Exchange students
As an internationally-oriented university, UTBM is pleased to welcome foreign exchange students for one or more semesters. UTBM values the diversity created by this international presence, as it is an important factor for success in learning objectives.
The fact that more than 20% of our students come from abroad proves the success of our exchange programs.
Both academic and practical aspects of the international student’s stay should be of high quality. UTBM has therefore developed an increasing number of English Taught Courses and tailored study packages for exchange students. The Office of International Mobility and the Welcome Club provide international students with the support they need.
Visiting UTBM for one or more semesters is an opportunity to get a French experience at a renowned engineering school, ranked No. 7 in the country and member of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles organization, in a city at the industrial heart of Europe.
If you are a foreign student wanting/coming to study at UTBM for one or two semesters, you will find all the information regarding your stay at UTBM in this section.
Organization of studies
At UTBM, courses are organized into UVs (short for “Units of Value”).
Exchange students can choose a program in English (for a semester) available in Industrial Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Energy.
Download the programsExchange students are free to choose classes from the course catalog as long as there is no timetable conflict. One UV is equivalent to 4 or 6 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System). International Students are allowed to take a maximum of 30 ECTS credits per semester. That is why we advise students to choose between 4 and 6 classes per semester according to the number of credits that can be earned for each course. To validate your UVs, you will have to sit two exams during each semester: a mid-term and a final exam.
Even if most of the UVs found in the course catalog are taught in French, international students can enroll in a great number of scientific and non-scientific courses taught in English. The level of studies (bachelor’s or master’s) depends on the student’s background and is defined according to the UTBM curriculum. Nevertheless, international students are allowed to select their courses among both levels depending on their study plan and their previous experiences.
An intensive French course is organized for all incoming international students during the Welcome Week (2-3 weeks before the start of classes) and students can continue learning French during the semester with the “French as a Foreign Language” course. With five different levels (beginners to advanced), this French course prepares students willing to get the international certificate of French proficiency.
Moreover, various types of projects can be carried out in English under the supervision of a faculty member in one of UTBM’s laboratories or departments. It is also possible to join an independent study class on a topic chosen by the candidate.
For more information, please contact the Office of International Mobility at: relations.internationales@utbm.fr
Step 1: You must be nominated by your home university to come study at UTBM. Please send us the name and email address of the nominated student at the following address: relations.internationales@utbm.fr
Step 2: As soon as your home university sends us your nomination and contact information, we will give you further instructions for the online application form.
Step 3: Fill out the online application form.
Once you have been accepted at UTBM, you will receive an acceptance package (acceptance letter, accommodation reservation, etc.)
Regarding the application for a six-month or one-year non-degree awarding exchange at UTBM, please contact: relations.internationales@utbm.fr
Application Deadlines:
- Fall semester (from September to February): beginning of May
- Spring semester (from February to June): beginning of November
Before your departure
Please prepare the following documents:
Immigration
Students coming from a country outside the EEA (European Economic Area), Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, San-Moreno, Vatican and Algeria must have a valid passport to enter France. They must also ask the French Embassy or Consulate in their home country for a long-stay visa (for stays exceeding three months). You must add the OFII application form to your visa request. You will have to register to the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) during the first three months of your arrival in France.
Students coming from a country member of the EEA (European Economic Area) need to have a valid passport or ID card.
Requested documents:
- Birth certificate
- At least 6 passport-size photos
- Proof of financing or grant (translated into French)
- Acceptance letter from UTBM
- Vaccination certificates in English or in French (more specifically proof of BCG vaccine/DTP booster/Tuberculin test)
- European Health Insurance Card (for European students only)
- Copies of school or university diploma or most recent grade transcripts (in French or English).
Upon your arrival
- Residence permit given by the OFII (Non-EEA students)
- Enrollment at UTBM
The Office of Student Mobility at UTBM will help you with the administrative process.
Please make sure that all of your supporting documents are translated into French.
Always provide copies. Never give the originals!!
For more information, please contact: relations.internationales@utbm.fr
The Welcome Club aims to offer all international students the best conditions to arrive at UTBM.
Welcome Week:
It takes place one week before the beginning of each semester (September and February).
Program: food, shopping, orientation tour, help with administrative procedures, cultural exchange.
Fresher’s fair:
The fresher’s fair takes place right after the Welcome Week. It lasts 4 weeks. The fresher’s weekend is the last event of the fair. Don’t miss that unforgettable moment!
Much more events are organized throughout the semesters.
For more information, please visit the AE’s (Student Association) and Welcome Club’s websites.
Much more practical details are available in the Student Life section of our website (cost of living, luggage advice, budget, transportation, etc.)
Please note that students over 28 years old won’t be able to join UTBM as exchange students because of the French sécurité sociale (PhD students must be under 32).
For EU students:
EU students must have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This will ensure that you are financially covered (based on your home country’s healthcare policy) in case of an accident or if you go to the doctor’s. Bring you vaccination records as well.
For non-EU students:
Non-EU students must subscribe to the student “sécurité sociale” for their medical bills to be covered. It will cost you around 214 euros for a year. At UTBM, you can become affiliated either to the LMDE or to the SMERRA.
The “sécurité sociale” reimburse on a pro rata basis (up to 70% for a doctor’s visit). In order to be fully reimbursed, you will have to subscribe to a complementary insurance policy, called a mutuelle.
Students from Quebec are exempt from joining the French Student Social Security upon presentation of the SE 401-Q-106 Form.
Useful information:
· A doctor’s visit will cost you 23 euros. You will need to pay the doctor directly (cash or credit card) and will be reimbursed later.
· If you are given a prescription, you will need to go to the pharmacy. You will have to present your “carte vitale” as well as your “carte de mutuelle” if you have one. Depending on the medicines, you may be asked to pay a small amount.
· In case of emergency, please call one of the following numbers:
- 15: SAMU (emergency medical assistance)
- 17: Police
- 18: Fire and Rescue
- 112: Emergency Phone Number to contact any of the above
For more information, please contact: relations.internationales@utbm.fr
Student housing is available to all exchange students who come study at UTBM. Here are the accommodation options we currently have. All housing options are in student-only residences and offer affordable accommodation in a convenient, safe location.
A studio apartment in Belfort: a furnished space of 18 to 25 square meters within less than a minute’s walk from the Belfort campus and about 10 minutes from the city center.
An individual room in Belfort: a space of 9 square meters including a full bath within a 10 minute’s walk from the Belfort campus. A communal kitchen space is made available for students, and there is also the university cafeteria right next door.
A studio apartment in Sevenans: a furnished space of 18 to 25 square meters within less than a minute’s walk from the Sevenans campus.
A studio apartment in Montbéliard : a furnished space of 18 to 25 square meters in the heart of the Montbéliard city center
Links of interest: