History
Founded in 1432 by the King of England Henry VI, the University of Caen was destroyed in 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. It was among the first buildings to be rebuilt during the city reconstruction after World War II. Redesigned with a futuristic vision, it became one of the most modern universities in Europe. In 2012, part of its buildings were thus classified as historical monuments.
Education
The University of Caen Normandy offers two-to five-year degree programmes in four major fields of study and 36 doctoral specialties. The courses up to the master's degree level are held by 12 university departments.
Its programmes are spread over four main fields:
- Arts, Literature, Languages
- Law, Economics, Management
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Health
Research
A major strength of the University of Caen Normandy is its multidisciplinary approach which forms the foundation of its teaching. Its expertise, partnerships and projects enable the development of research activities on the following themes: health, materials, digital technology, environment and equine research.
UNICAEN works closely with a broad range of local research centres and institutions:
- ENSICAEN
- Graduate school of engineering, GANIL
- National large heavy ion accelerator, CYCERON
- Biomedical imaging platform, CHU
- University hospital centre, CLCC François Baclesse
- Comprehensive cancer centre
Career
With a 90% employment rate after a Professional Bachelor or a Master Degree, UNICAEN help you build a successful future.
University of Caen Normandy Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Caen Normandy. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
1588 EUR
Deadline
20 May 2025
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Korea
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
30 Mar 2025
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3600 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Scholarship Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10252 EUR
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Merit scholarship from the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1588 EUR
Deadline
20 May 2025
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Korea
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1350 EUR
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Scholarship "Promotion" Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
650 EUR
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
Merlion Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Franco-German University: DFH Mobility Grant for Students of the DFH Study Programmes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
French Government grants from the French Embassy in Gabon
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1800 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 EUR
Deadline
10 Jun 2025
Scholarship Program for international students - Livinfrance
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
26 Feb 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
52000 EUR
Deadline
23 May 2025
Post-doctorate in France Grant
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2055 EUR
Deadline
16 May 2025
André Mandouze Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1700 EUR
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Scholarships for artists' residencies in Paris from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
1001
2024
1001 200
2023
1201
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
1034 -37
2023
997
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
It is important that you anticipate your stay in advance and not wait to be in France to look for housing. Caen is a busy University town with many students (about 25% of its global population!), and it can be quite challenging to find suitable housing at the last minute.
The CROUS Caen Normandie, partner of the University of Caen Normandy, offers different student housing options on our different campuses (single rooms, studios, T1...). It is not necessary to wait for your UNICAEN confirmation to apply for CROUS housing. You have the possibility to make 2 housing choices in 3 different areas (académies) in France.
Library services
- UNICAEN has a network of 5 university libraries and 20 specialised faculty libraries.
- The library portal provides unique access to all university library resources, in both printed or digital forms: books, articles, journals.
- The digital resources offered by the libraries (online journals, databases, e-books, etc.) are also remotely accessible, i.e. off campus.
ICT services
- free WiFi network: many WiFi hotspots are installed on the various campuses allowing you to connect to the Internet from your personal equipment
- UNICAEN secure cloud: access to all your files via the Internet
- self-service computer rooms: workstations allow you to connect to the Internet for office automation, PDF readers, image editing etc.; multifunction copiers are also available
Medical services
The university health center provides students with medical, psychological and social care for free. There you can meet doctors, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. It also contributes to the support and integration of students with disabilities. SUMPPS doctors cannot prescribe medication but they can refer you to a medical office in the city.
Campus life
UNICAEN is an academic community of campuses in and around Caen. Our six distinct campuses offer an array of diverse learning environments:
- Alençon - Damigny
- Caen
- Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
- Lisieux
- Saint-Lô
- Vire
At UNICAEN, treat yourself to all of the Normandy region’s advantages such as the coastline, proximity to the United Kingdom, a fast and easy access to Paris and cultural & attractive sporting activities. The Region also has a strong cultural tradition that is illustrated both by major international events and by the diversity of its heritage.
Sports facilities
The University Service of Physical and Sports Activities - SUAPS offers all UNICAEN students and staff the opportunity to practice sports on a weekly basis. With nearly 70 sports activities, the SUAPS offers a wide range of physical activities as well as sports equipment: climbing wall, fitness room, swimming pools, gymnasium, dance hall, tennis and outdoor racket and ball games...
The SUAPS also organises courses (skiing, diving, climbing, paragliding, golf, outdoor physical activities...) and events (Nuits des Sports Co, Nuit de la Raquette, Volleyball-fluo, Journée Sport Campus, Soirée Forme...) throughout the year.
The university was established in 1432. It is accredited by Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.