Aix-Marseille University was established by decree No. 2011-1010 of August 24, 2011. It officially opened on January 1, 2012, replacing the University of Provence, University of the Mediterranean and Paul Cézanne University. Today, as well as being one of the youngest universities in France, it is also the largest in terms of its student body, its faculty and staff, and its budget in the whole of the French-speaking world. These factors combine with the remarkable results already achieved in teaching and research to make Aix-Marseille University a top class higher education and research institution.