Preparing for Your Departure

When should you arrive?

It is strongly recommended to arrive at least one week before the start of classes in order to find accommodation and familiarize yourself with your new environment.

For more information about the start of the academic year, please visit our website at www.sesame.com.tn.

What financial resources should you plan for?

SESAME does not offer loan or scholarship programs for international students.

International applicants wishing to study in Tunisia must ensure—before leaving their home country—that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their studies. Proof of sufficient funds will also be required by the Tunisian authorities to obtain the necessary residence permits.

Although it is difficult to estimate a student’s exact budget, the following table provides an overview of annual living expenses, excluding tuition fees.

Note: These amounts are provided for guidance only.
Exchange rate: 1 € ≈ 3.3 TND.

What climate and clothing should you expect?

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate. Winters are generally mild, with some cool and rainy days. However, you should bring warm clothing, more suitable for humidity than for extreme cold.

Summers are dry, often very hot, and sometimes last until late October. You will therefore need summer clothing, preferably cotton.

Average temperatures:
• Winter: 10°C to 18°C
• Summer: 25°C to 35°C

Arrival in Tunis takes place at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, located about 10 minutes from the University.

There, you will be required to present to border control authorities your passport, student visa, university enrollment certificate, and possibly proof of sufficient financial resources (such as a scholarship certificate or any other financial support document).

Airport Reception

The University will arrange to welcome you at the airport. You must inform us of your arrival date at least 48 hours in advance.

Reception at the University

Upon your arrival in Tunis, you must report to SESAME’s Registrar’s Office to submit certified copies of all documents previously sent by fax or email, and to present the original versions.

Documents that must be submitted:

– Original admission documents if your application was submitted by fax or online
– Copy of the first pages of your passport
– Copy of your entry visa to Tunisia (and subsequently any renewal)
– Copy of your health insurance certificate. If you do not already have insurance from your home country, you must pay for medical coverage upon arrival.

You will also meet the staff of the International Student Services Office, where you can obtain information that will help you settle in and integrate more easily.

There are several student residences located near the University, allowing you, if you wish, to live in nearby neighborhoods. The University can also assist you in your housing search.

Renting an Apartment

Several types of accommodation are available, with prices varying depending on the neighborhood and the size of the apartment:

– Studio apartment, usually furnished, including one room, a kitchenette, and a bathroom: monthly rent between 400 and 500 TND*
– Standard apartment with two, three, or four rooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen. It is rarely furnished and can be shared by several people: monthly rent between 400 and 600 TND*
– Villa, offering more space: monthly rent between 600 and 800 TND*

In addition to the monthly rent, you should also expect electricity, heating, and phone expenses.

Renting accommodation involves signing a rental agreement binding the tenant and the landlord. This contract, which outlines the rights and obligations of both parties, usually lasts one year. A legalized copy of this document from the Municipality may be required to obtain your residence permit.

Student Residences

If you plan early enough, you can reserve rooms in a private student residence even before your arrival. Expect to pay around €50 per bed per month.

The currency used in Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar (TND). The dinar is not convertible. One dinar is worth approximately €0.30.

Upon your arrival in Tunis, you can exchange your foreign currency at the banks located inside the airport (open 7 days a week) or at banks in the city.

Transferring Funds

One way to receive money in Tunisia is through bank transfers to an account opened in your name at a bank in Tunis.

Major international banks have Tunisian correspondent banks where you can receive funds.

However, bank transfers can take quite a long time (several weeks). It is therefore advisable to bring enough money with you—in cash or in traveler’s cheques—to cover your expenses for the first two months.

Transfers via Western Union are faster but more expensive.

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account, you must go to the branch of the bank of your choice with the following documents:

– A photocopy of the first page of your passport
– A copy of your university enrollment certificate, student card, or your temporary or permanent residence permit.

The residence permit is a mandatory document that must be requested as soon as you arrive in Tunis, within a maximum of one month after entering Tunisian territory.

Documents required:

– University enrollment certificate and proof of payment of your tuition fees
– Rental contract, or if you are staying in a student residence: a residence certificate
– 2 ID photos
– 2 fiscal stamps of 10 TND each (available at the Finance Office)
– Proof of financial resources (bank statement and/or financial support letter)
– Proof of health and accident insurance

The residence permit is issued 2 to 3 months after the application submission date. It is valid until September 30 of the current academic year and is renewable annually.

While waiting for the final card, the police station will issue a temporary residence document, which allows you to remain in good standing throughout Tunisian territory.

Social Services

The University provides a medical service dedicated to monitoring your health and ensuring the development of preventive care (vaccinations, medical check-ups, etc.).

Food

University Restaurants

Students of the University have access to state-run university restaurants. Meal prices are very affordable (200 millimes ≈ €0.10).

Other Dining Options

A cafeteria is available on campus for students.

Additionally, numerous small restaurants, cafés, and pizzerias are located near the University, offering a wide range of meals at very reasonable prices.

A dedicated shuttle bus service provides round-trip transportation for students between the “10 Décembre” metro station (Immeuble Saâdi) and SESAME. One trip is scheduled in the morning and the return trip in the afternoon.

To use this service, students must subscribe to an annual student-rate transportation pass.