Université de Montpellier - Uni4edu

Université de Montpellier

France

Aerial view of Université de Montpellier campus and historic Faculty of Medicine building, with Montpellier cityscape, Mediterranean-style architecture, and sunny blue skies in southern France

Université de Montpellier

Montpellier, France

Founded

1220

Institution Type

Public Research University

Total Students

50,000+

Global Ranking (Shanghai)

151–200

Discover the Université de Montpellier: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1220

The Université de Montpellier is a public research university located in Montpellier, in the south-east of France. Established in 1220 with roots in its famous Faculty of Medicine, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and has played a pivotal role in European intellectual history for over eight centuries.

Today's university was formed on January 1, 2015, through the merger of the former Université Montpellier 1 and Université Montpellier 2, reuniting disciplines that had been separated since 1970. It is a multidisciplinary institution with nine faculties, three Institutes of Technology, and specialized schools including Polytech Montpellier Engineering School, making it France's sixth largest university.

The university is a member of the Coimbra Group, the Mediterranean Universities Union, and the European University alliance CHARM-EU. It is internationally recognized for research excellence, particularly in ecology, environmental sciences, health, and agriculture, and attracts students from over 150 countries worldwide.

Key Milestones

  • 1220: Faculty of Medicine founded, establishing one of the oldest medical schools in the Western world.
  • 1289: Pope Nicholas IV issued a papal bull formally combining the schools of Medicine, Arts, and Law into the University of Montpellier.
  • 1593: Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier founded, becoming the oldest botanical garden in France.
  • 2015: Université Montpellier 1 and 2 merged to recreate the unified Université de Montpellier after 45 years of separation.

Academic Structure and Faculties

The Université de Montpellier is a multidisciplinary institution organized into 17 schools across two main complementary fields of study. It offers approximately 657 national and international diplomas, with a strong emphasis on research-driven education in sciences, health, law, and economics.

Faculty of Medicine

One of the oldest medical faculties in the world, offering comprehensive training in general and specialized medicine, with close ties to the Montpellier Regional University Hospital Centre (CHRU).

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Master in Biomedical Sciences
  • Public Health and Epidemiology

Faculty of Science

A leading faculty in natural sciences and technology, renowned for research in ecology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental sciences.

  • Master in Environmental Sciences
  • Bachelor in Biology
  • Master in Chemistry and Materials

Faculty of Law and Political Science

With origins tracing back to medieval legal studies, this faculty provides rigorous training in law, political science, and public administration at all degree levels.

  • Bachelor in Law
  • Master in International and European Law
  • Master in Political Science

Faculty of Economics (Montpellier Management)

Offers programs in economics, management, and business administration with a strong international outlook and partnerships with regional industries.

  • Bachelor in Economics
  • Master in Finance
  • Master in Marketing, Business and Strategy

Faculty of Pharmacy

One of France's historic pharmacy schools, training future pharmacists and pharmaceutical researchers with access to advanced laboratories and clinical partnerships.

  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
  • Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Research in Drug Discovery and Development

Faculty of Sports Science (STAPS)

A distinctive faculty focusing on sports science, human movement studies, and physical education, supported by the Euromov research facility for integrated human movement studies.

  • Bachelor in Sports Science
  • Master in Exercise Physiology
  • Master in Sports Management

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate Admission

  • Application PlatformCampus France (Etudes en France) for non-EU students; Parcoursup for EU students
  • Academic RequirementSecondary school diploma equivalent to the French Baccalauréat
  • French ProficiencyB2 level (TCF, DELF, or DALF) for French-taught programs
  • English ProficiencyIELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL equivalent for English-taught programs
  • Additional DocumentsTranscripts, CV, motivation letter, and passport copy
Most undergraduate programs are taught in French. A limited number of English-taught options are available. Contact the university for specific program language requirements.

