Our International strategy

The University of Lille is particularly involved in international thematic European networks such as the European Alliance NeurotechEU, (European University of Brain and Technologies), contributing its expertise in neurotechnology, such as brain-machine interfaces and neuromorphic systems, in a multidisciplinary approach, linking health, science and technology and the humanities and social sciences; or the SGroup network, which encourages excellence in higher education, in synergy with the needs of society.

Anchored in its home region of Hauts-de-France, which is characterised by multiple challenges but also by a strong potential for scientific, economic and social innovation, the University of Lille has co-created the 3i University Network with the University of Ghent and the KU Leuven in Belgium and the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. The aim of this network is to involve researchers, local authorities, socio-economic players and civil society in joint projects designed to meet the challenges shared by Hauts-de-France, Flanders and Kent.

Finally, the University's international ambitions are deployed within the Association of European Universities (EUA) and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).

ULille is also a member of several international student exchange programmes: with the United States (International Student Exchange Program - ISEP), Quebec (France-Quebec Interuniversity Cooperation Office) and Europe (Erasmus+). It works with many other countries through more than a thousand bilateral agreements, and has forged key partnerships with several consortia of universities.

The international attractiveness of the University of Lille is being strengthened in two ways: through the reception services offered to students and researchers, and through the development of high-quality courses open to foreign students and linked to high-level research. These actions will help to attract high-potential students and researchers to the university and ensure their successful integration into our community.

The Maison International of the University of Lille offers services dedicated to incoming international students and researchers. Having been awarded the 3rd star of the Welcome to France label, it is committed to improving the quality of specific actions, such as: HelpDesk; Welcome Desk; Ambassadors Network; International Alumni Network.

For researchers, a number of support initiatives are in place, in particular through the Euraxess centre, which is also housed at the Maison Internationale, a specific portal dedicated to the Hauts-de-France Region with shared activities and services for this audience.

On the training front, we are continuing to support the components/schools in the development of their international training courses, the format and methods of which may vary according to their strategies. New international courses will be developed or improved in line with the institution's overall training offer. These may include courses in foreign languages, international placements or periods of mobility at a partner university, as well as the development of new Erasmus Mundus degrees. All these courses should preferably be linked to research partnerships such as LAI, IRN, IRP, IRL or other international research projects. Similarly, we will seek to further simplify the procedures for co-supervision of theses with our partners, and increase the number.

The introduction of specific measures to support social excellence as part of the internationalisation of the entire university community, students and staff alike, in particular individualised training courses with an international focus, designed in conjunction with the Human Resources Department.

English and intercultural courses, as well as language stays, will be offered to staff to help them improve their skills in welcoming international students and researchers. Certifications can be obtained as part of this programme, enabling staff to showcase their commitment to international development in their career paths, in particular through the introduction of the international label for staff.

We will be setting up specific actions for ‘inclusive’ outgoing mobility, with a social and disability component. A specific communication campaign has been launched, in conjunction with the Student Life Office, the Disability Advisers and the International Relations Advisers, to promote equal opportunities and access, inclusion, diversity and fairness, thanks to an additional grant for international mobility outside Europe. 

We are also developing internationalisation at home (interaction between international students on campus, visiting lecturers, social events as part of International Student Year). We will be forging closer links between the Maison internationale, the departments of the components and schools and the student life department to make the campuses even more international. With this in mind, we need to extend the student project teaching units (UE PE) such as ‘Be my Buddy’ and ‘Be an Ambassador’, the aim of which is to internationalise student curricula and improve the reception of international students. 

The University of Lille has decided to pursue its differentiation by focusing on seven sustainable development objectives. The internationalisation policy plays its part in this commitment to a more sustainable world.

With the Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility Department (DDRS), we will be putting in place specific communication on eco-responsible mobility, in order to promote train travel as part of Erasmus+ exchanges in Europe or outside Europe. We will set up a decision-making flowchart for international mobility to make students and staff aware of the impact of their travel.

The University of Lille will offer a supplement to the Erasmus+ mobility grant, dedicated to eco-responsible mobility. The aim of the scheme is to raise awareness among students and staff of the ecological issues involved in their international mobility and to contribute to energy sobriety. 

As part of the guest lecturer programme, a study is being carried out to optimise the duration of funded stays, travel arrangements and funding, as well as distance learning and face-to-face teaching, based on eco-responsible criteria.

The University is rooted in a region with its own specific characteristics and history, and contributes to its influence. We will continue to work with local authorities, in particular to implement the first 5 priorities mentioned above, all of which are measures to raise the profile of our region, in particular through the joint hosting of foreign delegations and the co-organisation of international Créathons and the Festival des Solidarités Internationales. 

Particular attention will be paid to European and international cooperation in the context of twinning arrangements, particularly to promote the French-speaking world. Academic collaboration with developing countries is a major issue in their development strategies, as part of decentralised cooperation. We will be able to co-develop cooperation projects with local authorities after an in-depth analysis of the commitments made by the parties involved and their viability over time.

The University is also involved in a wide range of cultural and sporting projects. These projects will be promoted more on an international level, thereby contributing to the international reputation of the University of Lille. Finally, links with the consular corps in Lille will be intensified, based on meetings with the countries concerned. Similarly, links with embassies and consulates, the Espaces Campus France and Institut Français will be intensified, making it possible to increase the involvement of partner countries in the hosting of chairs, language lecturers, the number of scholarship holders, and so on.