Getting ready

Studying abroad requires some preparation not only in terms of your school application but also in terms of taking the necessary steps to make sure that you are fully ready to go as a prepared departure often insures a comfortable stay.

Immigration

European Union nationals are entitled to stay in France with their valid EU identification (passport).
Non-EU nationals must apply for a long-stay visa before arriving in France and they must check the process with the consular authorities in their home countries as it may depend upon country-specific agreements and are subject to change. The CampusFrance website centralizes up to date immigration information. Basic documents required at visa application are: a valid passport, purpose of stay statement (registration or pre-registration) and financial statement (resources, housing...). A long-stay visa is mandatory for non-EU nationals to fully register with the state upon arrival.

Health Insurance

EU nationals must have a European Health Insurance card issued by the appropriate authorities of their originating country as well as a photocopy of this document (or the E128 form).

Non-EU nationals will automatically have to join the French social security system upon registration. Complementary health insurance that covers the difference between medical costs incurred and the Social Security reimbursements is not mandatory but recommended. Students over 28 years of age have to follow other guidelines. Further health information is provided after registration is complete and during Welcome week.

Money Matters

France is part of the European Union and uses the Euro as its national currency. Before you depart, we recommend you exchange some Euros to carry with you while traveling. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and other major credit card companies are widely used in France. Students staying over three months will need a bank account to redeem automated services. Most banks require: a valid passport, proof of address, and alien registration card (non-EU nationals only) to open a bank account.

Learning French

Following admission and registration, international students are granted a one-year access to our e-learning portal in order to kick start or improve their French language skills and facilitate their integration upon arrival. Additional French lessons and language acquisition enhancement activities are also available once students begin residence.

Helpful Websites

Access interesting information on scholarships offered by the French government.

Consult international students scholarship offers here.

Start discovering Paris now on the city's official website.

Pre-departure Checklist

Important Documents:

  • Passport valid 6 months beyond the duration of your program,
  • Birth certificate translated into French (note: certain government agencies require that it been issued within 90 days),
  • Proof of health insurance,
  • Health record book or vaccination record book & your blood type card,
  • All EPITA issued documents (including your Acceptance & Enrolment Letters),
  • Four 3.5cm x 4.5cm portrait pictures

Packing Tips

  • Dictionary,
  • Laptop if you have,
  • Electrical adaptor,
  • Warm clothes & shoes,
  • Any dried food supplies (all should be prepackaged and sealed in order to get through agricultural inspection),
  • Family pictures,
  • Toiletry,
  • A light blanket,
  • Address book with your emergency contacts.

Airport Pick-up & Housing

May you require airport pick-up, it would be our pleasure to help you. Students choosing the EPITA airport pick-up should request in writing at at least 10 business days prior to departure. Flights should arrive Monday through Friday between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Although we will try our best to accommodate requests outside these days & times, they are not guaranteed. Students wishing to reach their final destination from the airport on their own can take the RER, the Roissy/Orly Bus, airport shuttles or a taxi. Information on these alternate means of transportation is available on the Paris Airport website

Securing Housing

While it can be challenging to secure housing in Paris, our students are quite resourceful and independent and often surprise us with the nice apartments they find for themselves! If you require housing assistance prior to arrival, we invite you to write to us at as soon as you receive your Acceptance Letter in order to initiate the process within our network. Our complimentary housing assistance remains available throughout the program as we believe a good home stands at the foundation of a strong student.

About EPITA

With its inception in 1984, EPITA (Graduate School of Computer Science and Advanced Technologies) is the Engineering School training the best experts who design, develop and improve the future Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The pedagogy of the school focuses on giving students both the fundamentals of Engineering and the highest expertise in the fields of Computer Science and ICT. The International Master's degree delivered by EPITA is accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research as a "Diplôme National de Master".

EPITA 2.0

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