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Université catholique de l'ouest crest

Université catholique de l'ouest

Angers, France • Founded 1875

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: uco.fr

Overview

English Name: Université catholique de l'ouest
Local Name: Catholic University of the West
Acronyms: UCO
Founded: 1875
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #2838
Université catholique de l'ouest crest

Established in 1875, the Université Catholique de l'Ouest (Catholic University of the West) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Angers (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Pays de la Loire.

This institution also has branch campuses in Arradon, Guingamp, Laval, Papeete, Rezé and Saint-Denis. Officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France), Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) is a medium-sized coeducational French higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.

Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 149-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

UCO also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, phone, email, and online links for Université catholique de l'ouest are listed below.

Address: 3, place André Leroy
Postal Code: 49008
Other Sites: Also campuses in Angers, Guingamp, La réunion, Laval, Nantes, Niort, Papeete and Vannes
Phone: +33 (0)2 41 81 66 00
Fax: +33 (0)2 41 81 66 09
Email: comm@uco.fr
Social Media:

Academic Details

A snapshot of Université catholique de l'ouest's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Recognition: Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (baccalauréat) or equivalent. Parcoursup post-bac admission process
Total Students: 11,400
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) L'Université Nantes Angers Le Mans (L'UNAM) Union des Etablissements d'Enseignement Supérieur Catholiques (UDESCA)

Academic Structures

Université catholique de l'ouest's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 10 items
  • Institute for Council and Enterprise Development
  • Institute of Applied Biology and Ecology
  • Institute of Applied Mathematics
  • Institute of Applied Psychology and Sociology
  • Institute of Arts, Letters and History
  • Institute of Communication Sciences and Education of Angers
  • Institute of Modern Languages
  • Institute of Training in Physical and Sports Education of Angers
  • International Center for French Studies
  • UCO Training Institute for the Teaching Profession

Degrees

Under French law, Catholic faculties are not entitled to award official degrees and diplomas without State University agreement. Students prepare for State degrees and diplomas under convention with several French State Universities (Université de Bretagne Sud, Université d'Angers, Université de Paris V....). Professional titles of Ingénieur are officially recognized. The University awards specific professional titles.

Master's 3 programs
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Sociology
Doctoral 5 programs
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Psychology
  • Theology
Other 5 programs
  • Communication Studies
  • Economics
  • Management
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.

International French Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • International Studies
Lifelong Education (Centre) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Education (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Teacher Training
Human and Social Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Human Resources
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
Humanities (Faculty) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art History
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • History
  • Information Sciences
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Musicology
Sciences (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Management
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Sports
Theology and Religious Studies (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Christian Religious Studies
  • Religious Studies
  • Theology
Biology and Applied Ecology (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
Communication and Educational Sciences (Institute) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Education
  • Educational Sciences
  • Teacher Training
Modern Languages (Institute) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • English
  • German
  • Hungarian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Modern Languages
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Translation and Interpretation
Physical Education and Sports (IFEPSA) (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physical Education
  • Sports
Teacher Training (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Teacher Training
Chemistry (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
Commercial Sciences (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business and Commerce
Computer Science and Production (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • ESAIP

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Université catholique de l'ouest offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

9 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France

Bachelor's Degree 9 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Année préparatoire
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Diplôme d'Etablissement
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Diplôme de spécialisation professionnelle

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Licence - Arts-lettres-langues
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

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

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Scholarships in France

Financial-aid options for studying in France, applicable across institutions including Université catholique de l'ouest.

Aide à la mobilité internationale
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Government funded · 400 EUR per monthly · Travel · Covers Travel
Grant of 400 EUR per month for a study or internship stay abroad of 1 to 10 consecutive months that forms part of the degree programme; no more than 10 months in total across all higher education.
Bourse sur critères sociaux
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Government funded · 6,335 EUR per year · Living Stipend · Covers Living
Monthly national grant paid over 10 months by the Crous, with eight échelons from 0 bis to 7 ranging from 1,454 EUR to 6,335 EUR per year (1,745 to 7,602 EUR if kept over the summer); overseas territories receive a supplement of 300 EUR.
Erasmus+ mobility grant
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Other funded · Travel · Covers Travel
Monthly grant generally between 300 and 700 EUR depending on destination and whether the stay is a study period or an internship; 786 EUR for students of overseas institutions; supplements of 250 EUR per month for students meeting inclusion criteria and a sustainable-travel supplement.
ESSEC Foundation Need-based Scholarship
ESSEC Foundation · Foundation funded · 20,000 EUR per total · Partial Tuition
Need-based tuition aid for ESSEC students facing financial difficulties: average 5,000 EUR, maximum 20,000 EUR, and 15,000 EUR over three years; 447 scholarship students were supported in 2025.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Campus France · Government funded · International students · 1,200 EUR per monthly · Living Stipend · Covers Living, Travel, Insurance
Monthly allowance of 1,200 EUR for master students (up to 12 months for M2, 24 for M1, 36 for engineering degrees) and 2,100 EUR for doctoral students (12 to 36 months), plus international transport, insurance, housing search and cultural activities; tuition fees are not covered.

How to apply to Université catholique de l'ouest

A five-step guide to applying to Université catholique de l'ouest.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Université catholique de l'ouest

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Université catholique de l'ouest offers 9 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at Université catholique de l'ouest 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
    Gather supporting documents

    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
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via Université catholique de l'ouest's online portal at www.uco.fr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at comm@uco.fr or by phone at +33 (0)2 41 81 66 00. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Université catholique de l'ouest

Below are key facts about Université catholique de l'ouest, drawn directly from institutional records.

In what year was Université catholique de l'ouest established?

Université catholique de l'ouest was founded in 1875 (approximately 151 years ago).

Where is Université catholique de l'ouest located?

Université catholique de l'ouest is located in Angers, France.

Is Université catholique de l'ouest public or private?

Université catholique de l'ouest operates as a private institution.

What is the student enrolment at Université catholique de l'ouest?

Student enrolment at Université catholique de l'ouest is around 11,400.

What qualification levels does Université catholique de l'ouest offer?

Université catholique de l'ouest delivers master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

What is Université catholique de l'ouest's religious tradition?

Yes, Université catholique de l'ouest is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.

How is Université catholique de l'ouest organised academically?

Université catholique de l'ouest has 10 academic units.

Is Université catholique de l'ouest accredited?

Université catholique de l'ouest is accredited by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

How do I find Université catholique de l'ouest online?

You can find Université catholique de l'ouest online at www.uco.fr.

Top-Ranked Universities in France

Graduate-school placement rates among France's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Université catholique de l'ouest's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.

Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)

These universities are also members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).

Other French Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Below: other Christian-Catholic-affiliated universities in France, alongside Université catholique de l'ouest.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Université catholique de l'ouest are listed below.

Where Else to Study Computer Sciences

Below: other France universities that offer Computer Sciences programmes.

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