IESM places the welcome and integration of students at the heart of its priorities. The institute is located in the center of the city of Aix-en-Provence, which is home to nearly 40,000 students. Driven by the values of openness, sharing, and innovation, IESM accompanies and supports your mobility project.
TThere are two main options for enrolling at IESM: an initial training course after passing the entrance exam or as part of an Erasmus+ exchange program.
IESM is a signatory of the Erasmus+ European Charter and an active member of the Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC).
everything you need to know
initial training students
Foreign students who want to take a full course of study at IESM should visit the “Entrance exam” section of our website and carefully review the application procedure.
The list of courses offered at IESM is available in then the “Academics” section of our website. All classes are taught in French.
exchange students
There are three different statuses available for foreign students who want to study here on exchange:
- Exchange students in the Erasmus+ programme
- Students enrolled at an institution which has signed a bilateral agreement with IESM outside the European programme
- Free mover students who are enrolled at an institution without a bilateral agreement, with the approval of all the concerned department heads, for a maximum study abroad period of one semester.
Preparing your application
All the procedures you need to complete in order to study at IESM as an international exchange student through the Erasmus+ mobility program.
selection criteria
- Existing agreement between the home and host institutions
- If there is no agreement between your institution and the IESM, please contact the International Relations Coordinator at your home institution
- Language skills: we recommend a French language skill level of B1 or B2
- Be selected by the international relations offices at your home institution
- For student mobility for studies (SMS), you must be a bachelor’s degree student (the IESM is not able to accept master’s degree students).
TRAINING PLAN
In this section, you will find the documents you need to complete your learning agreement:
Training plan – ORCHESTRA INSTRUMENT DISCIPLINES (VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, DOUBLE BASS, FLUTE, OBOE, CLARINET, BASSOON, TRUMPET, HORN, TROMBONE, TUBA, PERCUSSION, HARP
Training plan – PIANO DISCIPLINES
PLEASE NOTE: Changes are currently being made to the training plans. For more information, please contact the international relations coordinator.
supporting documentation
The following documents must be provided:
- A completed study plan
- A cover letter in French
- A CV in French or English
- Musicians must submit a video recording, about 20 minutes long, demonstrating their musical skills by providing a link (YouTube, Vimeo or other) that does not require signing in.
- Letters of recommendation from department heads or Main subject teacher are preferred
- Your last academic transcripts in French and English.
Students who want to temporarily study abroad at IESM, as part of an Erasmus+ programme or under a bilateral agreement, must necessarily begin by contacting the Erasmus+ coordinator at their home institution. An application submitted by a student alone will automatically be rejected.
STUDENTS WITH FEWER OPPORTUNITIES / WITH DISABILITIES
IESM is committed to all its incoming students and guarantees them a warm welcome, educational support, equal access, and opportunities during their mobility.
If you meet the eligibility criteria defined by the BOEN for young people with fewer opportunities, you may be granted specific assistance in addition to the Erasmus+ grant if you are eligible for it. You can also apply for International Mobility Assistance or claim regional scholarships and/or scholarships from external organizations (e.g., the Franco-German Youth Office for students from Germany). Please check with your sending institution for more information.
If you have special needs and/or a disability, specific assistance may be available to you. Please check with your local coordinator. We also invite you to contact the IESM’s international relations officer to help you prepare for your arrival and stay.
The following pages contain FAQs about social assistance and health.
how to apply ?
Applications are submitted on the EASY platform. If the sending institution does not use the EASY platform, the application is submitted by email.
Please send your complete application (Erasmus+ Mobility Student Application form) in PDF format to Maëlys KRUUM International Relations Manager, at erasmus@iesm.fr.
Be sure to submit your application via your home institution’s international relations office by the deadline.
Complete applications from nominated students will be reviewed during the month of May by an evaluation committee composed of the director of studies and professors. Admission of an exchange student is based on the quality of their application and the number of places available in the professors’ classes.
Responses will be sent to the student and the coordinator of the sending institution via the EASY platform or by email, whether the application is accepted or rejected. For any questions or complaints following the selection process, please contact the coordinator.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2026 FOR FALL SEMESTER / SPRING SEMESTER / MOBILITY YEAR 2026-2027
GRADING SYSTEM, CREDIT TRANSFER, AND GRADE CONVERSION
Recognition of study abroad periods
In accordance with the Bologna Process, IESM uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). That system provides for full recognition of a study abroad programme towards earning a university degree or diploma.
The French marking scale goes from 0/20 to 20/20.
To pass a teaching unit (TU), the student must earn a mark of at least 10/20.
1 semester = 30 ECTS credits
1 full year = 60 ECTS credits
IESM will provide a diploma supplement, attached to the diploma in English and French.
preparing for your arrival
after your selection
Administrative status
Exchange students must be enrolled at their home institution and have paid their tuition there. To pick up their IESM student ID card, students must show their :
-
Official identification
-
Student ID card from their home institution
-
Proof that they have taken out civil liability insurance (see your insurance provider).
Your rights and obligations are outlined in the Erasmus+ Student Charter and are the same as for students enrolled in a normal course of study.
additional information
Welcome booklet
To help international students settle in, IESM provides a practical guide containing information and advice:
- Discovering and studying at IESM
- Living in Aix-en-Provence and exploring the region: information on student life and culture
- Preparing for your arrival: insurance, scholarships, accommodation, banking services, transportation, etc.
- Practical life in Aix-en-Provence and France.
If you wish to obtain the welcome booklet, please contact the international relations officer.
Language level
Erasmus+ online language support (EU Academy)
All participants in the Erasmus+ program (studies and internships) must test their language skills on the online language platform before and after their mobility.
IESM events
The academic year at IESM is punctuated by numerous events and activities: masterclasses, around thirty public events, a student association, and a rich student and cultural life within the region.
For more information, see:
- The welcome booklet for international students
- The IESM Facebook page, where information is posted regularly.
Housing
We recommend looking for your housing before coming to Aix-en-Provence.
Several types of accommodation are available to you:
- Private rentals
- Flat shares
- Rooms in local homes
- University rooms (via CROUS (student services) – contact AMU)
See the welcome packet to learn more about your options.
Foreign students, just like French students, may be entitled to housing aid via the CAF (Family Allowance Fund).
Campus France
Campus France is an organization dedicated to promoting French higher education and vocational training abroad. It helps students organize their arrival in France.
Useful tabs on the Campus France website:
- “Study”: useful information about French education, including how foreign students can obtain scholarships.
- “Getting organized” provides assistance with obtaining visas and residence permits, if necessary. It provides information on housing options and how the French social security and healthcare systems work. It also offers advice on opening a bank account in France.
- “Living in France” provides information on French culture to help students integrate as smoothly as possible.
THE ERASMUS+ APPLICATION
In line with the Erasmus+ program’s priority of digitization and dematerialization, the IESM invites you to download the Erasmus+ app, which will allow you to manage your mobility and access services dedicated to exchange students.
Length of stay
Incoming students can come at the IESM for 3 to 12 months as long as their home institution allows them to.
The institute encourages students to stay for one or two complete semesters.
A PROBLEM? A COMPLAINT?
If you encounter any difficulties during your mobility period, a reporting system is in place to assist and support you. You can contact the registrar’s office or the Erasmus coordinator at the following address: erasmus@iesm.fr.
You will find emergency numbers in the welcome booklet.
your contact at iesm :
Maëlys KRUUM
International Relations Manager
