The ARTFX Intergalactic Guide: for creators beyond borders!

We know that moving abroad to study can feel like a mix of excitement and total chaos; especially when you’re trying to figure out things like visas, housing, and French admin life (yes, it’s a whole adventure). That’s why we’ve gathered everything you need to know right here: this page brings together everything you need to navigate your new life in France from fees, visas, and housing to daily tips and cultural know-how. Yep, this is your ultimate ARTFX future-international-student-survival-kit!

1. What’s in the ARTFX Package? 🎁 (Spoiler : it’s astronomical)

• An RNCP recognized Diploma. The professional title or qualification awarded at the end of the Master’s program is registered with RNCP Level 7 (Master equivalent) and accredited by the French State. See more
• ECTS credits. The Master’s diploma delivers 300 ECTS. To graduate, students validate 60 ECTS each year (ECTS are the official European accreditation system for higher education, as defined in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), making a total of 300 ECTS by the end of the 5 years.
• Specialized support for international students. You will be guided before your arrival and throughout your studies with:
  → An easily approachable international referent on each campus for administrative, academic and local support
  → Personalized welcome on arrival with an International Welcome Week + a “Practical & Essential French for Newcomers” (FLE) course will also be offered to help you communicate in your new environment
• A personal and dedicated practical support for:
  → Visa application
  → Housing guidance (listings and recommendations to help you find accommodation)
  → Opening a French bank account
  → Mandatory medical insurance registration for non-european students
  → City orientation for transportation, health and cultural life
  →  Free psychological support in English

“Choosing ARTFX is choosing France—its culture, innovation, and very dynamic regions to call home. These regions offer students a vibrant environment to live, learn, and grow. ARTFX is an independent private higher education institution and part of the Campus France network, facilitating the application process through a streamlined platform that connects students from around the world with French schools. With our dedicated support, your move is simple and your transition smooth. Welcome to your new school.”

Simon Vanesse – CEO of ARTFX

2. Apply Like a Pro (Your ticket to ARTFXland)

Applying to ARTFX as an international student is straightforward. Here is the typical path👇

1. Choose your program and campus. Review curricula and entry levels, then pick Montpellier or Lille.
2. Prepare your application. CV, motivation letter and portfolio (or demoreel) to highlight your creative skills.
3. Submit your online application. Select a time slot for your online interview
4. Interview and portfolio review. 20 minutes in English (or French). We explore your motivations, explore your creative universe, fundamental art skills, and your ability to excute a prompt.
5. Decision, enrollment and deposit. The admission decision is sent to you via email. If admitted, we send you further instructions and registration deadlines. You must confirm your spot by completing all registration steps and making the required deposit. Once your training agreement (enrollment contract) is signed by both parties, your registration becomes official.
6. Visa and Campus France. After the contract is signed, ARTFX issues your Registration Certificate, which allows you to start your Campus France procedure (if applicable) and student visa application. Our international referents, Carole & Tiphaine, will guide you through every step of the process.
7. Practical onboarding. Yay! You made it! You will now be helped with housing, bank account, health insurance and arrival planning. You will also receive information about our International Welcome Week.

Need some tips to apply? Listen to our students! 👇

Wondering about the process? 👉 Here are the detailed steps
More questions? 👉 Contact apply@artfx.fr
Already ready? 👉 Here is the application form

Timeline & help with your file.
International applications open early. Start several weeks before the desired session to allow time for logistics.

3. Let’s Talk Money! Tuition, Fees & Payment flexibility.

• ARTFX Tuition – years 1 to 5: €13,300 per year
• Registration fees: €870 for Year 1, then €370 per year for each re-enrollment year

Payment options: For the first year, international students are required to choose the three-installment payment plan. This plan includes a 25% deposit upon contract signature, followed by two additional payments (including one in September).

Note: Once your new French bank account is active, monthly installment options are arranged for subsequent academic years. ARTFX works with trusted banking partners to assist international students in opening a bank account and managing their finances in France. Our team will guide you through every administrative step, from account setup to organizing your payments smoothly.