Graduate Admission

  • Application PlatformCampus France (Etudes en France) or Mon Master portal depending on nationality
  • Academic RequirementBachelor's degree (Licence) or equivalent in a relevant field
  • French ProficiencyB2 level minimum for French-taught master's programs
  • English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL equivalent for English-taught master's programs
  • Additional DocumentsResearch proposal (for PhD), letters of recommendation, transcripts, and CV
Several master's programs are offered in English, including those in sustainable development, computer science, and international business. Check the university website for the full list.
October – January
Campus France Application Window

Non-EU international students must submit applications through the Etudes en France platform before the deadline set by their local Campus France office.

February – April
Mon Master Application (EU Students)

European students apply for master's programs through the Mon Master website starting in February.

April
Fall Intake Deadline

General application deadline for programs starting in September. Early application is recommended due to visa processing times.

October
Spring Intake Deadline

Some programs offer a January start. Check specific program pages for availability and deadlines.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Université de Montpellier

As a public French university, the Université de Montpellier offers highly affordable tuition fees, especially for EU/EEA students. Non-EU international students may be subject to differentiated fees, though many exemptions and scholarships are available.

Fee CategoryEU/EEA StudentsNon-EU International Students
Bachelor's (Licence) TuitionEUR 170 / yearEUR 2,770 / year
Master's TuitionEUR 243 / yearEUR 3,770 / year
Engineering Program TuitionEUR 601 / yearContact university for current data
Student and Campus Life Fee (CVEC)EUR 103 / yearEUR 103 / year
TotalEUR 273 – EUR 346 / year (typical)EUR 2,873 – EUR 3,873 / year (typical)

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

A prestigious French government scholarship for outstanding international students pursuing master's or doctoral studies in France, covering living allowance and various benefits.

  • Coverage: Monthly stipend of approximately EUR 1,181 (Master's) or EUR 1,700 (PhD)
  • Eligibility: Non-French international students with excellent academic records
  • Duration: 12 to 36 months depending on program level

University of Montpellier Merit Scholarships

The university offers merit-based financial support and fee exemptions for international students, including partial or full tuition waivers for non-EU students with strong academic profiles.

  • Type: Tuition fee exemption and/or living stipend
  • Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic achievement
  • Application: Contact the International Relations Office for current opportunities

Campus and Facilities

The Université de Montpellier is a multi-site university with campuses spread across the city of Montpellier, all connected by tramway line 1. From the historic Faculty of Medicine in the city center to the modern Richter and Triolet campuses, students enjoy a true urban campus network in the heart of a vibrant Mediterranean city.

Housing and Student Services

Accommodation Options

Students can access affordable housing through CROUS public dormitories, private student residences, or shared apartments in the city. The university's Welcome Center assists international students with finding accommodation.

  • CROUS university residence halls
  • Private student residences near campus
  • Shared apartments in city center and Port Marianne

Campus Amenities

The university provides comprehensive facilities including sports centers, libraries, research platforms, and student centers (Maisons des Étudiants) on the Richter and Triolet campuses.

  • University libraries and digital resource centers
  • Sports facilities including gyms, pools, and playing fields
  • Student centers (MdE) and the (S)pace co-working areas

Student Life at Université de Montpellier

Student life at the Université de Montpellier is rich and diverse, with around 140 active student associations covering humanitarian, sports, cultural, and academic interests. The Student Life Office (SLO) coordinates activities across campuses, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive community for the university's international student body.

Student Organizations and Clubs

With approximately 140 registered associations, students can find communities that match virtually any interest, from academic societies to cultural exchange groups.

Cultural and International Associations

Numerous clubs celebrate cultural diversity and facilitate exchange between French and international students, including language exchange programs and cultural nights.

Humanitarian and Volunteering Groups

Active student-led organizations focused on community service, environmental sustainability, and social outreach projects in the Montpellier region.

Academic and Professional Societies

Faculty-specific associations that organize conferences, workshops, career fairs, and networking events to complement academic programs.

Arts and Performance Groups

Theater, music, dance, and film clubs that take advantage of Montpellier's thriving arts scene and numerous festivals throughout the year.

