Quick Summary
Situated in Brest, France, Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO) is a public established in 1971. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 23000 students including 11% from outside France. Known for strengths in Marine Sciences, Oceanography, Earth and Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UBO is a world leader in marine science and technology, located in a high-tech maritime hub with strong industry links.
Subject Strengths
Marine SciencesOceanographyEarth and Marine Sciences
Founded1971
TypePublic
Total Students23000
Intl Students11%
Faculty Ratio19
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size250 acres
Affiliated HospitalsCentre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Brest
AccreditationMinistry of Higher Education and Research, France
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, DUT, Engineering degrees
Programs
8 Doctoral Schools covering all disciplines
PhD Programs
Available through the Distance Learning Service (SUED)
Online Programs
Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), Lab-STICC, LEMAR
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Higher Education and Research, France
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · December 15 (Campus France) / May 31 (Local)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
B2 French proficiency is typically required for most undergraduate programs. Strong emphasis on marine-related research backgrounds for PG courses.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€2,770/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€10,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€3,770/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€12,770/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableEiffel Excellence Scholarship, CROUS grants, UBO international mobility grants
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidAvailable via CROUS for eligible students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, DUT, Engineering degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Oceanography | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement rates in maritime and engineering sectors
Industry Connections
IFREMERCNRSIRDThalesNaval Group
Notable Alumni
Benoît Hamon, Christophe Miossec, Philippe Collin
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, via CROUS student residences
Sports Facilities
SUAPS facilities, nautical centers for sailing, gymnasiums
Student Clubs
Over 50 student associations
Library Resources
6 major university libraries (BU), including the specialized La Pérouse library
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, BCI (Quebec), ISEP
Summer Programs
French language summer schools and marine science workshops