You have decided to study in France, and we are pleased to welcome you. For all students, doing all or part of their degree course abroad is an especially enriching experience, and can be a valuable asset for their future.

The French healthcare system is characterised as being the only one in the world to recognise a specific social security system for students. Indeed, for over 60 years French students have been managing their social security via their representatives, elected amongst LMDE subscribers.

However, understanding how the French health system functions, and mastering all the necessary procedures, can be a complex task.

This is why we have edited this guide to provide all the necessary and useful information.

To improve the way we welcome foreign students, LMDE has also developed specific services: our helpline advisors speak English and Spanish, documents are translated into several languages, we provide access to a joint and several guarantee to help students obtain autonomous accommodation.

Moreover, based on the values it defends, LMDE also submits proposals to state authorities in view of providing foreign students with the best assistance upon arrival in France and improve their living conditions.

We therefore hope this guide will help you to make a success of your studies in France.

Read on and, again, welcome to France !