Our lively friendly university campus counts more than a hundred different nationalities among the 3,000 foreigners who represent 30% of our 10,000 students. The increase in opportunities for cultural activities (in partnership with the DRAC and the CROUS) and the large range of sporting activities offered are particularly appreciated by foreign students

 Facilities for handicapped students have been greatly improved, particularly in terms of accessibility and particular educational needs.

 The medical service has been moved to larger modernised premises in the centre of the Perpignan Campus, thus allowing it to perform actively its social welfare role.

 The success of the employment-orientated specialisations in Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees demonstrate the development of the demand for education which has been encouraged since 1998. Subjects with a clear professional content, alongside the traditional scientific and academic subjects find favour with today’s students.

 Among the technical services designed to improve study facilities and the daily life of users, mention should be made of the opening of a new Language Centre. It offers permanent “self-service” access to eight working languages, thus enabling staff and students to improve their language proficiency and job prospects abroad.

 Similarly, the opening of the ENT (Espace Numérique de Travail, or Digital Work Space) accessible to all, will improve decisively the accessibility to educational and administrative materials.

 As the second most important scientific centre of the region, The UPVD acts as a link between the Universities of Montpellier and the scientific and educational establishments of Catalonia.

 The creation of a Centre of Excellence (Pôle de Compétitivité) for Renewable Energies and their use in the domestic environment provides the opportunity to focus fundamental and applied research in the fields of physics, chemistry automation, information technology and applied mathematics. This centre, recognised by the State, is attracting numerous scientific and business partners from the region and from Europe. The Master’s Degree in Solar Energy benefits from the resulting synergy.

 The high reputation enjoyed by the research carried out in Perpignan’s Department of Human Sciences and Humanities is illustrated by the “Master Mundus” label acquired for its Research Master’s Degree.

 An international network, a professional outook, and educational excellence; these are the three characteristics which our University can offer students as the means of achieving their goals.

 Jean BENKHELIL

  President