WELCOME!
ESRA, #1 private school in Le Figaro’s 2026 ranking
Founded in 1972, ESRA's mission is to offer programs of excellence in film, sound, and animation.
ESRA's programs are recognized by the French government. They award state-approved diplomas at the Bac+3 and Bac+5 levels.
The school is a chartered member of the Erasmus+ program.
Exchange programs
Enhance your education on a global scale! Discover 6 exciting exchange programs in French or English for an Erasmus+ semester or longer.
Programs
You may apply for study periods within any of the following courses (language requirements or program restrictions may apply):
- ESRA Filmmaking (EN)
- ESRA Sound (EN)
- ESRA Animation (FR)
- DHEC (FR)
- Bachelor's Degree in Filmmaking (ENG)
- Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking (ENG)
Download the program to find out which course is compatible with your current studies.
Application deadlines
| Application Deadline | Selection | Period of study |
April 30th for the first semester or full academic year | May 15th | September - January |
October 30th for the second semester | November 15th | January - June |
ESRA accepts ERASMUS+ nominations from the international relations offices of partner universities with whom it has academic agreements. Paris, Rennes, and Côte d'Azur campuses may be selected for incoming Erasmus+ mobilities.
Nominations must include the following information:
- Last name
- First name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Field of study
- Current level of study
- Level of study during mobility
- Starting semester (1st or 2nd)
- Length of study (one or two semesters)
- Student program is being nominated for
Requirements regarding language skills
The following programs are offered in French only (some classes may be available in English).
Minimum level: B2 in French
- ESRA Film
- ESRA Sound
- ESRA Animation DHEC screenplay and direction
- DHEC Production and distribution
The following programs are offered in English
Minimum level: B2 in English
- Filmmaking Bachelor
- Film Making MFA
International Relations Office
International Relations Office
Contact
OUR CAMPUSES
3 Erasmus+ campuses in Paris, Nice & Cannes, Rennes
2 non-Erasmus+ international campuses in Brussels and New York City
Erasmus+
ESRA
French Riviera
9, Quai des Deux Emmanuel
, 06300 Nice
01 44 25 25 25
34, rue du Beau Site
1000 Brussels
01 44 25 25 25
STUDENT Services
Administrative and academic support
All incoming students benefit from teacher and peer support.
Dedicated staff will make sure your academic journey is progressing smoothly.
Preparing for your stay
Before Arrival
Arrange housing, health insurance, and validate your visa (if applicable) before arrival!
Students in France spend an average of €800 to €1,200 per month, depending on their lifestyle and location.
Paris is generally more expensive than other major student cities. Student discounts are widely available for transportation, culture, and leisure activities.
Phone
Ensure your phone's roaming service is activated before you leave. You may want to subscribe to an international phone plan or purchase a specific SIM card upon arrival in France.
Wi-Fi
Most public places (buildings, libraries, restaurants, hospitals, transportation, museums) offer free access to Wi-Fi. In some cases, you may need to sign up for the service and log in with an email address.
Duplicate any important information
Prepare a backup or printout of your important phone contacts in case your phone gets lost or disconnected.
A paper copy of any important ID may also be useful if you lose your passport or identification.
Special needs
Disability/Accessibility/Inclusion Support
If you have disclosed temporary or permanent special needs (disability, health), ESRA will ensure you receive all the necessary information and help you need to make your study period and student life as smooth as possible.
We may offer:
- specific adjustments
- coordination between departments
- accessibility tools
- guidance
Disability/Inclusion Office
Paris
Rennes
Côte d'Azur
Visa
Study visa
EU/EEA students do not need a visa, regardless of the length of their stay.
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need a visa to study in France. The type of visa depends on the length and purpose of your stay:
- Short-stay visa (less than 3 months)
- Long-stay student visa (more than 3 months)
Student life
Student life is vibrant in any city in France.
Housing
Here is a list of partner housing solutions.
Studapart
Thanks to our partnership with Studapart, ESRA students have privileged access to a platform 100% dedicated to finding secure accommodation.
Platform dedicated to ESRA students:
- Verified accommodation (studios, shared flats, residences, bed and breakfast).
- Secure payment and possibility of a guarantor if you don't have one in France.
- Webinars gratuiti per guidarti attraverso il processo
International University City
Discover ESRA's exclusive partnership with the CUIP to benefit from housing in Paris near the school in an international environment
Nexity Studéa
Several residences in major French cities, with furnished studios, integrated services, and secure access.
Les Estudines
Furnished student accommodation, à la carte services, close to transport and campus.
Transportation
Your sending institution will provide you with additional funding for low-impact travel.
Locally, ESRA encourages the use of green and sustainable transportation such as trains, metros, buses, cycling, or walking, whenever possible.
In Paris, as well as in most cities or areas, affordable metro and bus passes are available for students. Cities are not only adapted but usually safe to walk around.
Health
SOCIAL SECURITY
The French public health system is known as Social Security (Social Security). It provides free social coverage for all, including foreign students. When you are affiliated with Social Security, part of your health expenses are reimbursed.
You must register on the AMELI platform as soon as possible in any of the following cases:
- You are a non-European student
- You are a European student but you do not have a European health card,
- You are a European student and you have S1 status.
HEALTH INSURANCE (mutual insurance)
Health insurance is mandatory for all students. EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students need private insurance or may need to register with the French Social Security System.
Additional health insurance (Mutuelle) can be purchased. Student health insurance is quite affordable.
BOOKING A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT
In France, you can book an appointment with a general practitioner by calling the practice directly or by using a platform called Doctolib.
You may book an appointment with a specialist by referral only. Gynecologists and eye specialists may be booked without a GP referral.
Safety
France is generally considered a safe country, even in major cities. As anywhere in the world, common sense will keep you safe. Avoid storing your phone and money in easy-to-reach spots, such as handbags, back pockets, or coat pockets, especially in the metro or in very touristy areas.
The general population is unarmed, and violent crimes are fairly rare.
Emergency dial-up numbers
15 - SAMU, for medical emergencies
17 - Police Emergency Services, for any offenses
18 - Fire department, for fires, accidents, or any emergency
114 - Emergencies for people with special needs
3919 - domestic violence