The International Relations Department

One of the highest priorities of University Paris Nanterre (UPN) is to promote its strong and well-recognised international presence in higher education.

The role of the International Relations Department is to support the international strategy of the university and to contribute to the implementation of the orientations defined by the University Council of Paris Nanterre and by the International Relations Council.


The International Relations Department works closely with the various members of the university in order to provide students, research professors as well as universities and partner organisations with the following services:
  • Creation and follow-up of international cooperation programmes and bi-lateral agreements with partner universities.
  • Internationalisation of academic programmes at UPN in the form of joint academic courses, joint degrees and international double degrees.
  • Coordination of incoming students and faculty. A welcome service and dedicated support for research professors and exchange students is provided.
  • Coordination of outgoing students and faculty. Information and support are provided to research professors and exchange students for international cooperation and exchange programmes.
  • Definition of a policy for internships in foreign countries.
  • Financial management of cooperation agreements, study abroad and the handling of grants allocated as part of the different partnership of University Paris Nanterre.
The International Relations Department ensures the management and follow-up of more than 400 agreements with partner universities throughout the world. As it is strongly aware of the usefulness and importance of an educational stay abroad, it provides comprehensive support to research professors and students who undertake such an international experience.

University Paris Nanterre encourages its students to take part in the unique experience of a study abroad programme. Students are encouraged to do so not only for their studies and a better mastery of a foreign language, but also to acquire a deeper understanding of another culture and to learn to adapt to another way of life and another way of thinking.

One of the most important areas of action for the International Relations Department is the welcome and support services for foreign exchange students. Upon their arrival at UPN, exchange students are registered for an Orientation Day. Each student is then provided with personalised support related to administrative formalities, finding appropriate housing, quality French courses in partnership with the French Language Centre for Foreign Students (FETE) and active assistance to ensure the student’s integration into the different activities of university life. The International Relations Department works closely with exchange students and provides them with information and tools to help them in their daily lives in their study abroad experience.

The staff of the International Relations Department is a dynamic, motivated and multilingual team which has excellent relations with the entire community at UPN. The team strives to do its best in order to fulfil its mission and increase the attractiveness of the University Paris Nanterre, thereby contributing to the development of its international strategy.

[EDUC] UPN Staff Days 2025 - European Projects
The University Paris Nanterre is pleased to host the UPN Staff Days – European Projects from 17 to 19 November 2025. Open to non-academic staff within the EDUC alliance, this event aims to foster a European network of project officers through knowledge sharing, networking, and joint initiatives. Pre-registration is open until 31 July 2025!
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Updated on 20 juin 2025