This does not apply to you if you are a European student. If you are a foreign national from outside the European Union and you would like to study in France, you must hold a Long-Stay Visa valid as Residence Permit (VLS-TS) or a Long-Stay Visa valid as ‘Student’ Residence Permit (VLS-TS for Students). You must meet certain conditions to obtain your permit, particularly on your arrival in France. UPV’s Welcome Desk for International Students & Researchers or SAIEC (Service Accueil International Étudiants/Chercheurs) (https://www.saiec.fr/) can help you through this process.
Long-stay visa: In order to obtain a residence permit for more than three months, you must first obtain a long-stay visa from the French consulate in your country of origin or residence. If you are a student holding a VLS-TS arriving in France for the first time, you must have it validated by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) within three months of arriving in France at the very latest. The process is entirely digital; everything is done online via the Ministry of the Interior website (https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/).
Renewing your residence permit: Before your first residence permit expires, you must apply to renew it at the prefecture of the département you reside in. You can apply for a VLS-TS for Students (valid 1 year) or, under certain conditions, a Multi-Annual Student Residence Permit (valid 2 to 4 years). The process is also entirely digital; everything is done online via the Ministry of the Interior website (https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/). We recommend taking these steps 2 to 4 months prior to the expiry date of your residence permit.
Information on accommodation is detailed in our (housing) section.
International mentorship
International mentorship is a free programme that welcomes international students who have recently arrived in Montpellier. It provides support and guidance for your first two months. To learn more (https://www.parrainage-international.fr/index.php/en/)
This does not apply to you if you are an international exchange student in France. During the administrative component of university enrolment, you must provide proof of CVEC payment. The purpose of this contribution, € 95 for the 2022-2023 academic year, is to help create, consolidate, and strengthen various services in your host institution: healthcare, social support, athletics, artistic and cultural events, etc. You must complete this process on the CVEC website (https://cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr/) before you register at the university) }
[acc: Opening a French bank account
This does not apply to you if you are an international exchange student in France. During the administrative component of university enrolment, you must provide proof of CVEC payment. The purpose of this contribution, € 95 for the 2022-2023 academic year, is to help create, consolidate, and strengthen various services in your host institution: healthcare, social support, athletics, artistic and cultural events, etc. You must complete this process on the CVEC website (https://cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr/) before you register at the university) }
[acc: Opening a French bank account
Green mobility is an essential pillar in the fight against climate change and the preservation of the environment. By promoting more sustainable modes of travel that respect the ecosystem, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources.
Lowtrip.fr offers an innovative way to plan trips by enabling users to compare the CO2 emissions associated with different journeys, helping them to make decisions about the sustainability of their travel; https://lowtrip.fr/ .
1. Carpooling: Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, cutting CO2 emissions and the number of vehicles in the city. What's more, it fosters social cohesion by creating interaction between individuals and reducing transport-related costs.
2. Train: Trains are recognized as one of the most environmentally-friendly means of transport. In fact, it emits less CO2 per passenger-kilometre than most other modes of transport. What's more, it offers a convenient and comfortable alternative for long-distance travel.
3. Bus: Although traditionally considered less comfortable and more time-consuming, low-cost bus travel has expanded significantly in Europe in recent years, offering affordable long-distance travel options for those on a tight budget.
