INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
WELCOME TO CESI!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR
ACCEPTANCE TO CESI GRADUATE
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
This guide will help you prepare for
life in France at CESI
We are excited to accompany you
on your journey as a CESI student
towards a successful career in
engineering.
Your bright future is just ahead--
with our help and a little planning,
nothing can stop you!
25 CAMPUSES IN FRANCE
About CESI École d’Ingénieurs
CERTIFIED SCHOOL OF HIGHER EDUCATION
- Certified by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI)
- Member of Conference des Directeurs des Ecoles Françaises d’Ingénieurs
(CDEFI)
- Member of l’Union des Grandes Ecoles Indépendantes (UGEI)
- Member of CDIO international network
- Member of N+i network
- Member of Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
- Member of HESAM University
- Implemented in project-based learning and located on campuses that are
closely tied with actors of the professional world.
KEY FIGURES
60 years of experience training engineers
35,000 graduates
6,900 students enrolled in 2019
10,000 partner companies
Over 130 international partnerships
VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT
CITIZENS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR EUROPEAN
ECONOMIC AREA (EEA)
- An identity card (or passport) that is valid for the duration of your stay is
required. You will need an ID that is valid for the duration of your stay in France.
CITIZENS OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR EEA
1. Before Departure
- A valid passport and visa application is required for your stay.
Please see this link for more information on which visa you should apply for:
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/
- The ‘long-stay’ visa is equivalent to a residence permit, or VLS-TS.
It allows you to study in France for one year.
Please visit this link for more information on the ‘student’ VLS-TS
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/student-long-stay-visa
- How to obtain a ‘student’ VLS TS?
> If you have applied to CESI via the "Etudes en France" platform, then
your dossier will be forwarded to the French consular offices in your
country of resident upon acceptance.
> If you did not apply via "Etudes en France" because your country of
residence is not in a country that uses this plateform, then your should
contact the French consular authorities directly to schedule an
interview and apply for a student visa.
> If you have applied to CESI directly via our website and your country
of residence uses the "Etudes en France" platform, then CESI will
declare your admissions upon acceptance, allowing your dossier to be
forwarded to the French consular offices.
- How do you know if you need a visa to study in France?
> Fill in your personal details on the site France Visas with the visa
assistant option. Within a few minutes, you can know if you are
required to apply for a visa based on your country of residence and
purpose of studies.
> The list of countries that use the "Etudes en France" platform can be
found here:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/faq/which-countries-are-affected-
by-the-etudes-en-france-studying-in-france-procedure
- If you live in a country that does not have an EEF office and are not an
EU or EEA citizen, submit your application directly via our online form. Once
admitted, schedule a visa interview at the French consulate nearest to you.
2. Upon Arrival
There are important steps to complete within the first few days of arrival.
- Pay the student life and campus contribution (CVEC)
> This is mandatory to enroll in CESI for all degree-seeking students
> Cost: 92€
> How to pay : by internet https://cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr/ or in cash at
the post office; REMEMBER to keep your certificate of payment/receipt
> ATTENTION: if you are an international student studying at CESI as
a part of an exchange program with your home university, you do not
need to pay the CVEC
> Consult this page for questions about the CVEC:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/10-things-you-need-to-know-
about-the-student-and-campus-life-contribution-cvec
- Open a bank account
Useful to pay bills, receive aid, reimbursements, and/or salary
- Validate your residence permit
Please visit this site: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.
fr/particuliers/#/
Subscribe to student civil liability insurance. This covers liability for your private
and student life. It provides coverage at you place of study and internship(s).
- Register for social security
For European Students
> If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), then you do
NOT need to register for French social security. This card is requested
in your home country. Make sure to request your European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country before you arrive in France!
> This includes: countries of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Norway, and Switzerland
For non-European Students
> You will need to register with the social security system. Register is
completed online through the health insurance website dedicated to
international students : https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/#/
Registration is free and mandatory, and provides partial reimbursement
for your medical expenses.
Provides partial reimbursement for medical expenses
- If you have a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-
TS), you will obtain an insurance card that is linked to your bank
account called the "carte vitale" that health professionals will ask for in
order to guarantee reimbursement.
https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/sante-securite-sociale-etudiants
> We recommend you to take a birth certificate in French in order to
register for social security.
HEALTH
DOCTORS
In France, it costs about 25€ to see a general practitioner. Home or night visits, Sundays, and
holidays are usually more expensive. A visit with a specialist costs more, and appointments
should be made several months in advance. You can expect to pay the doctor's bill up front
and get reimbursed by social security directly on your French bank account within a few days.
To find doctors near you and reserve an appointment follow this link: http://www.doctolib.fr/
PHARMACIES
You will need a prescription in order to get most medicines, and only prescription drugs are
reimbursed through social security.
