Université Grenoble Alpes
France
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
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
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
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
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)
Non-EU international students begin their application through the Études en France platform for the following academic year.
Deadline for non-EU students to submit applications via Campus France. Exact dates vary by country of residence.
Most master's programs close applications between May and June for the September intake. Some programs have earlier deadlines.
Start of the autumn semester. Students must complete administrative registration and pay the CVEC contribution before classes begin.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at UGA
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 Category | EU/EEA Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Licence (Bachelor's) | EUR 170/year | EUR 2,770/year |
| Master's | EUR 243/year | EUR 3,770/year |
| Doctorat (PhD) | EUR 380/year | EUR 380/year |
| CVEC (Student Life Contribution) | EUR 105/year | EUR 105/year |
| Total | EUR 275 – EUR 485/year | EUR 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
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.
The main 175-hectare campus in Saint-Martin-d'Hères hosting the majority of educational facilities and research laboratories.
Grenoble Innovation for Advanced New Technologies campus, home to Minatec, ESRF, and major research organizations including CNRS and CEA.
Specialized medical studies campus housing the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, just one tram stop from the main Domaine Universitaire.
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
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.
Grenoble: The Capital of the French Alps
Grenoble: The Capital of the French Alps
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
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers Recruiting UGA Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
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.
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.
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
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Université Grenoble Alpes World Rankings
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.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Geology | QS Subject Rankings | #22 |
| Geophysics | QS Subject Rankings | #23 |
| Earth and Marine Sciences | QS Subject Rankings | #40 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | US News Subject Rankings | Top 100 |
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 service is available\n

Work While Studying
Students can work while studying

Co-op/Internship Participation
There is an internship service\n
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
January - April
Location
\nGrenoble Alpes University\n\n621 avenue Centrale\n38400 Saint-Martin-d'Hères\nFrance
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