Established in 1875, Université Catholique de Lille (Lille Catholic University) is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Lille (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Hauts-de-France. This institution also has a branch campus in Paris and Nice. Officially recognized by the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation, France (Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France), Université Catholique de Lille (UCL) is a large coeducational French higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Université Catholique de Lille (UCL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 146 years old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. UCL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.