1. Why Study in Bordeaux France?

1.1 Elegant, Ocean-Connected Student City

Bordeaux is a historic port city on the Garonne river, close to the Atlantic Ocean. The city centre is UNESCO-listed with 18th-century architecture, wide boulevards and a spectacular riverfront. At the same time, it is a young and dynamic city thanks to its large student population.

When you study in Bordeaux France, you benefit from a city that is big enough to have everything – universities, hospitals, airport, major train station, shopping and nightlife – while still being more manageable and relaxed than Paris.

1.2 A Major University and Research Hub

The University of Bordeaux is one of the largest universities in France. It has tens of thousands of students and strong research activity in science and technology, health, law, economics and social sciences.

The presence of Bordeaux Montaigne University and specialised schools adds even more diversity to the academic landscape. This makes Bordeaux a serious option if you want public university quality and a strong research environment.

1.3 International Business and Management

If you want to study business in France, Bordeaux is home to KEDGE Business School, a major French and international business school. KEDGE offers programmes from Bachelor and International BBA to Master in Management and specialised MSc programmes, many of them fully or partly in English.

This mix of public universities and top business schools makes Bordeaux ideal for both academic and career ambitions.

1.4 Welcome Structures for International Students

Bordeaux is highlighted by Campus France as a city where international students can get help with procedures, academic guidance, access to services, cultural events and buddy programmes. This means you are not alone: welcome desks, international offices and student associations are ready to support your integration.

2. Universities and Schools in Bordeaux

2.1 University of Bordeaux

The University of Bordeaux is the main public university in the city and a key reason many students decide to study in Bordeaux France. It offers:

• A large student body across several campuses.
• Programmes in science & technology, life & health sciences, law, economics, management, social and human sciences.
• International programmes and Masters taught fully in English in selected fields.
• International offices and Student Life Centres to welcome and guide foreign students.

2.2 Bordeaux Montaigne University

Bordeaux Montaigne University focuses on humanities, languages, arts, communication and social sciences. It welcomes thousands of international students and offers:

• Degrees in literature, languages, history, geography, communication, cultural studies and more.
• French-as-a-foreign-language courses and international exchange programmes.
• A strong community for students interested in culture, media and creative industries.

2.3 KEDGE Business School – Bordeaux Campus

KEDGE Business School Bordeaux is a major attraction for students who want to specialise in business, management, marketing, finance, supply chain, wine & spirits or sport management. KEDGE offers:

• KEDGE Bachelor and International BBA.
• Master in Management (Grande École).
• Specialised MSc programmes, many of them in English.
• A large, modern campus located in Talence, integrated into the wider university area.

2.4 Other Schools and Institutes

Bordeaux also hosts specialised schools in agronomy, wine, engineering, design and more. The region’s strengths in wine, agriculture and tourism create unique opportunities for particular fields of study.

StudyConnectFrance can help you map the full set of universities and schools in Bordeaux and select the ones that match your academic background and budget.

3. Types of Programs and Languages in Bordeaux

3.1 French-Taught Degrees

Many undergraduate (Licence) programmes in Bordeaux are taught in French, especially in law, humanities, social sciences and many science fields. For these degrees, you will usually need:

• B1–B2 level of French as a minimum; sometimes higher.
• A recognised French test (DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF) as proof of level.

StudyConnectFrance helps you choose programmes where your current French level and preparation timeline are realistic for success.

3.2 English-Taught and International Programmes

If you prefer to study in Bordeaux France in English, you have strong options:

• International Masters and EU-labelled programmes at the University of Bordeaux.
• English-taught Bachelor, International BBA, Master in Management and MSc programmes at KEDGE Business School.
• Joint and double-degree programmes in partnership with other European and international universities.

These programmes let you begin your studies in English while you build your French level for everyday life and long-term career plans.

3.3 Learning French Alongside Your Studies

Even in an English-taught programme, French is essential for visas, prefecture appointments, CAF, health insurance, landlords, part-time jobs and internships. Universities in Bordeaux provide French lessons and language support for international students so you can improve step by step.

4. Admissions, Campus France and Visas for Bordeaux

To study in Bordeaux France as a non-EU student, you typically go through these major steps:

• Shortlist programmes at the University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Montaigne, KEDGE and other schools.
• Check requirements: grades, prerequisite subjects, English or French level, tests, application deadlines.
• Apply through the right platform: university portals, school websites, Parcoursup / Mon Master or Études en France where relevant.
• Prepare your Campus France dossier if your country is under the Études en France procedure.
• After admission, complete Campus France steps and then apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) via France-Visas and VFS/TLS.

StudyConnectFrance supports you with strategy, document preparation, and aligning your study project and financial plan with Campus France expectations so that your study in Bordeaux France story is clear and coherent.

5. Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Bordeaux

5.1 Tuition Fees

Tuition depends on where you study:

• Public universities (University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Montaigne) – relatively low public tuition fees for Bachelor and Master degrees, compared with countries like the UK, US or Canada.
• KEDGE and other selective schools – higher tuition for Bachelor, International BBA, Master in Management and MSc programmes, but still competitive for the ranking and career opportunities offered.

