Savoy, France
Savoy, France
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Savoie Mont Blanc University actively supports student employability through strong links with industry and research institutions. Its diverse programs are designed to align with market needs, offering professional degrees, engineering diplomas, and vocational training. The university integrates internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects into the curriculum, giving students hands-on experience. Career support services guide students in building résumés, preparing for interviews, and connecting with recruiters. With its focus on innovation and collaboration, especially on the Bourget-du-Lac science campus, students often find opportunities in tech, engineering, and research sectors. This practical ecosystem boosts graduate outcomes both in France and internationally.
Yann Barthès is a journalist, TV presenter and producer who studied English at USMB. Best known for hosting Le Petit Jo... View More
Yann Barthès is a journalist, TV presenter and producer who studied English at USMB. Best known for hosting Le Petit Journal and later Quotidien, he reshaped French satirical news with a bold, irreverent style. Over a career spanning more than a decade, Barthès built a media empire through his creative approach to storytelling and commentary, earning widespread acclaim. His education at USMB laid the foundation for his communication skills and cultural awareness. Today, he’s seen as one of France’s leading media personalities—charismatic, sharp, and deeply influential in shaping modern broadcast journalism. View Less
Christophe Lemaitre is a former sprinter who made history at USMB by becoming the first white athlete to officially brea... View More
Christophe Lemaitre is a former sprinter who made history at USMB by becoming the first white athlete to officially break the 10-second barrier in the 100m. He achieved this milestone in 2010 and replicated it multiple times through 2011. Lemaitre won Olympic bronze in the 4×100m relay in London (2012) and 200m at Rio (2016). His time at USMB supported balancing elite sport with academic pursuits. His landmark achievements elevated France’s presence in sprinting internationally and inspired athletes across Europe. He remains one of USMB’s most celebrated sporting alumni View Less
Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot is a phenomenal cyclist who studied at USMB before launching a career that shattered records. ... View More
Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot is a phenomenal cyclist who studied at USMB before launching a career that shattered records. She became the first cyclist to hold world titles in road racing, cyclo-cross and cross-country mountain biking simultaneously in 2015. At just 23, she solidified her place among cycling’s elite thanks to versatility and consistency. Her time at USMB helped develop discipline and adaptability—skills essential in excelling across multiple disciplines. Female athletic excellence embodied: Ferrand‑Prévot continues to dominate races and inspire the next generation of cyclists View Less
Better known by her stage name Mercotte, Jacqueline Mercorelli studied at USMB before becoming a food critic, author, bl... View More
Better known by her stage name Mercotte, Jacqueline Mercorelli studied at USMB before becoming a food critic, author, blogger and television personality. Born in Aix-les-Bains, she gained fame as a judge on Le Meilleur pâtissier, the French version of The Great British Bake Off. Her expertise in pastry and clear, warm presence on screen turned her into a national reference for home baking enthusiasts. Mercotte combines culinary artistry with precise communication—a blend likely cultivated through her education in humanities at USMB. She remains a beloved figure in France’s culinary and media worlds View Less
Ulla Pedersen Tørnæs is a Danish politician and public figure who earned an honorary degree from USMB in 2019. Through... View More
Ulla Pedersen Tørnæs is a Danish politician and public figure who earned an honorary degree from USMB in 2019. Throughout her career, she served as Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, Education, Higher Education & Science, and Member of the European Parliament. Her work spans multiple ministerial roles between 2001 and 2019, with a strong focus on international education policy and global collaboration. USMB recognized her leadership in higher education by awarding her an honorary doctorate. Her career stands as a testament to USMB’s commitment to global perspectives and educational exchange View Less
Léo Trespeuch studied at USMB's IUT at Annecy and then completed a master's research program at IAE Savoie‑Mont‑Bla... View More
Léo Trespeuch studied at USMB's IUT at Annecy and then completed a master's research program at IAE Savoie‑Mont‑Blanc before earning a PhD in management at Grenoble. He’s a world-class snowboarder specializing in snowboardcross, capturing a university world championship in 2007 and multiple national titles. After retiring from competition, he transitioned to academia and research, focusing on philanthropy, sports innovation, and crowdfunding. Now a professor at UQTR in Quebec, he bridges sports and research through interdisciplinary study. Trespeuch’s journey reflects USMB’s ability to support both athletic and scholarly achievement View Less
