Study in Cannes, France

About Cannes

Cannes is a seaside town on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, halfway between Monaco and Saint-Tropez. It had 74,350 inhabitants in 2023, according to INSEE, and the town notes that its population almost triples in summer and during major events. Marseille is 159 km away and Paris 970 km.

Cannes is known worldwide for its film festival and is France's second city for trade fairs after Paris. For students it is above all a place to learn French by the Mediterranean; higher education is small-scale, built around one university campus and a number of public and private schools.

Studying in Cannes

Our directory lists one school in Cannes: the College International de Cannes, a private institute that teaches French language and civilisation. According to its profile, it offers general and intensive French courses, business French, French for law and preparation for the DELF exams. Check current course dates and prices directly with the school.

When choosing a French course, Campus France suggests centres with the "qualité FLE" label, a quality certification for French training centres, or a university language centre in the Campus FLE network.

For degree studies, the town points to the Campus Georges Méliès of Université Côte d'Azur, on the Bastide Rouge site in Cannes La Bocca, which it describes as oriented towards entrepreneurship, creativity and leisure. The town also announces that a Vatel Academy campus will open in Cannes in September 2028. Teaching at French public universities is mostly in French: Campus France recommends level B1 or B2 for bachelor's and master's studies, but French is not required for programmes taught in English.

Cost of living for students

Campus France warns that the cost of living in France can be fairly high, especially in Paris and the big cities. The French spend about €300 a month on food on average, and a meal in a university restaurant costs €1.

• Housing: the Crous Nice-Toulon runs two university residences in Cannes, allocated on social criteria: Nouvelle Vague at the Campus Georges Méliès, with 172 furnished units at moderate rent, and Les Clémentines, with 84 studios of 18 m². Espaces Mimont in the town centre has 220 homes for people aged 16 to 30 who are working, training or studying.
• Tuition at public institutions (2026-27): €178 a year for a bachelor's and €255 for a master's for EU, EEA and Swiss students; €2,902 and €3,950 for other international students. Every student also pays the CVEC student life contribution, €105 for 2026-27. Private language schools set their own prices.
• Transport: a single Palm Bus ticket costs €1.80. Under-26s can buy the Pass Jeune for €23.50 for 31 days or €135 for a year, plus an annual €9 administration fee.

Getting around and daily life

Palm Bus, run by the Cannes Lérins conurbation, has 30 regular lines and 5 evening lines. In the compact centre, the City Palm shuttle links the town hall, La Croisette, rue d'Antibes and the SNCF railway station, with a bus every 10 to 15 minutes on average. Nice Côte d'Azur international airport is 25 km away by motorway.

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland need a long-stay student visa for studies of more than three months; European students do not need a visa. International students may work up to 964 hours a year, the equivalent of 60% of full-time hours. The town's Bureau Information Jeunesse helps young people with CVs and with finding jobs and housing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cannes a good place to learn French?

Yes, French courses are the main reason international students come to Cannes. Our directory lists the College International de Cannes, and Campus France recommends checking that a school holds the "qualité FLE" label.

Is there a university in Cannes?

Université Côte d'Azur has a campus in Cannes, the Campus Georges Méliès in Cannes La Bocca, focused on entrepreneurship, creativity and leisure.

Where can students live in Cannes?

The Crous Nice-Toulon runs two residences in Cannes, Nouvelle Vague (172 units) and Les Clémentines (84 studios), allocated on social criteria. Espaces Mimont offers 220 homes for 16 to 30-year-olds; private rentals are the other option.

How do students get around Cannes?

By Palm Bus, which has 30 regular and 5 evening lines. Under-26s pay €23.50 for a 31-day pass or €135 for a year, plus a €9 annual fee.