Introduction

The University of Pau and the Adour Region, often referred to as UPPA, is a multi-campus public university located in southwestern France, known for its teaching and research in a variety of disciplines.

Overview

Student size: about 14,000 students, of which about 1,853 are international students.

Number of faculty: 1,017 academic staff and 682 administrative staff.

History

The university can be traced back to the Collège des Arts, a humanities research institution established in Pau in 1549.

In 1946, the University of Bordeaux opened a branch in Pau to teach law subjects.

Formally established in 1970, it obtained full university status in 1972.

Founded in 1972, it officially obtained university status, but its history can be traced back to 1549. Years.

School Strength

Teaching Quality: It offers a variety of degree courses from undergraduate to doctoral level, focusing on the combination of theory and practice, cultivating students' professional ability and comprehensive quality. Its graduates have certain competitiveness in the French and international job markets. For example, graduates of law, economics and other majors have performed well in related fields.

Scientific Research Level: It has 19 research units, 34 high-level expert seats and 9 laboratories established with major research institutions and partners. It has carried out in-depth research in the fields of energy and environment, humanities and social sciences, and undertaken many national and international scientific research projects. The scientific research results have had a wide impact in academia and industry.

Institutional Nature

Public University.

Educational Philosophy

Adhering to the school motto of "University is an opportunity, let's seize it!", it is committed to providing students with high-quality educational resources and development opportunities, emphasizing the cultivation of interdisciplinary research and practical ability, focusing on the personalized development of students, encouraging students to actively participate in scientific research and social practice activities, and cultivating professionals with innovative spirit, social responsibility and international vision.

Key Laboratories and Disciplines

Key Laboratories:

IPREM: Institute of Environmental and Material Analysis Science and Physical Chemistry, focusing on analytical research in the field of environment and materials.

LFCR: Complex Fluid Laboratory, studying the properties and applications of complex fluids.

LIU PPA: Computer Science Laboratory, conducting cutting-edge research related to computer science.

Key Disciplines:

Engineering: covers multiple engineering fields such as electrical, mechanical, and metallurgical, focusing on cultivating students' engineering practice ability and innovative thinking.

Computer Science: includes databases, artificial intelligence, numerical analysis and other directions, keeping up with the forefront of information technology development.

Economics: has strong teaching and research strength in microeconomics, taxation and other aspects.

Law: majors such as international law have a certain reputation in France.

Faculty

The school has three colleges:

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities: covers literature, language, humanities, sports, law, economics and management.

School of European and International Studies: includes the Department of Interdisciplinary Research and the Institute of Business Management.

School of Energy and Environmental Science and Technology: includes the Department of Science and Technology, multiple professional units and two university technical colleges.

Rankings

Ranked 1615th in the 2022-2023 US News World University Rankings, 568th in the Best Global Universities in Europe, and 66th in the Best Global Universities in France.

Ranked 1303rd in the 2025 Study Abroad Aide World University Rankings, 529th in Europe, and 54th in France.

Expenses

Tuition fees: Tuition fees for undergraduate and master's students are around 243 euros per year for both domestic and international students.

Living expenses: The cost of living in Pau is relatively low, with monthly living expenses including rent, food, transportation, etc. being around 800-1200 euros. Around EUR.

Campus

Campus distribution: The main campus is located in Pau, and there are also campuses in Anglet, Bayonne, Tarbes and Mont-de-Marsan.

Campus environment: Each campus has good teaching facilities and learning environment. The campus is shaded by trees, providing students with a comfortable learning and living space. At the same time, the school also provides students with a wealth of cultural, sports and community activities to promote the all-round development of students.