Erasmus guide University of Montpellier
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Montpellier in Montpellier, France.
City
MontpellierCountry
FranceInternational
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
Study abroad at University of Montpellier: overview
Study abroad at University of Montpellier makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1220 and particularly renowned for its faculties of medicine, pharmacy, science, and law. Useful proof points: Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Medicine and Health Sciences, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics), Law and Political Science. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Medicine and Health Sciences, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics), Law and Political Science and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: French (primary); some English in sciences and international programmes
Exchange & application at University of Montpellier
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At University of Montpellier, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅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
University of Montpellier exchange students should combine faculty onboarding with city-level international groups.
🧭Orientation Week
Welcome activities usually happen just before classes, but faculty timing varies. Treat the first week as admin plus course-confirmation time.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 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 & courses at University of Montpellier
Academics combine credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝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 at University of Montpellier
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| 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 – non-EU | EUR 2,770/year (Licence) · EUR 3,770 (Master) | EU students: €170 (Licence) / €243 (Master). Non-EU: €2,770 or €3,770/year under Bienvenue en France. One of France's oldest universities, strong in medicine… |
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 2,770/year (Licence) · EUR 3,770 (Master)
EU students: €170 (Licence) / €243 (Master). Non-EU: €2,770 or €3,770/year under Bienvenue en France. One of France's oldest universities, strong in medicine…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Montpellier
Housing near University of Montpellier should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Montpellier
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Montpellier
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️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 Montpellier and verified shared flats are the practical first routes. September pressure is real, so apply early and keep backup areas open.
Student health and support
Use for health, disability, wellbeing, social support, and practical student-life questions.
Student Life (Montpellier)
University of Montpellier campus life: health centre, psychological counselling, social support, disability services, sports, and student association resources.
Psychological Counselling (UM)
University of Montpellier free psychological counselling: individual sessions with psychologists plus up to 12 sessions off-campus via the Santé Psy Étudiant program.
Disability Support (UM)
University of Montpellier disability services: academic accommodations, exam arrangements, and personalized support for students with disabilities or health conditions.
Student life at University of Montpellier
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- Faculty associations
- Sports and cultural services
- International student events
Buddy Program
University of Montpellier exchange students should combine faculty onboarding with city-level international groups.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport service
- City student events and low-cost cultural activities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Choose housing by tram line and campus, not only by vibe.
- Prepare backup courses because faculty-level timetables can clash.
- Use welcome events, ESN, and student associations quickly; Montpellier social life moves fast.
- Do CAF/insurance/admin steps early before queues peak.
Key exchange dates at University of Montpellier
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
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1
Before nomination
Confirm that your home university has an active agreement for the right faculty or subject area.
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2
After admission
Lock housing, insurance, travel, and backup courses before peak September/January pressure.
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3
Welcome period
Attend orientation and faculty briefings; this is where timetable and admin details become real.
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4
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
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5
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Campus events hub: Browse all events