Top 7 reasons to join the University of Bordeaux

About the University of Bordeaux

Founded in 1441, the University of Bordeaux is a public research university. The university is in the southwest of France. It is a large university with campuses in several cities. It belongs to the COMUE Aquitaine university group and has affiliations with the EUA and AUF. The university has more than 50,000 students, including 6,000 international students from all over the world. Let’s find out more about the university.

Why study at the University of Bordeaux?

Here are the top 7 reasons to attend the university-

1. Multidisciplinary study programs

The University of Bordeaux offers 250 master’s degrees, 150 bachelor’s degrees (including vocational programs), and 55 national health diplomas.

• Science and Technology
• Law, Political Science, Economics, Management
• Life and Health Sciences
• Social and Human Sciences

The university can offer several qualifications, including a national diploma in enology, because of its expertise in Vine and Wine Sciences.

2. International study programs

International students make up about 12% of the University of Bordeaux. The university has various international study programs that it teaches in English (or other languages such as Spanish) and allows students to earn joint or double degrees.

At the Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate levels, it provides approximately 70 international study programs. It includes 18 EU-labeled programs. The University of Bordeaux is a leading university in France for Erasmus Mundus participation.

3. Highly qualified teaching staff

The university employs approximately 5,900 people, nearly 4,000 of whom are academic and research staff. They have recognition for the high caliber of their scientific and teaching credentials. The medical lecturers are all active hospital practitioners at Bordeaux University Hospital and have doctorates or PhDs.

4. Cutting-edge research

The research field is a driving force at the University of Bordeaux. The university received an ‘Initiative of Excellence’ award in July 2011 for the excellence of its competencies in all scientific fields. This award includes a 700 million euro endowment to support the growth and development of research. The University of Bordeaux was the first in France to receive confirmation of this program in 2016.

The university welcomes nearly 2,000 Ph.D. students, has 260 active joint theses (co-tutelle) agreements, 22 international affiliated laboratories, and much more. 

5. International recognition

The university features in the following rankings-

• Ranks 65th in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking and 301-350 in their World University Ranking (2022)
• Ranks 201-300 in the Shanghai General Ranking (2022)
• Ranks 24th in Reuters Europe’s Top 100 Innovative Universities and 80th in its World’s Top 100 Innovative Universities (2019)

6. Implicated and involved students

Students are active and essential participants in university life. The university elects them to boards (Board of Governors, Scientific Council, Council on University Studies and Life) and serves on various consultative bodies.

Students are also involved in the annual appraisal of the teaching staff and become active members of cultural or faculty associations. All contribute to keeping the university ‘on the move.’ The university has over 135 student associations in total.

7. Dynamic campuses

The University of Bordeaux has one of Europe’s largest campuses (187 hectares). It comprises several sites that are close to the city and provides a variety of services and amenities. 

The selection of sports equipment is extensive- 

• Three artificial and one natural football turf pitch
• Five rugby turf pitches
• 2,000m2 sports hall for basketball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, and other sports
• Three squash courts
• An athletic track
• A weights room and the list goes on!

Dedicated offices (for students and international researchers) at each site provide advice and information to help newcomers integrate into university and city life. Furthermore, the future appears promising! Operation Campus is a 538 million euro renovation project that aims to modernize and better equip the four main campus sites.

Admission process

Here’s how you can apply to the university-

• Students can expect to begin their program nine months after submitting their application. As a result, students must apply as soon as possible.
• Examine the program’s minimum requirements and keep all documents on hand.
• Sign up for the UCEAP portal. Students must choose a program and fill out an application with all the required information.
• Submit supporting documentation such as academic records, photos, verification documents, and so on.
• The Study Abroad office reviews the applications to select candidates.

Note- The university has a web-based application portal.

Documents required

• Personal statement 
• Letter of recommendation
• Proof of fee payment (If applicable)
• Passport-size photographs 
• Transcripts and degree of previous qualifications
• Copy of passport ID page 
• English language proficiency scores 
• Entrance test scores
• Cover letter in French 
• Completed application form 

Exams accepted at the university

Exams	Minimum score
PTE Academic	62
GMAT	540
GRE	301

English proficiency tests

Exams	Minimum score
TOEFL	90
IELTS	6.5

Accommodation

The university provides on-campus housing. Students can also apply for private off-campus rentals of residential halls/hotels based on availability and needs.

• Students who wish to apply for a room on the university campus must do so through the Regional Centre of Student Social Services’ website (CROUS).
• International students must meet other requirements.
• The university has partnered with Studapart, a dedicated and well-equipped housing platform.
• There are hundreds of options for students looking for flatshares, homestays, studios, and so on.
• Throughout the rental process and stay, the students receive personalized assistance and guidance.

Key takeaways

• The University of Bordeaux ranks 65th in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking and 301-350 in their World University Ranking (2022)
• The university provides multidisciplinary programs, quality teaching, a vibrant campus, innovative research, and more. These qualities make the university appealing to students.
• You need to apply through the university’s official website. English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are a must for admission.

Did you find this blog helpful? Do share your thoughts in the comments below. Please contact us by clicking here for more information on the University of Bordeaux. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the international tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree at the university?

Answer- The international tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree at the university is 2,770€.

Q2. What is the average on-campus living expense at the University of Bordeaux?

Answer- The average on-campus living expense at the University of Bordeaux is EUR 1716 annually.

Q3. Is Bordeaux a good place to live?

Answer- Bordeaux has plenty to offer ex-pats, which makes it a good place to live. First and foremost is the excellent food and wine, which stands out even among the various regions of France. Bordeaux is one of the world’s oldest wine-growing regions, as well as the gateway to incredible vineyards.