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Clermont Auvergne University, France

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Clermont Auvergne University: France’s New Hub for Innovation and Excellence

Introduction

Formed in 2017 by the merger of two historic universities, Clermont Auvergne University (Université Clermont Auvergne, UCA) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary public institution in the Auvergne region of France. With close to 35,000 students, including nearly 4,600 international scholars, UCA has rapidly established itself as a leading centre for academic excellence, research innovation, international collaboration, and regional impact.

1. Establishment & History

Early Roots (12th – 19th Century)

  • A medieval university briefly flourished in Billom in the 12th–15th centuries, rivaling Montpellier, Toulouse, and Paris (campus.europavox.com, uca.fr).
  • 1681: Royal decree created a College of Medicine in Clermont (uca.fr).
  • 1808: Creation of Faculty of Literature, closed in 1815 after the Restoration (uca.fr).
  • 1854 onward: University officially re-established; meteorological observatory (1872) and chemistry institute (1911) added (uca.fr).

Division & Reunification

  • 1969 Loi Faure led to split into two universities: Clermont I (now University of Auvergne) and Clermont II (Blaise Pascal University) in 1976 (en.wikipedia.org).
  • 2012: Merger discussions began; formal merger on 1 January 2017 under current name (en.wikipedia.org).
  • 2021: Became “experimental public establishment” (EPE) integrating the National Polytechnic Clermont Auvergne Institute (en.wikipedia.org).

2. Affiliations & Institutional Collaborations

  • Member of major French and European networks: CNRS, Inserm, INRAE, IRD, VetAgroSup, IRSTEA (uca.fr).
  • Holds I-SITE “Initiatives of Excellence” label under CAP20-25 project, a prestigious national grant (cap2025.fr).
  • Active in international consortia: Erasmus+, Horizon 2020, AUF, EUA; recognized by Shanghai and Times Higher Education rankings (uca.fr).
  • Houses four International Research Centres under I-SITE CAP20‑25: sustainable agroecosystems, smart mobility, health/human mobility, disaster science (cap2025.fr).

3. Academic Structure & Courses Offered

Faculties and Institutes

UCA comprises:

  • 5 faculties/doctoral schools: Law–Economics–Management, Life Sciences–Health–Environment, Humanities, Engineering–Technology, Fundamental Sciences (uca.fr).
  • 10 Training & Research Units (UFR), 2 IUTs, 4 schools, Polytech Clermont, ESPE, and the Computer Science Institute (uca.fr).

Programs & Degrees

  • Offers over 170 programs:
    • 27 general Licences, 50 professional Licences
    • 20 Bachelors of Technology (BUT/DUT), 7 engineering degrees
    • 4 health tracks (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, midwifery), 3 paramedical, 54 Master’s, plus prep courses (uca.fr, fr.wikipedia.org).
  • ITU (Institute of Technology) campuses in multiple locations deliver Bachelor’s degrees in fields like digital marketing and international business .

4. Campus & Facilities

Campus Locations & Facilities

  • Multiple campuses:
    • Cézeaux (main scientific/technical campus in Aubière)
    • Carnot & Gergovia near Clermont city centre (en.wikipedia.org).
  • The International House, opened in 2007, serves as a guesthouse for visiting academics and researchers (uca.fr).
  • IUT campuses in Aurillac, Montluçon, Moulins, Le Puy, Vichy: ~3,400 students and strong industry links (iut.uca.fr).
  • Student services:

Language & Integration Services

  • FLEURA Centre for French language learning, DELF/DALF exam centre, and programs for specific language goals (uca.fr).
  • Student Welcome Desk for international student intake, general support services (campusfrance.org).
  • Euraxess Auvergne centre supports foreign researchers regarding visas, housing, and integration (uca.fr).

5. Research Excellence & Innovation

Research Footprint

  • 35 research labs, 3,200 staff including 1,281 faculty and 1,937 technical/admin staff (uca.fr).
  • 37 research units, many in joint ventures with CNRS, Inserm, INRAE, IRSTEA; 3 LABEX labs: ClerVolc, IDGM+, IMobS³ (fr.wikipedia.org).
  • Major labs include:
    • Magmas et Volcans (volcanology/geochemistry, ~90 permanent staff) (clervolc.uca.fr).
    • ICCF (Chemistry) and Institut Pascal (Engineering & Physics) under SIGMA Clermont (sigma-clermont.eu).
  • SIGMA Clermont research: 140+ publications/year, 6 patents/year, supports start-ups like Revlum & Innopain (sigma-clermont.eu).

Innovation Recognition

  • Awarded I-SITE Excellence label, positioning UCA among France’s top 17 universities (cap2025.fr).
  • International visibility: Included in Shanghai rankings (since 2014) & THE (since 2015, world rank #193 for international development) (uca.fr).
  • EURAXESS and strong international recruitment framework for researchers .

6. Academic Reputation & Rankings

  • THE World University Rankings: ranked 401–500 band globally .
  • Shanghai ARWU: between 201–300 overall; strong subject areas include math, biomedical engineering (iccf.uca.fr).
  • Nationally: top French university in science and engineering research, driven by patent output and industry innovation .

7. Career Development & Placement Cell

  • Multiple student support structures: MVE, BAIP, SUH, SSU, La Fabrique—cover health, disability, cultural, and career guidance (clermont-sb.fr).
  • BAIP facilitates internships and job placements; graduates report ~89% employment (as seen in affiliated Clermont School of Business) (shiksha.com).
  • Strong network connections: over 550 partnerships, including EU and global agreements .

8. Notable Alumni & Faculty

  • Anne Zink, renowned historian and professor (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Notable alumni include Paul Aulagnier and immunologist Fabienne Mackay (en.wikipedia.org).
  • SIGMA Clermont research affiliates include high-impact scholars in chemistry and engineering .
  • Volcanology lab hosts internationally recognized geoscientists .

9. Awards & Distinctions

  • One of only 17 French universities awarded the I-SITE Excellence label (cap2025.fr).
  • Recognized by Shanghai and THE for international impact and academic strength .
  • SIGMA Clermont consistently files patents and incubates start-ups in chemical engineering (sigma-clermont.eu).
  • Clermont School of Business holds triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EPAS) and boasts 88%+ graduate placement in leading companies (shiksha.com).

10. Address & Contact Information

Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)

  • Main Address: Various campus addresses (Cézeaux, Carnot, Gergovia, IUT sites).
  • Central Administration: 30 rue Étienne-Dolet, 63037 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1 (campusfrance.org).

International Office & Welcome Desk

Euraxess Auvergne Services Centre

  • Supports foreign researchers: administrative, housing, social services (uca.fr)

FLEURA Centre (French Language Training)

Clermont School of Business

Conclusion

Clermont Auvergne University represents a modern, forward-thinking academic institution that draws on centuries of scholarly heritage. Combining multidisciplinary education, cutting-edge research in volcanology, chemistry, health, and engineering, strong internationalisation policies, and robust regional ties, UCA stands as a beacon of innovation in France. Bolstered by prestigious awards, established industry networks, and high student success rates, Clermont Auvergne University offers a comprehensive and future-oriented learning environment for students, faculty, and global researchers alike.

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