Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B1 French
Agreement Scope Mathematics departmental exchange
Exchange Places 1 full year place for 2026/2027
University of Bordeaux Exchange Student site
About: The University of Bordeaux was founded in 1441, making it one of the oldest universities in France. It was originally composed of four faculties: arts, medicine, law, and theology. Today it is renowned as one of the top French universities for the quality of its education and research. I t is a multidisciplinary and international institution, with a student population of around 56,000
Highlights: The University of Bordeaux has one of the largest campuses in Europe. It is composed of several sites that are located near to the city and that offer a wide range of services and amenities. Known for its art and history, the city is also part of the UNESCO world heritage list, described as an "outstanding urban and architectural ensamble"
Location:
Bordeaux, Nouvelle Aquitaine, France
Courses / Modules:
Please refer to the University of Bordeaux Study Offer page as a guide for available modules.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. The University of Bordeaux 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 teaching period is split into two semesters. In general, the first semester starts in early September and ends in early January. The second semester runs from February to June
The final week of each semester is dedicated to exams and there are coursework style assessments throughout each semester.
Language: B1 French required. There may be opportunities to take French language courses. Please discuss with your Departmental International Officer in York to check whether you are able to take these courses for credit.
Accommodation:
The University of Bordeaux provide details on their accommodation page on options including applying for a room in a university residence through CROUS, or looking for private sector accommodation via their dedicated accommodation platform with its partner Studapart.
Orientation / Welcome week:
A Welcome Week including intensive French courses and social activities will be organized at the beginning of the academic year in Bordeaux. There may be a fee of approximately approximately 30€ to participate.
Support Services:
The University of Bordeaux has Welcome Contacts in the International Office and Student Life centres, who can help with queries around registration, settling in to student life, accommodation etc. An international Student Welcome Guide can be downloaded from the Welcome Contacts page. The University of Bordeaux also has a buddy scheme in place.
The University of Bordeaux also provides details of support available for Disabled students on its Customised support page.
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
Travel insurance:
If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, 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).
Liberty, Paris, 2017/18
"I can wholeheartedly say that my year abroad experience has been fantastic, something that I'm aware not everyone can say after this experience. Of course, I've had my fair share of difficult situations but I feel very lucky to have genuinely enjoyed this year so much that it's completely changed how I'd like to live my future. For my first semester, although I didn't have quite so many friends and I got a job outside of my Erasmus placement which was far too demanding, I fell in love with the city and lifestyle I was able to live and just waking up in Paris each morning made me incredibly happy. Most of all, I was over the moon with how my French developed and I felt like I'd made the progress I'd hoped I would."
Chad, Language & Linguistic Science student, 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.”
Poppi, Study Abroad at University of Lille
"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 don't stress over small things as much."
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.
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