Welcome to the University of Rennes

The University of Rennes is an experimental public institution. Open to Europe and the world, at the heart of the Brittany Region and linked to Rennes Métropole and its ecosystem, it is built on a common history and the strengths of its founding members. It has one ambition: to meet the major societal challenges of a world in transition, particularly in the fields of the environment, global health and digital technology.

A university model tailored to the territory

The University of Rennes brings together training departments (UFR, faculties, schools, institutes), research centres and five Grandes Écoles who participate in the development and implementation of the strategy of the University of Rennes: École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP), École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes (ENSCR), École Normale Supérieure de Rennes (ENS Rennes), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rennes (INSA Rennes), Sciences Po Rennes.

The University of Rennes also works in association with Université Rennes 2, the École Nationale de Statistique et Analyse de l’Information de Rennes (ENSAI) and the Institut Agro Rennes-Angers to pursue and develop joint projects.

National research organisations – CNRS, INRAE, Inria, Inserm – and the university hospital, the CHU de Rennes, participate as partners in the development and implementation of the scientific strategy of the University of Rennes.

A research-intensive university, committed to structuring the European higher education area

As a research-intensive university, the University of Rennes is willing to fully take part in the major challenges of innovation and knowledge of our century. Its expertise in research and its relations with the economic sector have made the University of Rennes renowned on an international scale.

The university is also a member of the European Digital UniverCity (EDUC), one of the first European alliances, selected by the European Commission in 2019. EDUC aims to strengthen the European identification process by enhancing knowledge creation and by promoting European skills acquisition through digitally supported cross-campus and cross-disciplinary teaching activities as well as various learning opportunities. ►

The University of Rennes has 5 main research sectors:

  • Biology - Health
  • Environment
  • Material Sciences
  • Mathematics - Digital
  • Human, Organisational and Social Sciences

Our scientific collaborations include 21 International Research Projects (IRP, former LIAs) and International Research Networks in conjunction with the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) or the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM). More information about international research collaborations here ►

A new multidisciplinary institution with a public service mission of higher education and research

  1. Research: developing intensive research to serve society, encouraging open science and stimulating innovation and transfer.
  2. Training: advancing and transmitting knowledge by transcending disciplinary boundaries, and through pedagogical innovation and diversification of pathways.
  3. Student experience: creating the conditions for a quality student experience, promoting the success and fulfilling professional integration of students.
  4. CSR: contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, and especially to the well-being of students, staff and stakeholders.
  5. International: cooperating internationally and participating in the development of the European Higher Education and Research Area.

A strong international orientation

The University of Rennes offers 1 Bachelor's Degree and 19 Master's Degrees taught exclusively in English, 3 Bachelor's Degrees and 3 Master's Degrees taught partially in English, double degrees with international partners and off-campus training sessions.

We currently welcome over 3,700 international students (10% of the university’s student population) and every year, around 1,000 of our students undertake an outgoing study programme or work placement.

In 2019, the university was awarded the "Bienvenue en France", label of excellence for the quality of the services provided to international students.

The University of Rennes has 37,200 students, 9 campuses, 4,500 employees, 34 research units associated with national research centres, a budget of €300 million and more than 250 PhD degrees awarded every year. Our overall goal is to provide researchers and students with a unique opportunity to interact with a broad and global network.

Join us for an intercultural experience at the University of Rennes!

FAQ international students

You will find below the information you need to make the most of your stay at the University of Rennes