Nice, France

Université Côte d'Azur

Université Côte d'Azur is the public university of Nice and the French Riviera, and one of a small group of French universities holding the government's Initiative d'Excellence label for research.

Founded1965
about 30,000students in total
Internationalover 6,000 international students
TypePublic research university

About Côte d'Azur

It runs a growing set of English-taught master's programmes in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, economics and marine and environmental science, many linked to the Sophia Antipolis technology park nearby.

As a public university its fees are a fraction of a grande école's, which makes it the cheapest serious route into France for most of our students.

Strong subjects

Computer science and artificial intelligenceData scienceEconomics and managementMarine and environmental sciencePhysicsLawDigital humanities

Entry at a glance

EnglishIELTS 6.5 or equivalent for English-taught master's
IntakesSeptember; January (a small number of programmes)
Undergraduate fees€2,850 a year at the differentiated non-EU rate
Postgraduate fees€3,879 a year at the differentiated non-EU rate
Application feeCampus France processing fee applies
DepositNone; fees are paid at enrolment

Fees are indicative for 2026/27. We confirm the exact figure with the university before you apply.

Courses

A selection. Ask us for the full list, or for a course that is not shown here.

CourseLevelLengthIndicative feeIntakes
MSc Data Science and Artificial IntelligencePostgraduate2 years€3,879 a yearSep
MSc Computer SciencePostgraduate2 years€3,879 a yearSep
MSc Marine SciencesPostgraduate2 years€3,879 a yearSep
MSc EconomicsPostgraduate2 years€3,879 a yearSep
Bachelor in Computer ScienceUndergraduate3 years€2,850 a yearSep

Campus and student life

Fees

Public university fees. Many students also qualify for a partial exemption, which we check at application.

Research

Strong groups in artificial intelligence, computer science and marine science, with the 3IA Côte d'Azur institute in Sophia Antipolis.

Location

Nice has an international airport with direct flights to the Gulf and South Asia, and a mild climate year round.

After you graduate

Master's graduates can apply for the twelve-month post-study residence permit to look for work.

Questions about Côte d'Azur

How do I apply to a French public university?

Through Campus France in your home country for most applicants, and then to the university itself. We prepare both files with you.

Are the fees really that low?

Yes. Non-EU students pay the differentiated rate, which is a fraction of a private school's fee. Some applicants also receive a partial exemption.

Do I need French?

Not for the English-taught master's, but you will need everyday French in Nice. Free classes are available to enrolled students.

Is the application harder than a private school?

It is more document-heavy and the deadlines are earlier. That is the main reason students come to us for it.

Interested in Côte d'Azur?

Send us your results. We will tell you which of its courses you can get into and what the year will cost.