University of the Mediterranean, Marseille

The University of the Mediterranean Aix-Marseille II, situated in the Academy of Aix and Marseille, is a prominent French institution. Originally, it was a part of the University of Aix-Marseille, spanning the towns of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille in the southern region of France. Currently, it boasts an enrollment of 24,000 students and is renowned for its excellence in sciences, sport sciences, engineering, economic science, and management.

The roots of the Université d'Aix-en-Provence can be traced back to its establishment in 1413 by Louis II de Provence. Following the nationwide dissolution of universities in 1791, the university underwent changes and its faculties were dispersed between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, gaining autonomy in the process. Notably, the medical school was inaugurated at the Palais du Pharo by the Vieux Port, Marseille, on 21 April 1881, as decreed by the city council. Subsequently, in 1969, two universities were established in the vicinity of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and in 1973, the third university (Université d'Aix-Marseille III) came into existence. Finally, in 1994, the Université d'Aix-Marseille II was rebranded as Université de la Méditerranée.