Université Catholique de Lille
Please find useful information below about Université Catholique de Lille as an exchange destination. Learn more about the location, the campus, courses and student life!
About
The Université Catholique de Lille is a private university with Catholic ties based in Lille, France. Founded in 1875 under the Laboulaye law on the freedom of higher education, the university is currently the largest private higher-education institution in France. The university has a student population of 43,000 students, with its 23 schools and faculties, and 15 research units and institutes offering from bachelor to master and doctoral level degrees across a variety of disciplines such as science and technology, law and economics. It is also one of the largest universities in France and among the largest French-speaking universities globally. UCLille also prides itself in its core values of humanism, ethics, optimism and openness.
Location
Université de Lille is spread across several campuses within the Lille metropolitan area, rather than centred on a single site. Each campus hosts specific faculties and research centres, including Cité Scientifique (Villeneuve-d’Ascq), Pont de Bois, Moulins and Lille Santé. Together, they form a well-integrated university environment across the city.
Thanks to Lille’s excellent transport links and central location in north-western Europe, students benefit from being able to access Europe easily. The campuses are connected by an efficient public transport network of metros, trams and buses, making it easy to travel between sites in a short time.
Lille itself is a lively, welcoming student city. Its compact centre makes it easy to explore different neighbourhoods, cultural venues and social spaces. Green areas such as the Citadelle Park and the botanical gardens in Villeneuve-d’Ascq offer space to relax, while theatres, concert halls and museums contribute to a vibrant cultural scene. With its strong sense of community and rich local character, Lille offers an engaging environment for students.
Level of competitiveness
This exchange is only open to students studying a Modern Language in the School of the Arts.
For competitiveness level, please enquire with the STA Year Abroad team.
Language of Instruction
French is the main language of instruction and examination, as that is the target language of Modern Language students who study here, although there are a few courses taught in English.
Academic Calendar
The academic year is divided into two semesters. Please note that the calendar may vary from each Faculty.
Fall semester: End of August/Early September – End of December/Early January
Exam period: Mid-December to early January
Winter break: Two weeks around Christmas
Spring semester: Early January – end of May/June
Exam period: April-May
Easter break: Two weeks in April
Orientation days: Welcome Days organized in September and January, and welcome meetings organized by the host Faculty.
Courses
UCLille is a broad, multidisciplinary university offering degrees in many fields: science and technology, health and medicine, law, economics, languages and more. Students can explore available options through the University of Lille’s online course catalogue here. When searching, it is important to filter specifically for international student eligible courses, as not all modules are open to exchange or non-French speaking students.
To avoid schedule conflicts, we advise students to choose courses in the same field of studies (taught in the same Faculty). Please take into account for your Learning agreement that the Fall semester refers to odd semester (1, 3, 5) whereas the Spring semester refers to even semesters (2, 4, 6).
Credits
Students must enrol on a full courseload equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester / 120 for a full academic year. AMU uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), where 1 Queen Mary credit = 0.5 ECTS. Therefore, a full courseload at AMU is 30 ECTS per semester / 60 ECTS for the full academic year.
Find out more about Queen Mary’s credit transfer and grade conversion process.
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Blog posts on Queen Mary Global Bloggers: (different institution but relevant for students wanting to study in France)
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Accommodation
There are no specific dormitories reserved for international students at Université Catholique de Lille and housing in Lille can be competitive, especially at the start of the academic year. The two main types of accommodation available to students are university dormitories and private rentals.
The city is well connected through its suburbs and public transport system, placing most areas within a short commute of the main campus districts such as Lille Centre. UCLille’s housing guidance page can be found here, and a summary of key points for international students is provided below.
Dormitories: UCLille oversees access to a network of around 20 student residences through the company All Logement, who manage all student dorms at the heart of the Vauban campus, close to the Humanicité and in the Lille Metropolis. These dormitories vary in size and facilities, offering everything from simple single rooms with shared kitchens to fully equipped studio apartments, suiting all needs and budgets. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they have confirmed their place.
Private rentals: International students often find private accommodation through online platforms, agency listings or UCLille’s partnership with Studapart, a platform that offers verified listings. There are also numerous websites and social media groups dedicated to room and flat searches in Lille.
Queen Mary students who intend to look for private accommodation are advised to follow the partner’s guidance as soon as possible to begin their accommodation search safely. Guidance about searching for private accommodation safely is also available on the QMplus resource page, “Pre-departure” tab from early spring.
Cost of living
More information and estimations for cost of living in Aix-Marseille Université can be found here. Please also consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Support services
Support for students with disabilities is available via the Mission Accueil Handicap (MAH). More information can be found here. Please note: students with disabilities or long-term health conditions are encouraged to contact MAH as early as possible to ensure that appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
All students are required to have valid insurance for the duration of their stay in France. Non-EU students staying longer than three months must register for the French national health insurance system (Sécurité Sociale) after arrival, which provides partial or total coverage of health-related costs. Psychological services may be available through the university, though some external therapy services may require additional payment. All information about health insurance can be found here.
Student Life
Comprehensive information on UCLille student life can be found here, including details on campus services, extracurricular opportunities and student support. UCLille’s urban campus places students in the heart of Lille’s vibrant Vauban district, with cafés, green spaces and student hubs all within walking distance.
UCLille has a wide range of student-led organisations, clubs, and associations across its various faculties and schools, with the university boasting nearly 1,000 student associations. These groups regularly organise cultural activities, academic events, volunteering opportunities and social gatherings. Information about upcoming events can be found on each student associations’ page, making it easy and accessible for students to get involved.
- The All Hallows Student Centre (AHL), located near the main campus, is a key meeting point for both French and international students. The student centre hosts regular social events, workshops, intercultural activists and student evenings. Many events are run in English or are accessible to non-French speakers, making it an excellent pathway for exchange students to integrate.
- The Fédération des Étudiants de l'Université Catholique de Lille (FEDE) acts as the main student union within the university. They support student initiatives, organise major student events throughout the year and are involved with representing students across the university’s institutions. For exchange students, getting involved with the Fédé can be a great way to meet French students and engage with campus life more fully.
- Students interested in sports can join activities through UCLille's Sports Association (AS UCLille), which offers access to a wide variety of sports and fitness opportunities at different levels. Activities range from group classes to all year-round events and sports challenges, with a membership offering unlimited access to an array of facilities.
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