Top Universities in Monaco for International Students

Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world. It is an independent microstate on France’s Mediterranean coastline. This country is famous for being one of the playgrounds of the super-rich. It appears in a number of James Bond films.

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French is the official language here, but Italian and English are widely spoken. Monte Carlo, its major district, has an extensive casino complex, luxury hotels, and high-end restaurants. The city has a very international feel, with 81% of its residents being foreigners. If you choose to live outside of Monaco in France, which is just a stone’s throw away, you will qualify for a housing subsidy. With its lack of income taxes and low business taxes, Monaco is an important center for finance. In addition to its casinos, luxury hotels, and restaurants, Monte Carlo has had its own grand Prix circuit since 1929.

It also has an ornate opera house, beautiful botanical gardens, and an impressive aquarium. At night, a city is a lively place, if not an expensive one! Perhaps Monaco’s greatest charm is the picturesque Mediterranean coastline that it is set on. You can easily explore other great towns and cities along the coast, such as Nice, Cannes, and Menton.

The weather in Monaco is very pleasant, with summer temperatures in the high 70s and winter average temperatures of 50. Overall, Monaco is undoubtedly a beautiful setting to pursue your studies, but not for the budget-minded student!

Many schools may require you to get your diploma legalized. If your country is a member of the Hague Conference (and the US is a member), this is a fairly easy process as all you will need is something called an "apostille certificate" affixed to your diploma.  Your Secretary of State's office can generally issue this, but a full list is provided here. Check here to see if your country is a member of the HCCH.

Proof of means is required to get a residence permit for Monaco. It’s likely that most students will live in France, where the cost of living is lower.

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The requirements are the same. The following forms of proof of means are examples:

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1. a letter from your bank stating that you have sufficient means of support to live in France; 
2. a notarized declaration by your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and proof of his/her assets; 
3. documentation of grants or scholarships that cover living expenses, if applicable. Bank statements for the last three months will also be required.

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The French embassy doesn’t publish a specific figure as proof of means. 

After obtaining a French visa, any foreigner over sixteen years of age has to apply for a Monegasque residence permit (“carte de séjour”) from the Residents Section of the Directorate of Public Security located at 3, Rue Louis Notari in the Principality and must submit the documents listed below: 

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A sworn statement stating that they have never been convicted;

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A work document endorsed by the Employment Department of the Principality;

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One recent photograph ; a rental contract; a certificate of accommodation (examined by the Ad-Hoc Commission); a deed of ownership; their passport.

Students are required to show proof of health insurance coverage.

Due to the high cost of living in the principality, most students live in France and get their national health coverage from France.