France: Universite Marie & Louis Pasteur

‌Besançon is located Eastern France. Its beauty is undeniably unique, which is why in 2008 it was officially named a world heritage site by UNESCO. By choosing the University of Franche-Comté as your study abroad location, you will study in the heart of Europe in a preserved environment where nature, heritage, culture and strong relations are yours for the taking. 

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Dates & Deadlines

Term: Spring
App Deadline: September 15th, 2025
Program Dates: January 12th- May 13th, 2026 


Spring 2026 applications are now open. Students can click the link below to schedule a meeting to go over important details about this program and begin the application process. 

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the Fall of 2026 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. You can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Location

Besançon is a cute city in Eastern France. Birthplace of Victor Hugo and the Lumière Brothers. It boasts the masterpiece of the famous French military engineer Vauban: The Citadel. Its beauty is undeniably unique, which is why in 2008 it was officially named a world heritage site by UNESCO. If you have a free afternoon, walk up to the Citadel of Besançon where you can visit a zoo and different museums all inside its magnificent walls.

The heart of the city is surrounded and protected by the Doubs River, which is why the locals talk about La Boucle when referring to the city center, which means “the loop.” Each bridge that crosses the Doubs connects downtown to the rest of the city and each one is unique in its own way and full of history, such as the Battant Bridge, or Pont Battant.

As you may already know, Besançon is a lively city thanks to the many students that fill the streets every day. There are around 23,000 students every year, so it’s no wonder that Besançon lives as much at night as it does during the day! Not to mention the huge number of international students that spend a year or more in the city and are always eager to meet new people. 

 

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Academics

Founded in 1423, the Université Marie and Louis Pasteur of today is a multidisciplinary establishment of higher education. Their language, culture and society program offers students a chance to enjoy a fully immersive study abroad experience. The Université Marie and Louis Pasteur is a pioneer in quality disciplines and there you can prepare any type of degree. It also has a lot to offer in terms of culture, sports and student life thanks to its numerous services such as Campus Sport and Campus Santé (Health). Study in the heart of Europe in a preserved environment where nature, heritage, culture and strong relations are yours for the taking. To learn more about the university, please visit their website here. 

Students can choose from several different types of programs when studying at this university. 

/ Through this unique 2+2 program, students will attend UNI for two years (earning a B.A. in Individual Studies: French Language and Cultures), before spending two years at Université Marie et Louis Pasteur (earning a Licence Lettres et Arts: Lettres Modernes). Details on the 2+2 program can be found on the Department of Languages and Literatures Website.

/ Students can also attend the university for one semester or academic year by participating in their DUEF- Semester-length Language, Culture and Society Program. This semester-long program is for students who wish to improve their knowledge of France and the French Language. Students can learn more about this program be visiting the UMLP website linked here. 

/ Finally, students can participate in a one month intensive language program to allow students to become fully immersed in the French way of life. The university combines French language courses with workshops to help students improve their language skills and to learn more about French Culture. Students can participate in this experience who speak beginner level French and can be placed in entry level courses if needed. For more information about this program, please click here.  

Housing and Meals

Students can live in dorm style, host family, or hotel style accommodations provided by the university. Students should expect to walk around 15-20 minutes from their housing to campus. Students can purchase meals at one of the several university cafeterias or can purchase meals off campus at one of the unique restaurants around the city. For more information about housing at this location please schedule a meeting with your Study Abroad Advisor at UNI. 

Health & Wellbeing

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

  • Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
  • Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
  • Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

  • Review your destination-specific health risks
  • Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
  • Provide guidance on food and water safety
  • Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
  • Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Important Information to Review

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to France, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to France.

Immigration Information:

Students going to France for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa. Students can start the visa application up to 180 days before the program begins. 

Your Study Abroad Advisor will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Summer School

The Centre de Linguistique Appliquée is a great option if you are looking to improve your French-language skills over the summer. Also located at the University of Franche-Comté, our students typically take a month of their intensive French courses.

UFC Centre de Linguistique Appliquée Cost Estimate June 2025 (PDF)

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $11,181

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Program Cost
Estimated Total Program Cost$11,181
Estimated U-bill Charges$2,854
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs$8,327

DEUF Semester-long Cost Estimate Spring 2026 

** If you are interested in the 2+2 Dual Degree program, a cost estimate will be created for you upon request. 

Click here for additional scholarships for your program.

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI
Tuition & Fees$5,101.50
Room & Board$5,314
Books$800
Personal Expenses$1,870
Transportation$744
Total$13,878.50

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

 

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.