Study at the University of Reunion Island

With many colleges and universities in the world to choose from, we are here to provide you with the information you would need to study at the only European university that is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, and that is The University of Reunion Island. Established back in 1982, the french university is the oldest European university situated in the region with over 15000 students admitted every year. Keep reading to find out what it is like to study at Reunion Island!

About the University of Reunion Island

The University of Reunion Island is a French public higher education and research institution. As the oldest European university in the Indian Ocean, the university has a grand campus with 6 sites such as St Denis, Moufia, Victoire, Bellepierre and the University Technology Park, Le Tampon and Saint Pierre. The Indian Ocean based French- university admits over 15,000 students every year from across the globe.

The University of Reunion Island offers an unconventional college experience to students studying at the university by acting as a link between Europe and the Indian Ocean. The university offers a wide range of courses, stellar international student accommodations and unique multicultural college life. The university follows the LMD (License- Masters- Doctorate) system like most European Universities and non-LMD short training courses to students in diverse areas of study.

Accommodation and Facilities

Students have untethered access to advanced computing facilities, internet services across the campus and well-stocked libraries for students. Libraries at the university are an ideal work spot with over 25,000 journals. To help students with their careers and future prospects, there is a center at the university that guides the students about the educational opportunities to increase their chances of employability.

Other vital services like Healthcare centres, free medical consultations, student accommodations, cultural activities, student associations as well as sports organized on the various sites during the academic year. At University of Reunion Island, students have access to some of the best restaurants and eateries available at the campus grounds!

Popular Courses 

The University of Reunion Island offers full-time and vocational multi-disciplinary courses and degrees:

• There are three main fields of study-Arts & Social Sciences, Law, Economics and Management, and Science, Technology & Health. All these courses are offered at bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. 
• Job-oriented courses such as Civil Engineering, Air Conditioning, Banking & Insurance or Networks & Telecommunications are also available for international students. 
• Engineering degrees in three domains- Innovation & Integrated Agri-Food Development,  Telecommunication, Computer and Multimedia Services, and Sustainable Construction & Environment.

The University of Reunion Island produces exceptional high- output research in three main areas like

• Arts, Social Sciences and the Humanities
• Observation, dynamics and development of natural environments
• Study and Research on Biodiversity in the south-west Indian Ocean in terms of human, animal and plant health.

These researches are carried out after partnering with French institutions like The Institute of Research for Development (IRD), the French National Meteorological Service, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD), the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the Institute of Earth Physics of Paris (IPGP).

Study French at the Reunion Island

Students who wish to work on their French language skills or learn the language as a beginner can take classes at the university. The Maison des Langues Language Center at the International Relations Office at the University of Reunion Island allows international students to take a French classes every week for two-four hours. 

Student Life

Student life at the Reunion Island is filled with exciting activities and opportunities, students have access to Student Homes at every university site where they can meet and socialise with other students and plan fun activities. There are over 20 student associations at the University of Reunion which allows students to indulge in creative and recreational events and celebrations organised throughout the year. Apart from the on-campus activities, students have access to innumerable outdoor activities like scuba diving and rock climbing. 

The Reunion Island is under the French government which ensures incomparable road networks, health care, industries, shops, hotels and services and an exceptional living environment for the students. The Island is surrounded by the sea, mountains, volcanic landscapes, tropical forests and is diverse in terms of population, culture and tradition. Reunion Island is a very peaceful island and despite there being diverse ethnic and cultural differences, people live in peace and harmony. Crime rate is minimal and the emergency services are efficient.

Student Exchange Programmes at Reunion Island 

The University of Reunion Island has various international partners and offers international students an opportunity to study at the Reunion Island and its own students can opportunity to study across the global as well: 

• ERASMUS (European Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students)
• ISEP (International Student Exchange Program)
• CREPUQ (Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities)
• PPI (Profile International Program)
• South Korean exchange program
• Chinese exchange programs

Scholarships 

Scholarship of Excellence program is awarded to the students who are with 1st or 2nd year Master’s degrees that are earned in the universities of the partner countries of the program, who wish to do their 2nd year of Master’s or a doctoral thesis at the University of Reunion Island.

They cover a maximum of € 710 per month, for 10 months. Till the time there is an agreement with the French Embassies in the partner countries of the program, with this scholarship the student must pay:

• Plane ticket.
• Registration fees to the University
• Housing and living
• Daily expenses, which includes clothing, food, books, etc.

SCAC (Cooperation and Cultural Actions Services) can decide to complete this program by offering the laureates partial French Government Scholarships, paying for plane tickets, registration fees, etc. The payment is done in the first month in cash, during the first days of arrival and then monthly payments by transfer.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates who are eligible for direct admissions are students from French high school, European Union or the European Economic Area and students from outside the European Union or the European Economic Area.
• Students will need a minimum level of B2 in French.

This was all about the University of Reunion Island! Hopefully, this information will help you to choose the right destination for your further studies. If you have any doubts or queries, feel free to contact us. Leverage Edu on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram.