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Université Côte d’Azur

#Top 2% of Universities Worldwide 
#23 in France

Source: CWUR 2024 

Located on the French Riviera, Université Côte d’Azur is a major research-intensive institution offering a top-tier, multidisciplinary education with a strong international outlook. Each year, it enrolls around 35,000 students, including learners from over 100 nationalities, and brings together more than 3,000 staff members, including nearly 1,600 faculty, across campuses stretching from Nice to Sophia Antipolis, Cannes, and Menton.   

As one of only nine French universities awarded the prestigious “Initiative of Excellence” (IdEx) label, Université Côte d’Azur ensures that all programs are deeply rooted in cutting-edge scientific research, keeping content constantly updated, relevant, and forward-thinking. Through a wide range of English-taught programs led by renowned academics and industry experts, the university equips students to tackle the major challenges of tomorrow.

Committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the university attracts students who are particularly eager to engage with the pressing issues of our time-climate change, innovation, artificial intelligence, global health, and societal transformation. Université Côte d’Azur offers unique opportunities for involvement and international exposure, including participation in the COP Climate Conference, meetings with European Commissioners, global hackathons, and international forums.    

Visit Université Côte d’Azur’s Website

Eligible Programs for Lafayette Fellows

List of Programs

Université Côte d’Azur offers Lafayette Fellows access to its IDEX learning programs.

These are international and interdisciplinary Master of Science (MSc) programs, labeled by the University’s Initiative of Excellence (IdEx) — a prestigious distinction awarded under the French national “Investments for the Future” program.

These programs:

  • Are taught entirely in English.
  • Are officially recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI).
  • Promote an interdisciplinary approach to current societal and technological challenges, with a strong focus on interculturality and international partnerships.

Master of Science (MSc) degrees conferring the Master’s grade:

Master of Science (MSc) degrees not conferring the Master’s grade:

Disciplines and Fields of Study

Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Sciences, Data Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Health, Ocean Science, and Plant Biology

Creative Music / Art Studies, Management, Marketing, and Urban Studies

Admissions Information

Admissions Calendar

Applications for all these Master’s programs will open mid-December.

Admissions Process

Please access the online application via the Etudes en France platform AND the e-Candidat platform.

Click here for more information.

Reminder: The awarding of the Lafayette Fellowship is conditional upon admission to one of the eligible partner institutions. Applicants must complete both the Lafayette Fellowship application and apply to at least one program at one of the partner institutions.

Campus Life

International Student Services

Université Côte d’Azur welcomes approximately 35,000 students each year across its vibrant campuses in Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Cannes, and Menton, supported by over 3,000 staff members including nearly 1,800 faculty.

The MSc International Office team ensures a smooth arrival by assisting with administrative formalities and organising integration activities — from live chats and the MSc Welcome Day — all designed to foster connections and ease the adaptation process.

The University also offers a comprehensive Welcome Guide and students benefit from an enriched campus life featuring libraries, cafes, sports facilities, cultural events, and active student associations.

With 20% international students, nearly 100 nationalities represented, over 700 partner universities, and 60+ international programs, Université Côte d’Azur is deeply committed to global engagement.

Learn more about support upon arrival in France here.

Click here to learn more about accommodation.

Location

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the university provides an inspiring, multicultural environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Université Côte d’Azur (UniCA) offers its MSc programs across multiple campuses located in the vibrant French Riviera region. Depending on your chosen discipline, your classes may be held in:

  • Nice, including the historic Valrose campus (in the city center) and the CHU Pasteur hospital, where the MSc in Biobanks and Complex Data Management takes place.
  • Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s premier technopole, hosting programs such as Data Science & Artificial Intelligence and Modeling for Neuronal and Cognitive Systems at the SophiaTech campus (Les Lucioles and Templiers sites), set amid a dynamic tech ecosystem of academia and industry.
  • Cannes, specifically the Georges Méliès campus, where creative degrees like Music Scoring for Visual Media and Sound Design are based, fully equipped with studios and production facilities.
  • Grasse, together with Nice, hosts the MSc in Management of the Flavor and Fragrance Industry – most classes take place at the Valrose campus in Nice, while some are held in Grasse.

These programs are strategically embedded in the Riviera region — a unique crossroads of urban, academic, and technological life — offering an exceptional environment where students benefit from both rich cultural heritage (e.g., Nice’s historical campus) and cutting-edge innovation (e.g., Sophia Antipolis’s scientific hub).

Get ready to shape your future in France!

Apply