Study in Lille

France's student capital of the north — affordable, energetic, and surprisingly international.

Students

100,000+

Monthly Budget

€913

Studio Rent

€700/mo

Safety Rating

5/10

🏙️

Overview

Total Students

100,000+

International %

~13% (11,000 of 81,000 at Univ. Lille)

Safety Rating

5/10 (Numbeo safety index: 49)

City vibeStudent city, energised, warm, Flemish charm

English programs✅ Available — see universities section

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Housing & Cost of Living

Studio rent

€700/mo

Avg. unfurnished

Shared room

€400–550/mo

Colocation

Monthly budget

€913

All-in estimate

CAF aid

€100–300

Housing benefit

Best neighborhoods

VaubanWazemmesCentreVieux-Lille

💡 CAF tip: Apply for CAF housing benefit as soon as you have a signed lease. Students from most countries are eligible for €100–300/month.

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Universities & Tuition

EU tuition

€178/yr

Public universities

Non-EU tuition

€2895/yr

Différenciation tarifaire

Main Universities

🏛 Université de Lille (81,000 students)

Grandes Écoles

Sciences Po LilleSKEMAEDHECIÉSEGHEI

Best fields

BusinessLawMedicineEngineeringSocial Sciences

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Transport & Getting Around

Student pass

€30/mo

With student discount

Regular pass

€62.5/mo

Without discount

Bike-friendly

Yes ✅

V'Lille

Airport connectionEurostar to London, TGV to Paris (1 hr)

Bike-shareV'Lille

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Work & Visa

Part-time work allowance

964 hrs/year (~18.5 hrs/wk)

Applies to all student visa holders in France

Visa typeLong-stay student visa + residence permit

Job marketMedium — smaller city, fewer opportunities

Internship sceneBusiness schools strong (EDHEC, IÉSEG); regional industry

📋 Visa tip: Apply for your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through Campus France in your home country. After arrival, validate it online via the ANEF portal — no prefecture appointment needed.

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International Experience

Students

100,000+

International %

~13%

Safety

5/10 (Numbeo safety index: 49)

English programsYes — EDHEC, SKEMA, IÉSEG fully English

City vibeStudent city, energised, warm, Flemish charm