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Programme Details
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B2 French
Agreement Scope Mathematics department exchange
Exchange Places 1 full year place for 2026/27
University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse exchange students website
Overview
Overview
About:
The University of Paul Sabatier, also known as Toulouse III, was named after the 1912 Nobel laureate in chemistry. In 1969, it was established on the foundations of the old Toulouse university, founded in 1229. The university offers a broad range of courses in space, earth and climate sciences, computer science and technology and astrophysics. Toulouse III welcomes around 32,000 students.
Highlights:
Located in the region of Occitanie, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France. It celebrates a rich history, dating its foundation back to the Romans, and boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sights. The city's unique architecture made of pinkish terracotta bricks has earned Toulouse the nickname La Ville Rose ("The Pink City") .
Location:
Toulouse, Occitanie, France
Academic information
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
To find out about the courses on offer at University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, take a look at the University's course guide.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. Toulouse III 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 academic year is divided into two semesters. The first starts in September until January, and the second starts early January until June. There are two two-week holidays over Christmas and Easter as well as two one-week holidays in the middle of each semester, similar to a half-term holiday.
Exams take place at the end of each semester, falling at the end of December and start of January for the first semester and between May and June for the second.
Language:
Teaching is in French, level B2 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.
Student life
Student life
Accommodation:
The university accommodation at Toulouse is organised by the company CROUS. Students who wish to apply for a room at the university halls of residences should indicate this on their application form. Please note that a place is not guaranteed. The rent ranges from around 200-300 EUR per month.
For private student accommodation, the University recommends Lokaviz, Studapart, and Le Bon Coin.
Orientation / Welcome week:
The University hosts a Welcome Week for incoming international students at the start of each semester. During this week, students will be able to get to know the campus, sort out any administrative needs, meet fellow international students and learn more about studying at the university.
There are also events put on during this week by the International Student networks, such as city tours, social events and visits to local areas of the region.
Support Services:
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organises a Buddy System in which incoming international students can be linked with a French student to help settle in and meet local students.
The Welcome Desk provides help and support for international students, such as advice on completing paperwork and Learning Agreement, tourism in Toulouse, and cultural and sport associations.
Students can also visit the Département des Relations Européennes International et de Cooperation (DREIC) on campus, who welcome, help and advise students during their placement.
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
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
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.
Top Tips Specific to Toulouse
Top Tips Specific to Toulouse
Transport:
Public transport: It is almost free to travel via public transport around Toulouse when you buy a 10 EUR Pastel Card. This makes it possible to get around by unlimited bus, metro and tram in the city.
Food:
Supermarkets: There is a Lidl in the city which offers the most affordable groceries. There is also an Aldi a little further out of the city.
Eating out: Compared to the price of the university canteen, eating out in the city is more expensive, but it is possible to do it cheaply such as making the most of the "Formules" most cafés offer (the equivalent of meal deals, especially popular for breakfast and lunch menus).
Useful links
Useful links
Contact Global Opportunities
Contact Global Opportunities
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