The Alpes Europe campus
Officially inaugurated in September 2021, UCLy’s Annecy campus was created to bring the University’s academic excellence to the heart of a region renowned for its economic and industrial dynamism and its cross-border connections. Supported by local authorities and numerous partners, it now welcomes more than 500 students in a modern learning environment located just a few minutes from Annecy’s historic centre and lake.
The campus in pictures
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Rooftop terrace
University Library
Student area
Classroom
Five fields of study in the heart of the Alps: Management, Law, History, Biotechnology and Education
The Alpes Europe Campus in Annecy offers programmes in five major fields of study, delivered by UCLy’s faculties and schools: management with ESDES Business School; law and European and international political studies; biotechnology with ESTBB; history; and primary school teacher education.
These programmes draw on UCLy’s academic expertise while addressing the economic and societal needs of Haute-Savoie and the wider cross-border region. With their strong international dimension, they are primarily intended for students from Haute-Savoie, Savoie and neighbouring cross-border regions. They provide an environment conducive both to further study and to successful entry into the professional world.
The Alpes Europe Campus will continue to broaden its academic offering by drawing on the expertise of all UCLy’s faculties and schools, in order to keep pace with changes across the region and meet students’ evolving needs.
Subject to sufficient enrolment, the campus may also offer:
- French as a Foreign Language programmes delivered by ILCF, the Institute of French Language and Culture, for professionals and organisations based in Haute-Savoie.
Management programmes at ESDES, UCLy’s Business School
At its Annecy campus, ESDES trains managers who are able to combine economic performance, innovation and social responsibility. Its educational approach encourages students to develop initiative, a strong sense of commitment and the ability to support organisations through periods of transformation.
According to Aurélien Eminet, Director of the Campus: "According to Aurélien Eminet, Director of the Campus:
“ESDES Business School is Annecy’s leading business and management school. It is a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and holds EFMD and AACSB accreditation."
The Master’s cycle of the "Grande École Programme" is also available at the Annecy campus. Delivered on a work-study basis, the programme offers two specialisations:
- Management and Corporate Strategy
- Marketing and Digital Business
History Programmes
The Bachelor’s Degree in History offered by UCLy’s Faculty of Literature and Civlizations provides a broad, interdisciplinary programme combining a major in History with a minor in Political Science and Geopolitics.
Key strengths
- Small class sizes
- Personalised academic support
- A supportive yet academically demanding teaching team
- Internships and both individual and group projects
Law Programmes at the Annecy campus
Located at the heart of a region with close ties to Switzerland, Italy and Europe, UCLy’s Faculty of Law, Political Science and International Relations trains legal professionals who are equipped to address today’s major legal challenges. Its programmes combine the acquisition of strong theoretical knowledge, the development of methodological skills and a practical understanding of the professional world.
Students benefit from personalised support, small class sizes and an educational approach that fosters independent thinking, critical analysis and practical experience. This prepares them to enter a wide range of legal professions—including careers as lawyers, notaries, judges and in-house legal advisers—or to pursue further study under the best possible conditions.
According to Louis Bertier, Academic Director at the Faculty: “In Annecy, we provide academically demanding programmes founded on close interaction with students, engagement with European legal issues and progressive professional development grounded in real-world experience.”
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Programmes at ESTBB
The Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences and Humanities offered by ESTBB, UCLy’s School of Biotechnology Engineering, is now part of the range of programmes available in Annecy. Applications for the first year can be submitted through Parcoursup.
Primary School Teacher Education
The Bachelor’s Degree in Primary School Teaching, delivered by the Department of Education within UCLy’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, has been available at the Annecy campus since the beginning of the 2026 academic year.
Our course for English speaker
Here are a few practical tips to help you settle in Annecy and start your new school year on the Alpes Europe campus
