The largest French and European university in the Indian Ocean, the University of Reunion (UR) stands out for its high level of internationalization, with 1084 students from 67 nationalities enrolled for the 2024-2025 academic year, and already 454 students from 39 nationalities enrolled for the academic year which is beginning (registration is still ongoing).

This Thursday, September 4, the establishment organized a welcome day dedicated to these international students, ever-increasing in number, demonstrating the attractiveness of its training offer abroad and the dynamism of its exchange programs.

This year, the reception of international students was structured around several highlights including an institutional welcome and a presentation of the establishment, a village of stands presenting the faculties, departments, services and partners, as well as games to learn more about Reunion Island.

A tailor-made welcome

This back-to-school event, a special opportunity for exchange, aims to provide students from around the world with all the tools they need to succeed in their academic year. The program presents the institution's priorities, faculties, departments, and university services, as well as the leisure and activities available on campus.

The quality of the welcome is one of the priorities of the University, which has been awarded the "Bienvenue en France" label. This label recognizes institutions that offer accessible and high-quality information to international students, dedicated reception facilities, support in teaching, and a fulfilling campus life.

The university has implemented numerous initiatives to ensure the success of its international students' stay: linguistic integration campus, networking with "international ambassador" students, sponsorship system, activities throughout the year in partnership with student associations, etc. The establishment makes every effort to offer international students a unique university experience.

For this return to school, the University's privileged local partners have also mobilized (Prefecture, Réunion Region, CROUS, etc.), alongside the consuls of the different countries present in the territory.

This year, the most represented countries at the institution are Madagascar (73 students), Germany (73 students), and the Comoros (46 students). Also of note: the institution is pleased to welcome two students from South Africa, one from Bolivia, and one from Haiti this year.

National and European funds: more than 1,6 million euros in support of the mobility partnership policy

The University of Réunion's mobility partnership policy is measured by the diversity of the 26 exchange programs offered to students (Erasmus+, Asia Exchange, ISEP, DAAD, PPI, BCI, REUNION Program, etc.), as well as the proper use of the funds allocated to it. The institution supports this policy of regional, European and international mobility partnerships by obtaining funding from various donors, including national (Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs for the Franco-Indian ILIADE campus and the cross-mobility program with Africa, French Development Agency and Expertise France) and European (Erasmus+, INTERREG VI Indian Ocean). Thus, for example, the institution is the beneficiary of an ERASMUS+ envelope for intra-European mobility of more than 800 euros and 369 euros for mobility outside Europe.

Support for the establishment's regional influence

Working in particular to intensify student mobility in its ocean basin, the University is continuing its REUNION II program as well as its “cross-mobility” program with Africa.

Financed by INTERREG VI Indian Ocean funds and supported by the Réunion Region, the REUNION II program, which is part of France's Indo-Pacific strategy, has been extended to the 2025-26 academic year. As a reminder, this program aims to finance mobility for students and staff of higher education institutions in the Greater Indian Ocean region. Its objective is to strengthen university partnerships, improve the skills and qualifications of participants, while facilitating access to high-quality training.

Furthermore, the cross-mobility program with Africa, initiated by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to strengthen mobility and exchanges between the African continent and France, continues with Madagascar. It aims to contribute to the scientific advancement of the participating countries by funding short-term exchanges for graduate students in thematic areas of mutual interest.

This year, these two programs will allow 18 students from the Indian Ocean region to undertake, in each of the host countries, a study or internship mobility recognized in the home institution.

The University of Réunion is also continuing its mobility program by offering Horizon Excellence Scholarships (BEH). Self-funded, this program allows outstanding students from 16 partner countries in the Indian Ocean region to study in one of the UR's Master 2 programs and obtain a degree recognized in France, Europe, and internationally. This program, which is fully in line with the UR's regional cooperation strategy, is aimed particularly at students who aspire to pursue their doctoral studies, preferably under joint supervision within the institution.

For this academic year, 9 students benefiting from the BEH scholarship are welcomed.

Finally, for this new term, the University of Réunion aims to develop international student mobility, including research-related mobility. Emphasis will therefore be placed on supporting doctoral and post-doctoral students in mobility, both in the Indian Ocean region and in Europe and internationally.