Most pharmacies have limited weekend hours. If you have an emergency or need to get
something from a pharmacy during commonly closed hours, look for a "pharmacie de gard",
which are open more often than regular pharmacies.
SOCIAL SERVICES AT CESI
If you need psychological, administrative, legal, social, financial, and/or professional support,
contact the CESI For Me service to get help.
Call +33 0)1 75 00 48 35 - 24/7 to get personnalized assistance from experienced professionals.
HOUSING
Private Student Residences
- Rent: 400-700€ per month
- Security deposit: one month’s rent
- Guarantor: https://www.visale.fr/
- Temporary or short-term accommodation: based on availability
- Student accommodation assistance (ALE): available. ALE is called CAF in French.
International students are eligible after 1 month in France.
Private Sector Rental
- Rent: Cost can vary depending on the quality of accommodation, location, and services
- Deposit: one month’s rent
- It is obligatory to have a guarantor residing on French territory.
In some cases (i.e. student scholarship holders), the State can advance the security
deposit and carry joint surety as a guarantee of rent and utility payments
(www.messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr).
> If you do not have a guarantor that resides in you can apply for VISALE, a free service
provided by French government.
Link for more information : https://www.visale.fr/.
- Signing a lease remotely is possible; on condition that the renter pays a certain sum to
guarantee the reservation. This is difficult and not recommended because there is a risk of
losing the deposit if you choose to withdraw from the rental.
- Student accommodation assistance (ALE) is available if the housing meetings the standards
required by regulations (at least 9m²)
- Roomates/flatsharing: sharing an apartment or house is often more economical and
provides an opportunity to meet other students; these websites are dedicated to finding
roommates: www.appartager.com/ and www.leboncoin.fr/
- You can also reserve a room via our partner studpart, which has student housing offers in
France's largest cities www.studapart.com/fr/studapart/logement-etudiant
Housing insurance
Housing insurance is required for all types of accommodations. It is necessary to have an
insurance policy that covers at least water damage.
+ MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Campus France website for more information:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/student-housing-france
Housing assistance
As an international student in France, you can benefit from financial aid for
housing (APL). Apply for housing allowance through the Family Allowances
Fund (CAF): www.caf.fr/
The amount awarded varies according to the cost of rent and status of the
student. Fill out an ALS or APL file as soon as possible -- it is not necessary to
have your final residence permit to submit an application. Submit your dossier
as incomplete and add a copy of your residence permit to the website as
soon as you receive it. After submitting the printand return the form with the
rental certificate, provided by your landlord, and the supporting documents
requested.
Websites for Rentals
www.pap.fr
www.seloger.com
https://immobilier.lefigaro.fr/
www.avendrealouer.fr
https://logement.studyrama.com/
www.logement-etudiant.com
www.nestpick.com
Websites with decent housing prices
www.leboncoin.fr/ (ads site between individuals; more than just rental units are posted)
Helpful Websites
For housing scholarships/aid :
https://www.caf.fr/allocataires/caf-du-val-d-oise/actualites-departementales/
votre-aide-au-logement-etudiant-2021
https://www.crous-lille.fr/international/demande-de-logement/
For cosigners: https://www.visale.fr/
TRAVELING TO FRANCE
BY PLANE
France has nearly 26 international airports of different sizes. The most well known airports
include Charles de Gaulle, Toulouse, Blagnac and Marseille. Ticket prices vary based on
airport and airline. It is most economical to arrive in Paris via a low-cost company and then
take the train to reach the city where you will be studying.
Air France is the main French airline, Easyjet and Ryanair are low-cost airlines that fly
throughout France and Europe. Be aware of extra service charges through Easyjet and
Ryanair. These charges include checked baggage, meals, insurances, and additional weight.
Flyers in the 19-24 age group are sometimes eligible for reduced prices. Ask the airline or book
online to see if there is a ticket for young people at a lower cost.
CESI encourages you to consider your carbon footprint when you making your travel plans.
TRAVELING TO PARIS
International airports in Paris include Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Every 30 minutes, a
shuttle provides connections between these two airports as well as transportation to Paris and
Lyon. Taking the train is another option for traveling to these cities.
Websites to see: www.adp.fr (Paris airports); www.lebusdirect.com/ (shuttles)
Airport connections by bus or RER
At the airport, shuttle buses provide transportation between airports and to the city center.
There is a reduced rate for young people. Another option is taking the RER B (commuter train
line) to get to the city.
By bus
Traveling by bus is usually cheaper, but you can expect to spend extra time on the road. Buses
are usually equipped with internet, free WiFi, and comfy seats.
