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Support & Wellbeing (international students)

Studying abroad can bring its own set of challenges, and Sciences Po Toulouse is committed to supporting you throughout your time here. This page brings together the various support services available to international students (covering health, mental health, sport and general wellbeing) so you can find the help you need and make the most of your experience with us.

PHYSICAL HEALTH 

Staying active and taking care of your physical health is an important part of student life. Whether through university sports facilitie or dedicated health services, you'll find plenty of options to stay fit and get medical support when needed during your time in Toulouse.

 
SSE (Student Health Service)

The SSE is a medical and social service exclusively reserved for students. They can make consultations by appointment with general practitioners, specialists and social workers.​
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The services include (in complete confidentiality and without advance costs):​

  • Nursing reception (interview, advice, orientation, care)​
  • Consultations with general practitioners​
  • Meetings with social workers: listening and support adapted to university, family, personal, administrative and financial problems​
  • Medical-psychological assistance (psychiatrist and psychologists)​
  • Specialized consultations (gynecologist and family planning, nutritionist, tobacco specialist)​
  • Vaccination center​
  • Study accommodations for disabilities​


The premises are located on the 4th floor of Université Toulouse (2 rue du Doyen Gabriel Marty, Rempart building), on the ground floor, behind the cafeteria. The service is open from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can contact the SSE office on +33 (0)5 61 63 37 25.

French Social security

International students are also entitled to French social security, which covers parts of your medical expenses (GP visits, prescriptions, hospital care, etc.)

Registration is done online via ameli.fr and you will need your student card, proof of address and passport (or ID card for EU citizens) to complete the process. Once registered, you will receive a "Carte Vitale" allowing for direct reimbursement of eligible healthcare costs.

 

MENTAL HEALTH

Moving to a new country and adapting to a different academic system can be challenging, and it's completely normal to need support along the way. Several free and confidential services are available to help you look after your mental wellbeing throughout your stay, from psychological support schemes to dedicated listening services.

Counseling services

Sciences Po Toulouse offers you confidential and free of charge sessions with a psychologist. Students can contact one of our partner psychologists to schedule a face-to-face or remote session in English or in French.​

  • Ms Ashun SIERRA: appointments available on Monday (2pm-5pm), Tuesday (12:30pm-4:30pm) and Thursday (9:30am-1:30pm).
To book an appointment, contact ashun.sierra@sciencespo-toulouse.fr or by text message on +33 (0)7 75 73 97 24, specifying that you are a student at Sciences Po Toulouse. Consultations are available in Spanish, English and French.
 
  • Ms Cécylia ABLANA: appointment available on Friday (8am-6pm)
To book an appointment, contact cecylia.ablana.psy@gmail.com or by text message on +33 (0)6 61 65 71 94, specifying that you are a student at Sciences Po Toulouse. Consultations are available in French

Appointments must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance, out of respect for other students wishing to book a slot. Consultations take place in building A, on the first floor.

The Sexual Violence and Discriminatory Remarks Support and Alert Unit

Sciences Po Toulouse is committed to combating harassment, violence, and discrimination. Listening to and supporting individuals who are victims of such incidents is a top priority.​ The listening unit for gender-based and sexual violence and discrimination provides a space for listening, support and guidance for members of the institution,whether victims or witnesses, affected by gender-based or sexual violence, or discriminatory behaviour. It informs and advises anyone reporting such situations on the personal steps needed to access appropriate support. The unit is made up of teaching and administrative staff members.

In line with your wishes and in full confidentiality, the unit's members take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and allow you to continue your studies under the best possible conditions. They can put you in touch with psychological or medical support, inform you about criminal and/or disciplinary procedures, and refer you to legal advice if needed.
 

Santé Psy Etudiant (Student Mental Health)

Santé Psy Etudiant is a national scheme that gives students access to free psychological support sessions. To access it, you must be enrolled in a higher education institution. 

You can book an appointment directly with a psychologist participating in the scheme (see directory) without needing a referral from your GP. You will then be entitled to up to 12 sessions free of charge, with no upfront payment required. Teleconsultations are also available.

Nightline Toulouse
A listening line by and for students


Nightline Toulouse is offering a listening service run by trained student volunteers, who answer calls and chats every night from 9pm to 2:30am. The service is open to all students in the Toulouse region, regardless of their field of study. Every topic can be discussed freely: loneliness, study-related stress, relationship issues, anxiety linked to the current health context, or simply your latest Netflix discovery.
 

Volunteers trained to listen to you

Volunteers receive listening training delivered by more experienced volunteers, which teaches them to set aside judgement, in line with the principles of other listening lines across France and around the world. Volunteers are then supported and supervised throughout their time as volunteers by professionals, including psychologists, through support groups and ongoing training.
 

Other free resources for your mental health

Nightline also offers an interactive directory to help you book an appointment if you'd like free psychological support. As a student, you're entitled to access a wide range of services without having to pay upfront. It's simple: just visit their website and enter your place of study or residence to find support near you. On their website, you'll also find a first aid kit to help you better identify your emotions, support a friend in distress, or simply learn more if you're curious about mental health. If you'd like to find out more about Nightline Toulouse, its news and services, visit their website and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook…

Psychological support services in France