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Nantes University

Nantes, France World Rank #524

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Nantes University
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
World Rank: #524
Rank in France: #14
Nantes University institutional facilities
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Nantes University is a public institution located in Nantes, France. It operates as a higher-education provider.

The academic catalogue at Nantes University runs across master's and doctoral programmes, with numerous faculties and schools hosting a catalogue of active programmes. Each unit administers its own admissions and curriculum framework.

Student enrolment at Nantes University sits around 37,000 students, distributed across faculties and programmes. Academic staff support teaching and research activities alongside administrative teams managing student services.

Nantes University's standing — captured by #524 globally and #14 within France — places it within France's academic hierarchy. The institution participates in France's academic ecosystem alongside other higher-education providers.

Location & Contact

Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Nantes University. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: BP 13522 1, quai de Tourville
Postal Code: 44035
Social Media:

Academic Details

Nantes University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Academic Year: October to June (October-February; February-June)
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (baccalauréat) or equivalent, or special entrance examination
Total Students: 37,000

Degrees

Browse Nantes University's degree offerings by level. Programmes within a single level often share entry requirements and study durations.

Master's 50 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Accountancy
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Classical Languages
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Law
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Educational Sciences
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Environmental Studies
  • European Studies
  • European Union Law
  • Finance
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Heritage Preservation
  • History
  • Information Sciences
  • International Law
  • International Studies
  • Labour Law
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Maritime Law
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Private Law
  • Psychology
  • Public Law
  • Robotics
  • Social and Preventive Medicine
  • Sociology
  • Sports
  • Teacher Training
  • Urban Studies
Doctoral 38 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Classical Languages
  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Dentistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography (Human)
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Immunology
  • Information Sciences
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Maritime Law
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neurosciences
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Nutrition
  • Philosophy
  • Plant Pathology
  • Private Law
  • Public Law
  • Sports
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Thermal Engineering
Other 30 programs
  • Agronomy
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Dentistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Economics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • Industrial Design
  • Industrial and Production Economics
  • Law
  • Management
  • Mass Communication
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Modern Languages
  • Natural Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Physics
  • Social Sciences
  • Speech Therapy and Audiology
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications Services

Faculties & Divisions

Nantes University's teaching divisions and their subject focus. Departmental ownership of programmes determines who handles admissions queries, scholarship questions, and timetable issues.

Lifelong Education (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Continuing Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics and Management (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Foreign Languages ​​and Cultures (Faculty) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • English
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Modern Languages
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Slavic Languages
  • Spanish

Common Career Paths

  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Language Teacher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

History, History of Art and Archaeology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • History
Law and Political Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
  • Political Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Letters and Languages (Faculty) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Classical Languages
  • Communication Studies
  • Comparative Literature
  • Educational Sciences
  • Information Sciences
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Philosophy

Common Career Paths

  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Language Teacher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine and Medical Technology (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Psychology (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Clinical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science and Technology (Faculty) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Radiophysics
  • Seismology
  • Sports

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Sociology (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Sociologist
  • Researcher
  • Community Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Sports (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physical Education
  • Sports
Economics and Management (IAE Nantes) (Institute) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

French for Foreigners (i-FLE) (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • French
  • French Studies
Geography and Regional Development (IGARUN) (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Geography
  • Regional Planning
Preparatory Administrative Studies (IPAG) (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
Teacher Training (INSPE) (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Teacher Trainers Education
  • Teacher Training
Technology (IUT Nantes) (Institute) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Data Processing
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Public Administration
  • Technology
  • Thermal Engineering
Technology (IUT, La Roche-sur-Yon) (Institute) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Bioengineering
  • Business Administration
  • Information Technology
  • Mass Communication
  • Public Administration
  • Telecommunications Engineering
Technology (IUT, Saint-Nazaire) (Institute) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business and Commerce
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Sales Techniques
  • Technology
Engineering (Polytech' Nantes) (School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Thermal Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Find a programme at Nantes University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.

299 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France

Bachelor's Degree 52 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in CUPGE - Sciences, technologie, santé
Health Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in D.E secteur sanitaire

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence - Arts-lettres-langues
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence - Droit-économie-gestion
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence - Droit-économie-gestion / Arts-lettres-langues
Law

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence - Sciences - technologies - santé
Health Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence - Sciences humaines et sociales
Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence Allemand ou Anglais ou Espagnol ou Italien
Bachelor's Degree in Licence Bilingue
Bachelor's Degree in Licence Chimie
Chemistry

Showing 10 of 52.

Master's Degree 247 programmes

Master's Degree in Archéologie, sciences pour l'archéologie — Métiers de l'archéologie
Archaeology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Arts, lettres et civilisations — Lettres-langues
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Arts, lettres et civilisations — Littérature française et comparée
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Arts, lettres et civilisations — Préparation supérieure à l'enseignement
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Arts, lettres et civilisations — Sciences de l'Antiquité
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Bio-informatique — Bio-informatique pour les biologistes
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Bio-informatique — Ingénierie bio-informatique
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Biologie végétale — Filière de l'Horticulture et Innovation
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Biologie végétale — Gestion de la santé des plantes
Health Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Biologie végétale — Qualité des productions spécialisées
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 247.

How to apply to Nantes University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Nantes University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Nantes University offers 299 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at Nantes University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via Nantes University's online portal at www.univ-nantes.fr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nantes University

Common questions students ask about Nantes University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

Where can I find Nantes University?

The institution is located in Nantes, France.

What is Nantes University's control type?

Nantes University operates as a public institution.

How many students does Nantes University have?

The institution has a student body of 37,000.

What is Nantes University's ranking?

Nantes University holds rank #524 globally and #14 in France.

What degrees does Nantes University offer?

Nantes University offers master's and doctoral programmes.

Is Nantes University officially recognised?

Yes, Nantes University is recognised by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

What is Nantes University's official website?

Nantes University's official website is www.univ-nantes.fr.

Top-Ranked Universities in France

National rankings in France often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.

Faculties at nearby universities

Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Nantes University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.

Where Else to Study Law

If Nantes University is on your shortlist for studying Law, these peer institutions in France offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.

Universities Compared with Nantes University

Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Nantes University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.

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