Montpellier is a mid-sized Mediterranean city in southern France with a large student population, long-established universities and noticeably lower rents than Paris. For 2026–27, non-EU students at public universities pay €2,902 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,950 for a master’s, and applicants for a student visa must show €877.50 a month in funds for applications filed from 1 August 2026. This guide explains how studying in Montpellier works for Indian students: institutions, costs, the Campus France process, visa rules, work rights, housing and a realistic timeline. Last reviewed on 11 November 2026.
Why Students Choose Montpellier
- A big student city. Montpellier has roughly 70,000 to 75,000 students, according to local guides, so student services, housing and social life are well developed.
- Lower costs than Paris. Private studios commonly cost about €400 to €650 a month, compared with roughly €750 to €1,300 in Paris.
- Strong fields. The city is known for medicine and health sciences, sciences and engineering, agronomy and environment, as well as humanities and business.
- Location. It is close to the Mediterranean coast, with an airport and rail links to other French and European cities.
- The trade-off. Many programmes are taught in French, and housing demand is high in September, so plan early.
Top Universities and Schools in Montpellier
| Institution | Known for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Université de Montpellier (UM) | Medicine, sciences, law, economics, engineering (including Polytech Montpellier) | Public; one of France’s oldest universities; some English-taught master’s |
| Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 | Languages, literature, humanities, history, arts | Public; check each programme’s teaching language |
| Montpellier Business School | Business and management | Private; own admission process and fees; English-taught options |
| Institut Agro Montpellier | Agronomy, food, environment, sustainability | Specialised public institute; check each programme’s admission route |
Teaching languages, entry requirements and deadlines differ by programme, so read each programme page before you apply.
Tuition Fees in France for 2026–27
| Level at a public institution | Non-EU annual fee, 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (licence) | €2,902 |
| Master’s | €3,950 |
| Doctorate | €398 |
These are the nationally set fees for non-EU students, and older guides may show slightly lower figures from earlier years. Every student also pays the CVEC student life contribution, €105 for 2026–27. A decree in May 2026 limits how many non-EU students a university can exempt from the differentiated fees, so do not count on a waiver. Business schools and private institutions set their own fees, which are far higher than public universities, so check each school’s website.
Cost of Living in Montpellier
| Expense | Typical cost (estimate) |
|---|---|
| CROUS residence room | About €250 to €410 a month |
| Shared flat (colocation), per person | About €320 to €500 a month |
| Private studio | About €400 to €650 a month, depending on area |
| Groceries | About €200 to €300 a month |
| University canteen (CROUS) meal | €3.30 for students |
| Local transport | Check the TaM student pass price, or the free pass if you are eligible |
Local guides put a student budget at roughly €950 to €1,300 a month for a private set-up, and less with a CROUS room or a flat share. The CAF housing benefit can return roughly €100 to €250 a month to eligible students, including international students. Since December 2023, the metropolitan area has offered free travel on its tram and bus network to residents who register for a free pass, so check whether you qualify once you have an address. These figures are estimates and change every year.
Student Visa, Campus France and Funds
Indian applicants for most French programmes go through Campus France India and the Études en France platform. Some schools run their own application portals, so read each programme’s instructions. After admission, you apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) on the France-Visas website, then validate it online after you arrive. Check Campus France and France-Visas for the current steps and fees.
- Proof of funds: €877.50 a month for applications filed from 1 August 2026. Older guides that say €615 a month are out of date.
- Documents: admission letter, passport, proof of accommodation or an address in France, and your financial evidence.
- CVEC: you obtain the CVEC certificate before you enrol. It costs €105 for 2026–27 for most students.
- Language: French-taught programmes ask for French (TCF or DELF), and English-taught programmes usually ask for an English test. Check each programme’s requirement.
Working While You Study and After Graduation
- During your studies: a student residence permit lets you work up to 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week, with no separate work permit, at no less than the legal minimum wage (roughly €12 an hour gross). Internships that are part of your course do not count towards the 964 hours.
- After your degree: master’s graduates can apply for the post-study residence permit for job search or business creation, now called RÉCE (formerly APS). It is normally valid for 12 months and not renewable, although some situations may allow longer. Confirm the current rule with Campus France before you rely on it.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: a French government programme for master’s and PhD students, with a monthly allowance and other support. It is competitive, and universities nominate candidates.
- Charpak scholarships: run through the French Embassy in India for eligible Indian students. Check the current call for categories, eligibility and deadlines.
- University and school scholarships: institutions such as Université de Montpellier and Montpellier Business School may offer their own awards. Check each institution’s page, since amounts and eligibility vary.
- Campus France scholarship search: lists scholarships by level and country of origin.
Where Students Live
- Écusson (historic centre). Walkable and lively, with the highest studio rents.
- Hôpitaux-Facultés. The university and hospital district, popular with students and generally cheaper than the centre.
- Antigone and Port Marianne. Modern districts with tram access and shops.
- CROUS residences. The cheapest option, but apply early because places are limited. Shared flats are also common and are listed on student housing sites and university boards.
Rental scams are common, so never pay a deposit before you have seen the contract and, where possible, the flat. If you do not have a French guarantor, ask about the government’s Visale guarantee or a guarantor service. Our student accommodation page explains how we can help.
Do You Need to Speak French?
Not always. Several master’s and business programmes are taught in English, but daily life, housing and administration work far better with at least basic French, and French-taught degrees require a test. Many universities offer French classes for international students, so ask what is available.
A Typical Application Timeline
Deadlines vary by programme, so use this as a rough guide for a September start.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October to December | Shortlist programmes, check language and test requirements, and register with Campus France India |
| January to March | Prepare documents and submit applications through Études en France or each school’s portal |
| April to May | Admission decisions and scholarship results |
| June to July | Visa application, CVEC certificate and housing search |
| August to September | Travel, validate your visa online and attend orientation |
FAQs About Studying in Montpellier
Public university tuition for non-EU students is €2,902 a year for a bachelor’s and €3,950 for a master’s in 2026–27, plus the €105 CVEC. Living costs are commonly estimated at roughly €950 to €1,300 a month for a private set-up, and less with a CROUS room or flat share.
For applications filed from 1 August 2026, you must show €877.50 a month. Older figures such as €615 a month are out of date.
Yes, if you choose an English-taught programme, but basic French helps with housing, administration and daily life. French-taught degrees require a French test.
Yes, up to 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week, with no separate work permit, at no less than the legal minimum wage.
Master’s graduates can usually apply for the RÉCE post-study residence permit, normally valid for 12 months, to look for work or start a business. Confirm the current rule with Campus France.
Yes. Our counselling is free for students and covers study in France and elsewhere. Start with the free profile assessment.
Get Help Choosing a French University
Eduvisor’s counselling is free for students. We are paid by partner universities and colleges once a student enrols and pays tuition fees, and we still show you options that suit your profile, including ones that are not with our partners. Start with the free profile assessment or contact us. You can also compare other French cities, such as Paris, Toulouse and Grenoble.
Sources: Campus France, French Ministry of Higher Education fee decrees for 2026–27, France-Visas guidance as summarised by education portals, and local Montpellier student-cost guides. Fees, funds and permit rules change often, so confirm them with Campus France and the institution before you apply.
