University of Strasbourg

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s B1 French mandatory (but B2 recommended)

Agreement Scope Biology department exchange

Chemistry department exchange

Physics department exchange

Exchange Places

1 full year place for Biology students for 2025/26

1 full year place for Chemistry students for 2025/26

3 full year places for Physics students for 2025/26

University of Strasbourg exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

Located just on the German border, the University of Strasbourg can trace its history back to 1538 when it was then the German Universität Straßburg. It is now recognised as one of the best research universities in Europe with around 52,000 students and 3,300 researchers.

Highlights:

The university has an unrivalled reputation as being one of the best research facilities in Europe and with its 19 Noble laureates as alumni, it is easy to see why. Not only is the university well-placed academically, but the city of Strasbourg boasts a rich history, dating back to 12 BC. The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage with its many musical institutions and concert halls as well as its famous Gothic architecture.

Location:

Strasbourg, Alsace, North-East France

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

For information on the modules on offer at Strasbourg, consult their course catalogue.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. The University of Strasbourg 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 year is split into two semesters. The first semester takes place from September-December and the second semester from January-June. Exams fall in the final weeks of December for the first semester and the between May-June for the second semester.

There are two two-week breaks over Christmas and Easter, as well as two one-week breaks in October and February (similar to a half-term holiday).

The university recommends that students arrive at the end of August for the first semester, and early/mid January at the latest for the second semester.

Language:

French B1 mandatory, B2 strongly recommended. 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.

Student life

Accommodation:

Exchange students are eligible to apply for university accommodation, organised by the company CROUS. Students can apply for this accommodation through their application form to the university, though please note that the number of places is limited. Further information on various accommodation types including the CROUS residences, studio apartments in the International University House, apartment-sharing and private accommodation can be found on the University of Strasbourg Accommodation page.

Orientation / Welcome week:

The university offers an orientation programme at the end of August for all incoming international students, which includes French language classes, conversation workshops, guided tours and cultural activities. Accommodation during the programme is in a University hall of residence. There is a cost for this programme, and places are limited. You can apply for this as part of your main application to Strasbourg.

Support Services:

The University of Strasbourg produce a Welcome Guide for international students and also offer a a Buddy System for incoming international students. Through this, students will have the chance of meeting some of the local students, get to know the campus and university life at Strasbourg as well as visit the city. The International Students Association put on events for international students and who will be there to help with any questions or concerns and point students in the right direction. The Disability Support page gives details of support available to students with disabilities.

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).

Student experiences

Killian, 2018/19

"I have met some fantastic people, learnt a lot about myself and where I see myself in the next few years. These are things I wouldn't have had or experienced if I had stayed in York and I'm grateful to have been provided that opportunity. Strasbourg is full of places to eat. I suggest to explore and find your own but I have a few recommendations. Au Brasseur, although it isn't the best it does cheap food and drinks during happy hour and it is always full. Au p'tit brass is similar but better in my opinion, just in a less traditional setting."

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

Top Tips for Studying in France

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - 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.

Useful links

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

Contact Global Opportunities

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