The higher education landscape in Nantes is dominated by established institutions, many of which have been operating for several decades or even centuries. These organizations primarily focus on a broad spectrum of educational offerings, from general university studies to specialized vocational and professional training.
Nantes Université, founded in 1460, is a major player, encompassing research and innovation. Audencia, established in 1900, is a business school with a focus on management, while Centrale Nantes, founded in 1919, trains engineers. Groupe Alternance, founded in 1998, offers alternance-based higher education across France. Oniris Nantes, founded in 2010, specializes in veterinary and food sciences, and IRSS, founded in 1985, prepares students for entry into various higher education fields. A notable pattern is the strong presence of institutions with long histories, indicating a mature and well-rooted educational sector in Nantes.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Nantes Universitéuniv-nantes.fr
Unites higher education, research, and innovation stakeholders to develop research excellence, especially for future health and industry, offering new training opportunities. |
4,270 | |||
| 2 |
Audenciaaudencia.com
A leading European business school offering management and communication programs from bachelor to doctoral level, committed to responsible education and development |
1,232 | |||
| 3 |
Groupe Alternancegroupe-alternance.com
Network of over 70 schools across France offering alternance-based higher education from Bac to Bac+5 with professional training. |
799 | |||
| 4 | 618 | ||||
| 5 |
Centrale Nantesec-nantes.fr
Trains versatile engineers with high scientific, technical levels and strong managerial culture, integrating environmental, societal issues into global contexts. |
600 | |||
| 6 |
Oniris Nantesoniris-nantes.fr
Educates veterinarians, superior technicians, and engineers in animal health, public health, food sciences, and bioprocesses, actively supporting 'one medicine, one health'. |
543 | |||
| 7 |
ensa Nantesnantes.archi.fr
A public institution offering architectural education and research, preparing students for the architect diploma, with international partnerships and a strategic alliance with two other schools |
249 | |||
| 8 |
École ISMEisme.fr
Providing vocational training in the fields of Commerce, Marketing, Communication, Management, Banking, HR, and Digital through BTS, Bachelor, and Master programs Offering both alternating and traditional paths |
243 | |||
| 9 |
IEMN-IAEiae.univ-nantes.fr
A leading institution in Nantes offering education in economics, finance, management, and professional development through internships, projects, and international experiences |
221 | |||
| 10 |
ENC - Écoles Nantaises de Commerceenc-nantes.fr
Deliver academic and professional knowledge with focus on personal growth, balance, and values for sustainable success in global business. |
171 | |||
| 11 |
St Félix-La Sallestfelixlasalle.fr
A Catholic educational institution in Nantes, offering education from 6th grade to Bachelor's degree in various fields through school and apprenticeship programs |
169 | |||
| 12 |
Ecole nationale vétérinaire de Nantesoniris-nantes.fr
Oniris is a higher education and research institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, located in Nantes, France |
121 | |||
| 13 |
Nantes Ynov Campusynov.com
A forward-thinking education institution offering professionalizing degrees in digital and creative industries, preparing students for evolving job market demands |
114 | |||
| 14 |
Lycée Clemenceau - Nantesgclemenceau.paysdelaloire.e-lyco.fr
Secondary and higher education institution offering Preparatory Classes for Grandes Écoles (CPGE) in Nantes |
94 | |||
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| 15 |
Faculté de médecine de Nantes Universitémedecine.univ-nantes.fr
The Faculty of Medicine and Medical Techniques at Nantes University teaches medical and paramedical studies, with over 6000 students and research institutes |
91 | |||
| 16 |
Beaux-Arts Nantes Saint-Nazairebeauxartsnantes.fr
An art school in Nantes Saint-Nazaire offering state diplomas in Art, a master's program, and an international preparatory program in various artistic disciplines |
79 | |||
| 17 |
IMS Nantesims-nantes.com
A small school in Nantes specializing in Bac+2 and Bac+3 programs, providing personalized education services |
73 | |||
| 18 |
Faculté des sciences et des techniques - Nantes Universitésciences-techniques.univ-nantes.fr
The Faculty of Sciences and Technology at the University of Nantes offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study |
66 | |||
| 19 |
Audencia SciencesComsciencescom.audencia.com
A communication and media school founded in 1984, focusing on academic excellence and professional experience to prepare students for demanding careers |
56 | |||
| 20 |
COFAP-IFOMcofap-ifom-formation.com
