Before arriving in Montpellier
April 23 2025Budget in France
Every year, international students face serious financial difficulties during their stay in France. You have to take into account the cost of living in France (accommodation, insurance, food, etc.) and the cost of your course fees. Financial aid is rare and cannot be a permanent solution to financial problems.
Cash deposits and transfers to a French bank account are closely monitored. The bank may ask you for written proof, such as bank statements for the foreign account from which the funds originate and the identity document of the account holder.
Apply for a visa
Once your application has been accepted, you must take the necessary steps to obtain your visa.
To do this, you will need to contact the Campus France Office or the French Embassy near your place of residence.
For many countries, it’s compulsory to use Etudes en France.
All useful information is available on the official website for visas for France.
Accommodation
In Montpellier, the demand for accommodation is higher than the supply. Finding accommodation available for September is very difficult from July.
AgroParisTech doesn’t have student residences. You have to find your own accommodation.
It’s important to consult the Accommodation page as soon as possible.
Contact the landlords as soon as possible in order to find accommodation.
Original birth certificate
Before you leave your country, get an original birth certificate with filiation (in French if possible). It’s compulsory for some administrative procedures. If the document is in another language, you will need a sworn translation.
Special rules for nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo: your birth certificate must be legalised by the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in France (Paris).
Students Grants
Here are some possibilities for students grants:
- AgroParisTech Foundation(attractiveness scholarship / bourses d’attractivité)
- Campus France
- Fondation de France(at the end of the page: Grant Directory)
The Campus France Office and/or the French Embassy can also provide information on specific grants that are not available on the Internet.
International Mentoring
Montpellier has an International Mentoring plan. By registering on the website, you can benefit from a personalised welcome from the moment you arrive and take part in events to help you integrate.