Université Grenoble Alpes - Uni4edu

Université Grenoble Alpes

France

Panoramic view of Université Grenoble Alpes Domaine Universitaire campus with modern academic buildings, green lawns, and the snow-capped French Alps mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky

Université Grenoble Alpes

Grenoble, France

Founded

1339

Institution Type

Public University

Total Students

60,000+

International Students

10,000+

Discover Université Grenoble Alpes: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1339

Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) is a prestigious public research university located in Grenoble, in the heart of the French Alps. Founded in 1339 by Humbert II of Viennois, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the third largest university in France, enrolling over 60,000 students and more than 3,000 researchers.

The university is traditionally known for its research and education in the natural sciences and engineering, but also excels in law, economics, linguistics, psychology, and political sciences. UGA collaborates closely with major national research organizations such as CNRS, CEA, and INRIA, and works alongside large-scale international research facilities including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) and the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL).

UGA is organized around two main urban campuses: the 175-hectare Domaine Universitaire in Saint-Martin-d'Hères and Campus GIANT (Grenoble Innovation for Advanced New Technologies) in Grenoble. The university also operates facilities in Valence, La Tronche, and several other locations across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Key Milestones

  • 1339: University of Grenoble founded by Humbert II of Viennois with a papal bull from Pope Benedict XII, teaching law, medicine, and liberal arts.
  • 1970: University of Grenoble split into four specialized institutions following the May 1968 events in France.
  • 2016: Joseph Fourier University, Pierre Mendès-France University, and Stendhal University merged to form Université Grenoble Alpes, receiving the IDEX label of excellence.
  • 2020: Grenoble Institute of Technology, Grenoble Institute of Political Studies, and Grenoble School of Architecture merged with UGA to create a single comprehensive university.

Academic Structure and Faculties at UGA

Université Grenoble Alpes organizes its academic offerings through approximately 30 components, encompassing faculties, schools, and institutes that span sciences, engineering, medicine, law, economics, humanities, and social sciences. Programs follow the French LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) framework and include specialized engineering diplomas and English-taught master's degrees.

Faculty of Sciences

Covers core scientific disciplines including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and computer science through specialized departments like IM2AG and PhITEM.

  • Computer Science, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics (IM2AG)
  • Physics, Engineering, Earth and Environmental Sciences (PhITEM)
  • Chemistry and Biology

Grenoble INP – Graduate Schools of Engineering and Management

A cluster of eight engineering and management schools within UGA, recognized for scientific excellence and strong industry partnerships with over 580 partner companies and 42 laboratories.

  • Energy, Water, and Environmental Sciences (Ense3)
  • Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (Ensimag)
  • Physics, Electronics, and Materials Science (Phelma)

Faculty of Humanities, Health, Sports, and Society (H3S)

Brings together seven programs of excellence exploring the human experience, combining health, sports, social sciences, and intercultural studies in an interdisciplinary framework.

  • Arts and Humanities (ARSH)
  • Foreign Languages (LE)
  • Languages, Literature, Performing Arts, Information and Communication (LLASIC)

Faculty of Law

Offers comprehensive programs in civil law, international law, European law, and public law, continuing Grenoble's legal education tradition dating back to the university's founding in 1339.

  • International and European Law
  • Public Law and Political Science
  • Business and Corporate Law

Sciences Po Grenoble – UGA

A prestigious five-year institute training future decision-makers through a multidisciplinary curriculum spanning political science, law, economics, management, history, sociology, and languages.

  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Public Policy and Governance
  • European Studies

EUT – École Universitaire de Technologie

Born from the merger of the IUTs of Grenoble and Valence, EUT supports nearly 7,000 students with practical programs tailored to the job market, emphasizing work-study programs and international opportunities.

  • Business Administration and Management
  • Computer Science and Networks
  • Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate (Licence)

  • Secondary EducationBaccalauréat or recognized foreign equivalent
  • French ProficiencyB2 level (DELF/DALF) for French-taught programs
  • English ProficiencyIELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 72+ for English-taught programs
  • Application PlatformCampus France / Études en France for non-EU students
  • Documents RequiredTranscripts, motivation letter, CV, language certificates
Non-EU students should apply through the Campus France platform. EU/EEA students use Parcoursup for first-year undergraduate applications.