Here are some bus lines:
- Eurolines : www.eurolines.fr
- Ouibus : fr.ouibus.com
- Megabus : www.megabus.com
- Flixbus : https://www.flixbus.com/?noRedirect=true
- Site comparateur de billets d’autocar : www.comparabus.com/en/
By car
Carpooling is another very common and cheap way to travel in France. Car owners post the
trip online and you can pay to join them: https://www.blablacar.co.uk/
EVERYDAY LIFE
ESTIMATE AND MANAGE YOUR STUDENT
BUDGET
International students are required to maintain sufficient financial capital to obtain a visa and
residence permit. This is proved through French bank statements or certificates.
Housing In private housing In university housing
Rent 350-450€ (more in large cities) 200-300€
Utilities 60€ 0
Electricity/gas 45€ 0
Insurance 10€ 0
Taxes 35€ 0
Studies
Supplies 60€ 60€
Regular expenses
Food 200-300€ 200-300€
Health expenses/insurance 15€ 0
Phone 30€ 30€
Transportation 10-20€ 10-20€
Fun activities 70€ 70€
Total monthly expenses 885€ 670€
This budget will vary based on your lifestyle and city. For instance, it is commonly cheaper to
cook your own meals vs. going out to eat. It is expected that the first month of expenses will be
almost double that of the following months because of extra arrival charges such as student
social security fees (250€ for those under 28)
Tuition fees
Security deposit + rent
Other costs (i.e. buying transportation card, things for your apartment)
TIPS & TRICKS FOR BUDGETING
Get help financing your studies
APL (personalized housing assistance): see section ‘finance your
accommodation’
Use your student discounts
Discounts are available for many services (transport, theaters, cinemas,
museums, bookstores)
Research book grants
- Borrow books from the university library
- Buy e-book versions
Research internet and electronic options
- Internet and electronics are large costs
- Research competitors in this business to find the lowest prices
Split the costs
- To reduce internet costs, share your WiFi with neighbors and split the bill by
number of users
- Connect to free WiFi in public spaces such as university libraries
Plan ahead and be organized to prevent difficulties paying bills at the end
of the month
- Keep records of your monthly expenses with one column for income and one
for expenses
- Write things down to help visualize your payments
- Consider direct debit or direct deposit so companies (like insurance or
employers) can directly debit or deposit into your account
- If you cannot pay a bill, notify the organizations sooner rather than later
OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT
It is advisable to open a bank account when you arrive in France. Money can
be deposited in your account on arrival (with traveller’s checks) or by bank-
to-bank transfers. Ask your current bank about these procedures before you
leave to avoid excessive fees or transfers.
- Documents necessary to open a bank account
> Copy of passport
> Proof of address
> Student card, pre-registration, or residence permit
Check with your bank to see if there are fees to use your credit card in France.
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are commonly accepted cards in
Europe. Payment by credit card usually starts at 10€.
CHOOSING A PHONE PLAN
There are four major networks in France: SFR, Buoygues Telecom, Orange & Free.
Others include: Simyo, Virigin Mobile, and Sosh.
Plans vary in terms of services, price, and package duration.
Some include international calls in their unlimited calling plan, but make sure to read the
details before making an overseas call.
Want to travel outside of France?
- Most providers have phone plans with limited free internet, SMS, and phone calls
within the European Union. If you regularly travel outside of the EU, check with your
providor for a plan that suits your needs.
Common apps used to communicate in France: WhatsApp, Discord, Viber and Messenger.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
Conditions to be able to drive in France with a foreign license
- License valid for one year
- License is not expired
- License is issued by country where you had residence before moving to France
- License is written in French or accompanied by an official French translation
Driving history conditions to be met when driving in France with a foreign license
- No suspensions, withdrawals, or cancellations of your right to drive in your home country
- Respect of the medical information listed on your license (Example: wearing glasses)
- If you are an European national you must have passed the examination in your country of
residence
- If you are a non-European national, you must have obtained your license before the start date
of your first residence permit in France or the validation of your visa by the French
Office of Immigration & Integration (Ofii)
- If you have a nationality different from the issuing country of your driver's license, you must
have obtained the license during your time of residency in the issuing country
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVING IN FRANCE: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/come-to-france
STUDENT LIFE
ACTIVITIES
Once you have transmitted all administrative documents to complete your dossier at CESI,
you will receive a student card that gives you access to discounts at the gym, restaurants,
libraries, cinemas, theaters, museums, concerts, stores, and even sporting events. There
are sometimes cheaper options or discounts when purchasing computers, software, or
subscriptions to articles.
Not all businesses will offer this discount, but make sure to ask and always carry your card
with you!
