Level Undergraduate
Language/s B2 French required
Agreement Scope University-wide (excluding Music)
Exchange Places 5 full year places for 2027/28 academic year
Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Exchange students webpage
About:
UVSQ is a multidisciplinary public university which has 5 campuses, located to the west of Paris and a member of Université Paris-Saclay. It offers more than 200 programmes across different subject areas and welcomes international students for semesters, academic years and full degree programmes.
Highlights:
Paris-region location: Versailles gives you access to Paris while offering a smaller-city environment.
Multidisciplinary university: UVSQ offers programmes across a wide range of subjects.
International environment: UVSQ has dedicated services for incoming international and exchange students.
French-language courses: Free French-as-a-Foreign-Language courses are available during the year and can provide ECTS credits.
Arrival support: UVSQ provides an arrival/welcome programme and has offered airport reception for exchange students.
Student activities: International students can take part in welcome events, cultural activities, associations and other student-life programmes.
Location:
The university has several campuses rather than being concentrated in one location. For a student specifically studying in Versailles, the relevant campus is in Versailles, while other UVSQ sites are located around Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, including Guyancourt. Versailles is particularly convenient for students who want to experience both a historic French city and the wider Paris region. Transport times can vary significantly depending on where you live; UVSQ itself advises international students to factor commuting time into their accommodation decision.
Courses / Modules:
Courses taught in English: American and English Literature and Civilisation, and some International and Political Studies courses.
Courses taught in French: Law, Political Science, Economics, Management, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mechanics, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, Sociology, History, Geography, and French Language and Literature.
Please note:
Odd semesters (1, 3, 5) are scheduled in Autumn and even semesters (2, 4, 6) in Spring.
Students are required to choose a Major field of study but are free to take courses in other fields.
Music theory licence (Licence de musicologie) are not open to students in exchange program.
Average academic entry requirement: 55%. Check the partner’s entry requirements for incoming exchange students as this may vary by academic subject.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. UVSQ 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 teachingf period is split into 2 terms.
1st term: early September to mid January.
2nd term: mid January to beginning of May.
Language:
The main language of teaching is French, and UVSQ recommends approximately B2 French for exchange students. There are also courses taught in English.
Accommodation:
UVSQ has arrangements with CROUS residences and reserves some rooms specifically for exchange students, although accommodation is not guaranteed. Accommodation is something you should arrange as early as possible, because student housing is highly competitive in the Paris region. UVSQ specifically recommends starting your search well before the start of term.
Orientation / Welcome week:
UVSQ provides specific activities for international and exchange students at the beginning of the semester.
A dedicated exchange-student welcome meeting takes place at the beginning of each semester, with an invitation normally sent around one to two months before arrival.
UVSQ has also organised a broader Welcome Week for international students, including campus tours, introductions to university services, social activities and opportunities to meet students from different countries.
Support Services:
International exchange students have a dedicated point of contact through the Bureau des étudiants étrangers / Student Mobility Office. The office can help with matters such as:
Exchange administration
Arrival information
Questions about studying at UVSQ
Accommodation
Registration
Practical issues affecting international students
UVSQ also has a wider international one-stop support system covering areas such as housing, health, cultural activities and French-language courses.
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:
EUROPEAN STUDENTS ONLY: 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).
UVSQ states that all students must present a civil liability insurance. This insurance costs approximately 30 € and must be bought in France.
UVSQ states that they can register with the French social-security system on arrival, free of charge. The university nevertheless recommends private insurance while the French registration is being processed.
You could be the first University of York student to study at and share your experiences of UMBC! Please read the student experiences on some of our other sites as a guide.
Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied 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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