Study in Toulouse, international student city guide

Toulouse is a city that combines academic excellence, technological innovation, and a relaxed southern French lifestyle.

Known as the Pink City because of its distinctive terracotta architecture, Toulouse attracts students from around the world with its prestigious universities, thriving aerospace industry, and lively student community. From historic squares and riverside walks to cutting edge research centres and bustling cafés, the city offers an excellent environment for studying and living.

Toulouse’s universities and higher education institutions are internationally recognised, with many offering programmes in English alongside French. Whether your interests lie in engineering, business, medicine, science, or the arts, Toulouse provides outstanding educational opportunities and strong links with industry.

The city is also one of Europe’s leading centres for aerospace, space technology, artificial intelligence, and engineering, making it an attractive destination for internships and graduate careers.

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Universities in Toulouse

Toulouse has one of the largest student populations in France and offers a broad range of higher education institutions, from comprehensive public universities to specialist engineering schools and internationally respected business schools.

Whether you are seeking research excellence, practical training, or professional qualifications, Toulouse provides diverse academic opportunities with strong international connections.

Public universities

These institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a wide range of disciplines and are recognised for their research and teaching quality.

• University of Toulouse
• Toulouse Capitole University
• Toulouse Jean Jaurès University
• National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse (INP Toulouse)

Business schools and private institutions

Toulouse hosts several well regarded business and management schools offering programmes with international perspectives.

• Toulouse Business School (TBS Education)
• ICD Business School Toulouse
• ISEG Business & Finance School Toulouse

Specialist and engineering schools

Students interested in engineering, aviation, science, and applied disciplines can choose from a variety of leading institutions, including:

• ISAE-SUPAERO
• ENAC (National School of Civil Aviation)
• INSA Toulouse
• ENSEEIHT
• ENVT (National Veterinary School of Toulouse)
• Toulouse School of Economics
• Purpan Engineering School
• CESI Toulouse
• ESME Toulouse
• EPITA Toulouse

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Cost of living and tuition fees

Toulouse offers a good balance between affordability and quality of life compared with many major European cities. 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 €18,000 depending on the course
• Accommodation: €4,500 to €8,500
• Food and groceries: €2,000 to €3,000
• Transport: €180 to €350 using student discounts
• Other expenses: €1,500 to €2,500

Overall, Toulouse is considered one of France’s more affordable large cities for students while still offering excellent facilities and career opportunities.

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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 travelling and may need to validate their residence status after arrival.

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

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Student life in Toulouse

Toulouse has one of the youngest populations in France, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for international students. With more than 100,000 students studying across the city, there is always something happening on campus or in the local community.

Universities organise orientation programmes, cultural events, sports clubs, language exchanges, and student societies throughout the year. International students have many opportunities to make friends and participate in activities ranging from music and theatre to entrepreneurship and volunteering.

The city’s warm climate, attractive public spaces, and lively café culture encourage outdoor living. Students can spend time along the Garonne River, explore local markets, visit museums, or enjoy concerts and festivals. Toulouse also offers easy access to the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean coast for weekend trips.

Students benefit from discounted public transport, affordable entertainment, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. The combination of academic quality and relaxed living makes Toulouse one of France’s most popular student destinations.

Toulouse is generally considered a safe city for international students, although sensible precautions should always be taken, particularly at night and in busy areas.

Top 5 tourist attractions for students

• Place du Capitole, the city’s historic heart and most famous square
• Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of Europe’s finest Romanesque churches
• Cité de l’Espace, an interactive museum dedicated to space exploration
• Canal du Midi, ideal for walking and cycling
• Pont Neuf, Toulouse’s iconic bridge across the Garonne River

Getting around Toulouse

Toulouse has a reliable and student friendly transport network:

• Two metro lines connect many key areas of the city.
• Trams and buses provide extensive public transport coverage.
• Cycling is increasingly popular, supported by dedicated cycle routes and bike sharing services.
• Much of the city centre can be explored on foot.
• Students can purchase discounted travel passes for unlimited public transport.

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Career opportunities

Toulouse is one of Europe’s leading centres for aerospace, engineering, and advanced technology, offering excellent career prospects for students and graduates.

The city is home to major employers in aviation and space technology, creating opportunities in aircraft design, satellite systems, software engineering, and research. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital innovation are also expanding sectors with growing demand for skilled graduates.

Healthcare and scientific research play an important role in the local economy, supported by university hospitals and research institutes that provide placements and collaborative projects for students in medicine and life sciences.

Toulouse also has a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, with start-ups and technology incubators supporting innovation across engineering, sustainability, and digital services. Business graduates benefit from strong links between universities and multinational companies operating in the region.

Universities provide career guidance, networking events, internship opportunities, and employer partnerships to help students prepare for 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 Toulouse

Pros

• Home to world leading aerospace and engineering industries.
• Excellent universities and specialist higher education institutions.
• More affordable living costs than Paris.
• Large and active student population with a vibrant social scene.
• Pleasant climate with easy access to mountains and the Mediterranean.

Cons

• French language skills are advantageous for many jobs and everyday life.
• Accommodation can be competitive at the start of the academic year.
• Summer temperatures can be very hot.
• Some specialised programmes have limited availability in English.
• Public transport can become busy during peak commuting hours.