University of Tours

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s B2 French

Agreement Scope History and Music department exchanges

Exchange Places

2 full year places for History students for 2026/27

1 full year place for Music students for 2026/27

University of Tours exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

Established in 1969, the University of Tours has a student population of 30,000. The university is at the forefront of research in the fields of social science and humanities, with a special focus on the Renaissance. There are a number of campuses, often dedicated to a specific faculty across the city of Tours.

Highlights:

Tours is a lively and exciting city where you will be able to experience the best of French art de vivre with its history, food, culture and sports. The city is well-located, situated within the Loire valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Sight) and just one hour away from Paris.

Location:

Tours, Central-Val de Loire region, France

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

Tours offer a variety of modules for Exchange students to choose from. The university website offers an example of the sort of modules available to students.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. University of Tours 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.

Teaching Periods:

The year is split into two semesters. The autumn semester starts in September and ends at Christmas, and the spring semester starts January and ends in May.

There is two weeks of holiday for Christmas and Easter, and a one week holiday in the middle of each semester.

For the autumn semester, the exam period is mid-December, and for spring semester exams take place in the second to the last week of May.

Language:

B2 French is required. 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.

Entry Requirements:

University of Tours have strict entry requirements for Music students and nomination does not guarantee acceptance. University of Tours will offer places based on their evaluation of the application and availability of teachers for the specific instrument/study area.

Student life

Accommodation:

The university offers student accommodation to exchange students. They have a range of residences available to students that can be found on the Housing page, which gives more information on the types of room available and their location in the city.

If you wish to apply for university accommodation, you can fill in the application form and send it with your signed registration forms. The cost for university accommodation ranges from 220 EUR - 405 EUR per month. For private accommodation, the University of Tours has a free online platform to help students locate rooms for private rental. All of the advertisements on this platform are verified by the university.

Orientation / Welcome week:

The university offers a welcome week for exchange students the first week of September. This is a great opportunity to meet the other international students and get your bearings around the city and the campus.

Support Services:

University of Tours offers a variety of student support services. There is a buddy system in place at Tours where a local student helps and accompanies you during the start of your mobility to help you settle in. There is an evening event in the welcome week to set you up with your buddy if you wish to be a part of the scheme.

The university has two French language-learning bodies on campus for international students to improve their French if they wish to while abroad. The Language Resource Centre (CRL), for example, allows any student to study at their own pace according to their level using multimedia resources. The University Centre for French as a Foreign Language offers modules on French language exclusively to exchange students, and is a part of the Department of International Relations.

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

Olivia, Year Abroad in France 2019/20

"I have become far more comfortable with my French conversational skills, and my general confidence has improved. I found university very difficult but I believe that I have profited greatly from the experience. I have been able to make friends and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. I think that if I had stayed in York, I would not have this greater understanding of the world and my place in it."

Holly, Year Abroad in France 2019/20

"I have really enjoyed this experience as I found it challenging but beneficial to my learning. I can tell that my confidence in spoken French has improved a lot, even if it is still not where I would like it to be. I have been able to immerse myself in French culture and feel like I have adjusted well to living in a big city. "

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

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

Page updated

Report abuse