Vincent Jay studied at USMB from around 2005 to 2008 while pursuing his promising biathlon career. At the 2010 Winter Ol... View More
Vincent Jay studied at USMB from around 2005 to 2008 while pursuing his promising biathlon career. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, he won gold in the sprint and bronze in the pursuit—becoming the first Frenchman to win Olympic sprint gold in biathlon. In addition to his Olympic success, Jay earned multiple World Cup podium finishes and served in the French military as a non-commissioned officer. His USMB education ran in parallel with elite sport, helping him merge discipline, strategic thinking and national pride View Less
Sandrine Bailly attended USMB while competing as one of France’s top biathletes. She won the overall Biathlon World Cu... View More
Sandrine Bailly attended USMB while competing as one of France’s top biathletes. She won the overall Biathlon World Cup in 2004–05 and was runner‑up the following season. In 2003 she claimed the world championship in the 10 km pursuit. Known for consistency and competitive grit, Bailly helped elevate France on the world biathlon stage. USMB provided the academic flexibility she needed to train at an elite level while pursuing her studies. Her career exemplifies academic support for high-performance sport View Less
Perrine Laffont studied at USMB before reaching the pinnacle of her sport. She became Olympic gold medallist in mogul sk... View More
Perrine Laffont studied at USMB before reaching the pinnacle of her sport. She became Olympic gold medallist in mogul skiing at PyeongChang 2018, and captured the Dual Moguls world championship in 2017. Her technical skill, elegance and competitive consistency set her apart in freestyle skiing. USMB’s environment supported her drive to balance international competition with academic pursuits. Laffont continues to compete at top level, embodying how USMB alumni excel both on snow and in broader personal development View Less
Émilien Jacquelin studied at USMB before establishing himself as a world-class biathlete. He became double pursuit worl... View More
Émilien Jacquelin studied at USMB before establishing himself as a world-class biathlete. He became double pursuit world champion in 2020 and 2021, a rare achievement reflecting precision, endurance and mental resilience. His World Cup performances are consistently strong across sprint and individual events. Jacquelin’s time at USMB helped him maintain academic grounding alongside biathlon training. By combining scholarly discipline with sport, he embodies the university’s ethos of mobility, excellence and global reach. View Less
Savoie Mont Blanc University offers modern infrastructure across its three campuses—Annecy, Jacob-Bellecombette, and Le Bourget-du-Lac—designed to foster an immersive learning environment. From high-tech labs and digital classrooms to extensive sports facilities and eco-friendly buildings, the university blends academic excellence with comfort. Libraries across campuses are well-equipped with physical and digital resources, catering to diverse student needs. The Technolac campus, near Lac du Bourget, is a hub for research and innovation with specialized centers in energy and environmental sciences. Student residences, cafeterias, and collaborative zones add to the vibrant campus life. Overall, the infrastructure supports a dynamic, hands-on academic experience.
Student life at Savoie Mont Blanc University is vibrant, blending academics with nature and community. Between lakeside strolls at Le Bourget and alpine hikes near Annecy, outdoor adventure is part of daily living. Clubs span sports, arts, culture, and sustainability, giving students a say in campus culture and regional engagement. Cafeterias, common rooms, and events foster connection across disciplines. International students find a warm welcome through integration programs and mobility networks. With flexible scheduling and a human-scale size, the university makes room for both study and self‑development.
Career services at USMB are tailored to help students transition seamlessly from academics to the workplace. They offer résumé workshops, mock interviews, and personalized coaching to sharpen presentation and soft skills. The university hosts regular employer visits and job fairs, connecting students to internships and entry-level roles across industries. A dedicated online portal keeps track of internship opportunities, alumni networks, and part-time roles in the region. Specialized support is available for international students navigating French work culture and visa-related hiring. What this really means is that you get practical tools, real-world exposure, and ongoing support to launch your professional journey with confidence.
