Our commitments nurture our ambitions
The President-Rector says
“Our university, rich in history and traditions, distinguishes itself through its commitment and values that guide it every day. The Université Catholique de Lille is based on the principles of respect and solidarity and remains faithful to these values in a constantly changing world. We strive to create an environment which fosters the intellectual and personal development of each student by providing them with quality support, rooted in contemporary reality and open to the world. Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in our rigorous and innovative programs offered by an expert and dedicated professorship.
We believe that education must not only transmit knowledge, but must also train informed, responsible, and committed citizens. This is why we encourage our students to participate in research projects, social initiatives and enriching cultural activities.
As a Catholic institution, we are inspired by the Christian values of respect for human dignity, justice and compassion. These values are at the heart of our educational mission and are manifested in our daily actions. We aim to train ethical and responsible leaders who are able to contribute positively to society and to face the challenges of our time with discernment and humanity.”
Patrick SCAUFLAIRE, President-Rector of the Université Catholique de Lille
The main orientations of the President-Rector’s mandate for 2020-2025
OUR VISION
The integral development of the person through academic excellence at the service of the common good and the transformation of the world.
OUR MISSION
Education, research, serving society.
OUR PROMISE
Placing the individual at the center of our concerns.
NOS VALEURS
Humanism, Ethics, Optimism, Openness.
The Université Catholique de Lille aims at educating responsible, competent, and conscious citizens who are aware of contemporary issues.
Providing a student life experience
Life experience is at the heart of the curriculum, enriching each student’s life beyond simple academic knowledge.
All courses integrate human training modules, with a focus on the personal and spiritual development of students.
Associative life is also very active, with more than 500 student associations offering many opportunities for students to commit and fulfill themselves.
Moreover, spaces dedicated to co-design and artistic creation allow students to access exhibitions, representations and workshops, thus fostering cultural and creative development.
Taking care of everyone
Our priority is to ensure the well-being and the development of each member of our academic community.
Our renowned health sector (3 care institutions, 5 nursing homes and 1 DITEP), with 2000 beds and places, exemplifies our commitment by offering accessible and quality health services.
Our modern and accessible infrastructure creates an environment favorable for the learning and the well-being of all.
We also provide our students with various health and mental health institutions such as the Centre Polyvalent de Santé Universitaire (Multi-Service Health Center.) We also have establish strategic partnerships with the CROUS (Centres Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires – Regional Student Assistance Office) and the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie – Health Care Insurance Fund).
Taking action for the socio-ecological transition
Since the creation of the Live Tree program in 2011, the Université Catholique de Lille has strengthened its commitments to fight climate change by signing the Grenoble Agreement on 24 January 2022.
Committed to the Pacte Lille Bas Carbone (Lille Low Carbon Pact) which aims to limit our impact, adapt, preserve the environment and improve the well-being of inhabitants, we have embarked on a low carbon path to reduce our environmental footprint.
In connection with the Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL – Lille European Metropolis), in our commitment to contribute to carbon neutrality by 2050, we have proposed a special program, the Convention Universitaire pour le Climat (University Convention for Climate) to learn about and act on climate issues.
On our campuses, we conduct full-scale experimentations to promote energy efficiency (Life MaPerEn program), urban agriculture (at Palais Rameau), alternative ways of moving around, social participation and new sustainable economic models.
These tangible initiatives illustrate our desire to act to preserve our planet and to encourage a transition to a more environmentally friendly future.
Embracing the world
The Université Catholique de Lille distinguishes itself by opening itself to the world. We welcome 40,000 students, including 8,000 international students.
With more than 550 partner universities spread across 5 continents, we offer our students many opportunities for international exchanges and collaborations.
This global dimension enriches their academic and personal journeys, promoting a true cross-cultural understanding and preparing our graduates to become citizens of the world.
Empowering innovation
and collaboration
Our University values innovation through its 15 research chairs and its experimental city quarters demonstrators.
With hundreds of partner companies in France and around the world, our collaboration network is wide and diverse.
The Université Catholique de Lille, a major actor of the non-profit private associative sector
Combining performance and ethics, success and humanity
Founded in 1875 by Christian entrepreneurs driven by the desire to serve public interest, our institution is the largest non-profit private associative university in France. It is renowned for its growing commitment to education, research and social service, including caring for the most fragile and contributing to territorial development.
Social commitment
and public mission
In close collaboration with public and private companies and institutions, the Université Catholique de Lille works for humane and responsible progress, as well as for social inclusion, education and the fight against economic insecurity.
Its non-profit associative model embodies a genuine commitment to France and Europe and is at the heart of contemporary challenges.
Towards a future of solidarity
With a vision for the future, the Université Catholique de Lille is distinguished by its flexibility, humanism and spirituality, thus placing the public service mission at the center of its concerns.
It is proud of its non-profit heritage and hopes that its employees, the patients it takes care of and the students and all the people that are entrusted to the University will become trusted ambassadors of this noble cause.
Financial balance and
rigorous governance
The Université Catholique de Lille hosts recognized public-utility associations, with no shareholders. One hundred percent of profits are reinvested into its mission (research, pedagogy, caring for its beneficiaries).
With a constant commitment to efficiency and sustainability, the University’s financial balance is based on attentive governance, dedicated teams, innovation-oriented investments and rigorous management.
This economic equity is reflected in the domains of higher education and research, where the costs of tuition, mainly supported by families, are accompanied by individualized follow-ups to guarantee the success of all students.
Similarly, in the hospital sector, there are no overriding fees according to the desire to care for all patients, especially the most vulnerable.
