Study in Nice, France

About Nice

Nice is a Mediterranean city on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of south-eastern France. It had 357,737 inhabitants in 2023, according to INSEE, the French statistics office.

For international students Nice is above all a place to learn French: most of the schools in our directory teach French as a foreign language. It also has a large public university, Université Côte d'Azur, so students can move on from a language course to a degree in the same city.

Studying in Nice

Our directory lists eight schools in Nice: one university and seven language schools, one of which teaches online. Université Côte d'Azur is the city's public university and takes part in Ulysseus, a European university alliance. As at other French public universities, most teaching is 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.

The language schools differ in size, labels and target groups. Some examples, as the schools describe themselves:

• Alpha.b Institut Linguistique holds the Qualité FLE, IALC and Eaquals labels, teaches in groups of 5 to 10 students and offers DELF/DALF exam preparation.
• IDIOM teaches French to adult foreigners only, is a member of the Groupement FLE and has level groups of 3 or 7 students on average.
• Alliance Française de Nice is a non-profit school with the Qualité FLE label and its own residence of 75 studios; it describes itself as an official partner of the city and the university.

Other schools listed are Actilangue, Azurlingua, France Langue and the online school Telefrench. When comparing schools, Campus France suggests looking for the "qualité FLE" label, a French quality certification for centres teaching French as a foreign language.

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 city's student portal adds that finding student housing on the Côte d'Azur is not easy and that rents are high.

• Tuition at public universities (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.
• Food: the French spend about €300 a month on food on average, according to Campus France, and a meal in a university restaurant costs €1.
• Housing: applications for a Crous university residence for a full year are made online between 20 January and 15 May; international students on a degree course can apply from the start of the complementary phase on 11 July. Private residences and the Lokaviz platform are the main alternatives.
• Transport: a Lignes d'Azur annual pass for under-26s and students costs €180.

Getting around and daily life

Lignes d'Azur runs the city's buses and trams, and one pass covers both. The airport, Nice Côte d'Azur, is served by tram and bus. By train, the Alliance Française lists Monaco at 10 minutes and Cannes at 20 minutes from Nice. Students under 26 who live and study in the region can buy the regional ZOU card for €90 a year, which gives 50% off other regional train journeys. The city runs a Maison de l'Étudiant at 5 avenue François Mitterrand, near the Vauban stop on tram line 1.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nice a good place to learn French?

Yes, French courses are the main reason international students come to Nice: seven of the eight schools in our directory are language schools. Campus France recommends checking that a school holds the "qualité FLE" label.

Which university is in Nice?

Université Côte d'Azur, a public university. Most courses are taught in French, and Campus France recommends level B1 or B2 for bachelor's and master's studies.

How much does public transport cost for students in Nice?

A Lignes d'Azur annual pass for under-26s and students costs €180 and is valid on both buses and trams.

When should I apply for a Crous room in Nice?

Applications for a full year run online from 20 January to 15 May; international students on a degree course can apply from the complementary phase, which opens on 11 July. A room is not guaranteed, so private housing is often needed.