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