You can convert tuition into your currency using a live converter here (rates fluctuate).
ARTFX is a partner of Campus France. Learn more

4. Bonus Level Unlocked: Exclusive ARTFX Advantages

• The International Welcome Week: before the academic year starts, you’ll attend a special international welcome week to help international students integrate into their new environment. Activities include:
  → Campus tours
  → Meet and Greet sessions with other international students and faculty members
  → Workshops on administrative procedures, housing and cultural adaptation
  → City tours to explore your new environment and local attractions
• A mentoring program with current ARTFX students: our mentoring program pairs each new student with an ARTFX student ambassador to ease academic and social integration. Your mentor helps you navigate the campus (rooms, equipment, services), connect with local student life (housing, transport, city, tips), and understand academic expectations (course organization, projects, resources). Expect regular check-ins, Q&A meetups, city walks, and friendly gatherings, with support available in English and French. Goal: to build connections quickly, gain confidence, and adjust quickly.

“The International Welcoming Week at ARTFX Montpellier is more than just an introduction to campus life, it’s a moment where students from all around the world discover that they’re not just joining a school, but a creative family. The mentoring program is also a great opportunity to make new friends, get essential information, and settle in comfortably before classes begin. From day one, we make sure everyone feels supported, inspired and ready to grow together!”

Carole Maccotta – International Relations Coordinator at ARTFX Montpellier

5. Living the French Student Dream 🥐

As an ARTFX student, you receive the official French student status. Your student card gives you access to:

• • Affordable university restaurants known as Resto’U
  • Discounts on public transportation, cultural and sports facilities, museums, theatres and cinemas
  • Free access to libraries
  • Social and financial support: You may be eligible for housing aid from the CAF such as APL or ALS depending on your situation. Our international team provides guidance during onboarding.
  • Equipment: Thanks to our IT partners, you can purchase personal equipment at preferential price (this is not mandatory, since our campuses provide all required hardware and software).

France is known as a creative powerhouse, in which technical rigor meets artistic boldness. ARTFX fully exemplifies this context. ARTFX attracts worldwide talents and trains them with the celebrated “French Touch“, synonymous with technical excellence and creativity. With 50+ nationalities on campus, our cultural mix is a real asset. Studios consistently value ARTFX’s Made in France expertise and professional, production-oriented training. To help you settle in, discover these practical guides for international students about living and studying in France:

Special guide: top 10 reasons to study in France
Welcome to France: a living and inspirational way of life

6. Landing at ARTFX: your Launch Kit for your first days with us

🎉 First things first: International Welcome Week and campus orientation
🏦 Then, admin essentials such as bank account, health coverage, transportation pass, etc.
🎬 And also: academic onboarding on program pacing, production methods and pipelines
🇫🇷 Évidemment, a little language and culture support through FLE activities
🤝 And last but not least: community integration with student ambassadors, clubs and events

You will learn in small production teams, with access to classrooms, high-end workstations, shooting studios, green screens, AV control rooms, screening rooms and cafeterias. You will also receive brochures and guides that cover programs, equipment and admissions.

The No Cap FAQ (Real Answers, No Filter)

• Can I pay in instalments? Yep, once your French bank account has been opened: up to 9 monthly installments at no extra cost.
• Is the diploma recognized? Yes, our industry and government-recognized RNCP Level 7 (highest possible ranking) Master equivalent grants you 120 ECTS.
• Will I need my own computer? Not required, as our campuses are fully equipped. If you prefer to use your own equipment, you can purchase it through our ARTFX IT partners at preferential prices.
• Do you help with visas and housing? Yes, our international easily approachable referents and our guides support you along.
• Is support available in English? Of course, our referents and staff speak English. This is an international school! Complementary French lessons, however, help you adjust to your new country.

👉 Find the full FAQ for international student here

Ping Us Anytime!

✔️ Questions: check our FAQ or email apply@artfx.fr
✔️ For information about Lille Campus (North of France): Book your meeting with Léa
✔️  For information about Montpellier Campus (South of France): Book your meeting with Juliette

Prefer a live overview first? Let’s go. Meet us at our Open Campus visits or Open Days
Already ready to apply? Wow! Here are the steps to follow

We look forward to welcoming you in person to ARTFX!