The University of Nice Sophia Antipolis (UNS), located in the south of France on the French Riviera, is a prestigious modern university. With its glimmering coastline, artists have frequented the city for centuries.
Close to both the principality of Monaco on the Côte d’Azur and northern Italy, Nice has its own airport and is renowned for its appeal to tourists: up to four million people visit the city each year. Boasting a 17th century cathedral, a plethora of museums, and fabulous gastronomy, it certainly knows how to draw back culture enthusiasts.
The university is situated just a short walk from Promenade des Anglais - ‘Promenade of the English’ - and, along with its warm Mediterranean climate, has proved popular with international students: a significant minority of the university's population hails from abroad. Those who wish to improve their French can avail of summer classes or indeed lectures from the Institute of Languages on campus.
Founded in 1965, the university’s departments range from law and economics to arts, science and medicine. It prides itself on being a multi-disciplinary academic environment but its science and medical teaching is one of its particular strengths.
Around 50 labs form part of the university and it is most renowned for its links with key research institutions such as the National Centre for Scientific Research, the National Institute of Health and Medical Research, and the National Institute of Agricultural Research. It also has established many international partnerships.
Notable alumni include philosopher Simon Critchley, entrepreneur Philippe Mariani and professor of genetics Anne Brunet.
Until 2017 University of Nice Sophia Antipolis was ranked as a separate Institution by THE in the World University Rankings. Since the 2018 World University Rankings, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis has been ranked as part of University of Cote d’Azur.