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a) Online Application
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c) Official transcripts
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Savoie Mont Blanc University drives innovation through its 19 internationally recognized research laboratories across disciplines like science, technology, environment, and social sciences. The Bourget-du-Lac Technolac campus plays a key role, anchoring scientific research within a high-tech ecosystem. The university encourages applied research, often collaborating with industries and public institutions to tackle real-world challenges. Faculty and students are actively involved in cutting-edge projects, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery. It also promotes research mobility, dual-degree pathways, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This strong R&D focus enhances its academic reputation and creates pathways for startups, patents, and policy impact.
Savoie Mont Blanc University has earned recognition for its academic excellence, research contributions, and international outreach. It ranks among the top French universities for Erasmus student exchanges, reflecting its strong global engagement. Its 19 research labs have produced impactful work in fields ranging from environmental science to engineering. The university’s commitment to innovation is visible through collaborations with major industries and the development of the Technolac science campus. Notable alumni like physicist Adlène Hicheur and athlete Christophe Lemaitre add to its reputation. Its ability to combine academic rigor with practical relevance makes it a standout institution in the Alpine region.
In January 2025, USMB made its debut in the global THE (Times Higher Education) thematic world rankings. It placed in seven major categories—ranging from physical sciences and engineering to arts, psychology, business and economics. This recognition highlighted USMB’s strategic focus through its Institute of Transitions on human‑environment interaction, future industries, and cultural heritage transformation
By 2025, USMB held the fourth‑highest Erasmus student intake in France. Its School of International Relations had signed 228 exchange agreements across 82 countries and welcomed more than 1,000 international students yearly. This sustained global engagement reflects USMB’s commitment to mobility, dual‑degree programs, and English‑taught training
In late 2024, national statistics showed USMB achieving exceptional student success: 80.9% of DUT students graduated on time (national average 76.1%), 92.6% of first‑year professional licence students earned their degree within a year (national 89.3%), and up to 84.5% of Master 1 enrolments completed their Master in 2–3 years—placing USMB among the top 5 in France across these performance indicators
By the end of 2020, USMB supported 18 laboratories—including six LabEx units—and employed over 650 research and teaching staff. The university delivered 1,400–1,500 publications annually, participated in major European and national research projects (Horizon 2020, ANR, INTERREG, ADEME), and filed 71 active patents. It also launched 15 technology‑transfer projects with SATT Linksium, resulting in six startups since 2016
USMB researchers earned prestigious appointments to the Institut Universitaire de France: Christophe Quézel‑Ambrunaz and Pascal Hot in 2019, Laurent Messonnier in 2023 (Innovation Chair), and Jean‑Baptiste Eichenlaub in 2024 (Fundamental Chair). These selections underscore USMB’s academic excellence at the national level
USMB researchers and LAPP engineers received top CNRS honours: Florence Magnin and Francesca Calore won bronze medals; the LAPP team received the collective crystal medal in 2019; and another silver and crystal recognition followed. These awards testify to its impact in science and innovation
USMB has produced over 9,500 peer‑reviewed publications, cited more than 457,000 times. Its most referenced contributions include the ATLAS discovery of the Higgs boson (2012) and its ATLAS experiment overview (2020), with nearly 20,000 citations each. These outputs position USMB among key contributors in particle and nuclear physics
The University was officially founded on October 1, 1979, as Université de Savoie. Its creation addressed rapid student growth and laid the groundwork for its regional presence. In July 2010 it became a founding member of PRES Université de Grenoble, strengthening academic and research ties in the region. Subsequently, in 2015 it adopted a new name and logo—Université Savoie Mont Blanc—to reflect its evolution as a research and professional university of European standing
USMB supports elite athletes through dedicated study programs. Since 1992, students and alumni have won 38 Olympic and Paralympic medals (6 gold, 15 silver, 17 bronze). Over 200 world medals attest to the university’s success in blending sports excellence with academic life through specialized IUT programs and athlete support services
From neutrino oscillations (OPERA, 2015) to gravitational‑wave detection (Virgo) and deployment of AMS on the ISS, the USMB‑affiliated LAPP has played a key role in major physics breakthroughs. In 2019 the LAPP won the CNRS Crystal Collective Award for its contribution to CTA telescope development. Since 2024 it coordinates the European OSCARS project on open science
Savoie Mont Blanc University drives innovation through its 19 internationally recognized research laboratories across disciplines like science, technology, environment, and social sciences. The Bourget-du-Lac Technolac campus plays a key role, anchoring scientific research within a high-tech ecosystem. The university encourages applied research, often collaborating with industries and public institutions to tackle real-world challenges. Faculty and students are actively involved in cutting-edge projects, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery. It also promotes research mobility, dual-degree pathways, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This strong R&D focus enhances its academic reputation and creates pathways for startups, patents, and policy impact.
