Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B1 French required
Agreement Scope History department exchange
Language & Linguistic Science department exchange
for additional year students studying French
Exchange Places
3 full year places for History students for 2026/27
5 full year places or 10 semester places for Language & Linguistic Science students for 2026/27
About:
Aix-Marseille University (AMU) was founded in 1409 and is one of the oldest universities in France. It is organised into five campuses split between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. The university welcomes approximately 78,000 students per year, of which 10,000 are international students. AMU also has one of the largest budgets of any academic institution in the Francophone world, with 720 million euros.
Highlights:
Aix-Marseille University is one of the more prestigious universities in France, and not only does it boast an impressive academic reputation but also a fantastic location. Nearby, there is the Sainte-Victoire mountain, painted by Cézanne, and the Calanques National Park located near the Marseille coast. There are also several cities within day-trip distance such as Nice, Montpellier, Cassis, Avignon, and Nimes, all of which offer impressive historic sites, great food and drink, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Location:
Provence, Southern France.
Courses / Modules:
AMU provides a wide range of courses and modules. All students will be associated with the Faculté d'Arts, Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines (ALLSH) which is located on Campus Robert Schuman in Aix-en-Provence and which offers courses in the humanities, languages, and social sciences. The AMU webpage provides details of their courses open to exchange students
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Aix-Marseille University uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits .
Most modules at Aix-Marseille Université are 6 ECTS credits and so for each semester, it is usually necessary to take five modules.
Teaching Periods:
The teaching period is split into two semesters, each with a one week break in the middle, similar to a half term. In general, the first semester starts in early September and the second semester in early January. Note that the Christmas and Easter holidays are shorter (between 1/2 weeks) in France than at York.
The final week of each semester is dedicated to exams and there are coursework style assessments throughout each semester.
Language:
Most of the modules are taught and examined in French, and you need a B1 level of French to be eligible to study at AMU as an international exchange student. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in French classes - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.
Accommodation:
Exchange students at AMU can apply for on-campus accommodation run by the organisation CROUS (Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et scolaires). If you wish to apply for this accommodation, you must specify it in your online application to AMU. If you do not wish to apply for CROUS accommodation, or your application is unsuccessful, AMU also provide guidance on finding private accommodation and some useful tips on administrative procedures to consider when arranging accommodation.
Orientation / Welcome week:
AMU holds an optional welcome week at the end of August for international students where students can sign up to French language classes and meet the incoming international cohort. During this week, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) will also hold social events for incoming students, such as city tours, games of pétanque, and trips to the Calanques. It is recommended that you arrive in time to register at the university, organise your timetable and attend any welcome talks and information sessions.
Support Services:
On arrival, you will be assigned an academic supervisor who will guide you through your studies and help with any questions or worries you may have.
The International Relations Office on campus Robert Schuman is also open throughout the week to answer any Exchange-related questions.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in France. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for France and its Living in France guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country. UK passport holders planning studies in France can also refer to France-Visas for more information .
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
Aix-Marseille University also provide information on the French Social Security and Healthcare system in their International Student Handbook
Caitlin, History, year abroad, 2024/25
"During this year, I was able to dramatically improve my French. I would definitely recommend to anyone regardless if you study French as part of your degree or not –the weather and landscape is definitely also a large enticement. More generally, living abroad has granted me new knowledge and self-awareness: to be able to be comfortable in a completely new country, and in a new language enables deeper self understanding that goes further than the traditional university experience, whilst remaining with the security of staying in an educational environment. To communicate with people from all over the world, and build a community outside of your own country is an experience I am truly grateful I did, because despite all the paperwork and confusion, the ability to build connections and live in another language whilst studying is completely unique to this opportunity.
The support I received from my academic tutor at Aix-Marseille was consistently dependable and reliant, he was always quick to respond to emails and answer any queries I had, no matter the subject. This really helped me throughout the year knowing that I could depend on staff members at both institutions. Gaining confidence takes time but I found in general everyone was appreciative when you take the time and effort to try. I hope that in the future I am able to return to France to work and live, and I have every intention to keep using my French and strengthen it during my final year."
Jennifer, Language and Linguistic Science, year abroad, 2024/25
"I studied at Aix-Marseille University for a semester, taking courses from various different departments, all taught in French. I met some wonderful people from all over the globe through erasmus activities and got to see how university life differs in France to the Uk. There were many challenges, particularly with regards to admin at the host university, but I feel very proud of myself for overcoming them independently."
Rosie, History and French, Year Abroad 2023/24
"I feel more at home in Aix en Provence, France having been here since mid-September. I feel more independent and confident. I have enjoyed travelling around the South of France, exploring new cities and cultures. My French has definitely improved, I have had lots of opportunities at the University to improve my listening and writing skills. The biggest challenge so far has been the exams, some of them have been very difficult. The best way to meet people during my time abroad has been through the ERASMUS group in Aix and Marseille. The ERASMUS group organise different events each week (advertised through their social media platforms - instagram, whatsapp). These events are good for meeting both international, and sometimes local students. The living costs - renting University accommodation is much cheaper than York however food prices are higher. I have found the best way to access money is through Revolut, this banking app allows you to exchange currency easily and quickly."
