Study in Bordeaux, international student city guide

Bordeaux is a city that offers an exciting blend of history, culture, innovation, and world-famous gastronomy.

Located in south-west France, Bordeaux attracts students from across the globe with its high quality of life, elegant architecture, thriving university sector, and excellent transport links. You will find everything from UNESCO-listed streets and riverside cafés to modern research centres and vibrant student neighbourhoods, all within a welcoming international environment.

Bordeaux’s universities and higher education institutions are respected both in France and internationally, with many offering programmes in English as well as French. Whether your interests lie in business, engineering, medicine, wine sciences, or the humanities, Bordeaux provides excellent study opportunities and valuable industry connections.

The city is also a major centre for aerospace, digital technology, healthcare, tourism, and the wine industry, making it an ideal location for internships and graduate careers.

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Universities in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has one of France’s largest and most diverse higher education sectors. From major public universities to specialist business schools and engineering institutions, students can choose from a wide variety of academic pathways.

Whether you are interested in scientific research, professional training, business education, or creative disciplines, Bordeaux offers high-quality teaching alongside strong links with industry and international partners.

Public universities

These institutions provide a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across multiple disciplines and are recognised for their research excellence.

• University of Bordeaux
• Bordeaux Montaigne University
• Bordeaux Sciences Agro
• Bordeaux National School of Architecture and Landscape (ENSAP Bordeaux)

Business schools and private institutions

Bordeaux is home to several respected private institutions specialising in management, commerce, and professional education.

• KEDGE Business School
• INSEEC Grande École Bordeaux
• ECE Bordeaux
• Digital Campus Bordeaux
• Vatel Bordeaux

Specialist and engineering schools

Students seeking technical or specialised education can choose from a variety of engineering schools, applied sciences institutions, and professional academies, including:

• Bordeaux INP
• ENSEIRB-MATMECA
• ENSTBB
• ISVV (Institute of Vine and Wine Science)
• ESTIA
• CESI Bordeaux
• ECV Creative Schools & Community Bordeaux
• Ynov Campus Bordeaux

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Cost of living and tuition fees

Compared with Paris, Bordeaux offers a relatively affordable student lifestyle while maintaining an excellent quality of life. Here is a general estimate of annual costs for international students:

• Public universities: around €170 to €600 depending on programme and status
• Private institutions: approximately €8,000 to €20,000 depending on the course
• Accommodation: €5,000 to €9,000
• Food and groceries: €2,000 to €3,000
• Transport: €250 to €400 using student discounts
• Other expenses: €1,500 to €2,500

Although accommodation costs have increased in recent years, Bordeaux remains more affordable than many major European cities.

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Visa and immigration information

Students from EU and EEA countries do not require a visa to study in France. Most non-EU students will need to apply for a French long-stay student visa before arrival and may need to validate their residence status after entering the country.

You can find out more about visa requirements and application procedures in our France student visa guide.

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Student life in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has a lively student community with more than 100,000 students contributing to the city’s energetic atmosphere. Its combination of historic charm, modern amenities, and compact layout makes it easy to enjoy both academic and social life.

Universities regularly organise welcome events, language exchanges, cultural festivals, and student association activities. International students can join clubs covering everything from sport and music to entrepreneurship and volunteering, creating opportunities to build friendships with people from around the world.

The city is famous for its beautiful riverside setting, pedestrian-friendly centre, and café culture. Students can explore museums, attend concerts and exhibitions, enjoy markets and festivals, or relax in public gardens and along the Garonne River. Nearby beaches on the Atlantic coast and vineyards across the region also make popular weekend destinations.

Students benefit from discounted public transport, reduced admission to many cultural attractions, and numerous affordable dining options. Bordeaux combines the advantages of a major city with a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to many international students.

Bordeaux is generally considered a safe city for students, although it is always advisable to follow sensible precautions and remain aware of your surroundings.

Top 5 tourist attractions for students

• Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’Eau, one of Bordeaux’s most photographed landmarks
• Cité du Vin, an interactive museum celebrating wine culture
• Bordeaux Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic monument in the city centre
• Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets
• Jardin Public, a peaceful park popular with students and locals alike

Getting around Bordeaux

Bordeaux has an efficient and environmentally friendly transport network:

• Modern tram lines connect much of the city and surrounding suburbs.
• Local buses provide comprehensive coverage across the metropolitan area.
• Cycling is extremely popular, with extensive cycle lanes and bike-sharing schemes.
• Walking is practical thanks to the compact city centre.
• Students can purchase discounted transport passes for regular travel.

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Career opportunities

Bordeaux offers strong employment prospects for students and graduates across several expanding industries. The city has developed into an important economic centre while maintaining a high quality of life.

The aerospace sector is particularly significant, with many companies involved in aviation, defence, and advanced engineering. Technology and digital businesses have also grown rapidly, creating opportunities in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

Healthcare and scientific research play an important role in the local economy, supported by major hospitals and research institutions affiliated with the University of Bordeaux. Students studying medicine, pharmacy, biology, or public health can benefit from placements and collaborative projects.

Bordeaux is internationally renowned for its wine industry, creating unique career opportunities in viticulture, agribusiness, marketing, tourism, and international trade. Hospitality and tourism also remain important employers due to the region’s popularity with visitors.

Universities and business schools provide careers services, internships, networking events, and employer partnerships that help students prepare for graduate employment. International graduates may also be eligible for post-study work opportunities under French immigration rules.

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The pros and cons of living and studying in Bordeaux

Pros

• Excellent quality of life with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Strong universities and respected business schools.
• Lower living costs than Paris while offering many cultural attractions.
• Good employment opportunities in aerospace, technology, healthcare, and wine industries.
• Excellent public transport and cycling infrastructure.

Cons

• Accommodation can be competitive and increasingly expensive.
• French language skills are beneficial for many jobs and daily life.
• Summer tourism can make parts of the city crowded.
• Some specialised degree programmes have limited availability in English.
• Administrative processes can sometimes be slow for international students.