University of Poitiers

The University of Poitiers currently serves more than 23,000 students and employs more than 3,000 people. The international dimension is one of the major priorities of the University of Poitiers. This is materialized each year by the reception of about 4,000 students from 136 different countries. With 17% foreign students, the University of Poitiers is above the national average.

In order to strengthen the international influence of the University of Poitiers, we have long-standing commitments to major international exchange, training and research programs, which benefit the whole University community through various programs of pedagogical, administrative, financial and logistical support.

The University of Poitiers is proud to be a member of the Coimbra group, a network made up of the 40 oldest multidisciplinary universities of “enlarged” Europe. The network, created in 1985, was designed to influence the strategic choices of the European Community.

All courses offered by our Schools and Colleges include language classes - especially English. Our University offers its French and international students a wide range of language learning opportunities provided in particular by the College of Literature and Languages, the Maison des Langues (Language Resource Center) and CAREL (Language Center in Royan).

The University of Poitiers, founded in 1431 by Pope Eugene IV, later confirmed by French King Charles VII’s letters patent, was originally composed of five Colleges: theology, canon law, civil law, medicine and arts.

As early as the 16th century, the University of Poitiers was the centrepiece of the city’s cultural life. At that time, it was considered the second most important University in France after Paris; 4,000 students attended the University, some of whom were to become famous: Joachim du Bellay, Guez de Balzac, François Rabelais, René Descartes, Francis Bacon, Scévole de Sainte Marthe etc. After the French Revolution, which abolished provincial universities, the University of Poitiers was refounded and strengthened by the addition of new colleges (literature and science) during the 19th century.

Poitiers University boast 7 colleges, 2 Scools and 5 institutes.

With 48 research laboratories, and 8 doctoral schools, in which 180 PhD theses are defended each year, research at the University of Poitiers is organized around 6 main fields :

• Physics & engineering science
• Mathematics, information & communication science & technology
• Biology & Health
• Chemistry, geosciences, biology & ecology
• Human, economic & social sciences
• Legal & political science

One of the main strengths of Poitiers University is its comprehensiveness and multi-disciplinary offerings, for the benefit of all students.

With over 200 national diplomas available in all fields of study, Poitiers University offers diversified training programmes, which are regularly adapted to meet evolving professional requirements:

• Diplomas of technology
• Undergraduate Programs,
• Vocational Undergraduate Programs,
• Master's programs,
• Engineering diplomas,
• Health service diplomas (medicine / pharmacy / midwife / speech therapy),
• National teacher training diplomas,
• Doctoral research and PhDs.