Chances are, if you’re considering study abroad in France, you’ve probably looked into Paris or Lyon. But let’s take a different route and head south to sunshine, beaches, students from everywhere, and an education system that’s shockingly accessible.
Welcome to Montpellier.
This underrated coastal gem is one of France’s best-kept academic secrets. In 2025, over 80,000 students including 14,000+ internationals will call it home. If you’re after an affordable, vibrant, coastal city known for a relaxed student lifestyle and world-class universities, you’ll want to study in Montpellier.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: top programs, how to apply, where to live, what it costs, and what daily life’s actually like in Montpellier.
Why Study in Montpellier in 2025?
There’s studying in France and then there’s studying well in France. Montpellier’s the second one. And here’s why it’s climbing the ranks fast.
Fast Facts That Matter
- Student population: 1 in 4 residents is a student
- International magnet: 14k+ foreign students in 2024
- Affordable: Rental prices are 30–40% lower than Paris
- Accessibility: 11 top-rated public/private institutions
- Location: Mediterranean coast, 1 hour to Spain, 3 hours to Italy
But beyond numbers, the real charm of Montpellier is that it’s made for (and by) students. It has a bohemian vibe, never feels too big or small, and it’s one of the rare university cities where you can go from class to beach in 30 minutes flat.
Where You’ll Study: Top Universities in Montpellier
Let’s be honest the city is gorgeous, but what will your classroom look like?
Montpellier is known across Europe for its maths, science, medical, and agronomy programs. But liberal arts, digital design, and humanities are catching up fast.
1. Université de Montpellier (UM)
- One of France’s oldest (founded in 1289!)
- Strengths: Medicine, Law, Sciences, Engineering
- 80+ international partnerships
- Offers Erasmus+ exchanges, English-taught MSc programs
2. Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3
- Ideal for Literature, Languages, Humanities, History, Theatre
- Liberal, free-thinking campus culture
- Home to multiple English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s options
3. Montpellier Business School (MBS)
- AACSB and AMBA accredited
- Bachelor, Master and MBA options all in English
- Strong entrepreneurship and start-up connections
4. Montpellier SupAgro / Institut Agro
- Best for Agrifood, Environmental Studies, Sustainability
- Climbs EU rankings for ecological research
- Often hosts international short-term programs for sustainability-driven fields
Popular Study Abroad Programs in Montpellier
Whether you’re planning to stay a few months or pursue an entire degree, study abroad programs in Montpellier offer diverse pathways.
1. Erasmus+ & University Exchange Programs
- Usually 1 or 2 full semesters
- Coordinated through your home institution
- Available at UM, Paul Valéry, and MBS
- Credits are easily transferable
Perfect for: current university students in Europe, the UK, Canada, or partner schools globally.
2. Full English-Taught Degrees
Especially appealing for non-EU students, you can now study in Montpellier fully in English. These are ideal for either Bachelor’s or Master’s studies.
Fields include:
- Business & Global Strategy
- Applied Physics & Engineering
- Ecology & Sustainable Agribusiness
- International Relations
- Neuroscience
3. Short Courses & Summer Programs
- 2 to 8 weeks
- Great for gap year travelers or side experiences
- Popular topics: French Language + Culture, Climate Change, Startups in Southern Europe
Cost to Study in Montpellier (2025 Breakdown)
Time to budget!
Compared to Paris or other French cities, studying in Montpellier is extremely manageable on a student budget. Plus, the Mediterranean lifestyle comes free.
Monthly Student Budget (Estimated):
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Housing (shared) | €350 – €500 |
| Food & Groceries | €200 – €250 |
| Transport | €30 (student rate) |
| School supplies | €40 – €60 |
| Healthcare (insurance) | Free (under 28) or ~€30/mo |
| Social life / Extras | €100 – €150 |
Estimated monthly total: €750 – €1,000
Tuition Costs (Annual):
| Student Type | Tuition per Year (€) |
|---|---|
| EU Students (public uni) | €170 – €601 |
| Non-EU Students | €2,770 – €3,770 |
| Business Schools (MBS, etc.) | €6,000 – €12,000 |
Scholarships for Students Who Study in Montpellier
Yes, there’s real funding available for international students who apply early and stand out academically.
Scholarships You Should Know About:
- Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
- Campus France Government Scholarships
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (Masters)
- Charpak (India), Fulbright (US), DAAD (Germany)
- MBS & UM Institutional Scholarships
☞ Pro tip: Most deadlines fall between December and March. Start preparing your statement of purpose and recommendation letters by fall.
How to Apply to Study in Montpellier (Step-by-Step)
Step-by-Step Application Timeline (2025 Intake):
| Phase | When to Act |
|---|---|
| Oct – Jan (2024) | Research programs, shortlist schools |
| Jan – March (2025) | Submit application through Campus France or directly |
| April – May | Receive offers, start visa process |
| June – July | Confirm housing, submit visa |
| August – September | Arrive, complete orientation |
Do I Need to Speak French?
The honest answer is: not necessarily.
Nowadays, many Montpellier universities offer full degrees in English, especially at Master’s level. That said, daily life in Montpellier still leans French friendly French, but still French.
That’s why many schools offer free or discounted French classes to international students. Even a few weeks of learning helps you feel 100x more connected.
Student Housing Options in Montpellier
With such a big student population, finding a spot takes effort but good deals exist.
Where to Look:
CROUS Student Residences
- Cheapest option
- €300 – €400/month
- Apply once you’re admitted (very competitive)
Shared Housing / “Colocation”
- Most popular form of living
- €400 – €600/month
- Look on Appartager, Lokaviz, university housing boards
Studios & Independent Living
- €550+ depending on location
- Available through local agencies or Pap.fr
Best Student Neighborhoods:
| Area | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Centre Historique | Close to nightlife, walkable, scenic |
| Port Marianne | Modern, near tram lines, supermarkets |
| Antigone | Affordable, safe, amenities nearby |
| Saint-Éloi | Close to uni campuses, younger vibe |
Can I Work While I Study in Montpellier?
Yes students in France can legally work up to 964 hours per year, or about 20 hours per week. It’s a solid way to boost your budget and integrate locally.
Types of Student Jobs:
- English tutoring or language exchange
- On-campus research, project work
- Part-time retail
- Paid internships (usually linked to coursework)
Minimum wage: ~€11.65/hour (2025 projection)
Day in the Life: What’s It Really Like to Study in Montpellier?
Here’s what a normal day might look like:
- Grab coffee and a buttery croissant before class
- Head to campus by tram or bike
- Break at Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle with classmates
- Class finishes around 4 you stop by the organic grocery market
- Evening: language exchange night or beer with friends at a terrace
You’ll feel energy, freedom, and routine mixing into one of the most balanced student lifestyles in Europe. Studying doesn’t feel like a chore here and neither does living.
FAQs – Study in Montpellier (2025 Edition)
Yes. You’ll get a monthly transport pass for under €30. The tram goes almost everywhere.
Absolutely. It’s well-lit, compact, and student-heavy plus the police presence is active downtown.
yes. You can apply for the APS post-study visa, giving you up to 1–2 years to find a job
Start looking October–November 2024, especially for institutional scholarships and Campus France deadlines.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose to Study in Montpellier?
Choosing where to study abroad is more than picking a university it’s choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a future story you’ll tell.
When you study in Montpellier, you’re saying yes to good weather, great programs, meaningful friendships, weekend beach trips, and second language skills that stick.
It’s affordable. It’s exciting. It might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