Researchers explored how plants “talk” using volatile organic compound analysis. While specific patent details are undisclosed, USMB highlights this in its “Talents and Discoveries” portfolio, marking it as an innovative ecological research direction. This work contributes to environmental monitoring, agricultural tech, and new bio-sensors
USMB teams contributed to the scientific restoration and digital reconstruction of the Chauvet Cave heritage site. Using advanced imaging, geological analysis, and 3D modeling, they helped recreate the prehistoric art environment. Their approach combines archaeology, environmental science and digital innovation—making complex heritage accessible to researchers and the public
Through exhibitions like “Amphis Pour Tous: Discovery of the Higgs boson”, USMB turns complex research into accessible formats. While not a physical device, this format innovates in science communication—bringing cutting‑edge physics and environmental science to a wider audience through immersive public events.
Researchers including David Alleysson filed a patent in June 2022 (published September 2024) for a method to activate fuel cells using controlled humidity and electrolysis. This technique improves cell efficiency by pre‑conditioning the electrochemical stack before regular power operation—essential for clean energy applications and hydrogen-based systems. It reflects USMB’s strength in renewable energy research and partnerships with institutions like CNRS and Université Grenoble-Alpes
In May 2024 a patent published from USMB, alongside Grenoble and CEA researchers, describes a training method to prevent neural nets from forgetting previously learned data when new information is added. Using pseudo‑data generated from a secondary network, this addresses a core challenge in AI—maintaining cumulative learning—critical for systems that adapt over time
Under the CITEE Chair, USMB researchers have developed frameworks and technologies to improve energy efficiency across French‑Italian borders. This chair, launched around 2019, fosters interplay between architecture, policy, and sustainable systems. It underpins applied innovations in urban and infrastructure planning.
The Sustainable Tourism Chair brings together researchers, local partners and business to design innovations in eco-tourism, mobility and visitor experience in mountain regions. This program has led to novel practices in regional development, digital visitor management, and environmental impact assessment.
Developed by a student team as part of a biomechanics course, “Wens” led to a patent and launched a startup in 2018. These adaptive physical activity programs incorporate ergonomically designed devices tailored for individuals with special needs. Supported by USMB’s biomechanics labs and incubators like SATT Linksium, Wens turned academic research into real‑world assistive mobility tools
During an engineering program at the Annecy IUT, a student team created an ultralight tent for high‑altitude use. They tested prototypes up to Mont Blanc’s summit and incorporated feedback into the final design. This led to SAMAYA SAS’s foundation in November 2018 and its launch at ISPO Munich—propelling it from a university project to an international outdoor gear brand
Although predating the modern university, Horace‑Bénédict de Saussure (linked to Savoie heritage) invented key instruments like the cyanometer, diaphanometer, hair hygrometer, and early solar oven in the 1780s. His work laid foundational methods in meteorology and alpine science—echoing USMB’s enduring connection to mountain research
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