Aix-Marseille Université
Program Snapshot
Located in the heart of Provence, between the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alpes, Aix-Marseille University is the product of the recent merger of three former universities in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. With its 72,000 students, Aix-Marseille University is now the largest French speaking univeristy in the world. Students can take courses taught in English in business, political science, law, and international relations. For those who want to focus on French language and culture, the Service Universitaire du Français Langue Étrangère (SUFLE) provides courses starting at the beginner level.
Location
Aix-Marseille Université is situated on two main campuses in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. The towns are 30 km apart and are connected by a shuttle service (approx. a 20 minutes' bus ride). These two lively towns are one hour by plane and three hours by TGV train from Paris.
Aix-en-Provence is famous for its historical and cultural heritage. The campus is located downtown. Marseille is the second largest city in France and a major European center. The campus is located north of town and it is approximately a 20 minutes' tube or bus ride to the town centre or sea front.
PROGRAM TYPE
ISEP Exchange: undergraduate and graduate programs available for an academic year or semester
ISEP-Exchange for International students.
ISEP-Exchange for US students.
Program Dates
Option 1: Full year or semester enrollment in university courses in French
Academic year: September to May/ June
Semester 1: September to January
Semester 2: January to late June.
Option 2: Full Year or semester enrollment in French language and literature studies at the SUFLE
Academic year: Late September/Early October to mid/late May
Semester 1: Late September/Early October to mid-January
Semester 2: Late January to mid/late May
Option 3: Full Year or semester enrollment in regular university courses in English
See information in options 1 and 2
Programs
Option 1: Full year or semester enrollment in regular university courses
Aix-en-Provence Campus
Economics, Law, Business (IAE Aix Graduate School of Management EQUIS accredited)
Option 2: Full Year or semester enrollment in French language and literature studies at the SUFLE (Service Universitaire du Français Langue Étrangère)
All levels are available from beginner to advanced. All the teaching is delivered by professors, lecturers, various members of the University's teaching staff and professors associated with the Institute. Each student has 20 hours of tuition per week. Students will be offered a variety of French literature and civilization courses.
Option 3: Full Year or semester enrollment in regular university courses in English
Lower level French students can now take courses in English at the Sciences Po or FEG. Students can take a full course load in English or take a mix of courses taught in French or English. French language classes are also available to students at various levels.
TRANSCRIPT DETAILS
Transcripts are generally released in March for Semester 1 and in late July for Semester 2 and Full Year. Transcripts are sent to ISEP and then immediately released to the student’s home institution if there are no outstanding financial obligations.
Language Notes
Option 1: Full year or semester enrollment in university courses
- A minimum of 4-5 semesters of university-level French or its equivalent must be completed prior to program. (B2 Language Level)
- A one-month pre-session, intensive French course is offered through the Institute of French Studies for Foreign Students in June, July, or September for an additional fee for all levels.
Option 2: Full Year or semester enrollment in French language and literature studies at the SUFLE
- A minimum of 2 semesters of university-level French or its equivalent must be completed prior to program. Instruction available at all levels.
Option 3: Full Year or semester enrollment in regular university courses in English
- A minimum of 2 semesters of university-level French or its equivalent is recommended prior to program
For more information on courses and language options, see the:
ISEP French Language Advising Guide for US Students
ISEP French Language Advising Guide for I-to-I Students
Special ISEP Application Instructions
All students studying in France must purchase French health insurance (la Sécu) upon arrival for approximately 230 euros in addition to purchasing ISEP Health Insurance prior to departure.
Hints for Researching Courses
SM1 Course List
SM1 Course Descriptions
SM2 Course List
SM2 Course Descriptions
Courses in English
To find additional course descriptions, please visit the
ISEP Directory Page for this site.
Housing and Meals
ISEP students live in single-occupancy rooms in residence halls and receive a stipend for meals. No married student housing is available. Halls of residence are generally mixed.
Orientation
The students will be welcomed by the International Relations Office. Students are strongly encouraged to arrive during the week and during office hours. An arrival form will be sent to every student prior to their departure. It should be completed and sent back to the host institution before the required deadline so that we can plan to meet the arriving student at the airport or at Aix-en-Provence TGV station.
The International Relations Office will establish links with academic tutors. Individual interviews with the person responsible for the international relations in each department is planned upon the student’s arrival.
Student Activities
International students have many opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities as there are more than 50 student organizations available.
A special program for international students, the "Buddy program" gives the opportunity to students to be matched to a French student from Paul Cezanne before departure. The partner then offers friendship, advice on social activities, and academic guidance.
The welcome party for International students is followed by a day trip to a famous place (St Tropez, Arles etc.)
Both Aix-en-Provence and Marseille offer a lot of cultural activities through their theatres, cinemas, music and film festivals etc.
Profile
Founded in 1409, Aix-Marseille is a multidisciplinary university offering a wide range of studies and more than 200 degrees. Aix-Marseille enrolls 72,000 students including 10,000 international students.