About the City – Why You’ll Love to Study in Toulouse
To study in Toulouse is to live in the French city where sunshine meets science, history dances with innovation, and student life is truly lived. Nicknamed La Ville Rose, “The Pink City”, because of its iconic pink brick architecture, Toulouse has a vibe that’s both charming and charged.
Located in southwest France, Toulouse is France’s 4th-largest city and home to more than 130,000 students. That’s nearly one out of every four people in the city. This makes it not just a university town, but France’s second-biggest student hub after Paris. But unlike Paris, Toulouse is walkable, friendlier, more affordable, and bathed in blue skies most of the year.
Toulouse thrives on contrasts. It’s where cobblestone medieval squares coexist with aerospace labs. Where jazz cafés, riverbanks, and just-outside-the-city vineyards give students a lifestyle that balances study with story.
Feeling ready to tap into one of the most student-centered cities in Europe? Time to study in Toulouse.
Why Toulouse is a Top Choice for International Students
1. An Academic Powerhouse
Toulouse is known for its academic excellence. It’s home to three major universities and over 20 grandes écoles (specialized schools). Sciences, engineering, business, art, aeronautics, you name it, Toulouse has it. Many programs are taught in English, especially at the master’s level, and the city is a central figure in Erasmus+ and international mobility networks.
2. It’s Seriously Student-Friendly
With more than 130,000 students, including around 20,000 internationals, the city is built for student life. Libraries, social spaces, student unions, and nightlife all cater directly to the academic crowd. Toulouse also ranks consistently as one of France’s most affordable cities for students.
3. Innovation and Industry Are Right Here
Toulouse is Europe’s aerospace capital. Airbus, CNES (the French NASA), and a range of startups call it home. If you’re studying aerospace, engineering, or AI, you’re already in the right place for internships and networking.
4. Great Weather and South-of-France Vibes
The weather is Mediterranean: mild winters, warm springs, and long summers. Add sun-soaked terraces, outdoor festivals, and the Garonne River, and you’ve got every excuse to study outside.
5. Culture and Community
Museums. Theatres. Food markets. Cycling. Classic French meets modern student spirit. You’ll integrate fast, and likely never want to leave.
In short? Studying in Toulouse opens doors to opportunity, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Toulouse
1. University of Toulouse (Université de Toulouse)
A central public university group that includes multiple member institutions. Offers a wide spectrum of disciplines from arts to aerospace. Many English-taught master’s programs.
2. Toulouse 1 Capitole University
Specializes in social sciences, economics, law, and political science. Regularly ranks among the top in law and business studies.
3. Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès University
Focuses on humanities, arts, philosophy, languages, and psychology. Huge Erasmus+ hub.
4. Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University
Leading science and health university. Known for biology, medicine, chemistry, and computer science. Big on research.
5. ISAE-SUPAERO
Elite aerospace engineering school. One of the best in the world. Offers fully English-taught master’s programs tied directly to Airbus.
6. INSA Toulouse
Top-tier engineering school. Excellent in automation, civil engineering, bioinformatics, and materials science.
7. TBS Education (Toulouse Business School)
Prestigious grande école offering English-taught BBA, MSc, and MBA programs. Triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).
8. École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Toulouse
Focuses on architecture and sustainable design. Great studio spaces and innovative workshops.
9. IÉSEG School of Management – Toulouse Campus Partner
Private school known for business and international commerce. Focus on ethics and digital economics.
10. Lycée Ozenne (Preparatory Classes + Vocational Training)
Well-known for BTS and pre-grande école preparation courses. Ideal for students transitioning into higher-level French institutions.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Toulouse
- Résidence Estudines Wilson
- Les Belles Années – Student Factory Toulouse
- Fundación Universitaria Jean Zay
- Camplus Toulouse Minimes
- Les Estudines Garonne
- Arpej Résidence Jolimont
- Studéa Jean Jaurès
- Nemea Appart’Etud Toulouse Purpan
- Logifac Résidence Lardenne
- Cardinal Campus – Résidence Pradettes
These residences offer everything from private studio apartments to shared units in vibrant student areas, with Wi-Fi, laundry, study nooks, and often on-site gym access.
Top 10 Student Areas in Toulouse
1. Carmes
- Nearby Universities: Capitole, University Toulouse 1
- Housing Type: Private flats, student studios
Historic and central, full of markets, cafés, and easy Metro access. Perfect for social students.
2. Compans-Caffarelli
- Nearby: TBS Education
- Housing: Residences like Studéa and Estudines Wilson
Urban, safe, and business-professional. Ideal for business, law, and international studies students.
