University of Perpignan

Perpignan, France

The University of Perpignan, officially Université de Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD), traces its roots back to 1349 and boasts more than six centuries of academic tradition. Today it's a colorful, multidisciplinary public university in southern France—home to roughly 9,500 students (about 23 % from abroad), spread across Perpignan and regional campus
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Frequently Asked Questions

UPVD is small enough that students, faculty, and staff work closely together. That personal scale fosters strong academic support, a friendly environment, and high visibility among faculty. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, the university offers a relaxed setting with cultural richness, easy access to outdoor life, and strategic ties to Catalan‑speaking regions. Its multidisciplinary offerings, local research strengths (like solar energy and environment), and international connections make it a solid mix of heritage, opportunity, and regional identity.
Anyone holding a secondary school certificate or equivalent (Baccalauréat, IB, A‑levels, etc.) can apply. Through platforms like Parcoursup (for first‑year undergraduate) or ecandidat / Campus France (for transfer or international applicants), you submit your academic credentials and language proof. International students follow guidelines based on whether they live in a country with the Campus France (CEF) procedure—this determines whether they file a DAP application or use national platforms. Requirements and deadlines shift each year, so it’s critical to check the most current application portal.
UPVD follows French public university fee schedules. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the fees are around €254 for a Master’s and €178 for a Licence. International non‑EU students now pay the same rates thanks to a 2023 decision. EU and exchange students also enjoy waived fees if they hold recognized scholarships. Additional costs can include small charges for student cards, sports access, or library services, but the base academic fees remain low to ensure accessibility.
Admission to a Master’s typically involves submitting transcripts and your bachelor’s degree certificate, a CV, motivation letter, proof of French proficiency (DELF B2 or equivalent), and possibly references. EU students apply via platforms like “Find My Master,” while non-EU students use Campus France or ecandidat. Once admitted, you confirm your place by registering and paying fees or requesting deferred payment if you are awaiting scholarship decisions. All academic records are officially evaluated and language tests validated before you’re fully enrolled.
Once you submit your application, departmental review and validation might take several weeks. After approval at departmental and university level, you receive a conditional acceptance via the platform you applied on. After final validation—sometimes triggered by financial clearance or language test confirmation—you proceed to enrolment. The full cycle from application submission to confirmed enrolment can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on application volume and document completeness.
Yes. If you’ve applied for a French government or university scholarship and have received a conditional offer, you can choose “paiement différé” during the registration process. Once your scholarship is confirmed, the payment is waived or refunded. That includes international students who don’t yet have a residence permit—you can register, defer until your documents are in order, and settle your status later.
Professional campus security staff patrol university buildings, manage access control, and coordinate surveillance. Emergency features—like panic‑buttons and links to local police—are in place. If you spot suspicious objects, you’re trained to inform security immediately. UPVD also uses France’s national FR‑ALERT system to send real‑time alerts to mobile devices in case of urgent threats
UPVD regularly conducts safety drills—covering fire evacuation, lockdown procedures, and evacuations—so students know emergency routes and gathering points. Offices and dorms use badge access or coded entry, and CCTV monitors key areas. Annual orientations include safety briefings on campus rules, prohibited items, and behavior in emergencies.
The university has a student support helpline connecting you to security or campus welfare services. Members of staff are trained to respond confidentially to reports of harassment or concerns. There are also awareness campaigns on cyber safety, respectful behaviour, and campus etiquette to reinforce a respectful and secure environment.
UPVD offers degrees across its faculties—Law & Economics, Arts & Humanities, Sciences, STAPS (sports), IUT, IAE, and Franco‑Catalan Institute. You can pursue DEUST, Licence (bachelor’s), professional licences, Masters, engineering diplomas, and PhDs. They’re part of the European LMD structure: Licence is +3 years, Master +5, PhD +8 years.
UPVD offers both broad and niche Master’s. For instance, certain programs—like Management of Luxury Goods or Renewable Energy Engineering—are tailored to regional strengths. Some are delivered in partnership with institutes or industries, giving students practical exposure and frameworks for future careers.
Most undergraduate and graduate courses are taught in French. If you’re not from a Francophone background, you need a DELF B2 or equivalent. Some professional or Erasmus+ exchange options are available in English or bilingual formats. Specialized diplomas like DUs for FLE (French as a foreign language) or digital skills (PIX certification) support international integration.
Yes. UPVD participates in Erasmus+ mobility grants, Campus France scholarships, and regional aid for incoming or outgoing international students. Students from non‑EU countries through Campus France may receive partial support. UPVD also offers merit-based scholarships and emergency financial aid for short-term needs. Specific mobility programs like Erasmus+ ICM provide monthly stipends for study or internships abroad.
Yes. If you hold a French government scholarship or are recognized as a pupille de la nation, you’re exempt from registration fees. Sometimes this means paying zero euros for a Licence or Master programme. But you need to submit proof early, select the scholarship category during registration, and request deferred payment until official validation of your scholarship.
UPVD’s Financial Aid Office helps you apply for CROUS housing aid, hardship grants, and emergencies. You can also access low-cost campus meals through CROUS cafeterias, subsidized transport passes, and cultural discounts. If you belong to specific groups—students with disabilities or families—the university may offer additional grants or adapted services.
Yes. The International Welcome Desk & SAIEC within the regional UR université provide help with visa processes, housing searches, social security enrollment, and integration. They also run the “profiling” and roommate‑matching service, helping newcomers find compatible housing and adapt to local systems.
Perpignan is small, charming, and cost-effective. It’s just 10 minutes from the Mediterranean and one hour to the Pyrenees or Spain, making daily nature trips easy. The region offers vibrant Catalan culture, markets, beaches, mountain trails, and historical sites. The town’s public transport is modest but functional—many students walk or cycle to campus due to its compact scale.
After completing a Master or PhD, non‑EU students can apply for a “recherche” or “competences et talents” residency permit to remain and work. The university’s International Office guides you through document preparation and application steps. You must hold a job offer or plan a startup initiative, and prove financial stability. The process typically starts at the local prefecture and requires coordination with French authorities.
Yes. The International and Cross‑Border Relations Department can provide confirmation letters, enrollment proof, or planning documents necessary for your visa extension application. They help you understand which visa route applies (job search, highly skilled permit, doctoral extension) and redirect you to official visa orientation resources.
After degree completion, you may qualify for a temporary resident permit (APS—Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) allowing up to 12 months to look for employment. UPVD, through its international services, can issue confirmation of degree and status. You must remain enrolled in final administrative lists and demonstrate means of support. This grace period helps you transition from academics to employment while staying legally in France.

University Of University of Perpignan Application Statistics

25000
400
16000
4000
200
10:1
75 %
€ 7320
€ 8000
3
33
75 %

University Of University of Perpignan Application Statistics

25000
400
16000
4000
200
10:1
75 %
€ 7320
€ 8000
3
33
75 %

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  • 52 Av. Paul Alduy, Perpignan
  • +33 (0)4 68 66 20 00

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