3 Finance Tips For Studying Abroad In France

Scholarships aren’t just for high-achieving students – and it’s not just universities and schools that offer scholarships, grants, bursaries and special funding. For example, the French Government and French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs allocates a number of grants to international students, including:

• The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship with Campus France
• Needs-based scholarships (based on social criteria)
• Mediterranean Youth Mobility Scholarships

To find out more about these you can visit your local French embassy.

Erasmus scholarships for exchange students, merit-based scholarships and various international scholarships are also often awarded by universities and business schools. At Montpellier Business School, extended payment options are available along with individual scholarships up to the value of €2,000.

We also know that some costs such as housing can be a little bit on the expensive side. The good news for international students looking to study in France is that, much like domestic students, you’ll be able to benefit from Housing Financial Support (called “APL”) from the French government. Montpellier Business School can help you with this too.

When you get to your university or school, you want to know you’ve also got access to financial support and guidance should you need it. At the beginning of each academic year before classes commence, some universities and schools run orientation programs for international students to help them get settled in and help with any worries or concerns they may have – finance queries included!

International students at Montpellier Business School can take part in several administrative workshops organized by the International Students Office, on topics such as “how to open a bank account”. Also, thanks to the school’s banking partners, international students can open a French bank account before they even step foot in the country!

Vanessa also spoke to us about how the school’s International Students Office was a big help in helping her get set up before she even left Mexico. She said: 

“A lot of students feel anxious and lost, especially because they don’t speak French. The guidance provided by the International Students Office helps students through the different steps of the journey, from the budget and documents needed before their arrival to the administrative process once they are in the country (such as opening a bank account, finding a house, [setting up an] electricity account, obtaining a titre de séjour (residence permit).

“The information provided by MBS’ International Student Office regarding the budget and financial support was really helpful as I didn’t know about them before. The information was punctual, clear and especially helpful as it reduces a bit the financial burden.  

“A lot of international students keep the International Students Office as the main key contact at school, because it guides us not only before or during the academic year, but also through the future steps, like administrative processes we must handle after graduation,” she added.

So, remember to give yourself enough time to research your options, plan your budget and apply to any scholarships and grants you may be eligible for!