Preparing for your arrival

Depending on your nationality, you will need a visa to enter and stay in France, followed by a residence permit.

• What steps do you need to take to come to France?
• How can you extend your stay?
• Is it possible to work or travel during your stay?

You will find useful information to help you better understand your rights and obligations, and take all the necessary steps on the following link:

More information

How does the French healthcare system work? Health insurance policy, mutual insurance companies, general practitioners... We explain it all on the following link:

How does the healthcare system work in France?

If you are a foreign student and are enrolling for the first time in a higher education institution in France, you will need to register with Social Security via the dedicated website: etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr
It’s easy and it’s free!

The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) is a Université Grenoble Alpes department entirely dedicated to internationals, including undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students, researchers and their families. It is certified as a EURAXESS Service Centre by the European Commission. The ISSO teams are available in the MUSE building on the Saint-Martin-d’Hères campus to assist you, provide information and support you in the process of settling in and throughout your studies: accommodation, visa and residence permit applications, health, budget, insurance, daily life, etc.

More information

The CVEC is a contribution towards student life and campus facilities. It applies to students enrolled in degree programmes at higher education institutions in France. This contribution is intended to fund student services in the areas of health, sport, culture and student initiatives. Students on non-degree exchange programmes or those enrolled in continuing education programmes are not required to pay the CVEC at Grenoble INP - UGA.

Paying the CVEC

The practical guide for international students is designed to help you prepare for your studies, and to guide you through the various steps you need to take on arrival. See the guide:

Preparing for your stay and getting settled