Everyone would love to study and experience their student years in a city near the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. The temperatures during the year in Montpellier are average, summers are warm, and winters are fairly cool periods of time. With a lot of study options that are offered by a number of prestigious universities of Montpellier, you will immerse yourself in a stylish student city. What makes Montpellier a popular study destination is its large student population and cultural activities. Standing in between Spain and Italy, Montpellier is an ideal study destination for students who want to focus on European studies and also travel to other countries while being abroad.
Reasons to Study Abroad in Montpellier
Culture
Living in France as an international student will be an exceptional experience, and Montpellier is no exception. Montpellier is a majestic city, rich in medieval architecture and grand boulevards. In every step that you take, you will encounter museums, art galleries, and elements of history. This city has diverse areas and there are a lot of activities and events that each one can engage in. So getting bored of it is never an option. The culture is magnificent in Montpellier. You can visit the Old Quarter, contemplate the Aquarium Mare Nostrum, go cycling, learn how to do yoga, and similar activities.
Beaches
Located by the Mediterranean Sea just in the north of Hexagone, you will easily access the sea, which is only 11 kilometers from the city. There are a number of beaches where you can swim and the water temperature is just perfect for sunbathing. Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone beach is one of the best beaches and the nearest to the city center. Espiguette beach is yet another great beach near Montpellier, where the sand goes on for several kilometers. As you explore the beaches of Montpellier, you will be amazed by the lovely small beach town in Carnon.
Restaurants and Cafes
Everybody is keen on going out, enjoying the beauty of the city, and sipping delicious drinks. As an international student who is eager on exploring the city and hanging out with new friends, you will find so many great opportunities for food and drinks. You will be amazed to see how many beautiful restaurants, bars, and cafes are located in different parts of the city, just like hidden gems. The diversity of restaurants and cafes will have you discover French gastronomy and wonderful regional wines.
Student-Friendly
Having a significant student population, Montpellier has a strong reputation as an education center. Studying in a university town means that you will not only find other young people around but plenty of fun activities. Having more than 10 universities and a number of Grand Écoles in Montpellier, including Montpellier Business School, you will immerse yourself in qualitative education. In addition, Montpellier is a cheaper study destination in comparison to other cities in France.
Study Abroad Programs in Montpellier
Choosing to study abroad in Montpellier will be a life-changing experience. This city takes pride in its history and culture. There are a number of study abroad programs you can find in Montpellier. Here are a few:
Language and Culture in France
Through this program, you are offered the opportunity to study the humanities at Paul Valéry University or study business and the sciences at the University of Montpellier. Based on these two higher education institutions, the program will have you explore courses in humanities, engineering, sciences, and business with a flexible study schedule. The highlight of this program is the multiple day-long excursions that are included each semester.
The Glories of France
The Glories of France is an inclusive study abroad program, the cost of it includes tuition, university fee, accommodation in a private studio at the University of Montpellier, as well as many other features. This program takes place in Montpellier during the summer season. Additionally, you will visit beautiful Mediterranean beaches as a group during the second week of the program. Classes of this program end by noon on Thursdays, giving you time to travel around from Thursday evening to Sunday.
French Language Course in France
The French language course in France is offered by Jobs and Internships Abroad. Through this program, you will learn French in one of the world’s major tourist destinations. Being a splendid study abroad program, Jobs and Internships Abroad offers a French language course in three major cities of France: Paris, Nice, and Montpellier. This program is definitely the most ideal one as you are going to learn French in a place where you can easily practice as you learn.
Universities in Montpellier
The higher education system of Montpellier is fairly advanced and each of its universities offers a broad range of study programs.
Here are some of the best universities in Montpellier:
- University of Montpellier
- Paul Valéry University, Montpellier 3
- Montpellier SupAgro
- National Graduate School of Chemistry, Montpellier
- University Montpellier I
How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Montpellier?
Picking Montpellier as your study abroad destination is not only the right choice in terms of the quality of education but also due to the living costs. As an international student, you can expect to pay an average of €850 on personal and daily living expenses. The annual tuition fee will vary from €180 to €700 depending on the level of education. In other cases, the tuition fee can be much more expensive for certain degrees, up to €6,400.
Tuition Fees
Considered one of the most affordable study destinations, universities in Montpellier have a fair cost of education. Montpellier is ranked 36th worldwide for affordability, mainly due to its exceptionally low international tuition fees. In addition to the tuition fees which are mandatory requirements to pursue studies in one of Montpellier’s universities, health insurance is added to tuition costs. The annual cost of it would not exceed €200 and it will cover most medical expenses.
| Tuition Fees in Montpellier | |
| University of Montpellier | €360 |
| Université Toulouse 1 Capitole | €240 |
Living Expenses
During your studies in Montpellier you have to buy food, pay for accommodation, pay tuition, and still make sure that you are spending in accordance with the timeframe of your stay. Every international student aims to experience the study destination and not worry about the finances. Therefore, it is important to schedule your social activities, your daily food diet, how much will traveling around cost, and similar other individual plans.
Here’s the average cost of living expenses in Montpellier:
| The Cost of Living in Montpellier | |
| Meal in an Inexpensive Restaurant | €12 |
| Groceries and Personal Hygiene | €300 |
| Mobile Phone Plus Internet | €28 |
| Utilities | €120 |
| Public Transport Ticket | €1,60 |
A comparison of the cost of living between Montpellier and Paris:
| Living Expenses | Montpellier | Paris |
| Meal in an Inexpensive Restaurant | €12 | €15 |
| Groceries and Personal Hygiene | €300 | €350 |
| Mobline Phone Plus Internet | €28 | €30 |
| Utilities | €120 | €180 |
| Public Transport Ticket | €1,60 | €1,90 |
Accommodation
At the edge of France, near the Mediterranean, you will find a number of houses, apartments and private rooms available for rent. When choosing the right fit for accommodation, you surely have to consider the location, price, and most definitely your personal preferences. The price for student housing in Montpellier will cost an average of €480. However, the price will differ according to the kind of accommodation and whether it is furnished or not.
Here’s the average cost of accommodation in Montpellier:
| Type of Housing | The Average Cost |
| Private room | €350 |
| Residence Halls | €450 |
| Studio/Small Flat | €500 |
| Hostel | €40 |
Places to Visit in Montpellier
Montpellier is a sun-drenched southern French city that attracts people from all around the world to its endless picturesque views and cultural landmarks.
Here’s a list of places to visit during your stay in Montpellier:
- Place de la Comédie and L’Écusson
- Promenade du Peyrou
- Musée Fabre
- Palais des Congrès de France
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
- Place de la Canourgue
- Quartier Saint-Roch
- Jardin des Plantes
- Planet Ocean
- Hôtel de Varennes
- Quartier Courrier
- Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Tables
