Useful information

If you don’t know how higher education works in France, this page will guide you through the university system’s subtleties.

By the end of their stay in France, most international undergraduates, PhD students and Doctors have formed close relationships with other students and teachers encountered at their host universities. Alumni’s associations enable them to maintain these relationships and even strengthen them further throughout their professional and personal lives.

A “buddy” is a tandem made up of a local student and an international student on an exchange program or free mover.
Thanks to the Buddy System, you can meet a local student who will guide you throughout your stay in France.

To open a bank account in France, you can contact the bank of your choice. Student associations (e.g. BDE) have agreements with local banks and can help you open an account. 

Here is the list of phone numbers and websites in the event of an emergency, loss or theft of your means of payment (bank card, cheque book) or if you need to talk to someone or get advice about your physical or mental health in France.

For a successful study stay, make sure your financial resources are in relation to the cost of living in Lorraine, i.e. sufficient to finance the entire duration of your stay in France.

Preparing your budget must therefore be the first step before you decide to study in France!

Whether you are student, PhD student or researcher, here you will find all the steps you need to take before you leave France.

Université de Lorraine covers all scientific fields: Science and Technology, Life and Environmental Sciences and Human and Social Sciences, through 60 research units.

Depending on the type of visa you have been issued, you must carry out residence formalities in order to be authorized to live in France and obtain a residence permit.

With 60 research units divided into ten thematic scientific clusters, Université de Lorraine covers a wide range of disciplinary fields.

Why do sport?
– To stay in good physical and moral health
– To make friends by sharing common activities
– To unwind, manage your stress levels, sleep better … and above all, enjoy yourself!

A multi-service card delivered to all students, PhD-students, staff employed by the Université de Lorraine, temporary teaching staff and hosted staff once their administrative registration process is complete.

Going to university is a major step for any student. All the more so if you have special needs connected with a disability.

You have received a salary in France, paid by a French organization, and France is your country of residence (for more than 183 days a year): then you must submit a tax return to the French tax authorities every year.

In each university, the SHS (Student Health Service) provides medico-psychosocial support to all students in higher education (undergraduates and PhD students).

Many French public services, such as the Préfecture, will request translations of your official documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc). Here are lists of sworn translators.