By formal agreement with local French universities, the AUCP coordinates optional enrollment for its students at the Université de Provence, Les Beaux Arts (or, by special arrangement with their home universities, the Institut d’Etudes Politiques).

Unlike most so-called direct enrollment programs, the AUCP does not work with the "institutes for foreign students" annexed to major French universities. AUCP participants thus have the special opportunity to attend class alongside French students. This extremely challenging opportunity allows students to experience from the inside an important aspect of French culture, the educational system.

The French university academic year starts in mid-October and continues through late May. First semester students may enroll for one course if they can remain in Aix or return for mid to end of Juanary French university exams. A special exam period coinciding with the end of the AUCP semester is arranged for second semester students at the end of May. Full-year participants may take one direct enrollment course each semester, or choose two in the second semester.

Registration for university courses takes place on-site in consultation with the administration in Aix.