Study in Montpellier, France

About Montpellier

Montpellier is a university city in the Occitanie region of southern France, close to the Mediterranean: according to Accent Français, the beaches are 15 minutes from the city centre. According to INSEE, the French statistics office, it had 310,240 inhabitants in 2023, and 69,370 of them, more than one in five, were aged 15 to 24.

Students come to Montpellier for its two public universities, one of them with roots in the 13th century, and for French courses that run all year. The city suits a full degree, an exchange semester, a master's taught in English or a few weeks of language study.

Studying in Montpellier

Our directory lists four active schools in Montpellier: two universities and two language schools. The Université de Montpellier uses the motto "the future since 1220" and has 54,210 students in 17 faculties, schools and institutes, covering science, technology, sport, medicine, pharmacy, law, political science, economics and business. It welcomes more than 10,000 international students a year, and its IDIL graduate programme, opened in 2022, groups 13 master's programmes taught entirely in English.

The Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry (UMPV) teaches in French and requires a level of French from international applicants. It has its own institute for French as a foreign language, the IEFE, and is an examination centre for the DELF and DALF.

For language study, Accent Français has organised French courses and language stays in the city since 1998. It is registered with the Rectorate of the Academy of Montpellier as a private institution of higher education, has held the FLE Quality label since 2012 and prepares students for the DELF and DALF. Courses start every Monday, except for complete beginners. Our directory also lists the Institut César Langues.

Cost of living for students

The Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry estimates the average monthly budget of a student living in Montpellier at about €950. Its breakdown gives rent of €450 to €700 a month, food of about €200 a month, and meals in CROUS university restaurants from €1 for all students. Rooms in CROUS residences cost €350 a month on average outside Paris, according to Campus France, but demand far exceeds supply. Students who rent may be eligible for housing assistance (APL or ALS) from the CAF.

Tuition at public universities for the 2026-27 academic year is €178 a year for a bachelor's degree (licence) and €255 for a master's degree; non-EU students pay differentiated fees of €2,902 and €3,950. Degree students also pay the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC), €105 for 2026-27. At Accent Français, the 2026 fee table lists €380 a week for the intensive course for stays of 1 to 4 weeks, plus an €80 registration fee; host families and furnished studios in a student residence can be booked through the school.

Getting around and daily life

Montpellier's trams and buses are run by TaM. Public transport is free for residents who can show proof of address in the area; other users pay the standard fare. To reach Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport from the city centre, take tram line 1 towards Odysseum to the Gare Montpellier Sud de France station and then the airport shuttle, line 620.

Non-EU students staying more than three months need a long-stay student visa. International students may work up to 964 hours a year alongside their studies.

Frequently asked questions

Is Montpellier a good place to learn French?

Yes. Accent Français runs courses all year with weekly start dates, and the Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry has its own institute for French as a foreign language and a DELF-DALF examination centre.

How much does a month in Montpellier cost for a student?

The Université de Montpellier Paul-Valéry estimates about €950 a month, including rent of €450 to €700.

Can I study in English in Montpellier?

Yes, at master's level: the Université de Montpellier's IDIL programme groups 13 master's courses taught entirely in English. Most other degrees are taught in French.

Is public transport free in Montpellier?

It is free for residents who show proof of address in the area. Short-stay visitors pay the standard TaM fare.