Quick Summary
Nantes Université is a public research university founded in 1460, located in Nantes, France. Ranked #851-900 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 43500 students including 11% from outside France. Known for strengths in Dentistry, Material Sciences, Marine Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Combines high-level research with an exceptional quality of life in one of France's most dynamic cities.
Subject Strengths
DentistryMaterial SciencesMarine EngineeringOceanographyMedicine
Founded1460
TypePublic Research University
Total Students43500
Intl Students11%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMultiple urban sites
Affiliated HospitalsNantes University Hospital (CHU de Nantes)
AccreditationMinistry of Higher Education and Research, France; EUR-ACE (Engineering)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#851-900
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Licence, Master, Doctorat, DUT, Engineering degrees
Programs
65+ PhD specializations through 11 doctoral schools
PhD Programs
Limited selection of professional masters and MOOCs
Online Programs
43 Research Units, Inserm, CNRS, IFREMER partnership labs
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Higher Education and Research, France; EUR-ACE (Engineering)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL85
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (Campus France) / March (Direct)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November (Limited programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Proficiency in French (B2/C1) is mandatory for most programs. For engineering and international masters, focus on research intent and relevant internships.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€170/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€8,500/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€243/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€8,913/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableEiffel Excellence Scholarship, CROUS, Emile Boutmy, Erasmus+, Region Pays de la Loire grants
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable through CROUS for eligible EU and international students
Work-StudyAvailable (Tutorat, Student ambassador roles)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Licence, Master, Doctorat, DUT, Engineering degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Material Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Law | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Odontology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementMandatory internships in most Master and Engineering cycles; Career Center support provided
Industry Connections
Strong links with AirbusNaval GroupSTX Franceand IRT Jules Verne
Notable Alumni
Jean-Marc Ayrault, Sarah El Haïry, Patrick Rambaud
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (CROUS residences and private partnerships)
Sports Facilities
SUAPS facilities, rowing clubs, fitness centers, stadiums
Student Clubs
150+ student associations across culture, sports, and social causes
Library Resources
BU Nantes (multiple specialized libraries), 1 million+ documents, digital archives
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, BCI (Quebec), ISEP, bilateral agreements with 400+ universities
Summer Programs
Nantes Summer Schools in Health, Science, and Humanities