Is it permissible to be preoccupied from the Jumu'ah prayer due to studying at a university that operates on Fridays, given the absence of a better educational alternative?

It is not permissible to miss Jumu'ah prayer for the sake of studying, because it is obligatory upon resident men who are able to attend it. Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew."