University of Pau and Pays Adour

Pau, France

Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) is a multi‑campus public university in southwest France, rooted in the Adour river basin with its heart in Pau, founded around 1970, serving roughly 14 000 students across five campuses, and recognized as a French "University of Excellence" especially in energy and environmental research .
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Frequently Asked Questions

UPPA is a multi-campus public university located in southwestern France, with its main campus in Pau and satellite campuses in Bayonne, Anglet, Tarbes, and Mont-de-Marsan. It lies near the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic coast, offering students a unique setting with both natural beauty and cultural richness. The region is well-connected by rail and road, and Pau has an airport with flights to Paris and other cities.
Most programs at UPPA are taught in French, especially at the undergraduate level. However, several master’s and doctoral programs are fully or partially delivered in English, particularly those aligned with international research priorities and collaborations. French language support is also available for international students to help with academic integration.
Yes. UPPA is highly research-driven and recognized for its focus on environmental and energy transition issues. It’s part of the I-SITE initiative (E2S UPPA), which supports interdisciplinary research on sustainable development, climate change, energy, and regional ecosystems. The university has strong collaborations with CNRS, INRAE, and industrial partners.
International students outside the EU typically apply through the "Etudes en France" platform run by Campus France. EU/EEA students or those already in France can apply directly via the university portal. Applications generally require academic transcripts, a passport, a language proficiency certificate (DELF/DALF for French or IELTS/TOEFL for English programs), and sometimes a motivation letter or interview.
If you're applying to a French-taught program, you’ll need a minimum B2 level in French (DELF/DALF or TCF accepted). For English-taught programs, an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+ is typically expected. Some programs may waive the requirement if you completed previous studies in that language.
Applications typically open in October or November for the following academic year. For most programs, deadlines fall between January and April. Final admissions decisions are sent out by late spring or early summer. Non-EU students should begin the visa process immediately after acceptance due to longer processing times.
Yes, UPPA offers a very safe environment. The campuses are located in peaceful, mid-sized cities known for low crime rates and strong community ties. The university has protocols for student emergencies, and international offices provide support for housing, health insurance, and legal issues.
Absolutely. UPPA offers psychological counselling services free of charge for students, along with regular wellness workshops, stress management sessions, and peer support groups. The student health centre is also available for basic medical care and guidance.
The university has a dedicated security team available on all campuses. Emergency contact numbers are provided to students, and all buildings follow fire and health safety regulations. In case of health emergencies, the French healthcare system ensures quick and reliable access to doctors and hospitals.
UPPA is best known for its programs in Environmental Science, Geoscience, Petroleum Engineering, Law, Economics, Languages, and Sustainable Development. Master’s programs in Energy and Environment (such as SIMS, EEET, and STEE) are particularly popular among international students.
Yes, especially at the master's level. English-taught programs include those in chemistry, petroleum engineering, environmental management, and international business. These are designed for international students and include close ties to research labs and local industries.
It depends. Changing programs is possible but not automatic. You’ll need approval from both departments and may have to catch up on missed coursework. It's easier within similar disciplines (e.g., from Law to Political Science) than across completely different faculties.
Yes. While UPPA itself doesn’t offer a wide range of direct scholarships, international students can apply for several external scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Program, Campus France grants, Erasmus+ mobility funds, and occasionally, UPPA-specific research or merit-based awards in certain master’s programs
France has some of the lowest public university tuition fees in Europe. For most non-EU students, undergraduate programs cost around €2,770/year and master’s programs around €3,770/year. EU/EEA students pay around €170–€250/year. However, many students receive fee waivers or grants.
Yes. International students are legally allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours/week) in France. Many students take up part-time jobs in cafés, libraries, or as language tutors. On-campus jobs are limited but available in support roles or research assistantships.
UPPA works with CROUS, the national student housing agency, to offer affordable on-campus or nearby residences. Rooms are typically furnished with basic amenities and range from €150 to €400/month depending on size and location. Private rentals are also available but cost a bit more.
Pau and other UPPA cities are much more affordable than Paris or Lyon. Monthly student living expenses typically range from €600 to €800 including rent, food, transport, and leisure. The area also offers a good quality of life, with cheaper public transport and many student discounts.
Yes. Each campus is well-connected by public transport (bus, tram, and train). Students can buy a monthly pass for a discounted rate. Campuses are compact and walkable. In Pau, many students also bike around, and the university has provisions for secure bicycle storage.
Yes. Graduates from French universities can apply for a temporary residence permit called APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), which allows them to stay in France for 12 months (sometimes 24) to look for work or start a business. This applies to master’s degree holders and doctoral students.
UPPA has career centres on each campus that help students with internships, job fairs, resume writing, and interview prep. Its strong partnerships with industry, especially in the energy and environmental sectors, often result in internships turning into full-time offers for high-performing students
Yes. As a public French university, UPPA’s degrees are recognized across Europe and by most international credential evaluation systems. Programs that follow the Bologna system ensure compatibility with other European qualifications, and its research collaborations give students access to global opportunities.

University Of University of Pau and Pays Adour Application Statistics

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€ 9862
€ 7000
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University Of University of Pau and Pays Adour Application Statistics

25000
3000
16000
2000
300
12:1
50 %
€ 9862
€ 7000
2
24
55 %

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