Villa Albertine 
University of Bordeaux
Top 10 Universities in France (ARWU, QS, THE)
#78 Worldwide — Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
#184 in Europe — QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025
Ranked among the top universities in France for the quality of its academic courses and scientific community, the University of Bordeaux, was one of the first universities to obtain the “Initiative of Excellence” (IdEx) label, awarded in recognition of its innovative training, research and knowledge transfer programs.
The University serves 52,000 students annually, of which 2,000 are PhD students and 8,000 are international students. It offers 245 national degrees including 70+ international study programs and (more than 30 master’s degree programs taught fully in English).
Research is organized into 11 departments and 82 laboratories. A graduate research school coordinates doctoral studies in collaboration with 8 doctoral schools, which provide support and guidance to PhD students.
The campus consists of several sites located near the city, offering a wide range of services and amenities. 140 student associations contribute to cultural activities, while more than 50 sports programs at all levels enrich student life on campus.
Eligible Programs for Lafayette Fellows
The University of Bordeaux offers Lafayette Fellows access to its master’s-level programs within its Graduate Schools of Excellence (UBGrads). These programs are taught entirely in English and share a strong research focus while admitting only top-performing students.
They can be accessed directly at the Master 1 level (two-year programs) or, if necessary, at the Master 2 level (one-year programs) without completing Master 1:
- Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics (Master 1 or Master 2, Photonics)
- Light, Matter and iNteractions (Master 1 or Master 2, Chemistry & Photonics)
- LEXFI (Master 1 or Master 2, Innovation Law)
- NEUROBIM (Master 1, Neurosciences)
- International Neurosciences (Master 2, Neurosciences)
- Eureka (Master 1 or Master 2, Materials Chemistry)
- Cancer Biology (Master 1 or Master 2, Oncology)
- Public Health Data Science (Master 2, Data Sciences)
- Electromechanic Heart Diseases (Master 2, Cardiology & Rythmology)
Chemistry, Data Science, Health, Law, Neurosciences, and Physics
Admissions Information
The admissions calendar runs from October to March, depending on the program. Please check the application process calendar related to the program you want to apply for.
Applications are open from October 1st until mid-November for NEUROBIM and International Neuroscience programs, following the same timeline as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program.
All Master’s programs are available on the “Études en France” platform except:
- “Electromechanical Health Diseases”: applications must be submitted by contacting the professors directly at the following address: gp-cardiacep@u-bordeaux.fr
- NEUROBIM/Neurosciences programs: applications are open from October 1st to mid-November, following the same process as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. Please contact admissiontec@u-bordeaux.fr.
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
The University of Bordeaux warmly welcomes around 7,600 international students each year, offering a robust set of support services to ensure their smooth integration and enriching campus experience. Guided by the International Mobility Offices and Student Life Centers (Bureaux de la Vie Étudiante, BVE), new students receive help with critical aspects, such as accommodation, visa procedures, health insurance, and financial aid. At the beginning of the academic year, an orientation week introduces international students to university life via campus tours, library visits, student association meetups, and language support including intensive French classes.
Overall, the university hosts over 175 student associations and fosters a vibrant campus community through sport, culture, and social initiatives.
Learn more about international student services here and other on-campus activities and offerings here.
All graduate programs at the University of Bordeaux are based on the Peixotto campus in Talence, at the heart of one of France’s largest university districts. Easily accessible by tram, the campus offers state-of-the-art research facilities and a vibrant student life, with initiatives such as “La Cabane” promoting sustainable projects and community engagement. Beyond the campus, students can enjoy the cultural richness of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city, as well as the outstanding natural environment of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with vineyards, the Atlantic coast, and the Pyrenees within easy reach—an ideal setting for both academic and personal growth.
