History
The UPPA has its root in a local university history dating back to the XVIth century, with the creation of a Collège des Arts (an institute for Humanities) in 1549, and then of the third protestant academy in Europe in 1564, which in 1583 was established as a University. The University was done away with when the Béarn region was incorporated into France in 1620.
Education
The University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) is a multidisciplinary university which covers three major areas of study:
- law, economics, business, management
- science and technology
- literature, languages, arts, social sciences and humanities and sport
UPPA offers its students initial or continuing education, work/study programmes or apprenticeships, to obtain Bachelor’s, Master’s and vocational degrees and Doctorates through its 5 UFRs (Teaching and Research units) and two Doctoral schools.
Research
With 23 research units associated with research bodies such as the CNRS, INRA and INRIA, UPPA carries out international scientific research into :
Strategic themes- Environment and materials,
- Geo-resources,
- Aquatic environments and resources,
- Justice and territories,
- Areas, borders and blending.
- Transitions
- Aeronautics
- Heritage and tourism
- Eco-construction
Career
The Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour is committed to supporting students throughout the various steps leading them to their professional life, and offers a number of services which are coordinated by the Employability Office (Bureau d'Aide à l'Insertion Professionnelle - BAIP
Once they arrive at the University, new students can consult the specialised books and reviews on guidance, study pathways and degree programmes, jobs and career prospects at the resource centre of the Careers and Employability Service.
If they wish, students can make appointments with our career advisors, in order to create and develop a personal and/or professional plan.
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1501 Ranking
- 96 Scholarships
- 902 Academic Staff
- 13,620 Students
- 2,043 Students (int'l)
- 7,082 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Overview
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Scholarships
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Ashinaga Africa Initiative
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Apr 2026
Kuwaiti Government Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
École de Management Appliqué Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Excellence scholarship Bachelor - Bilingual classes - French Embassy in Laos
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
The Smooth Movers Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Anytime
AUFIN Global Impact Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
EDHEC Excellence Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
10 Jun 2026
Livinfrance Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
EDHEC Giving - Laurent Freixe Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1200 EUR
Deadline
15 Oct 2026
Haniel Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
EDHEC Sport Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Early Bird Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 26.6% France
Top 26% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
1501
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1201 | - | 1501 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
The International Relations Office - is responsible for providing information to UPPA students who wish to travel abroad, and welcoming International students.
Housing services
The Pau and Adour region CLOUS (local university student service centre) provides UPPA students with university housing.
In Pau- 1 university hall of residence
- 7 university residences
- 2 university residences
- 2 university residences
- 2 university residences
- 1 university residence
Library services
Our libraries, spread across our 5 campuses, contain more than 200,000 books and printed reviews, as well as over 23,000 electronic reviews and databases that are accessible remotely.
They are also fitted with work spaces with Wi-Fi, provide computers and tablets available for loan (subject to conditions) and offer courses in document research as well as events such as exhibitions and conferences.
ICT services
Libraries are fitted with work spaces with Wi-Fi, provide computers and tablets available for loan (subject to conditions).
E-Learn - A platform dedicated to online teaching. Teachers upload their lessons and directed studies here and can exchange with students.
IT rooms and Wi-Fi - On all campuses.Medical services
Preventive medicine department and the promotion of health, based in Pau and Bayonne:
- medical visits and vaccination updating for students,
- consultations with a doctor, psychologist or nurse.
- a social service to help improve the living and working conditions of students
- preventive measures and the promotion of health
Campus life
A multi-campus university - 12,107 students across 5 small-scale campuses.
Situated near the border with Spain, the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) is a network of five campuses which, thanks in particular to their geographic location, enjoy exceptional advantages.
Anglet - the campus of Montaury
- 1.5 hectares in the middle of a leafy park, a quarter of an hour from beaches on the Basque Coast.
Pau : the city Campus
- 18 hectares of greenery at the foot of the Pyrenees, just one hour from ski stations.
- Gateway to the Pyrenees National Park and the Observatory at the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
Mont-de-Marsan
Bayonne
Sports facilities
The sports department : offers over 40 sports and outdoor activities
- Climbing, pelota, hiking, kayaking, yoga, dance, swimming, ski/snowboard, surfing, team sports… Students can enjoy sport for leisure, studies (as part of an initial training course) or competitively. Some professional diplomas (BNSSA for example) can be taken or studied for.
- Sports men and women at high and top regional level can benefit from a “University Sporting Talent” status for the planning and organisation of their studies.
Student clubs
There are around 60 student associations covering - Life within the university, the environment, art, culture, science, international solidarity etc.
Accreditation
We're an engineering state school accredited both by the CTI and the ENAEE (European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education).
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
France Country
Pau City
#2 Branch Campus
France Country
Anglet City
University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Student Reviews & Awards
3.7
Based on 15 reviews
- 5 Star 3 Reviews
- 4 Star 7 Reviews
- 3 Star 4 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 1 Review
UPPA, Pau, France
L'Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour est située à Pau, une ville à taille humaine dans le sud-ouest de la France. La qualité de l'enseignement et le cadre y sont parfaitement adéquats, et la géolocalisation permet une certaine proximité avec l'Espagne, l'Océan et les Pyrénées.
My experience as a student in Pau
I feel good about my university. The courses we follow for our degree are actually interesting, and the pedagogical team are efficient and qualified to teach us the subjects we study. Although the city I am studying in (Pau) is really calm and there really isn't a student life, I feel like I am satisfied with my degree and hope that it can lead me to a great career. If I have to find a downside to this university, I think I would say that we are not really encouraged to go study internationally and we are not really helped to go as it is complicated to find informations.
A Journey to Academic and Work Excellence
I have had a transformative educational experience while pursuing my Master's degrees at Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour in France and Linköping University in Sweden. Both institutions have offered me unique opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA) At UPPA, I am enrolled in the Master’s program in European and International Business Studies. The curriculum is robust and comprehensive, providing a solid foundation in international business practices. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and academics who bring real-world insights into the classroom, fostering an engaging learning environment. The focus on cross-cultural communication and strategic management has enhanced my understanding of global markets and prepared me for future challenges in international business. One of the highlights of my time at UPPA has been the emphasis on practical application. I have had the opportunity to participate in various projects and case studies that simulate real-world business scenarios. Additionally, the university's strong connections with industries and businesses in the region facilitate valuable networking opportunities, helping students to establish important professional relationships. Linköping University My exchange program at Linköping University has further enriched my academic journey, particularly in the field of International and European Relations. The interdisciplinary approach of the program allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between nations. The courses are well-structured and encourage critical thinking and analysis, equipping me with the skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of global diplomacy. The vibrant international community at Linköping University has been another significant aspect of my experience. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective and enhanced my cultural competency. The university provides a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and exchange of ideas, which has been invaluable in my personal and academic development. In conclusion, Overall, my university experience has been incredibly fulfilling. Both Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour and Linköping University have provided me with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to succeed in my future career in international business and relations. I am grateful for the opportunities and support I have received, and I look forward to leveraging my education to make a positive impact in the world.
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