University of Poitiers

The University of Poitiers, founded in 1431 by Pope Eugene IV, later confirmed by French King Charles VII’s letters patent, was originally composed of five Colleges: theology, canon law, civil law, medicine and arts.

As early as the 16th century, the University of Poitiers was the centrepiece of the city’s cultural life. At that time, it was considered the second most important University in France after Paris; 4,000 students attended the University, some of whom were to become famous: Joachim du Bellay, Guez de Balzac, François Rabelais, René Descartes, Francis Bacon, Scévole de Sainte Marthe etc. After the French Revolution, which abolished provincial universities, the University of Poitiers was refounded and strengthened by the addition of new colleges (literature and science) during the 19th century.

The University of Poitiers currently serves more than 26,000 students and employs more than 3,000 people: Teachers and Academics / Librarians, engineers, technicians, workmen, administrative, service and health workers / Temporary teaching and research staff / Language assistants / Contract PhD students / and Contract teachers.

he international dimension is one of the major priorities of the University of Poitiers. This is materialized each year by the reception of about 4,200 students from 122 different countries. With 16% foreign students, the University of Poitiers is above the national average. The reasons for this success lie in its wide and diversified range of programs, but also in the human size of our University, allowing for personalized student follow-up and a relaxed yet culturally rich experience.

In order to strengthen the international influence of the University of Poitiers, we have long-standing commitments to major international exchange, training and research programs, which benefit the whole University community through various programs of pedagogical, administrative, financial and logistical support.

The University of Poitiers Law College, founded in 1431, enjoys an excellent reputation, mainly due to well-renowned lecturers and researchers in the three areas of private law, public law and the history of law. The long list of famous alumni bears witness to this reputation: Tiraqueau, Rabelais, du Bellay, Ronsard, Bacon, Viète and Descartes.

The College of Economics offers undergraduate programs in economics and management as well as highly specialized, vocational programs. Through the various partnerships it has developed over the years, it offers students a wide range of opportunities to flesh out their curriculum, e.g. stays abroad or internships.

Teaching programs and research in the fields of automation, biology, cell biology, plant biology, biochemistry, chemistry, electronics, electrical engineering, environment, computer, mathematics, mechanics, physics, robotics, health sciences and Earth sciences.

The College of Literature, Languages and Performing Arts of the University of Poitiers focuses on teaching programs, research and vocational courses in such areas as Classics, modern French literature, foreign languages, literature and culture, applied foreign languages, performing arts and language sciences.

The College of Social Sciences and Arts of the University of Poitiers offers undergraduate and graduate programs in 8 areas. All courses allow students to develop critical thinking and personal study skills, as well as language skills and summarizing and analytical skills all of which will prepare students for a wide range of jobs.

The College of Medicine and Pharmacy is one of the few establishments to teach these two specialties under the same roof. The first year also leads to such careers as midwifery, physiotherapy and dentistry.

The College of sport Sciences attracts almost 1,000 students each year for undergraduate and graduate studies in Physical Education and Sports Science.

ENSIP trains high-level executives who can adapt to future technological changes and become actors in the European and international economic world. ENSIP, with its wide network of partners in industry, offers a 3 year-engineering degree focusing on booming areas, especially engineering, for the protection of the environment.

Training and research in industrial computing, electronics, networks and telecommunications, physical measurements, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, environment, chemistry and also in business, management and services.

At the Angoulême Institute of Technology there are almost 700 students in 11 specialties, from the traditional two-year technology diploma (DUT) to vocational three-year degrees. In addition to national and European recognition, these programs offer a variety of specialized fields and opportunities (postgraduate studies or professional integration).

The 50-year-old Poitiers Institute of Business Administration (IAE) has made a name for itself in the teaching of business management, finance and marketing. It is the second largest IAE in France (2,500 students) and offers more than 25 study programs (graduate, postgraduate and PhD) that have gained national and international recognition.

IPAG enables students having completed at least 2 years of post-secondary education to take a degree program while preparing for the competitive exams of the French public service (State, local and hospital exams). A non-degree program, which prepares candidates for internal competitive exams, is also available to any contractual or permanent public service employee.