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An up-and-coming study destination, Montpellier is one of the largest cities on France’s southern coast, and has a significant student population – of the 590,000 residents, around a third are students, giving it a youthful student vibe.
The city has also gained a reputation as an education centre, and is home to the Université de Montpellier, one of the oldest institutions in the world (established in 1289), which houses the oldest medical school still in operation.
Most courses are taught in French, but there are a small number of English-taught courses (you can search for these here).
Montpellier’s location is ideal for students hoping to travel, within easy reach of neighbouring cities Marseilles, Nice and Cannes.
Low tuition fees
Ranking impressively in the affordability indicator this year, Montpellier has incredibly low tuition fees, with tuition costing an average of US$400 annually for international students.
The beaches
If you fancy studying next to a white sand beach, there’s no better place to go than Montpellier, which has a stunning coastline of beaches and marinas of the Mediterranean.
The magnificent architecture
Don’t miss Montpellier’s own Arc de Triomphe, the Promenade du Peyrou and the Saint-Clément Aqueduct.
Cost of studying in Montpellier
Montpellier is a great option if you want to study in France without the eye-watering living costs of Paris. It is one of the most affordable student cities in the world.
This high score for affordability is partly due to the extremely low annual tuition fees for international students. When studying in Montpellier, international students can expect to pay an average of US$400 annually.
Living costs are slightly higher, with Numbeo estimating that a single person would need around US$960 per month for living expenses and an additional US$780 per month for accommodation. However, rent costs are 51 percent lower than Paris.
Unlike many other large French cities, Montpellier doesn’t have any Roman heritage, having been founded in the 10th century by counts from Toulouse. Although it has a comparatively shorter history, it’s nonetheless full of charming, narrow medieval streets and attractive 18th and 19th century architecture, found at spots such as the Place de la Comédie square.
The nearby gorgeous white-sand beaches mean you’ll need to be prepared for an influx of sun-worshipping tourists in the summer months. However, as a student you’ll also get the chance to enjoy the beaches and surrounding area during the quieter times of year.
One of the fastest-growing French cities, Montpellier has an excellent café culture and laid-back, multi-cultural Mediterranean atmosphere.
Cultural events include the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier, an annual summer music festival devoted to classical and jazz music.
Careers in Montpellier
Montpellier’s job market is extremely diverse, with its tourism industry creating plenty of exciting jobs for graduates, due to the city’s location in the south of France.
Employees working in Montpellier enjoy the same benefits as other French residents. For example, healthcare will be either provided or subsidised by the government.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Study in Montpellier
Sabrina Collier
Updated Jul 25, 2025Save
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An up-and-coming study destination, Montpellier is one of the largest cities on France’s southern coast, and has a significant student population – of the 590,000 residents, around a third are students, giving it a youthful student vibe.
The city has also gained a reputation as an education centre, and is home to the Université de Montpellier, one of the oldest institutions in the world (established in 1289), which houses the oldest medical school still in operation.
Most courses are taught in French, but there are a small number of English-taught courses (you can search for these here).
Top universities in Montpellier
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
Montpellier's QS Best Student Cities performance
Why study in Montpellier?
Close to other French cities
Montpellier’s location is ideal for students hoping to travel, within easy reach of neighbouring cities Marseilles, Nice and Cannes.
Low tuition fees
Ranking impressively in the affordability indicator this year, Montpellier has incredibly low tuition fees, with tuition costing an average of US$400 annually for international students.
The beaches
If you fancy studying next to a white sand beach, there’s no better place to go than Montpellier, which has a stunning coastline of beaches and marinas of the Mediterranean.
The magnificent architecture
Don’t miss Montpellier’s own Arc de Triomphe, the Promenade du Peyrou and the Saint-Clément Aqueduct.
Cost of studying in Montpellier
Montpellier is a great option if you want to study in France without the eye-watering living costs of Paris. It is one of the most affordable student cities in the world.
This high score for affordability is partly due to the extremely low annual tuition fees for international students. When studying in Montpellier, international students can expect to pay an average of US$400 annually.
Living costs are slightly higher, with Numbeo estimating that a single person would need around US$960 per month for living expenses and an additional US$780 per month for accommodation. However, rent costs are 51 percent lower than Paris.
Testimonials
Life and culture in Montpellier
Unlike many other large French cities, Montpellier doesn’t have any Roman heritage, having been founded in the 10th century by counts from Toulouse. Although it has a comparatively shorter history, it’s nonetheless full of charming, narrow medieval streets and attractive 18th and 19th century architecture, found at spots such as the Place de la Comédie square.
The nearby gorgeous white-sand beaches mean you’ll need to be prepared for an influx of sun-worshipping tourists in the summer months. However, as a student you’ll also get the chance to enjoy the beaches and surrounding area during the quieter times of year.
One of the fastest-growing French cities, Montpellier has an excellent café culture and laid-back, multi-cultural Mediterranean atmosphere.
Cultural events include the Festival de Radio France et Montpellier, an annual summer music festival devoted to classical and jazz music.
Careers in Montpellier
Montpellier’s job market is extremely diverse, with its tourism industry creating plenty of exciting jobs for graduates, due to the city’s location in the south of France.
Employees working in Montpellier enjoy the same benefits as other French residents. For example, healthcare will be either provided or subsidised by the government.
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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