Strasbourg, also known as “Le Capital de Noël” or the Christmas Capital offers students a perfect blend of rich history, cultural immersion, and top-ranked universities. Here is a complete guide to studying in Strasbourg.
Education System in Strasbourg
The education system in Strasbourg follows the French higher education model, structured around three main academic degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctorate. This system aligns with European standards. Bachelor's degrees typically span three years and can be pursued after higher secondary education. Master's degrees comprise a two-year program, divided into Master 1 and Master 2 stages. Finally, a doctorate, equivalent to a PhD, requires 8 years or 16 semesters of study. For those seeking education abroad, Strasbourg offers a diverse range of programs and an enriching academic environment.
Why Study in Strasbourg - 6 Top Reasons
Here are the top 6 reasons why you should consider Strasbourg to study abroad.
Strasbourg offers diverse dual degree programs in Arts, Law, Economics, Sciences, and Health.
The city is situated at the heart of the Eurodistrict, promoting Franco-German partnerships in projects across sectors like education and urban planning.
Strasbourg boasts the headquarters of reputed organizations like European Pharmacopeia and Buggati. It also has 46 embassies and 30 consulates.
It is a cosmopolitan city with around 20% of the population comprising international students.
Strasbourg has excellent connectivity with eight international airports.
Best Universities to Study in Strasbourg
Some of the best universities in Strasbourg according to the QS World University Rankings-Europe 2024 are:
University
QS World University Rankings-Europe 2024
Université de Strasbourg (Unistra or UDS)
159
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Strasbourg (INSA)
541–550
Best Courses to Study in Strasbourg
In Strasbourg, these are some of the top courses to study, spanning a broad spectrum of academic disciplines that cater to diverse interests and career aspirations.
An estimated budget of up to €2,000 is usually recommended for students in Strasbourg. Some of the expenses that students will have to bear include:
Type of Expense
Estimated Cost
Rent (minimum)
€400
Housing insurance (annual)
€50
Additional health insurance
€70– €300 per month
Other utility charges
€100 per month
Source: Official University Websites
Cost of Studying in Strasbourg
Studying in Strasbourg is affordable due to the French public education system's commitment to accessible higher education. The payable fees will differ according to the university and course. For instance, at the University of Strasbourg, international students will pay approximately €3,770 per annum for undergraduate programs. On the other hand, tuition fees at EM Strasbourg can be around €8,500 per year for bachelor’s students.
Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Strasbourg
Some of the popular scholarships for international students in Strasbourg are:
Scholarships
Description
Benefits
Charpak Scholarship Program
Scholarships for bachelor's and master's level studies, research internships, and exchange programs.
The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €850 to support living costs.
Social security
Student visa waiver
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for master’s and PhD studies in fields like law, economics, political science, management, and engineering.
The awardees receive €1,181 (master's degree) and €1,400 (PhD) per month, plus additional allowance for life expenditures.
Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA)
Scholarships for master's degree programs in specific fields of study like earth sciences, climate change and sustainability studies, and energy transition.
The scholarship provides an allowance of €2,500 monthly.
Relocation allowance of €500.
Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program
Scholarships by the Franco-Indian Education Trust to support Indian students pursuing master’s at French institutions.
Student visa waiver
Monthly allowance of €669.
Student Life in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a bustling and student-friendly city known for its visual appeal, biculturalism, and political importance. Strasbourg is a significant university city with over 45,000 students and 22% international learners. The city has around 100 research facilities, and its geographic location puts it at the center of a global triangle of innovation and study that encompasses Germany and Switzerland. Strasbourg's proximity to Germany has made it a bicultural city that has forged many significant cross-border relationships.
Strasbourg’s “Neustadt” quarter was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017. The city offers various attractions for students, including the Vauban Dam, La Petite France, and Orangerie Park.
Career Prospects for Students in Strasbourg
Students in Strasbourg have numerous employment options available to them. Some of the job opportunities are listed below.
Job Roles
Average Annual Salary
Project Manager
€47,500
Marketing Director
€1,14,882
Software Engineer
€52,000
Sales Director
€1,04,762
Senior Quality Assurance
€45,000
Source: Payscale(As of April 2024)
Studying in Strasbourg can be a life-changing experience for those seeking quality education. Get in touch to kick-start your international education.
FAQs
How do I apply for a student visa to study in Strasbourg?
International students must complete a multi-step application process to obtain a student visa to study in Strasbourg. First, sign up for Campus France's "Etudes en France" system and pay the requisite fees. Then, fill out the French visa request form. Finally, make sure to plan an appointment and attend a VFS Global Center.
Can I work and study in Strasbourg?
International students are permitted to work up to 964 hours a year in Strasbourg. A minimum salary is guaranteed by law for anyone working in France, regardless of whether they are a student. This minimum salary is set at €11.65 per hour as of January 1, 2024.
Which course is best for studying in Strasbourg?
In Strasbourg, popular undergraduate courses include Accountancy and Legal Studies, and Animal Behaviour and Welfare. In postgraduate studies in Strasbourg, highly sought-after programs include Artificial Intelligence, Autism & Learning, Bioarchaeological Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Biomolecular Archaeology.
What support services are available for international students in universities in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg normally provides a variety of support services dedicated to international students. It may involve support with visa applications, language classes, academic advice, and so on. These services are intended to help international students adjust to university life, negotiate administrative procedures, etc.
What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Strasbourg outside of my studies?
Strasbourg offers plenty of enjoyable attractions to students such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, La Petite, Centre Ville De Strasbourg, Musee Alacien, and Barrage Wauban.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.