1. Why Study in Aix Marseille as an International Student?

1.1 A Major University Hub in the South of France

The Aix–Marseille metropolitan area combines the historic university town of Aix-en-Provence and the large Mediterranean city of Marseille. Together they form one of the biggest higher education hubs in the French-speaking world.

You’ll find:

• Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) – a huge multidisciplinary public university with tens of thousands of students, including many internationals.
• IAE Aix Graduate School of Management – a public business school with international accreditations.
• KEDGE Business School Marseille, Centrale Méditerranée, Sciences Po Aix and other specialised schools.

For you, this means a very wide choice of Bachelor, Master, MBA and specialised programs in fields such as business, engineering, data, law, medicine, arts, humanities, political science and more.

1.2 Two Complementary City Vibes

One of the biggest advantages of Aix–Marseille is that you can choose your daily atmosphere:

• Aix-en-Provence: elegant, walkable, student-focused, with markets, fountains and a “classic Provence” feeling.
• Marseille: large, multicultural, creative port city with sea views, beaches, street art and a strong Mediterranean identity.

Many students live in one city and study in the other, using regional trains and buses along the Aix–Marseille corridor.

1.3 Climate That Helps Your Mood

The region enjoys mild winters and hot, sunny summers. If you come from a very hot or very cold country, Aix–Marseille offers a pleasant balance and a lot of outdoor life: terraces, beaches, hiking and weekend trips in Provence.

2. Universities and Schools in Aix–Marseille

2.1 Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)

Aix-Marseille Université is a large, internationally recognised public university with multiple campuses in both Aix and Marseille. It offers:

• Programs in law, political science, economics, management, sciences, engineering, medicine, arts, languages and more.
• Dedicated international student services for orientation, residence permits, housing and daily life.
• Opportunities to learn French as a foreign language and join language support courses.

2.2 IAE Aix-Marseille – Graduate School of Management

IAE Aix is the Graduate School of Management within AMU. It offers:

• Masters and MBA programs in management, marketing, finance, digital and innovation.
• A mix of French and English-taught tracks, particularly at Master level.
• A campus in Aix-en-Provence with a professional, international environment.

2.3 KEDGE Business School – Marseille Campus

KEDGE Marseille has a major campus near the Calanques (Luminy) and sites closer to the city centre. It offers:

• International Bachelors and Masters in business, management, supply chain, sports and events.
• A strong international community, company projects and internship links.

2.4 Other Specialised Institutions

You can also find:

• Sciences Po Aix (political science and international relations).
• Centrale Méditerranée (engineering).
• Architecture, art, design and specialised schools in various fields.

StudyConnectFrance helps you match the right institution and program to your profile, language level, budget and long-term goals.

3. Aix-en-Provence vs Marseille: Which City Is Better for You?

Many students live in one city and study in the other, using buses and regional trains every day. Your final choice will depend on your campus location, budget and personality.

4. Cost of Living and Student Budget in Aix–Marseille

4.1 Housing

Housing options include:

• CROUS student residences – often the most affordable, but places are limited.
• Private student residences – higher price, more services (gym, laundry, etc.).
• Shared flats (colocation) – popular solution to reduce costs and meet people.
• Studios / private rentals – more independence, higher price.

In general, Marseille offers cheaper rent than Aix for similar sizes. Aix is smaller and more “premium”, so prices can be higher, especially near the centre.

4.2 Monthly Cost of Living

A realistic student budget (excluding tuition) often falls around €850–€1,200 per month depending mainly on rent and lifestyle:

• Housing: ~€350–€800+ per month.
• Food & groceries: ~€200–€250.
• Transport passes: ~€25–€40 (student tariffs, city dependent).
• Phone & internet: ~€15–€30.
• Health & mutuelle: variable, often €20–€50+ per month.
• Leisure and personal expenses: depends on your lifestyle.

Many students are eligible for CAF housing aid, which can reduce your net rent. StudyConnectFrance helps you understand CAF and how to apply.

5. Student Life: What It’s Really Like to Live in Aix–Marseille

5.1 Campus Life and Services

Across the region, campuses typically offer:

• Libraries, lecture halls, labs and sports facilities.
• CROUS restaurants and cafeterias with student prices.
• Student associations organising trips, cultural events and parties.

