University of Grenoble Alpes

About: 

Founded in 1339, the University of Grenoble Alpes is one of the largest universities in France with around 60,000 students. As a city, Grenoble is one of the largest scientific centres in Europe allowing the university to benefit from hundreds of research partnerships. Due to its expansive research facilities and large student population, Grenoble Alpes has been cited as one of the most innovative universities in Europe.

Highlights: 

Grenoble Alpes boasts impressive alumni, including Turing and Nobel prize laureates within the field of science. As well as its impressive academic status, the University of Grenoble Alpes is located in the stunning Alpine region of France. During the summer, the weather is mild and warm and during the winter, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are just on the doorstep.

Location: 

Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Courses / Modules: 

Consult the course catalogue at Grenoble Alpes to discover what modules are on offer for exchange students. Please note that most courses are taught in French.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  Grenoble Alpes 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.  

MChem students in their fourth year take the majority of credits as a Research Project - you should discuss this with your departmental coordinator in York in the first instance.  You may be able to take some taught courses at the host university to complete your credit load. Please be aware that host organisations may class students taking a research project as being on a traineeship, rather than a study placement. Please contact the host organisation with any queries and note that if you are completing a traineeship, you may not be considered a registered exchange student. 

Teaching Periods: 

The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester, or autumn semester, runs from the beginning of September until Christmas. The second semester, or spring semester, runs from January until May.

There are two weeks of exams in both semesters. For the first semester, these run from the final week of semester and start again on the first week of the second semester. In the second semester, exams take place during two weeks of May. There are also in-class assessments, like coursework, throughout both semesters.

There is a two week break at Christmas and Easter, and a one-week break in the middle of both semesters, similar to a half-term holiday.

Language: 

Almost all modules are taught in French, and all students need at least high B1 French.   Grenoble Alpes also offers French courses for international students - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.

Accommodation: 

Grenoble Alpes provides student accommodation through the company CROUS.  Students who wish to apply for university accommodation should indicate this on their application form.  The university will then contact those who apply with more information. The average cost for these rooms is around 170-400 EUR per month depending on desired size and whether it is a studio apartment.

*It is not guaranteed that every student will be given student accommodation, it is in very high demand* 

The university recommends that students start looking for accommodation at least two months prior to arriving to Grenoble.

There are options to live in the city.  The rent is generally higher than CROUS, between 360-750 EUR per month. LoKAVIZ, run by CROUS, advertises co-rentals with other students in the area.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

In the starting weeks of both semesters,  the university puts on a Welcome Week for incoming international students. Here, students can learn more about French university life, including grade conversions, campus navigation, lecture styles, courses available and eating on campus. They will also offer guidance on opening bank accounts and health if needed. 

During these weeks, students will be able to sign up to sport activities at the Forum of Sports, as well as meet other international students.

Support Services: 

The International Students and Scholars office on campus is open to help with any questions or guidance that might be needed. 

There is also a buddy system in place in which international students can be paired with French students in order to help settle in and get to know the local environment and students. 

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 .

The University of Grenoble Alpes Visas and Residence Permits page also provides guidance.

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).

Information about types of health insurance is also available from Grenoble Alpes.

Ellen, Year Abroad in France (2019/20)

"I overcame a lot of personal difficulties and believe that I have become even more independent, for example dealing with maintenance problems in my accommodation and applying for a transport pass. It's changed me for the better because I now understand how people from another country think because I now better understand their culture."

Poppi, Semester Abroad in France (2019/20)

"I have had a great experience at the University of Lille. It has been amazing to meet so many people from all over the world and also have the opportunity to explore so many different places. As a result of this semester abroad I think I have become a more confident and independent student and and don't stress of small things as much."

Jacob, Semester Abroad in France (2019/20)

"The past 5ish months have been great. I personally cannot see how one can progress as much in both their language and subtle cultural understanding without embarking on such an experience."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website! 

• University of Grenoble Alpes international student hub

• Global Graduates

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

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