Sports and Athletics

French University Sports Federation (FFSU)

  • Rugby
  • Football (Soccer)
  • Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Sailing
  • Hiking and Trail Running
Home of the Philippidès Stadium, the university's athletics facility in Montpellier

Montpellier: A Dynamic Mediterranean Student City

Panoramic view of Montpellier city center with Place de la Comédie, historic buildings, tramway, Mediterranean blue sky, and distant views toward the sea
Montpellier — a vibrant, sun-drenched city in southern France with 300 days of sunshine per year

Life in Montpellier

Montpellier is one of France's fastest-growing and youngest cities, with one in five inhabitants being a student. Located on the Mediterranean coast in the Occitanie region, it offers 300 days of sunshine per year, easy access to beaches just 15 minutes away, and France's largest pedestrian city center. The city is more affordable than Paris while offering a rich cultural scene, excellent cuisine, and a welcoming international atmosphere.

Place de la Comédie

The vibrant heart of Montpellier, this grand square is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and the opera house, serving as the main gathering point for locals and students alike.

Musée Fabre

One of the largest and most important art museums in France, housing European art from the 15th century to the present day, including works by Courbet and Soulages.

Mediterranean Beaches

Sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast are easily accessible by public transport, offering students opportunities for surfing, sailing, and relaxation year-round.

Pic Saint-Loup and Cévennes Mountains

Dramatic natural landscapes just north of the city provide hiking, climbing, and outdoor adventure opportunities amidst vineyards, garrigue, and stunning panoramic views.

Career Outcomes and Alumni Network

Contact university
Graduate Employment Rate
Contact the university for the most current data
Contact university
Average Starting Salary
Varies by program and field of study
800+
Years of Alumni Heritage
Global alumni network spanning over eight centuries

Notable Employers and Research Partners

Sanofi IBM TotalEnergies Horiba CNRS INSERM CIRAD INRAE

Practical Information for International Students

For International Students

Welcome Center and Orientation

The International Student and Researcher Services Office assists with visas, residence permits, health insurance, accommodation, and administrative procedures before and after arrival in Montpellier.

French Language Support

French language courses are available to help international students improve their proficiency for both academic and everyday use. Language exchange programs are also offered.

Bienvenue en France Certification

The Université de Montpellier has been awarded the Bienvenue en France label, recognizing the quality of its support services and welcome programs for international students.

Key Contacts

International Relations Office
  • +90 5435286292
  • +44 7868736984
  • corporate@uni4edu.com
  • info@uni4edu.com

Université de Montpellier: Worldwide University Rankings

The Université de Montpellier consistently ranks among the top universities in France and the world, with particular strength in ecology, environmental sciences, agriculture, and health. It is recognized across all major global ranking systems for its research output and scientific impact.

QS World University Rankings
#430
2026
Times Higher Education
#401–500
2026
US News Best Global Universities
#233
2025
Shanghai Ranking (ARWU)
#151–200
2025
SubjectRanking BodyRank
EcologyShanghai Subject Rankings#14 worldwide
Agriculture and ForestryQS Subject Rankings#75 worldwide
Biological SciencesQS Subject Rankings#94 worldwide
Environmental SciencesQS Subject Rankings#119 worldwide
medal icon
#430
Ranking
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3000
Graduate Students
badge icon
1300
Academic Stuf
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9000
Students
apartment icon
Public
Instution Type

Features

The University of Montpellier is an experimental public establishment (EPE), enjoying legal personality, pedagogical, scientific, administrative and financial autonomy.\n\nLed by a president elected from its Board of Directors, it is made up of governance bodies, components, directorates and central services.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation service is available\n

Work While Studying

Work While Studying

Students can work while studying\n

Co-op/Internship Participation

Co-op/Internship Participation

There is an internship service\n

Featured Programmes

Master's & Postgraduate

24 months

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

location

Université de Montpellier, , France

Earliest Intake

January 2026

Gross Tuition

243 €

Master's & Postgraduate

24 months

Business

location

Université de Montpellier, , France

Earliest Intake

January 2026

Gross Tuition

243 €

Master's & Postgraduate

12 months

Banking and Finance

location

Université de Montpellier, , France

Earliest Intake

January 2026

Gross Tuition

243 €

Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter

October - March

Location

Route de Saclay\n91120 Palaiseau, France

Location not found

Map not found.

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