StudyConnectFrance helps you calculate total tuition over the whole duration, compare options and plan a budget that satisfies Campus France and visa requirements.

5.2 Cost of Living for Students

A realistic monthly budget when you study in Bordeaux France is often between €700 and €1,100, depending on your housing and lifestyle.

• Rent: around €500/month on average for a studio; less for shared flats or CROUS, more for private residences or city-centre studios.
• Food & groceries: around €200–€250 per month.
• Transport: student passes for the TBM network usually around €20–€35 per month.
• Phone & internet: around €15–€30 per month.
• Health insurance & mutuelle: variable; some students only need the free French social security plus a paid top-up.

Bordeaux is not the cheapest city in France, but it remains more affordable than Paris for many students, especially once you receive CAF housing aid.

6. Housing and CAF When You Study in Bordeaux France

Housing is a key part of your study in Bordeaux France plan, and there are several options:

• CROUS and university residences – the most affordable, but limited places and early deadlines.
• Private student residences – modern studios and apartments with services; higher rent but more comfort.
• Colocation (shared flats) – sharing an apartment with other students to reduce costs and build a social circle.
• Independent studios – more privacy and independence, but more responsibility and often higher costs.

Landlords often ask for a guarantor, and you will need a complete rental file (ID, visa, income proof or sponsor, student certificate, etc.). StudyConnectFrance explains these requirements and helps you avoid scams.

6.1 CAF Housing Aid in Bordeaux

Once you have a rental contract and a French bank account, you can usually apply for CAF housing allowance. The exact amount depends on rent, city, income and situation, but it can significantly reduce your net rent.

SCF helps you understand the documents you need and typical timelines so you don’t miss benefits due to confusion or delays.

7. Student Life, Culture and Transport in Bordeaux

7.1 Culture and Everyday Life

Bordeaux offers a strong student lifestyle:

• A historic city centre with cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.
• Museums, theatres, cinemas and concert venues.
• ESN and student associations organising parties, trips, language exchanges and cultural events.
• Easy access to vineyards, countryside and beaches for weekends.

7.2 Transport and Mobility

You do not need a car when you study in Bordeaux France. The TBM network provides:

• Trams and buses connecting main campuses, city centre and suburbs.
• Student passes at reduced prices.
• Bike-friendly routes and rental options.

Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station and Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport connect you to the rest of France and many European destinations.

7.3 Health, Insurance and Wellbeing

Universities and KEDGE provide clear information on how to register with French student social security, choose a mutuelle and access psychological and health services if needed. StudyConnectFrance can help you plan your health coverage and prepare necessary medical documents before you travel.

8. Working While You Study and Building a Career in Bordeaux

8.1 Part-Time Jobs

With a French long-stay student visa, most non-EU students can work up to 964 hours per year. In Bordeaux, typical student jobs include:

• Cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.
• Events, logistics, promotions and customer service.
• Campus jobs such as library support, student events and tutoring.

French is often required for customer-facing roles, but English and other languages can be an asset in tourism, wine and international business.

8.2 Internships and Long-Term Careers

Bordeaux has a diversified economy: wine and agrifood, tourism, business services, healthcare and technology. The University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Montaigne and KEDGE all have career centres that support students with internships and job searches.

StudyConnectFrance helps you:

• Choose programmes that include compulsory internships.
• Adapt your CV and motivation letter to French expectations.
• Plan your APS/post-study work permit and long-term residency strategy in France.

9. Pros and Cons of Studying in Bordeaux France

10. How StudyConnectFrance Helps You Study in Bordeaux France

When you partner with StudyConnectFrance (SCF) for your Bordeaux project, we support you in three key phases:

• Strategy & shortlisting – analysing your profile and choosing realistic programmes in public universities and KEDGE or other schools.
• Applications & visa – helping you prepare CVs, SOPs, references, Campus France dossiers and strong visa files.
• Arrival & integration – guiding you on housing, CAF, health insurance, bank account, SIM, transport and long-term planning.

11. Frequently Asked Questions – Study in Bordeaux France

Q1. Is Bordeaux a good city for international students?

Yes. Bordeaux is a major student city with strong universities, a top business school, international programmes and a very pleasant lifestyle. It is often recommended as an attractive alternative to Paris.

Q2. Is Bordeaux cheaper than Paris?

Generally yes. Housing and daily expenses are often lower than in Paris, although Bordeaux is not the cheapest city in France. With CAF housing aid and student discounts, many students manage a realistic budget.

Q3. Can I study in English in Bordeaux?

Yes. You can study in Bordeaux France in English through international programmes at the University of Bordeaux and in many Bachelor, International BBA, Master and MSc programmes at KEDGE Business School.

Q4. Which universities are in Bordeaux?

The main institutions are the University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Montaigne University, KEDGE Business School and various specialised schools in agronomy, wine, design and more.

Q5. Can I get help with housing and CAF?

Yes. University services and CAF provide information and tools, but procedures can feel complex. StudyConnectFrance can help you understand each step clearly so you don’t miss benefits you are entitled to.