
€0 to Lille (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Université de Lille. Living costs in Lille: €700–950/month — more affordable than Paris, with excellent connectio…
€170/year (Licence); €243/year (Master)
French statutory registration fees — one of Europe's most affordable fee structures. EU students eligible for CAF housing allowance.
€2,770/year (Licence); €3,770/year (Master)
Non-EU fees via Bienvenue en France programme. Eiffel Excellence and Campus France scholarships available.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EHIC + Sécu for EU; private insurance for non-EU.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
SSU (Service de Santé Universitaire) Lille — campus medical and psychological services.
Mental Health
SSU psychological consultations — free for enrolled students. LMDE student insurance covers mental health referrals.
EHIC + French Sécurité Sociale
EHIC free; Sécu registration free
EU students can register with French student Sécu for comprehensive healthcare.
LMDE complementary insurance
~€100–200/year
French student complementary top-up — recommended for stays over 3 months.
Campus Services
Direction des Relations Internationales
Central contact for exchange admission, learning agreements, and arrival support.
CROUS Lille
French government student services — housing, subsidised restaurants (RU), and CAF housing allowance guidance.
ESN Lille
ESN chapter with welcome events, buddy matching, trips to Bruges and Paris, and ESNcard discounts.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Lille
- BDE faculty associations
- SUAPS Sport
Buddy Program
ESN Lille buddy programme pairs exchange students with local volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- SUAPS Sport Centre across campuses
- Cycling along Canal de la Deûle
- Day-trips to Bruges (1 hour) and Brussels (35 min)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Lille International Welcome Day — student card, faculty registration, ilévia transport pass.
- Register with French Sécu if EU — opens healthcare and CAF housing allowance.
- Buy ilévia monthly metro/tram pass — essential for multi-campus travel.
- Try an estaminet (traditional Flemish tavern) in Vieux-Lille — carbonnades flamandes and local beer are unmissable.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active Lille Erasmus agreement for your faculty component.
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to Lille Relations Internationales.
CROUS housing
May–June
Apply immediately after nomination for best CROUS allocation.
International Welcome Day
September
Attend for student card, ilévia pass, faculty registration, and ESN welcome.
Exam period
January / May–June
Confirm all exam dates before booking return travel.