Study in Toulouse

Toulouse for students

Located in the South-West of France, Toulouse is home to three universities featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2023.

The Université de Toulouse system, which incorporates all three of the city’s universities, is among the oldest in the world, with its roots tracing back to the 13th century.

The city has a sizeable student population, with 16 percent classified as international students. The indicator where Toulouse has improved the most since the last rankings is affordability, with Toulouse now ranked 37th in the world for this measure. 

Best universities in Toulouse - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =78^th

More about Toulouse

A city with low international tuition fees and a high standard of living, Toulouse is a truly underrated option for anyone looking to study in France. The one drawback is the relatively low global ranking for each of the city's universities.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Toulouse?

The warm weather

Located in the south of France, the summer weather in Toulouse is hot and humid – usually around 27 degrees Celsius. This makes it perfect for soaking up the sun.

The size of the city

Toulouse is small enough to get around on foot or on a bike, but big enough that there is always plenty to do there. 

It’s affordable

The city ranks 37th for affordability this year due to low tuition costs and a low cost of living.

The city’s history

If history interests you, there are plenty of historical monuments to explore in Toulouse. Explore the city’s many museums, including its Cité de l’Espace and its stunning buildings, particularly the Capitole de Toulouse.

Cost of studying in Toulouse

Toulouse has a combination of very low tuition fees and low living costs. Tuition fees in Toulouse only cost around US$600 per year – nearly a quarter of the US$2,100 per year tuition fees needed to study in the French capital, Paris.

Toulouse also has relatively low living costs compared to other cities in France, with a one bedroom apartment in the city centre costing only US$743 per month, compared to US$1,470 in Paris.

Life & culture in Toulouse

The fourth-largest city in France, Toulouse is dotted with unique historical architecture, including the impressive Capitole de Toulouse and the use of pinkish terracotta bricks in its buildings has earned the city the nickname la Ville Rose ("the Pink City").

If you want to get out of the city, the south of France is your oyster, with the proximity of the Pyrenees allowing skiers to get their fix.

Toulouse is also traversed by the Canal du Midi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). If the idea of intellectual debate in charming surroundings appeals, then Toulouse could be for you.

Career in Toulouse

Toulouse is an attractive destination for graduates looking for work. The city is known for being a major centre for aerospace – Airbus have their headquarters there – and is esteemed by many as Europe’s predominant city in this industry.

Alongside the aerospace industry, engineering, technology and hospitality and tourism play a huge role in contributing to Toulouse’s economy.

Many large and small companies can be found in Eurocentre, located in North Toulouse and this major economic hub is a great place to look when searching for work in the city.