Brest

Different measures are in place in your city to welcome you.

In partnerships with different institutions, the University of Brest supports you in your procedures and guides you upon your arrival.

Welcome Structure

BREST INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY CENTER (CMI BREST)

Target audience

Students, interns, PhD candidates/post-docs, and researchers from Brest Business School, CESI, ENIB, ENSTA, IMT Atlantique, ISEN, the University of Western Brittany (Université de Bretagne Occidentale), IRD, IFREMER, the Naval Academy (École navale), and CNRS.

Walk-in services at the CMI Brest (students and interns only)

• Support for validating long-stay visas
• Help with first online residence permit application (VLS) and renewals
• Support with paper-based permit applications, in collaboration with the Brest sub-prefecture
• Assistance with CAF (housing aid) and social security applications

By-appointment services at the CMI Brest (PhD candidates and researchers only)

• Support for validating long-stay visas
• Help with first online residence permit application (VLS) and renewals
• Support with paper-based permit applications, in collaboration with the Brest sub-prefecture
• Assistance with CAF and social security applications

Online services

• Webinars on various administrative procedures: “before departure” / “upon arrival in France,” visa validation, first permit request and renewal, student jobs
• Information via phone or email

Services offered by volunteers (upon online request)

• Welcome at the train station or airport
• Information about the city of Brest
• Information about administrative registration

Partners

Brest Métropole, Brest Business School, CESI, Naval Academy, ENIB, ENSTA, IMT Atlantique, ISEN, University of Western Brittany, IRD, IFREMER, CNRS, CROUS, CAF, CPAM Finistère, Brest Youth Information Office (BIJ), Sub-prefecture of Brest, FédéB

Opening Hours

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM,
Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Address & Contact

International Mobility Center of Brest
225 Cours Aimé Césaire, 29200 Brest
 

Tram Line A: Stop Les Capucins
Bus Line 4: Stop Les Capucins
Cable Car: Stop Ateliers

Contact: etudiant@cmibrest.fr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMIBrest/
Website: www.cmibrest.fr/fr/étudiants-internationaux

Accommodation

•     Livin France Brest is a company offering flatshares specially intended for international students, and accessible without having a guarantor: Use the code CMIB10 to get a 10% discount on your accommodation reservation!
•  Erasmus Play is a search engine and comparator of accommodation dedicated to students across Europe. It makes it quick and easy to compare all available accommodations. These hostings come from verified platforms.
• More information about finding accommodation can be found on our dedicated page.

Arrival

Students from the University of Western Brittany, ENIB, or Brest Business School arriving in Brest for the first time can request a free welcome service at Brest train station or airport. To benefit from this service, please fill out our registration form at least 8 days before your expected arrival date.

Welcome Events

September 10, 2025 – “Arrival in Brest” Webinar
A presentation webinar about life in Brest, general information about procedures, culture, etc., aimed at new arrivals. Free event, registration required via a link provided by participating institutions.

September 11, 2025 – InterKampus
A back-to-school event for all students in Brest—national and international! Concerts, activities, info village, food trucks, bar… Over 40 partners will come together to make this free event a key moment in Brest student life. CMI Brest will have a booth at InterKampus. No registration required.

September 18, 2025 – CMI Brest Welcome Forum
An information fair for international students providing guidance on all administrative procedures. Our partners will be present (CAF, CPAM, Brest Youth Information Office, CROUS, Bibus, Student Health Service (SSE), Erasmus Student Network, FédéB, etc.). Free event, no registration required.