Université Catholique de Lille

Lille Catholic University was founded in 1875 with the active support of the Catholic Church and a group of Christian businessmen. Later, vocational colleges (paramedical and engineering) joined the five founding faculties (Law, Arts, Science, Medicine and Theology).

Over the years, colleges and research centres were created around Lille Catholic University. They obtained associate status and decided to merge in 1973: so the "Fédération Universitaire et Polytechnique de Lille" was born. It is now called the "Université Catholique de Lille" or "La Catho".

Lille Catholic University combines in one visible, mutually supportive, interdisciplinary structure, 6 Faculties, 20 Ecoles (vocational training schools and institutes), 33 research teams, a hospital complex with 700 beds and a child guidance centre.
These institutions share the same educational philosophy based on excellence, humanist values, achievement and solidarity.
They act to serve mankind, society and the world in order to add their contribution to economic and social development.

Lille Catholic University is a multidisciplinary university with Faculties, "Grandes Ecoles" and vocational colleges in five sectors:

Theology and Religious Studies
Arts - Humanities - Education - Social work
Law - Economics - Management - Business
Health Sciences
Sciences and Engineering

Some current figures :

A campus situated 15 minutes walk from the town centre
6 Faculties
20 Colleges and Institutes
20 307 full-time students
1 500 international students from 92 countries
350 international partner universities (global partnership agreements and Erasmus agreements)
1 000 students abroad every year participating in a student exchange programme
1 500 students abroad every year for internships / placements
Hospital complex (700 beds)
33 research teams (7 linked to the CNRS, French National Research Network)
A central library - 12 departmental libraries
300 student associations (students' union, humanitarian groups, cultural and sport organisations...)
7 junior businesses (13 within the region)
2 000 rooms in halls of residence
A student chaplaincy with representatives in the various establishments
A sports complex
An arts center : conferences, concerts, workshops

Some characteristics :

France's largest private university
A large number of vocational training institutes
Strong links with the local community
A member of regional and national networks
Active international co-operation policy