A higher education institution offering various professional programs in healthcare, social services, sports, dietetics, and beauty, with exceptional exam success rates Individualized student support provided |
39 | |||
| 21 |
ESDM Nantes - École Nantaise du Développement Durable & de Managementesdm-formation.fr
A CFA in Nantes offering BTS to Master's degree programs in management, HR, sustainable development, and finance validated by state diplomas or professional certifications |
30 | |||
| 22 |
CESOL Nantescesol.education
Specialized higher education center offering training in optical sciences with a focus on opticianry, optometry, management, and continuous education with DPC accreditation |
21 | |||
| 23 |
EFCE - Groupe Silvya Terradeefce.fr
A school offering training in hairdressing, aesthetics, and dietetics (BP, CAP, additional mention, BTS, and CQP) in Angers, La Rochelle, Nantes, and Niort |
18 | |||
| 24 |
SUP'DE COM - Campus de Nantesecoles-supdecom.com
The company aims to train future communication experts with digital, creative, and strategic skills for successful integration into the constantly evolving industry |
18 | |||
| 25 |
ICEE École Supérieure de Gestion Financeicee.fr
Specialized higher education institution in Accounting, Management, and Finance, based in Nantes Offers state diplomas from BTS to DSCG for post-baccalaureate students and professionals |
18 | |||
| 26 |
ENC COMMUNICATIONenc-communication.fr
A leading French educational institution offering communication training from BAC+2 to BAC+5, specializing in event, digital, and internal communication, through theory and practice |
14 | |||
| 27 |
Association des étudiants en Droit européen et international de Nantes (AEDEI)instagram.com
This company offers a Master's program in European and International Law, focusing on EU law, European law, and international law specialization They aim to promote legal knowledge and networking Contact them via email or Instagram |
4 | |||
| 28 |
Together for Earthurlperu.com
A network connecting student associations in France and soon abroad, uniting students to take collective action for ecological and social urgency |
2 | |||
| 29 |
Master MEDAS - CNAM Nantescnam-paysdelaloire.fr
The company offers a master program in Big Data and digital transition, providing skills in data analysis and societal reflection for various career opportunities |
2 | |||
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Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
More company lists in Nantes
- The largest companies in Nantes 955
- SaaS companies in Nantes 90
- Professional services firms in Nantes 83
- Companies with in-house R&D in Nantes 78
- Software Development companies in Nantes 71
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Nantes 65
- Multinational companies in Nantes 64
- IT services companies in Nantes 64
- Business Consulting and Services companies in Nantes 55
- Law Practice companies in Nantes 54
- Consulting firms in Nantes 51
- Public sector organisations in Nantes 51
- Education providers in Nantes 50
- Retail chains in Nantes 50
- Subscription businesses in Nantes 37
- Financial services firms in Nantes 33
- Real Estate companies in Nantes 33
- Recruitment and staffing agencies in Nantes 32
- Advertising Services companies in Nantes 32
- Companies with a mobile app in Nantes 31
- Technology, Information and Internet companies in Nantes 29
- Events Services companies in Nantes 28
- Critical infrastructure operators in Nantes 26
- Professional Training and Coaching companies in Nantes 25
The same list elsewhere in France
- Higher Education companies in France 2,080
- Higher Education companies in Île-de-France 759
- Higher Education companies in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 281
- Higher Education companies in Occitanie 155
- Higher Education companies in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 155
- Higher Education companies in the Rhône department 155
- Higher Education companies in Grand Est 154
- Higher Education companies in Nouvelle-Aquitaine 119
- Higher Education companies in Hauts-de-France 95
- Higher Education companies in the Hauts-de-Seine department 88
- Higher Education companies in Pays de la Loire 85
- Higher Education companies in the Bouches-du-Rhône department 83
- Higher Education companies in Brittany 74
- Higher Education companies in the Nord department 68
- Higher Education companies in the Gironde department 67
- Higher Education companies in the Haute-Garonne department 66
- Higher Education companies in Normandy 56
- Higher Education companies in the Hérault department 52
- Higher Education companies in the Bas-Rhin department 44
- Higher Education companies in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté 44
- Higher Education companies in Paris 478
- Higher Education companies in Lyon 115
- Higher Education companies in Toulouse 53
- Higher Education companies in Marseille 42