Exchange programmes

First, you must submit your application to your home university.

Then, your home university can proceed with your nomination with one of the Mobility Offices of the University of Bordeaux International Office, by email.

• Before 15^th April for mobility programmes starting in September
• Before 15^th October for mobility programmes starting in January

Coming to the University of Bordeaux to study abroad requires having a coherent course of study so that the courses taken are acknowledged upon your return. Check the programmes available to exchange students in order to draw up your academic contract:

• Courses available in English and French

There are restrictions in the following fields:

• Law and political science (in French)
• IAE - Bordeaux University School of Management (in French)
• Economics and management
• Medical studies (in French)
• Science and technology
• Institute of education (INSPE - in French)

Once your home university has sent your nomination, you can proced with the application.

• Complete the online application by uploading the following documents:
  • ID photo 
  • copy of your ID (passport or ID card for European nationals)
  • language certificate
    • science and technology: certificate of minimum level B1 (reading, writing, speaking) in French, if you want to take courses in French, and/or a certificate of minimum level B1 in English, if you want to take courses in English
    • health and human sciences, education: certificate of minimum level B2 (reading, writing, speaking) in French, if you want to take courses in French, and/or a certificate of minimum level B2 in English, if you want to take courses in English
    • law, political science: certificate of minimum level B1 (reading, writing, speaking) in French, if you want to take courses in French, and/or a certificate of minimum level B2 in English, if you want to take courses in English
    • economics, management: level B2 in English if you choose courses in English and/or level B2 in French if your learning agreement has at least one course in French (official certificate or university letter / language teacher of less than 2 years accepted)
  • your transcripts in French or English (unofficial translation accepted)
  • learning agreement for medical studies (in French) approved by your coordinator at your home university
  • learning agreement for the other fields approved by your coordinator at your home university

Please note: special requirements apply for science and technology applicants - find out more.

After receiving your application, the mobility service will send you your letter of acceptation.

Visas and resident permits

Nationals of the following countries are exempt from visa and resident permit requirements: European Union, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Norway. 
All you need is a valid ID card or passport.

All other foreign students must apply for a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) with student status (valid for 4 months to 1 year).
After 1 year, you can apply for a temporary student residence permit (valid for 1 year) or a multi-year student residence permit (valid for 2 to 4 years). In some cases, the residence permit may be issued automatically.

> To find all the procedures, visit the French Ministry of the Interior website

Registration

A few months before your arrival, you will receive the procedures for registering at the University of Bordeaux. We recommend you complete the procedures as soon as possible, in order to get your student ID card as quickly as possible.

Accommodation

Many solutions exist for finding accommodation in Bordeaux. In order to start your exchange in the best way, it is very important to start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. We highly recommend consulting our webpage dedicated to finding accommodation and our international student guide for further details. 
Regarding CROUS student housing (in French), your International Mobility Office will send you all the required information. While applying for CROUS student housing, you will need to open an account on messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr following these guidelines in order to obtain an INE number. Later on, if you receive a positive response from the CROUS, you will be able to complete the booking process and create your rental file.