Erasmus guide Aix-Marseille University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France.
Snapshot
The broadest Marseille-area exchange option, useful for students who want many subject areas and a large public-university ecosystem in the south of France.
Why students shortlist it
France's largest university by student count, spread across Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon. Strong in sciences, humanities, medicine, and law — with a Mediterranean lifestyle that makes exchange genuinely memorable.
Teaching languages: French (primary); some English-taught courses in sciences and business
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, exchange application, learning agreement, transcript or proof of enrolment, valid ID/passport, and language fit for the selected course catalogue.
Nomination Process
Your home university nominates you first. After nomination, complete the host application and learning agreement by the faculty deadline; French universities often route details through the host component.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students normally do not need a visa. Non-EU students should check Campus France and French student visa/residence steps early, especially for full-year stays.
Buddy System
Use AMU international welcome and faculty channels first; the university is large, so local component contacts matter.
Orientation Week
Welcome activities usually happen just before classes, but faculty timing varies. Treat the first week as admin plus course-confirmation time.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn semester | Usually spring through the home university | Usually April-May depending on faculty |
| Spring semester | Usually autumn through the home university | Usually October-November depending on faculty |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm campus location and faculty calendar.
- Prepare backup courses and timetable alternatives.
- Start CROUS/private housing search early and verify every listing.
- Keep insurance, ID, nomination, learning agreement, and visa documents accessible.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is usually confirmed through the faculty or international office after admission. Build backups because prerequisites, timetable clashes, and language level can change the final selection.
Credit System
France uses ECTS. A normal full-time exchange semester is around 30 ECTS, but your home university decides the approved load.
Grading System
French universities commonly use a 0-20 scale, with 10/20 as the usual pass mark. Conversion is handled by the home university.
Exam Culture
Do not book return travel before exam dates are confirmed. Some courses rely on continuous assessment, while others depend heavily on final exams or projects.
Library Access
Exchange students normally receive campus card, library, Wi-Fi, and digital platform access after enrolment.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + EUR 105 CVEC (mandatory) | CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante) €105 for 2025–2026 academic year — mandatory at all French universities. Pay online at cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr BEFORE enrollm… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 170–243/year | EU/EEA students pay statutory French university fee: €170/year (Licence) or €243/year (Master) + CVEC €105. Among the cheapest in Europe for an international… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 2,770–3,770/year | Non-EU since 2019 Bienvenue en France reform: €2,770 (Licence) or €3,770 (Master) + CVEC €105. Exemptions and scholarships available — check AMU internationa… |
EUR 0 tuition + EUR 105 CVEC (mandatory)
CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante) €105 for 2025–2026 academic year — mandatory at all French universities. Pay online at cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr BEFORE enrollm…
EUR 170–243/year
EU/EEA students pay statutory French university fee: €170/year (Licence) or €243/year (Master) + CVEC €105. Among the cheapest in Europe for an international…
EUR 2,770–3,770/year
Non-EU since 2019 Bienvenue en France reform: €2,770 (Licence) or €3,770 (Master) + CVEC €105. Exemptions and scholarships available — check AMU internationa…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and disability-support contacts.
Mental Health
Most French universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or social services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Useful for many EU students for medically necessary care.
French student health/insurance route or private coverage
Depends on nationality and status
Non-EU and long-stay students should confirm exact requirements before arrival.
Campus Services
International office
Main route for nomination, learning agreement, arrival, and exchange paperwork.
Housing guidance
CROUS and university guidance should be checked first, then verified shared flats. Campus geography matters because Marseille and Aix are not one compact campus.
Student health and support
Use for health, disability, wellbeing, social support, and practical student-life questions.
Student Health (SIUMPPS)
AMU inter-university preventive medicine service: free medical, gynaecological, dental, nutrition, psychological, and vaccination consultations. Also covers travel medicine and disability accommodations.
University Libraries (BU AMU)
Aix-Marseille university library network with 40+ libraries, online catalogue, digital resources, and study spaces across all faculties and campuses.
Language Service (SUL)
AMU university language service offering French language and culture courses for international students at all levels, plus other language resources.
Career & Integration (SUIO)
AMU career guidance and professional integration service: career counselling, internship guidance, job listings, and study project development.
Student Life Hub
AMU student life portal covering sports (SUAPS), student associations, cultural activities, health, and housing — starting point for all campus life questions.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Faculty associations
- International welcome events
- Marseille and Aix student sports/culture groups
Buddy Program
Use AMU international welcome and faculty channels first; the university is large, so local component contacts matter.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport service
- City student events and low-cost cultural activities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Check the exact campus before signing housing.
- Avoid judging commute by map distance only; metro, bus, and Aix-Marseille travel change the routine.
- Join faculty welcome channels and city international groups early.
- Keep admin documents ready for CAF, insurance, and residence steps if relevant.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm that your home university has an active agreement for the right faculty or subject area.
After admission
Lock housing, insurance, travel, and backup courses before peak September/January pressure.
Welcome period
Attend orientation and faculty briefings; this is where timetable and admin details become real.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Campus events hub: Browse all events