Overview
ICES, the Institut catholique de Vendée, is a Catholic higher-education institution based in La Roche-sur-Yon in western France.
It describes its model as university teaching delivered in the setting of a school, and it is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles. ICES awards state-recognised Licence and Master degrees across eleven disciplines: law, economics and management, history, political science, literature, English and Spanish language and cultures, mathematics, physics and chemistry, life sciences and health sciences, along with a preparation for the DCG accounting diploma.
Double Licence routes, post-Master options, summer language courses, integrated preparation programmes and teaching and officer-school competitive-exam preparation complete the offer. The school reports more than 2,300 students, over 900 teaching staff in total, more than fifty university programmes and an 89% pass rate at Licence level.
Small cohorts, close academic support, a lively student-association life and a focus on debate and strong values are presented as its main strengths.
Internationally, ICES takes part in Erasmus+ and has bilateral agreements with more than a hundred universities in Europe and beyond, and it hosts exchange students and runs a French Summer Academy. An alumni network, AlumnICES, brings together roughly 10,000 former students.
Location & Contact
Address, phone, email, and online links for ICES are listed below.
Academic Details
A snapshot of ICES's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.
Faculties & Divisions
Each of ICES's faculties and its subject areas are listed below.
History (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- Contemporary History
- History
- Medieval Studies
Languages (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Modern Languages
Law (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Letters (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Literature
Life and Geosciences (Department/Division) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Political Sciences (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
Programs Offered
Every programme ICES currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.
57 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France
Bachelor's Degree 39 programmes
Showing 10 of 39.
Master's Degree 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
Scholarships in France
Scholarships and grants accessible to students attending ICES or other universities in France are below.
How to apply to ICES
What applying to ICES involves, in five steps.
-
1
Research programmes at ICES
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. ICES runs 57 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
-
2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to ICES, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for France.
-
3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with ICES's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
-
4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (ices.fr). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
-
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at 02 51 46 12 13. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICES
Frequently asked questions about ICES.
How old is ICES?
The institution opened in 1990 (approximately 36 years ago).
In which city is ICES?
ICES is based in La Roche-sur-Yon, France.
Is ICES a public or private institution?
ICES operates as a private institution.
What degrees does ICES offer?
Programmes at ICES cover master's programmes.
Does ICES have a religious affiliation?
ICES is associated with Christian.
Is ICES accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
What is ICES's official website?
The institution's website is ices.fr.
Top-Ranked Universities in France
Below are the highest-ranked universities in France — natural comparison points for ICES. Top institutions in France typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.
Other French Universities Affiliated with Christian
Universities affiliated with Christian in France are listed below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near ICES are listed below.
Where Else to Study Politics & International Relations
Universities in France with Politics & International Relations programmes appear below, alongside ICES.
Universities Compared with ICES
Below are universities sometimes compared with ICES.
Studying in France: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
Save this university to your shortlist
Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.