Graduate (Master / Doctorat)

  • Prior DegreeBachelor's degree (Licence) or equivalent for Master's; Master's for Doctorat
  • French ProficiencyB2 level (DELF/DALF) for French-taught programs
  • English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ for English-taught programs
  • Application PlatformMonMaster portal or direct application to specific programs
  • Additional RequirementsResearch proposal (PhD), letters of recommendation, professional experience (some programs)
UGA offers numerous master's programs taught entirely in English. The Graduate School provides competitive scholarships for international master's students.
January
Campus France Application Opens

Non-EU international students begin their application through the Études en France platform for the following academic year.

March – April
Campus France Deadline

Deadline for non-EU students to submit applications via Campus France. Exact dates vary by country of residence.

May – June
Master's Application Deadline

Most master's programs close applications between May and June for the September intake. Some programs have earlier deadlines.

September
Academic Year Begins

Start of the autumn semester. Students must complete administrative registration and pay the CVEC contribution before classes begin.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships at UGA

As a French public university, Université Grenoble Alpes offers highly affordable tuition fees subsidized by the French government. Non-EU students pay differentiated fees, though UGA may grant exemptions upon request, allowing non-EU students to pay the same rate as EU students.

Fee CategoryEU/EEA StudentsNon-EU Students
Licence (Bachelor's)EUR 170/yearEUR 2,770/year
Master'sEUR 243/yearEUR 3,770/year
Doctorat (PhD)EUR 380/yearEUR 380/year
CVEC (Student Life Contribution)EUR 105/yearEUR 105/year
TotalEUR 275 – EUR 485/yearEUR 2,875 – EUR 3,875/year

IDEX Master Scholarship

A competitive financial support program for international students enrolled in thematic master's programs at UGA's Graduate School, covering partial tuition and providing a monthly living allowance.

  • Eligibility: International students with a high school diploma obtained outside France
  • Duration: One year, renewable for the second year of Master's
  • Coverage: Tuition waiver and monthly stipend

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

A prestigious French government scholarship administered by Campus France, designed to attract outstanding international students to master's and doctoral programs in France.

  • Eligibility: Non-French international students under 30 (Master's) or 35 (PhD)
  • Monthly Allowance: EUR 1,181 (Master's) or EUR 1,700 (PhD)
  • Additional Benefits: Travel expenses, housing allowance, health insurance

Campus and Facilities at Université Grenoble Alpes

UGA's facilities are spread across multiple campuses in the Grenoble metropolitan area, offering a unique blend of modern academic infrastructure surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. The main campus features dedicated academic zones, research laboratories, sports facilities, and vibrant student life spaces.

Housing and Student Services

Student Housing

UGA offers various accommodation options including university residence halls managed by CROUS with over 4,600 rooms, as well as private apartments and shared housing in the Grenoble area.

  • CROUS university residence halls
  • Private studio apartments near campus
  • Shared housing and homestay options

Campus Facilities

The campus provides comprehensive facilities including multiple libraries, an Olympic-size swimming pool, 66 sports facilities, dining halls, and excellent public transport connections with tram and bus lines.

  • Multiple university libraries and study spaces
  • Olympic swimming pool and 66 sports facilities
  • Subsidized dining halls (restaurants universitaires)

Student Life at Université Grenoble Alpes

With over 60,000 students representing 160 nationalities, UGA offers a vibrant and diverse student life in one of France's top-rated student cities. Grenoble's unique alpine setting provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor sports alongside a lively cultural and social scene.

Student Organizations and Activities

UGA supports a wide range of student clubs and organizations covering academic interests, cultural activities, sports, and recreation. International student integration is encouraged through buddy programs, language exchanges, and intercultural events.

Cultural and International Associations

Numerous cultural clubs and international student associations organize festivals, film screenings, debates, and intercultural exchange events throughout the year.

Outdoor and Mountain Sports Clubs

Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing, and cycling clubs take full advantage of Grenoble's proximity to three mountain ranges: Vercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonne.

Academic and Professional Networks

Student-run organizations focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and career development, including the Pépite oZer incubator for student startups.

Arts, Music, and Theatre Groups

Creative student groups organizing art exhibitions, music performances, theatre productions, and campus cultural festivals year-round.

