Having become a Grand établissement (major institution) by decree in October 2025, the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France (UPHF) has established itself as the leading model for polytechnic universities in France, combining science, technology and the humanities within a single institutional project.
With five campuses (Valenciennes – Mont Houy, Les Tertiales-Ronzier, Arenberg – Cambrai, Maubeuge), the university welcomes around 14,500 students and offers
more than 160 courses from bachelor's to PHDs.
A unique university model
The UPHF is a member of the European alliance EUNICE, thereby enhancing opportunities for mobility and international cooperation for its students and researchers.
At UPHF, research and teaching activities are organised around two areas: Science & Technology on the one hand, and Society & Humanities on the other, which allows for greater flexibility and offers multiple opportunities to students and researchers.
Interdisciplinarity in terms of training and research is the guiding principle behind the ‘Polytechnique’ spirit, based on a genuine pedagogical, scientific and organisational overhaul.
With this unique ‘Polytechnique’ transformation, the university aims to increase its attractiveness and develop its international influence. The Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France wants to attract more international talent, thereby enriching the profiles of its graduates.
In addition, thanks to its many versatile researchers and bridges between laboratories, the university also aims to reach out to companies and start-ups that can come and explore new sources of innovation.
A sustainable and inclusive university
The Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France aims to become a socially responsible university by 2030.
This involves both, through the fulfilment of the University's missions:
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Preserving our environment
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Promoting social cohesion
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Promoting a responsible economy (with a positive environmental and social impact)
The activities of the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France are structured around several key areas:
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Governance and strategy that systematically incorporate sustainable development and social responsibility issues into its decisions, communications and purchasing policy
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Community awareness-raising and training tailored to students' needs in the area of sustainable development and social responsibility
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the implementation of ethical research and measurement of its impact and repercussions in terms of public policy
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the development of a mobility plan, the implementation of waste sorting and reduction, the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions, and the preservation of biodiversity
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the implementation of a social and inclusive policy towards all members of the community
A European university
The UPHF is a member of the European alliance EUNICE, thereby enhancing opportunities for mobility and international cooperation for its students and researchers.
The aim of this alliance is to bring about a paradigm shift from traditional higher education to personalised and flexible higher education through inter-university mobility.
EUNICE aims to be innovative, committed, open and multicultural.
The alliance is fuelled by the intellectual and infrastructural contributions of its partner universities, including the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France. The result is a strong network of interactions between institutions, industry and commercial partners, as well as other social, cultural, artistic and sporting actors.
Since November 2022, the alliance has officially had AISBL (international non-profit association) status.
