Located at the heart of Europe, Lille is vibrant and picturesque, known for its splendid architecture. The city is home to three public universities, offers a reasonable cost of living, boasts a well-established public transportation system, and hosts a plethora of leisure activities and events tailored for students. With a student population exceeding 120,000, Lille is a notably lively and dynamic city.
Considering Lille as a study destination in France can be a great choice, but it's important to gather all the necessary information before making your decision. Feel free to ask questions on the Lille forum and explore the France guide on Expat.com, which provides a wealth of useful information for foreign students.
Studying in Lille as an international student offers numerous attractions. Primarily, this French city provides a rich and diverse cultural experience. With its artistic heritage and vibrant cultural events, Lille is an ideal place to explore and immerse yourself in French life.
Moreover, Lille stands out for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to metropolises like Paris. Housing, transportation, and daily expenses are generally more budget-friendly, which helps international students manage their finances more comfortably.
Lille boasts a notable concentration of prestigious educational institutions such as Université de Lille, Sciences Po Lille, and SKEMA Business School. This diversity of schools establishes Lille as a thriving academic hub, fostering intellectual growth and facilitating exchange among students from various backgrounds.
Higher education in France
The French higher education system comprises both public and private institutions that welcome foreign students. Renowned worldwide for their high standards, French universities and schools are respected for their quality teaching, ambitious research programs, and extensive range of courses. Tuition fees vary based on the level of study (bachelor's, master's, doctoral).
French universities have set up a credit system (ETCS) in line with current European standards, enabling other European universities to recognize diplomas awarded in France.
In France, the average weekly course hours for university students differ depending on their level of study and academic field. Bachelor's (licence) students typically attend between 20 and 30 hours of classes per week, with variations based on the discipline. Programs like science or medicine often require more hours due to practical work and laboratory sessions.
Master's students typically have fewer class hours compared to undergraduates, as they are expected to dedicate more time to research and independent study. On average, this can range from 15 to 25 hours per week, although the exact amount may vary by program. PhD students have a less structured schedule in terms of coursework. Their focus is primarily on conducting research and writing their thesis. They often participate in research seminars and conferences, but these activities do not adhere to a fixed hourly workload.
Main universities in Lille
In 2022, the city's three universities united to establish the Université de Lille. This institution encompasses prestigious schools and institutes, such as the Institut d'études politiques de Lille (IEP), known as Sciences Po Lille. The University of Lille is ranked 631st in the QS Top Universities 2023 rankings. As of 2022, it hosts 78,000 students, including 9900 international students. The University of Lille actively participates in various exchange programs, including the well-regarded Erasmus+ program within Europe and beyond.
Since all institutions are now part of Université de Lille, finding the right course is straightforward. The university provides a catalog that lists all available courses offered by faculties, schools, and institutes. Additionally, there's a dedicated page that lists all the schools, institutes, and faculties within the university.
The University of Lille has also established its own one-stop-shop, the Maison Internationale, to better assist foreign students.
The Faculty of Science and Technology (formerly Lille 1) excels particularly in pharmacy and pharmacology, making it an excellent choice for enrollment. Alongside 16 other laboratories in the Hauts-de-France region, it has initiated the "Climbio Project", a research program centered on climate and environmental change. The faculty also offers several programs taught in English, and students can apply for funding opportunities through Erasmus Mundus.
The Faculty of Legal, Political, and Social Sciences (FSJP, formerly Lille 2) offers programs in law, political science, and public administration. It serves a student body of 9000, including 200 international students. The faculty places significant emphasis on research, which is evident in its prestigious scientific centers. Additionally, the university hosts a research center dedicated to judicial history. René Cassin, a distinguished jurist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was an alumnus of FSJP.
The Faculty of Humanities (formerly Lille 3) and the Faculty of Languages, Cultures, and Societies (a merger of Lille 3 institutions) offer courses across multiple campuses: Villeneuve d'Ascq, Roubaix, and Tourcoing. Known for its excellence in teaching languages, arts, history, philosophy, and psychology, the faculty distinguishes itself through its diverse academic offerings.
The Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de santé et du sport (UFR3S) consolidates the Faculties of Health Engineering and Management, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Sport and Physical Education (formerly Lille 2). The Faculty of Medicine is France's largest center for medical training and research. UFR3S provides a comprehensive array of diplomas, exchange programs, and international projects.
Which visa do I need to study in France?
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) can enroll in French universities, faculties, and grandes écoles without the need for a specific visa, benefiting from simplified administrative procedures.
Non-EU or EEA nationals must apply for a student visa in their home country if their intended duration of studies in France exceeds 3 months. For detailed information on the visa application process, please consult another article on visas for France and visit the France Visa and Campus France websites. You can find the links to these sites in the "useful links" section at the end of this article.
How do I enroll in a university in France?
Typically, students seeking admission to a French higher education institution must present a foreign secondary school certificate or diploma to demonstrate their academic qualifications and eligibility for enrollment.
