Thinking about studying by the sea, with 300 days of sunshine a year and croissants that taste like a dream?
Say bonjour to Nice! With its mix of beach life, student energy, and a Mediterranean backdrop that feels more like a holiday than a homework zone, this city in France strikes a unique balance between chill and ambitious.
It’s not just a summer getaway spot, it’s also home to top-tier universities, a growing research scene, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
Study in Nice: Find Bachelors and Masters
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Nice is stunning. Picture study breaks by the sea, palm-lined promenades, and sunsets over pastel buildings. But it’s also a city with depth, from its Italian-influenced Old Town to its contemporary art museums and student nightlife.
In terms of cost, Nice is more affordable than Paris, though still on the higher side for France. Expect student accommodation to range from €500 to €900 a month, depending on location and setup. Neighbourhoods like Libération and Valrose are popular among students for their mix of accessibility, affordability, and charm.
Markets, boulangeries, and beach picnics help keep costs manageable, and student discounts are common on public transport, museums, and even cinema tickets. So despite its upscale appearance, the city remains very student-friendly; especially since tuition fees in France are among the lowest in Europe.
50¶È»Ò tip: Get the Zou! The student transport card it gives you major discounts on regional trains along the Côte d’Azur, including to Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes.
Whether you're passionate about algorithms and AI or focused on finance and entrepreneurship, choosing the right university is key to your future success. Below you is a list of the best universities in Computer Science, the top Business Schools in France, the top institutions in Social Sciences, and more.
Nice is part of the French Tech Côte d’Azur, a growing innovation and start-up scene. Fields like tourism, hospitality, sustainable energy, and digital technologies offer exciting opportunities for students and grads.
Part-time jobs in shops, cafés, tourism, or events are available, especially if you speak some French.
Many universities offer career services, and you’ll also find internships in the nearby Sophia Antipolis tech park, often dubbed the “French Silicon Valley.”
Nice is incredibly well-connected. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre and offers low-cost flights all over Europe.
The public transport network is clean, efficient, and student-friendly. The tram and bus systems cover the entire city and nearby areas. For weekend trips, trains will whisk you along the coast to Marseille, Genoa, or the Alps.
And honestly? Walking or biking is one of the best ways to soak in the city’s beauty.
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