The list of reasons why you should study abroad in Toulouse is quite long, as this city meets all the requirements that any international student might have. For many years Toulouse has been an attractive destination for tertiary studies. Known as a student-friendly city, Toulouse welcomes more than 15,000 international students into its academic environments. Outstanding monuments are in large numbers and give an incredible impression to any student who would like to spend their leisure time around the city.
You will get the chance to wander around 160 parks and gardens, mentioning one of the most incredible ones, the Japanese garden at Compans-Caffarelli. What makes this city special is that you can easily walk to most locations in the city center.
Reasons to Study Abroad in Toulouse
Location
Being placed at the edge of France, Toulouse offers a picturesque view of the city. This city is also on the axis of communication between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Geographically, Toulouse is placed in the best hemisphere of France, close to the Pyrenées for hiking and skiing. In addition, being the central European capital of aeronautics and aerospace you will have the opportunity to visit the City of Space.
Cultural Activities
Toulouse is full of mysterious places, it’s a city of art and culture, a place for explorers. It hosts around twenty museums covering different fields, such as art, history, and civilization. There are other monuments from which you can learn a lot, like the Saint Sernin Church, Le Capitole, Church of Les Jacobins, Pont Neuf, Couvent des Jacobins, among others. This city boasts a range of historic places, which essentially means you’ll never get bored!
Artistic Traditions
Toulouse is a vivid city, synonymous with “fiestas”. There are a number of festivals that are held annually, such as the Flamenco Festival in March, the Marathon des Mots in June as well as many other events held in Toulouse. Furthermore, this city is well known for its annual colorful event, the Toulouse Violet Festival. This festival gathers the best florists of the country along with the diverse flowers they bring to display.
Sports Activities
As a city of sports, Toulouse is known for the team Stade Toulousain, which has been winning championships in France and around Europe. This green city promotes cycling as a mode of transportation. As a result, the municipality has developed many cycle paths, not only in town but also in parks. You can take part in large groups of rollerblading rides, as a great opportunity to perceive the city in another dimension.
Study Abroad Programs in Toulouse
Studying abroad in Toulouse means that you will find multiple programs for any major available in both English and French.
Here are some study abroad programs you can find in Toulouse:
CIEE Business + Culture
This program gives you the opportunity to study at France’s top-ranked undergrad business school with a lot of other international students. You will explore the business, economics, history, art, and art history, as well as the culture of Toulouse while you also learn the French language. As an international student, you can choose courses from CIEE’s partner schools, Toulouse Business School (TBS) and Institut Catholique de Toulouse (ICT), as well as CIEE Toulouse.
Running Abroad – Summer Altitude Running Camp
Running Abroad is a summer program that unites a running camp and a fun summer camp abroad. By choosing this program you will be trained by the International Altitude Training center in the French Pyrenees. The camp will prepare you for building the mileage and base necessary to succeed during cross-country season. Through this program, you will have the chance to visit unique and old villages of the south of France, the castle of Carcassonne, and the Mediterranean Sea.
CIEE Language + Culture
The desire to learn French in Toulouse will be actualized through the CIEE Language + Culture abroad program. Through this program, you will immerse yourself in France’s art, history cuisine, and music. In addition to this program, you can take classes in English at CIEE Toulouse and its partner school, Institut Catholique de Toulouse. If your French skills are at a considerable level, then you can take courses in French.
Universities in Toulouse
Toulouse hosts a number of universities that offer a variety of engaging programs, across all disciplines. Here are some of the best universities in Toulouse:
- Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III
- Université Toulouse 1 Capitole
- University Toulouse II – Le Mirail
- Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées
- National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse
How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Toulouse?
Toulouse completes all the requirements any international student might have for studies abroad. Your monthly food budget will likely not exceed 300€, if you buy your own groceries, eat once in a while in restaurants, and cook your own meals. In terms of accommodation, Toulouse is an affordable city to live in. You can find a 9 squared meters room for around €220. When it comes to tuition fees, as an international student you will have to pay differential fees. Application of differential registration fees will range from €2,500 to €3,770.
Tuition Fees
The cost of education in Toulouse is much more affordable if you compare it with cities like Paris or Nice. Many of the universities of Toulouse set different prices for first-time students from outside the EU. Nonetheless, these first-time students may benefit from a fee waiver if their application meets some specific criterias of the university. Although many international students are held back by the reality of expensive tuition fees of French universities, in Toulouse this is not the case.
| Tuition Fees in Toulouse | |
| Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III | €2,500 |
| Université Toulouse 1 Capitole | €2,770 |
Living Expenses
Toulouse is considered among the most affordable cities of France when it comes to living and pursuing studies for international students. Depending on the kinds of activities one engages in, the living expenses might be different. Nonetheless, if you plan a moderate student life, your living expenses will be quite satisfying.
Here’s the average cost of living in Toulouse:
| The Cost of Living in Toulouse | |
| Meal in an Inexpensive Restaurant | €15 |
| Groceries and Personal Hygiene | €300 |
| Mobile Phone Plus Internet | €30 |
| Utilities | €150 |
| Public Transport Ticket | €1,70 |
A comparison of the cost of living between Nice and Paris:
| Living Expenses | Toulouse | Paris |
| Meal in an Inexpensive Restaurant | €15 | €15 |
| Groceries and Personal Hygiene | €300 | €350 |
| Mobline Phone Plus Internet | €30 | €30 |
| Utilities | €150 | €180 |
| Public Transport Ticket | €1,70 | €1,90 |
Accommodation
In this student-friendly city of France you will find a variety of housing options available for all international students. The price of accommodation will differ depending on location and amenities. Student accommodations that are furnished will be the best possible choice for any international student.
Here’s the average cost of accommodation in Toulouse:
| Type of Housing | The Average Cost |
| Private Room | €450 |
| Residence Halls | €350 |
| Studio/Small Flat | €400 |
| Hostel | €50 |
Places to Visit in Toulouse
Toulouse is one of the most pleasant cities of France that offers plenty of fascinating landmarks.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Toulouse, France:
- Couvent des Jacobins
- Place du Capitole
- Basilique Saint-Sernin
- Musée des Augustins
- Fondation Bemberg
- Musée Saint-Raymond
- Cathédrale Saint-Etienne
- les Abattoirs
- Chapelle des Carmélites