Nancy, History, Year Abroad 2019/20
"Aix was immediately somewhere where I felt at home. The city is really beautiful and is surrounded by so many things to do and see, like the Sainte-Victoire mountain and the Calanques. It is also packed with cafés, bars and restaurants so there was always somewhere new to try and the climate meant we could sit outside almost every month of they year! The university definitely took more time to get used to as it did feel very different to York. The initial period of organising timetables and sorting out the paperwork was quite stressful but I think that is to be expected wherever you go as lots of my friends in different places said the same thing! The classes were also longer and the teaching style was more formal. After a month, however, I was definitely more in the swing of student life and my classes felt easier and more enjoyable. AMU offers a really wide range of modules so I was able to try lots of new topics which I really enjoyed. While the experience was cut short by the pandemic, the months I had in Aix were really incredible and some of my best at uni so far."
Chad, Language & Linguistic Science, Year Abroad 2018/19
“My First impression of France was generally positive as I found it very easy to find my accommodation and generally speaking there weren't any nasty surprises. Also the town I am staying (Aix) is beautiful and has a lot to offer for anybody like art and history lovers but also people that like a night out. There have however been numerous problems at the university as any Erasmus student will tell you such as timetabling problems and bureaucracy which seemingly never ends. In France we have far more hours so I'll have to get used to that. Taking a stroll nearby and seeing a bit of Provence and seeing what an amazing region it is, helps you appreciate how amazing it is and what a great opportunity this is.”
Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied or worked abroad in France - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Monzo: This is a great thing to sign up to, you won't be charged for any conversion rates when you pay by card or withdraw money. It also means you don't have to set up another bank account in the host country, saving you lots of time! It is also great for budgeting
Staying Connected:
Phone contracts: The phone network Voxi has unlimited data and no roaming charges in France
Make plans: Making plans to meet up with your friends from York who are also in France keeps you connected to that bit of familiarity, especially good if you are missing home. It also means you have something exciting to look forward to, which always helps!
Post!: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family back home can make all the difference! Not only is it a thoughtful touch, but it keeps you connected to anyone you might be missing.
Food:
Canteen: The university canteen is excellent, it serves three course meals at a great price, around 3 euros. They also have café style canteens on the campus where you can get cheaper coffee and sandwiches.
Izly: If you sign up for an Izly card, you can transfer money credit to it and if you pay using it, you can get discounts, similar to Yoyo in York. (Only for university canteens)
Supermarkets: Supermarkets in France are usually affordable and varied - Casino, Carrefour, Aldi and Lidl are the more affordable options whereas Monoprix and Franprix are slightly more expensive.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Be prepared for paperwork! France is synonymous with bureaucracy and the university seems to be quite behind York in terms of digitization. Do not be worried if you don't have a printer, there are print shops, and also university printers, that you can use.
Remember your supervisor: The paperwork is concentrated mainly at the beginning and end of each semester, so don't worry too much. Your supervisor both at your host institution and York are there to help as well if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Be organised: Making a list of what you need to do, for when, and who needs to sign and work through it. This will make it more manageable and seem less overwhelming!
What I wished I'd known...:
Timetabling: Unlike York, you will be responsible for building your timetable, including choosing your modules and contacting the teacher to make sure you can join. Your supervisor will be able to help you if you need it though!
Formality: Universities in France are more formal than the UK regarding the teacher/student dynamic. You must always use "vous" or Monsieur/Madame when addressing a teacher and take off hats/scarves/coats when sitting in a classroom.
Money and Banking:
Société Générale: The French bank Société Générale is partnered with Aix-Marseille university and opening a French bank account means you are eligible to some useful services such as housing benefits and library cards. It's a good idea to seek help to organise this if your French is not strong as the process is all in French.
Food:
Supermarkets: There are plenty of supermarkets in Aix, however it should be noted that some of these are more expensive than others. Monoprix is the most central and the biggest but it also the more expensive option. On the peripheries of the city, there is a large Casino which is more affordable. There is also a Lidl and an Aldi.
Markets: There are food markets in Aix every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday where you can buy local produce and fresh vegetables and fruit. This is also a great cultural experience and makes you feel a part of Provence life. The produce is a bit more expensive, but the tasters are free!
Eating out: You will definitely not be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Aix. There are so many cafés and restaurants down every street. Lots of these are independent businesses and so they feel really authentic and in general the food is really good. Place des Cardeurs in the centre of town is very good for restaurants and bars and Le Petit Bistrot has a very reasonably priced breakfast menu.
What I wish I'd known...:
Bus pass: The queue to buy the bus pass was a whopping 3 hours, so be prepared. But it was definitely worth it, especially if you're living outside of the city centre. It wasn't too expensive, around 100 euros for the year.
Plugs: There aren't many plugs in classrooms to charge your laptop during seminars, so make sure it has enough power beforehand and have a backup pad and paper!
Bedding and cooking equipment: You'll need to buy bedding and cooking equipment if you're staying in university accommodation, you can buy this from Monoprix in the town centre.
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Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors: Emily or Stephanie, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.