Organize your stay
VISA
All students need a passport or identity card valid for the whole period of their stay. Besides, all non-EU students should apply for a visa before coming to France at the Haute-Garonne “Prefecture”.
More information :
http://en.univ-toulouse.fr/research-phd/international-phd-programs/rights-foreigners/students
http://www.campusfrance.org/en/news/laws-regarding-foreign-students-have-been-amended
You can make an appointment and e-application through the “Prefecture” website. (In French)
ACCOMODATION
The ENSAT has a residence of 120 students apartments administered by the CROUS. It can not always ensure accommodation for all international students. However, several other accommodation options are available :
- Privately owned students’ residences :
https://www.adele.org/residence/agglomeration/toulouse/logement-etudiant
- Take advantage of the ERASMUS students’ network in Toulouse
http://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-toulouse
- Shared accommodations :
http://www.appartager.com/midi-pyrenees/haute-garonne/colocation-toulouse
- Private rentals: Unfurnished of furnished studios or apartments. An additional months’ rent is needed if you go through an estate agent. No additional fee via direct contact with the owner.
- Accommodation in guest house (homestay):
http://www.accommodation-for-student.com/
- Student hostels (for short stay): www.unme-asso.com
Housing allowance
Students have the possibility of claiming public housing benefits by the Caisse d’allocations familiales. Please visit the website : www.caf.fr
Action Logement has set up Visale scheme, that is open for foreigners under 30 years old too. The deposit asked by the landlord is given by the State, that will pay the rent and the charges of the residence in case of default of payment.
All you need to know about the scheme (in French) : https://www.visale.fr All you need to know about housing schemes in France (in French) : https://bailpdf.com/articles/aides-au-logement
All you need to do before arriving in France (in English) : https://en.selectra.info
Deposit
A deposit equal to at least one month’s rent is usually required. The Toulouse Town Hall can provide free of interests’ credits in order to help you pay the deposit.
Home insurance
Subscription to a home insurance is compulsory to cover any eventual accidents and burglary. You will need to hand it in to your landlord before moving into your accommodation. Any insurance companies or bank can provide this type of insurance.
Health Insurance
All students should (freely) subscribe to the students’ health insurance “Sécurité Sociale” and pay a civil liability insurance “mutuelle", both mandatory.
You come from an EU country
You need to hold a European Health Insurance Card that will cover the “Sécurité Sociale” and the complementary health insurance called “Mutuelle”. The card needs to be valid during the entire period of you stay.
You come from a non-EU country
It is compulsory to subscribe to the health insurance “Sécurité Sociale” and the civil liability insurance. The complementary health insurance is also available to subscription upon registration.
Students holding a grant from a foreign government and exchange students may in few cases be exempted from paying health insurances.
BANK ACCOUNT
It is essential to have a bank account in France so as to be able to pay your rent, to make card payments etc. Here is a list of the main French banks you can contact to make an appointment: La Poste, Crédit Mutuel, Crédit Agricole, Caisse d’épargne, BNP Paribas, Banque Populaire etc.
TUITION FEES
Students holding a grant from a foreign government and exchange students may in few cases be exempted from registration fees. All other students will have to pay tuition fees upon registration at the ENSAT. Exchange students from partner universities are waived from tuition fees.
ASSESS YOUR BUDGET
Here is some guidance as to the cost of living in Toulouse:
- Accommodation: between 150 € to 600 €/month
- Lunch in University restaurants: around 60 €/month
- Transportation: 10 € :students under 26 can buy a monthly ticket for unlimited public transports
The University of Toulouse helps you giving you a list of expenses you can expect when moving to France and providing a tool to assess your accommodation budget (in French).