Additionnaly, the ISIC card gives access to student discounts in 120 countries
- Discounts can be used for travel, shops, restaurants, insurance, or shows
- It costs 13€ and can be ordered online
More information about ISIC can be found here:
- www.isic.fr/en/
- www.isic.fr/en/benefits/
Every CESI campus has a student union ("Bureau des étudiants" or BDE) with various social
clubs. There are no classes on Thursday afternoons in order to make sure that you have time
to dedicate to student life on campus! On your arrival make sure to ask your classmates how
you can get involved in one of your campus' sports, social, or humanitarian clubs.
SPORTS
Having a student card or being younger than 26 years means you are eligible for reduced
prices in sport facilities
Look at SUAPS ( University Sports & Physical Activities Service) to register for sports activities
offered by universities
- Remember to use your student card for a discounted price!
For more information on the cultural and sports activities happening on your campus, please
visit the local website and get in touch with the international student advisor.
INCLUSION & STUDENT SERVICES
CESI provides an inclusive and supportive learning environment with equitable treatment of
all students, no matter their social identity or cultural background.
Social Services – For Me
If you need psyhcological, administrative, legal, social, financial, and/or professional support,
contact the CESI For Me service to get help.
Call +33 (0)1 75 00 48 35 - 24/7 to get personnalized assistance from experienced professionals.
Care Program
Brush up on your French language, learn about important administrative processes, and get
a crash-course on French culture so you have all the essential information you need to start
your academic career off right.
Buddy System
Sign up to be paired with a buddy to guide you through your first weeks in France and show
you the ins and outs of student life at CESI.
Disability Services
Joining CESI means becoming a part of an institution that exceeds accessibility standards for
people with disabilities. We take care to ensure that our campuses are accessible and are here
to provide an atmosphere that propels all our students to success. Make sure to reach out to
your local CESI Disability Coordinator to get the individualized support that you need.
CESI ACADEMICS:
SOME INSIDER TIPS ON HOW TO SUCCEED
PBL
You decided to come to CESI in part because our curriculum is based on active, problem-
based learning. This means that you will be constantly working in groups, will have
unstructured time to work on projects, and will have more oral presentions than written
exams. You will be graded on participation as well as the deliverables for each project, so we
recommend that you discipline yourself to work regularly and to be active in class.
Class schedule
Similar to the work day, you are expected to be present on campus working on projects
or attending workshops from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm every day. If you have an exceptional
obligation and cannot be present, make sure to notify your academic advisor and provide a
valid document that attestifies your absence.
Grading System
You will receive grades on the letter scale of A to D, with A being the most excellent. If you
receive a C or a D on a project, your academic advisor will ask you to redo parts of your work
or give you supplementary tasks in order to improve your grade.
Participation is graded, and attendance is a part of the participation grade.
There are periodic timed exams on the computer--make sure to bring your laptop and charger
with you to campus every day.
Resources
With a 100% digital network, you can find all academic and administrative resources on
Moodle platform. You will have your own account that you can log in to with your CESI email
and password.
Academic dishonesty & Behavior
Plagiarism, cheating, and harassment of any kind are not accepted at CESI and will result in
disciplinary actions.
Complaints
If you have complaints concerning a grade, a class, a student, or another issue, we advise
you to discuss the problem with your academic advisor or call the For Me number for
psychological, social, financial, and legal advice +33 (0)1 75 00 48 35
A NETWORK
Lille
OF 25 CAMPUSES
Arras
IN FRANCE
Rouen
Reims Aix-en-Provence 04 42 54 06 02
Caen
Paris
Angoulême 05 45 64 91 95
Nancy
(La Défense - Nanterre)
Arras 03 21 51 14 16
Brest Strasbourg
Le Mans
Bordeaux 05 59 40 19 39
Orléans Brest 02 98 36 06 28
Dijon Caen 02 31 73 72 15
Nantes
St-Nazaire Dijon 03 80 36 30 60
Grenoble 04 38 37 01 13
La Rochelle La Rochelle 05 46 30 46 13
Angoulême Lyon Le Mans 02 43 14 98 02
Lille 03 20 18 16 22
Bordeaux Grenoble
Lyon 04 78 43 49 01
Montpellier 04 67 15 01 55
Nancy 03 83 22 27 99
Toulouse Nice Nantes 02 28 16 10 11
Montpellier
Pau
Aix-en-Provence Nice 04 93 63 66 78
Orléans 02 38 76 42 04
Paris -Nanterre 01 55 17 80 00
Pau 05 59 05 45 82
Reims 03 26 40 04 45
Rouen 02 32 87 06 57
St-Nazaire 02 40 15 20 17
Strasbourg 03 90 23 00 15
Toulouse 05 61 29 82 06
Direction générale 01 44 45 92 00
FOR ME
+33 (0)1 75 00 48 35
CALLS FREE OF CHARGE
FOLLOW US
Crédit photo : next-Op/W. Fernandes
cesi.fr
et next-Op/E. Linel
CESI - April 2023