3. Jean Jaurès & Matabiau
- Nearby: Jean-Jaurès University, central library
- Housing: Shared houses and affordable studios
Well-connected by metro and walking distance to everything. Lively and diverse.
4. Rangueil
- Nearby: Paul Sabatier University, ISAE-SUPAERO
- Housing: Residences and shared flats
Student hub. Great for science and engineering majors. Close to labs and major faculties.
5. Saint-Cyprien
- Nearby: Short tram to Capitole, Jean Jaurès
- Housing: Trendy studios
Riverside charm meets boho cafés. Slightly quieter and filled with art vibes.
6. Mirail-Université
- Nearby: UT2 Jean Jaurès
- Housing: Budget student housing
Affordable and campus-centric. Very student-heavy, ideal for Erasmus students.
7. Jolimont
- Nearby: Fast metro access to university zones
- Housing: Mid-range flats and residences
Safe, calm, and a favorite for international students who want balance.
8. Purpan
- Nearby: INSA, Toulouse Business School
- Housing: Nemea and Logifac properties
Modern residential feel. Close to green parks and good bus/metro connections.
9. Minimes
- Nearby: Capitole and central universities
- Housing: Camplus, studio apartments
Multicultural and urban. Great eats, lots of student deals, and good transport.
10. Lardenne
- Nearby: West Toulouse campuses
- Housing: Budget to mid-range properties
Slower pace of life. Great for completing intensive research without distractions.
Cost of Living in Toulouse – Student Edition
Toulouse offers one of the best cost-to-quality ratios in France. Living here is easier on your wallet than in Paris or Lyon, no question.
| Category | Monthly Estimate (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared or studio) | €350–€600 |
| Utilities + Internet | €60–€90 |
| Groceries & Food | €180–€250 |
| Transport (Student Pass) | €10 (Tisséo) |
| Social Life & Extras | €80–€150 |
➡ Total Monthly Estimate: €700 – €1,100
Smart savings:
- Enjoy €1–€2 drinks and tapas during student happy hours
- Tisséo’s student mobility plan is one of France’s cheapest travel cards
- Cook at home with fresh ingredients from Victor Hugo Market
- Use your CROUS card for access to subsidized meals at just €3.30
Local Transport in Toulouse – Easy, Cheap, Reliable
Getting around without a car? Toulouse makes it easy.
1. Metro + Tram (Tisséo)
Two metro lines and several tram routes. Reliable, fast, and student passes cost just €10/month.
2. Buses
Good coverage across the city. Ideal for late-night trips when metro lines close around midnight.
3. VélôToulouse (Bike Sharing)
Self-service bikes across 250+ stations. Monthly plans under €5 for unlimited short rides.
4. Walking
Compact and flat, the city is perfect on foot. Bonus: the views change with every charming street.
5. Regional Trains
Want to visit the Pyrenees, Bordeaux, or the Mediterranean coast? Toulouse’s main station (Gare Matabiau) gets you there fast, and cheap with Carte Jeune SNCF.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Toulouse
Studying in Toulouse means sunshine, serious academics, and a new favorite boulangerie. Whether you’re chasing a world-class engineering degree, breaking into the global business world, or expanding your artistic portfolio, Toulouse offers the blend of charm and challenge that every student dreams of.
This is where you’ll find yourself, over café chats with classmates, at festivals on the Garonne, or during a late-night walk home through pink-lit streets.
Affordable. Welcoming. Academic. Cultural. To study in Toulouse is to do more than study, it’s to truly live.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Toulouse
1. Is Toulouse good for international students?
Yes! It’s one of the top student cities in France, offering global programs and a warm, inclusive vibe.
2. Are classes available in English?
Definitely. Many master’s and specialized bachelor’s programs are taught in English.
3. Is it expensive to live in Toulouse?
Not really. Compared to Paris or Lyon, it’s far more affordable, €700–€1,100/month covers most student budgets.
4. Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes. International students can work up to 964 hours/year (about 20 hours/week).
5. How do I find student housing in Toulouse?
Apply early via CROUS, use private student residencies, or check Erasmus groups for shared flats.
6. Is public transport student-friendly?
Absolutely. Tisséo’s monthly student pass is just €10 and covers metro, tram, and buses.
7. What’s student social life like in Toulouse?
Fantastic. From clubs and concerts to river picnics and festivals, there’s always something happening.
8. What’s the weather like?
Mild winters, hot summers, with around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year.
9. Do I need to speak French?
It helps! But many courses and everyday interactions can be done in English.
10. Why should I study in Toulouse over Paris?
Better cost of living, less crowded, just as academic, and, let’s be honest, the lifestyle is sweeter.
