About the university

Université Côte d’Azur is a large multidisciplinary public research university located in Nice and the broader Alpes‑Maritimes region on the French Riviera. Created in its current form in 2019 from the merger of University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and associated institutions, it brings together 18 academic entities committed to excellence in higher education, research and innovation. The university has been recognised with the Initiative of Excellence (IdEx) label, placing it among the top nine research‑intensive universities in France. It promotes interdisciplinarity and partnerships across fields such as science, health, engineering, humanities, social sciences and digital technologies, and works closely with regional, national and international partners. Université Côte d’Azur offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programmes, international MSc degrees, and extensive research opportunities in disciplines including artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, earth sciences and life sciences. Its campuses in Nice, Cannes, Menton and Sophia Antipolis provide a dynamic academic environment set within the culturally rich and scenic Riviera region.

Key information

• Location: Nice, FR
• Ranking #650
• QS #688
• THE #601
• National ranking #9
• Institution type: public

Popular faculties

• Science
• Health
• Engineering
• Law
• Economics & Management
• Social Sciences
• Digital Technologies
• Arts & Humanities

Programs (9)

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Law
• Economics

Student body

• Total students: 35,000
• Undergraduate: 25,000
• Graduate: 8,000
• International students: 20%

Campus life

Campus life at Université Côte d’Azur reflects a vibrant blend of academic engagement and Mediterranean student culture. Spread across campuses in Nice, Cannes, Menton and Sophia Antipolis, students engage in a variety of activities including Erasmus Student Network events, cultural clubs, and sports like football, rugby and basketball. The Riviera setting offers a unique backdrop with beaches, historic city centres, festivals and outdoor events providing ample leisure and networking opportunities outside classes. Social life is complemented by academic workshops, conferences, and multidisciplinary student groups, fostering interaction across diverse study fields and nationalities. The university’s outreach and partnerships with local institutions enrich student experiences and support professional development in a dynamic international environment.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €450 - €900 / per month

Housing options

• Student residences
• Shared apartments
• Private apartments

Student clubs and organizations

• Erasmus Student Network
• Cultural Clubs
• Sports Associations

Sports

• Football
• Rugby
• Basketball Teams

Career & internships

Employment rate: 75%

Partner companies

• Thales
• IBM
• Schneider Electric
• Airbus
• L’Oréal
• Orange
• Sanofi
• Capgemini

Internships: Université Côte d’Azur integrates internships and professional placements into many degree programmes, providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience with regional and international employers across sectors such as engineering, business, IT, healthcare and environmental sciences. The Career Services team supports students with internship searches, CV preparation and interview coaching, helping them translate academic knowledge into real‑world skills. Erasmus+ and international exchange schemes further expand access to placements abroad, strengthening professional networks and employability prospects in a global context.

Admission requirements

Required documents

• High School Diploma/Transcript
• Proof of French/English proficiency
• Motivation Letter
• CV
• Faculty‑specific requirements

Tuition costs

• €170 - €3,941 / per year
• Acceptance rate: 80.00%
• Scholarships available: Université Côte d’Azur offers various scholarship opportunities for academic excellence, need‑based support and international mobility through programmes like Erasmus+. Scholarships may include merit awards, mobility grants and faculty‑specific funds for research or study abroad. Career and student services assist students in navigating funding options and application processes, while external foundations and partner organisations provide additional support. The aim is to make higher education more accessible and to support students’ academic and professional objectives.

Quick facts

• Founded: 1639
• Teaching languages: French, English, english, french
• Study formats: offline

Contact

• Website: https://univ-cotedazur.fr
• orientation‑carlone@univ‑cotedazur.fr
• +33 4 89 15 17 66