Sports and Athletics

French University Sports Federation (FFSU)

  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Swimming
  • Cycling and Mountain Biking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Football (Soccer)
  • Hiking and Trail Running
Home to 3 mountain ranges and 66 sports facilities

Grenoble: The Capital of the French Alps

Panoramic cityscape of Grenoble France with the Bastille fortress on the hilltop, the Isère river flowing through the city center, cable cars, and snow-capped Alpine peaks in the background at golden hour
Grenoble nestled between three mountain ranges, combining urban vibrancy with breathtaking alpine scenery.

Life in Grenoble

Grenoble is a dynamic mid-sized city consistently ranked among the top student cities in France. As the second-largest research center in France after Paris, it blends a thriving innovation ecosystem with an exceptional natural setting, offering an affordable cost of living and excellent public transport including 5 tram lines and over 320 km of bike paths.

Alpine Outdoor Paradise

Surrounded by the Vercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonne mountain ranges, Grenoble offers world-class skiing, hiking, climbing, and cycling just minutes from campus.

Innovation and Research Hub

Grenoble hosts 22,800 researchers and is home to major research facilities including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, making it one of Europe's largest scientific centers.

Excellent Transport Connections

Well-connected by TGV high-speed rail to Paris and Lyon, with an international airport and affordable monthly student transport passes at just EUR 15.

Rich Cultural Heritage

The city features the renowned Musée de Grenoble, the iconic Bastille fortress accessible by cable car, vibrant markets, and a thriving culinary scene reflecting the best of French alpine culture.

Career Outcomes and Alumni Network

70,000+
LinkedIn Alumni Network
Active global alumni community
580+
Partner Companies
Through Grenoble INP – UGA
100+
Research Laboratories
Collaborative research opportunities

Top Employers Recruiting UGA Graduates

STMicroelectronics Schneider Electric Capgemini Hewlett-Packard Siemens bioMérieux CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research)

Practical Information for International Students

For International Students

Visa and Residence Permit Support

UGA's International Office provides comprehensive assistance with visa applications, residence permits, and administrative procedures. After graduation, students can apply for a post-study visa allowing 18 months to seek employment in France.

French Language Courses (CUEF)

The Centre Universitaire d'Études Françaises (CUEF) is a world-renowned center for teaching French as a foreign language, offering classes at all levels. Many international degree programs include free French language courses.

Welcome and Integration Programs

UGA offers orientation programs, buddy systems, language exchanges, and cultural integration activities to help international students adjust to life in Grenoble. Help is available in multiple languages for housing, transport, and daily life.

Key Contacts

Université Grenoble Alpes – International Office
  • +90 5435286292
  • +44 7868736984
  • corporate@uni4edu.com
  • info@uni4edu.com

Université Grenoble Alpes World Rankings

Université Grenoble Alpes is consistently ranked among the top universities in France and globally, reflecting its strong research output, international reputation, and academic excellence across multiple disciplines. The university is the top-ranked university outside the Paris region in France.

QS World University Rankings
#321
2026
Times Higher Education
#351-400
2026
US News Best Global Universities
#256
2025
Shanghai ARWU
#151-200
2025
SubjectRanking BodyRank
GeologyQS Subject Rankings#22
GeophysicsQS Subject Rankings#23
Earth and Marine SciencesQS Subject Rankings#40
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringUS News Subject RankingsTop 100
medal icon
#321
Ranking
book icon
6000
Graduate Students
badge icon
4450
Academic Stuf
profile icon
57000
Students
world icon
11000
International Students
apartment icon
Public
Instution Type

Features

Working at the Université Grenoble Alpes means joining a dynamic university campus and an institution that ranks among the top 10 French higher education institutions. We offer a wealth of diverse skills, career management, and a quality of life at work. Join us!

Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation service is available\n

Work While Studying

Work While Studying

Students can work while studying

Co-op/Internship Participation

Co-op/Internship Participation

There is an internship service\n

Featured Programmes

Master's & Postgraduate

12 months

Finance

location

Université Grenoble Alpes, , France

Earliest Intake

January 2026

Gross Tuition

3770 €

Master's & Postgraduate

24 months

Chemistry

location

Université Grenoble Alpes, , France

Earliest Intake

August 2026

Gross Tuition

3770 €

Bachelor's Degree

36 months

Economics

location

Université Grenoble Alpes, , France

Earliest Intake

August 2026

Gross Tuition

3770 €

Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter

January - April

Location

\nGrenoble Alpes University\n\n621 avenue Centrale\n38400 Saint-Martin-d'Hères\nFrance

Location not found

Map not found.

AI Assistant

Uni4Edu AI Assistant