International students benefit from welcome desks and support services that help with residence permits, housing, health insurance and daily life.

5.2 Culture, Nature and Free Time

In your free time, you can enjoy:

• Aix-en-Provence: markets, museums, terraces, Cézanne heritage and a very walkable old town.
• Marseille: Vieux-Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, street art districts, multicultural food and football at the Vélodrome.
• Calanques National Park: hiking, swimming, boat trips and stunning sea views.
• Provence countryside: lavender fields (seasonal), villages, mountains and vineyards.

5.3 Transport and Mobility

Public transport makes it possible to live without a car:

• Bus, tram and metro networks in Marseille, bus networks in Aix.
• Regional trains and coaches linking Aix and Marseille and nearby towns.
• Student discounts on many transport passes.

6. Programs, Language and Teaching Style

6.1 Programs in French and English

In the Aix–Marseille region, you can find:

• French-taught Bachelor and Master programs across almost all disciplines.
• English-taught programs at Master and sometimes Bachelor level in business, management, engineering, international relations and more.

StudyConnectFrance helps you decide whether to start with an English track while you build your French, or to enter a French-medium program from the beginning if your level is strong enough.

6.2 Teaching Style and Assessment

You will usually experience a mix of:

• Large lectures (cours magistraux) for theory.
• Smaller tutorials (TD) and practical work.
• Group projects, presentations and case studies.
• Internships, dissertations or project reports depending on the program.

Assessments often combine continuous evaluation and final exams. Adapting to French academic culture is a key step, and SCF helps students prepare for this before and after arrival.

7. Admissions, Campus France and Visas for Aix–Marseille

The admissions process for Aix–Marseille follows the national French framework. In most cases you will:

• Choose programs and institutions (AMU, IAE, KEDGE, Sciences Po Aix, etc.).
• Apply via university portals, Parcoursup / Mon Master or school-specific platforms.
• Use Campus France / Études en France in your country when required.
• Prepare a clear study project that explains why France, why this region and why this program.
• Prepare your visa file with France-Visas and VFS/TLS after admission.

StudyConnectFrance helps you craft a coherent story that connects Aix–Marseille’s strengths with your profile, budget and long-term goals (APS, jobs, return home, etc.).

8. Scholarships and Financial Support

Depending on your level and profile, you may be able to access:

• National excellence scholarships (for example, competitive programs at Master/PhD level).
• Institutional scholarships or partial fee reductions from AMU or specific schools.
• Erasmus+ mobility grants in certain exchange contexts.

For daily life, many students benefit from CAF housing aid, student-priced transport, CROUS meals and discounts for culture and leisure. SCF helps you build a realistic financial plan that does not depend only on part-time work.

9. Pros and Cons Summary – Is Aix–Marseille Right for You?

10. How StudyConnectFrance Helps You Build an Aix–Marseille Plan

When you work with StudyConnectFrance on your Aix–Marseille project, we help you to:

• Analyse your profile, language level and budget to see if the region fits.
• Shortlist programs at AMU, IAE, KEDGE, Sciences Po Aix and other schools.
• Prepare a strong CV and motivation letter that highlight why Aix–Marseille is relevant for your goals.
• Coordinate admissions with Campus France, visa, housing, CAF and health insurance.
• Plan your arrival so that you feel ready for student life in Aix or Marseille.

11. Frequently Asked Questions – Aix–Marseille for International Students

Q1. Is Aix–Marseille cheaper than Paris?

In most cases, yes. Rent and everyday costs are usually lower than in Paris, especially if you live in Marseille or in shared housing. Aix can be more expensive than Marseille but still often cheaper than central Paris for similar quality.

Q2. Can I study in English in Aix–Marseille?

Yes, there are English-taught programs in business, management, engineering and some other fields, especially at Master level. However, improving your French is still essential for internships, part-time work and long-term plans in France.

Q3. Is Marseille safe for students?

Marseille is a big city with very dynamic, friendly areas and others that feel more delicate. With basic safety rules, local advice and good housing choices, thousands of students live there successfully every year.

Q4. Can I work part-time while studying in Aix–Marseille?

Yes, non-EU students with a valid student residence permit can usually work up to 964 hours per year. You can find opportunities in restaurants, shops, events, logistics, tutoring and internships, but part-time work should be a support for your budget, not your only source.