Catholic University of Lille

Catholic University of Lille

Founded in 1875 by a group of Catholic businessmen, the Catholic University of Lille, Université Catholique de Lille or La Catho, is the oldest private educational institution in France. The University developed as a federation and is now a constellation of organisations, 26 in total, ranging from the faculties of the University to grandes ecole.

Academic Highlights

The University has the most comprehensive offerings of all our exchange partners in France. Ranging from Law, Arts and Humanities, to Engineering, Science, Business, Management, Communication, Food, Environment, Landscape and Physiotherapy.

Location

The city of Lille is in the north of France, near the Belgian border, part of French Flanders, a cultural hub. The central campus is a ten minute walk from the historic city centre with its 17th-century brick townhouses, cobbled pedestrian streets and the large central square, the Grand Place.

Did you know?

The University was created after a law was passed freeing up higher education but developed through mergers and divisions over the years to avoid discriminatory government practices against religious institutions.

Language of Instruction

French.  English (limited in some areas)

Program Duration

1 semester, 2 semesters

Academic Level

Undergraduate, Postgraduate

Minimum Result Required2.75 GPA
Previous Round Cut-off (WAM (%) or GPA)2.78 GPA

Anticipated Places in Semester 1, 2027

3-4 places

Exchange Availability

Green

Eligible Monash Campus

Monash Australia and Monash Malaysia

Agreement Scope

All Faculties

Handbook/Catalogue

The list of units, known as courses, in English for each semester can be found on the Exchange programs & academic calendars page of the website.

To find units taught in French, go to the Catalogue de formations page and scroll down to Catalogues and click through to the relevant search engine.

Full-time Credit Load Equivalents

Semester

Min. 18 Monash points

Max. 24 Monash points

22.5 ECTS*

30 ECTS

ECTS - European Credit Transfer System

*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.

Year

Min. 36 Monash points

Max. 48 Monash points

45 ECTS

60 ECTS

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester (Monash Semester 2): early September – December/January
Spring Semester (Monash Semester 1): early January – May/June

Lille’s Academic Calendar can vary by faculty or school.  Scroll down this page to find a downloadable PDF with dates for each area listed.

Artificial Intelligence

Biology

Biosciences

Business Administration

Chemistry

Computer Science, Networks & Systems

Economics & Finance

Electrical Engineering

English Language and Literature

Environmental Studies

Food Science & Biotechnology

French Language and Literature

History

Law

Life Sciences

Management

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Media & Communication

Philosophy

Politics and international relations

Psychology

Software Engineering

Sociology

Note

  • The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
  • Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.

Accommodation

There are two types of accommodation available in Lille: University accommodation and private accommodation. It can be very difficult to find accommodation on arrival in Lille. It is recommended that you apply as soon as you are accepted by the University.

If you wish to book a room in a university residence, all the housing information (list of residences, description, rent price, application procedure, etc.) is available on the All Services accommodation web pages.

Visas

As a general rule, all students planning to study in France for more than three months must apply for a long-stay visa before departure from Australia and apply for a residence permit after they arrive.

Refer to the official France-Visas website for the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a student visa. Any changes to the visa application process will be made public on the Consulate General of France in Sydney website.

For additional information on visas, you can refer to the Consulate-General of France in Sydney.

La Catho also provides some advice on visas.

Health and insurance

Medical coverage is legally required in France. All students need to subscribe to the French Social Security. It is required to cover the entirety of your stay; you can register for it upon arrival in France. Students will require an official birth certificate with a French translation to proceed with their health insurance.

La Catho also provides some advice about health and insurance.

When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. This will provide cover to and from your exchange.

Orientation and extra-curricular 

Find out more about La Catho's Community Life and associations, and life on campus.

Cost of living

Lille on the Expatistan site (this is a website external to the University and intended to be indicative only).

Funding

For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.

Important notes

For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.

Apply here

Have you been to the Catholic University of Lille and want to share your experience? 
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!