Support for International Students
For international students who have completed their registration.
Below you will find the information you need to settle in Montpellier:
your primary contact
The International Student and Researcher Services Office (SAIEC) assists students and researchers with a wide range of administrative procedures, such as:
- Verification and/or filing residence permit applications online
- Entering your CAF and CPAM electronic files
- Housing search (PHARE), including in emergency situations
To plan your trip in advance, visit https://www.saiec.fr/
housing
CROUS
Annual Housing Application Process: International Exchange Students (excluding exchange programs)
1: Create an account at: https://www.messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr
2: Submit your application at: Home —Find Housing in a University Residence Hall (lescrous.fr)
See the "Student Academic History" form: student-academic-history-form-1
3: Admission is for one academic year and is subject to availability. Once you have received the decision e-mail, you have 48 hours to pay your reservation online. You will be asked for proof of payment when you sign your contract.
Other Useful Websites
SAIEC Interactive Map to help you find places of interest more easily.
Bank Account
We strongly advise you to open a bank account as soon as you arrive in France. This will allow you to pay your bills, receive your internship bonus, housing subsidies and healthcare reimbursements, and to obtain a bank card and/or checkbook. Ask your usual bank if it is associated with a French network, as this may facilitate your operations.
To open a bank account in France, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A photocopy of your enrollment certificate or student ID
- A photocopy of your passport or ID card
- A copy of your visa for non-European students
- Proof of residence in France (CROUS residence certificate for students living in university housing, utility bill, rent receipt, etc.)
If you are not yet in a position to provide these documents, you can open a Nickel bank account with one of the 4,600 approved tobacconists in France (the account gives you a Mastercard for withdraw money (€1/withdrawal), make free transactions, and make and receive online payments).
Documents required for the Nickel account:
- ID card
- A cell phone number
- 20€ as a one-time payment.
The 14 Best Banks for International Students in France!
Bank for beginners: How do I open a French bank account?
Health / Disability
It is mandatory to register on the ameli website to be affiliated with the French social security system (free registration): https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/#/
- The starting date of your health insurance rights the 1st day on which you meet the following 3 conditions:
- You have arrived in France
- You have validated your residence permit
- You have received your proof of enrollment
- Documents to provide: national identity card or passport; residence permit; school certificate for the current year; parental authorization certificate (if student under 16); IBAN (bank account number) for your reimbursements; civil status document needed to create your identification number (full copy of birth certificate or birth certificate with filiation (or any document issued by a consulate) or family record book or marriage certificate).
Studying in France : your rights and procedures | ameli.fr | Insured
The preventive health service is open to all students at the University of Montpellier. Visits and consultations are free, confidential, and subject to medical confidentiality. You will meet receptionists and appointment coordinators, nurses, doctors, clinical psychologists, a dietitian-nutritionist, as well as social workers from the CROUS.
The preventive health care provider does not replace your primary care physician; they do not issue prescriptions or provide treatment, except for dispensing emergency contraception to female students. They can offer advice and refer you to the services best suited to your situation. This service also supports students with disabilities in collaboration with the Handiversité office.
The center offers consultations for general medicine, gynecology, psychological support, etc. It offers full third-party payment on presentation of the health insurance card "carte vitale" and certificate of complementary French health insurance.
The Occupational Health Service and the Handiversité Office work closely together to support you in successfully completing your studies at UM.
Do you need accommodations for your coursework and/or exams and entrance exams?
On the registration form, fill out the section titled “Declare a disability”
First-time registration at UM: Fill out the online form atHandicapHandicap – University of Montpellier (umontpellier.fr)
Re-registration at the UM: go to your ENT, "Handy" tab, to make your request.
Take an appointment for an interview with the preventive medicine service and the handiversity service.
Financial Aid and Mobility
TaM – Montpellier Mediterranean Metropolis Public Transportation: Home Page (tam-voyages.com)
Free access to the TaM network, free access to P+Tram parking lots, and free access to bike racks for parking your bike near tram lines.
Subscription prices in euros
Parts required for the "31-day" option:
-ID Photocopy , ID Picture
-a photocopy of the payer's ID, if the payer is not the pass holder
Required for "annual" options :
-photocopy of ID,
-Bank details, a completed and signed SEPA direct debit mandate from the bank account holder if you choose to pay by direct debit,
-payment of your subscription or the first monthly payment if you have chosen to pay by direct debit, as well as the amount of the €5 card if you have created one, and a photocopy of the payer's ID if the payer is not the subscription holder.
The Pass Métropole card—which is free, personalized, and available to all residents of the metropolitan area—offers its holders a variety of special deals and discounted rates on sports, cultural, and recreational activities.
Documents required: ID card, proof of address issued within the last three months, and a passport-sized photo
To get the card: visit the one-stop service centers in your municipality or attend public events such as the Antigone des Associations or the welcome event for new residents of Montpellier.