UM: A Key Player at the 2025 Higher Education Fair
Montpellier once again cemented its status as a student hub during the 35th edition of the Higher Education Fair, organized by the Occitanie academic region and the magazine L’Etudiant. The event, held on January 16, 17, and 18, 2025, at the Pérols Exhibition Center, drew more than 30,000 visitors: a resounding success that highlights the city’s appeal and that of its educational institutions.
Montpellier, a premier college town
With more than 80,000 students—accounting for 17% of its population—Montpellier has been ranked the best student city in France for the second consecutive year, according toL’Etudiant’s 2024 ranking. This energy was palpable at the Higher Education Fair, where the University of Montpellier established itself as a major player with a 260-square-meter booth showcasing all of its academic departments, schools, and institutes.
An extraordinary mobilization effort by the University of Montpellier
Over the course of these three days, the University mobilized its entire academic community and career counseling services to support high school students, college students, and adults seeking career transitions.
François Mirabel, director of Scuio-IP (the University’s Joint Service for Information, Career Guidance, and Professional Integration), highlighted the university’s strengths: “We are fortunate to offer excellent programs that are virtually free, with instructors who are also researchers, and a job placement rate of 90 to 95% after the master’s degree. What I want to highlight is the quality of public service.”
The event provided an opportunity to showcase the university’s full range of academic programs, highlighting their career prospects and the high quality of the education offered.
The 35th edition, focused on career guidance and the future
With the Parcoursup application deadline set for March 13, 2025, this fair provided an ideal opportunity to guide high school students in their career choices. Prospective applicants were also able to learn about theMon Masterplatform to plan their post-bachelor’s degree path. The institution is also deeply committed to the inclusion of students with disabilities, who received information from the Handiversité service.
The University of Montpellier reaffirmed its commitment to promoting access to higher education in the presence of dignitaries such as Michael Delafosse, mayor of Montpellier and president of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole; Sophie Béjean, rector of the Occitanie academic region; and Philippe Augé, president of the University of Montpellier.
Reminder: University of Montpellier Open House
For students and parents who wish to further explore their college planning process, the next step is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, during the University of MontpellierOpen House.
With its exceptional living environment, top-notch educational programs, and strong commitment to student guidance, Montpellier continues to shine as France’s leading student city.