The application procedures differ based on the country of application. Campus France offers a comprehensive guide outlining the specific requirements (see the "useful links" section mentioned at the end of this article). Depending on the institution you apply to, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written French. However, many schools, including prestigious graduate institutions, offer courses exclusively in English, so there's no need to worry.
Foreign students can directly enroll at their chosen higher education institution if they are currently studying at a French university or applying for a specialized graduate program at another institution.
In the case of registration following a competitive examination (this is the case, for example, for entry to French engineering schools), it will be necessary to register via the Parcoursup website if you have a French, European, German-French or foreign baccalaureate, are a national of the EEA or Switzerland, and are an expatriate in France under an agreement between two universities. You may also be admitted if you have received a scholarship from the French government, an international organization, or a foreign government whose scholarships are managed by an accredited French organization. Other conditions may apply if you are :
- stateless or a political refugee, and hold an OFPRA (Office français pour les réfugiés et les apatrides) card;
- the child of a diplomat residing in France;
- in a preparatory class for the grandes écoles (CPGE);
- in a higher technical section (STS);
- if you are studying at a polytechnic institution (IUT).
Scholarships and grants for foreign students in France
Foreign students in France have access to various forms of financial assistance. They can apply for scholarships from their home country's university, grants from their chosen French university, or support from specialized organizations. A comprehensive list of scholarships is available on the France Diplomatie website.
Foreign students are also allowed to work in France, provided they are covered by social security and have a residence permit for non-EU nationals.
Working in France as a foreign student
EU citizens or residents have the freedom to stay in France without restrictions after graduating. However, students from other countries must meet specific conditions, such as obtaining a diploma and meeting salary requirements.
Internships in France are available to both French and international students. Non-EU students can participate in internships under their student visas, provided they meet specific conditions.
There are several avenues to find a job in Lille, such as utilizing Expat.com. Networking is also highly effective for job hunting. Foreign students have ample opportunities to work part-time in various sectors, such as hospitality, retail, tutoring, childcare, and more.
Student accommodation in Lille
The international section of Crous Lille offers limited accommodation options; however, international students still have several alternatives available. If you're seeking student housing, consider reaching out to Campus France for assistance. Student residences are highly sought-after in France, not only for their proximity to universities but also for their affordability. To apply, visit this website, where you can search for accommodation and monitor your application progress.
Please note:
Places in CROUS residences are taken up quickly, so it's advisable to apply early.
Roommates are a good solution for foreign students, ideal for expanding their social network and learning the language quickly. You'll find listings on websites such as Adèle, Appartager, Locservice, La Carte des Colocs, Immojeunes (where you'll also find many other types of accommodation), and Whoomies. Those wishing to improve their French language skills can stay with a host family via Roomlala.
Cost of student life in Lille
The cost of student life in Lille will naturally vary according to the type of accommodation:
- for a room in a university residence, expect to pay between 240 and 400 euros on average;
- a room in the city center can cost from 300 euros to over 600 euros;
- In addition to rent, you'll also need to consider your food budget. At the university restaurant (resto-U), a meal costs 1 euro for students with grants and 3.30 euros for those without.
Students in Lille benefit from discounts on the public transport network, with additional support available from both the Hauts-de-France region and the city of Lille. It's important to verify if these benefits can be combined. For more details, you can consult Information Jeunesse Hauts-de-France. On average, you should budget around 800 euros per month to cover living and study expenses in Lille.
Also, remember that foreign nationals under the age of 28 must register with the French social security system, which is mandatory. Student Social Security typically reimburses between 30% and 70% of healthcare expenses. Students are responsible for paying the remaining amount unless they have additional coverage through a ‘mutuelle étudiante'.
Foreign students over 28 years old must apply for another scheme, the Couverture Maladie Universelle (CMU) scheme. To receive reimbursements for healthcare expenses, they can submit their CMU application to the Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie (CPAM) in their local area. To qualify, students need to have resided in France for at least 3 months.
Further information is available on the Assurance maladie and Campus France websites.
Leisure activities for students in Lille
Lille's famous downtown, Vauban, and Masséna districts are perfect for those who like vibrant nightlife. If you enjoy student parties, you'll find plenty of bars that cater to students, such as Box2Box, Network, and Seven Bar. Engage with your new friends or check out student groups, events, and Facebook pages dedicated to Lille for more information. For a more relaxed atmosphere, explore the historic Vieux Lille district, known for its stunning architecture and the impressive cathedral offering panoramic views of the city.
Lille boasts a lively cultural scene, enhanced by the University of Lille's "Atout culture" initiative, which provides students with numerous benefits and opportunities.
For savvy shopping, don't miss out on the Wazemmes market in Lille. This bustling market opens on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings and offers a wide array of goods, including food, jewelry, clothing, and shoes, all at affordable prices. It's also a great place to explore local gastronomy.
You can also take a short trip to the beach, which is less than an hour away from the city center, or even visit neighboring Belgium on the weekends.
Useful links:
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