Quick Summary
Public in Besançon, France — Université de Franche-Comté, est. 1423. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 29000 students including 12% from outside France. Known for strengths in Engineering and Technology, Physics, Environmental Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 55%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Renowned for micro-nanotechnologies, low cost of living compared to Paris, and high quality of life in Besançon.
Subject Strengths
Engineering and TechnologyPhysicsEnvironmental SciencesMicro-nanotechnologies
Founded1423
TypePublic
Total Students29000
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio16.5
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMulti-site
Affiliated HospitalsCHU de Besançon (Hôpital Jean-Minjoz)
AccreditationMinistry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, France
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201-1400
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801-900
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Licence, Master, Doctorat, BUT, Engineering Diplomas
Programs
PhD in Science and Technology, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences
PhD Programs
Distance learning offered via CTU (Centre de Télé-enseignement Universitaire)
Online Programs
FEMTO-ST, Chrono-environnement, Utinam, Institut Right
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, France
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate55%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 1 (via Campus France)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1 (Limited programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should apply via the 'Études en France' procedure and emphasize research alignment for master's programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€170/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€8,300/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€243/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€8,713/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableEiffel Excellence Scholarship, CROUS, Victor Hugo Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable via CROUS based on social criteria
Work-StudyAvailable (Tuteur, Student Ambassadeur)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Licence, Master, Doctorat, BUT, Engineering Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-nanotechnologies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Biomedical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Environmental Sciences | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| French as a Foreign Language (CLA) | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with watchmaking, biomedical, and microtech industries
Industry Connections
Microtechnique clusterSwatch GroupHigh-tech engineering firms
Notable Alumni
Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Abdoulaye Wade
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (CROUS residences)
Sports Facilities
SUAPS facilities, swimming pools, athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Over 100 student associations
Library Resources
6 University Libraries (SCD) with extensive digital archives
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, BCI (Quebec), ISEP
Summer Programs
French language summer courses at CLA (Centre de Linguistique Appliquée)