Bordeaux is a popular student city in southwest France. It has several universities and schools, a lively city centre, and many international students. This guide gives you a simple overview of study options, costs, housing, transport, work, and how to get noticed by admissions offices.
Universities and colleges in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has a mix of public universities, business schools, engineering schools, and specialised colleges. Most degree programmes are at public universities, while some professional fields are taught in grandes écoles or private schools.
- Université de Bordeaux - one of the main public universities in the city. It is known for science, health, law, economics, and many research fields.
- Sciences Po Bordeaux - a well-known school for politics, public affairs, international studies, and social sciences.
- Bordeaux INP - a group of engineering schools with programmes in engineering and applied science.
- KEDGE Business School - a business school with management, finance, marketing, and international business study options.
- Other schools - Bordeaux also has art, design, wine, hospitality, and health-related schools.
If you want to check a programme, always use the university or school admissions page. That is where you will find the current entry rules, language requirements, and deadlines.
English-taught study and language
French is the main language in everyday life and in many degree programmes. But you can also find some English-taught options, especially at master level and in business, engineering, international relations, and some specialised fields.
- Many bachelor programmes are mainly in French.
- More English-taught options are usually available at master level.
- Some schools offer international tracks or exchange modules in English.
- You may need proof of English, French, or both, depending on the programme.
Do not assume a programme is in English because the city is international. Check the programme page carefully and look at the language section, the required test scores, and the exact application route.
Costs of living in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is usually cheaper than Paris, but it is not one of the least expensive student cities in France. Rent is often the biggest cost, and prices can rise in central areas and near tram lines.
- Rent: a room in shared housing is often the cheaper choice. A studio is usually more expensive.
- Food: supermarket prices are moderate, and student meals can help reduce daily costs.
- Transport: local public transport is useful and often cheaper than using a car.
- Other costs: phone, internet, books, health cover, and course materials can add up.
Compared with many other French cities, Bordeaux is often in the middle or upper-middle range for cost. Before you apply, check current rent listings, student housing pages, and the university's estimated budget guide.
Student housing and where to live
Finding housing early is important in Bordeaux. Many students look for CROUS housing, private student residences, shared flats, or a room in a private home.
- CROUS residences: usually the first option to check if you want lower rent. Places are limited.
- Private student residences: often easier to book, but usually more expensive than CROUS.
- Shared flats: common with students and often a good balance between cost and independence.
- Private rentals: can offer more choice, but you may need a guarantor and more documents.
Popular student areas often include places with easy tram or bus access to campus. Many students choose neighbourhoods based on commute, not only on price. Check the university housing service, CROUS, and trusted rental sites before you sign anything.
Transport, daily life and part-time work
Bordeaux has a good public transport system with trams, buses, and cycling routes. Many students use tram lines to reach campus, the city centre, and housing areas.
- Public transport: useful for daily travel and usually enough for student life.
- Bikes: popular for short trips when the weather is good.
- Walking: the city centre is easy to cross on foot.
If you want to work part-time, France allows some international students to work within the rules set by the immigration authority. Check the official French immigration site and your residence permit conditions before you rely on income from a job. In practice, many students look for work in cafés, shops, tutoring, language support, or campus jobs.
Remember that work should not harm your studies. Always check your visa conditions, your course timetable, and whether your French level is enough for the job you want.
How to get noticed by admissions offices
Admissions teams often search for students in fields they need. You can improve your chances of being found by giving clear and complete information in your profile and application materials.
- Write your field of study clearly, for example business, engineering, law, or health.
- Add your current education level and recent grades if asked.
- State your English level, and French level if you have one.
- Upload documents in clean scans, such as transcripts, passport, CV, and language proof.
- Use the same spelling of your name and course titles everywhere.
Then check the university or school admissions page and follow the exact application steps for each programme. Some institutions use national platforms, while others have their own form or portal.
Common questions
Is Bordeaux a good city for international students?
Yes, many students like Bordeaux because it is large enough to have good study options, but still easier to live in than Paris. It also has transport, culture, and student services that help international students settle in.
Can I study in Bordeaux in English?
Sometimes, yes. You can find some English-taught programmes, especially at master level and in business or international fields. Always check the programme page, because language rules can change by course.
How do I know if I can afford it?
Make a budget with rent, food, transport, insurance, and study costs. Then compare it with the university's estimate, current rental prices, and any scholarship rules from the scholarship's own site.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.