phd programs in france in english

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Pasteur-Paris University International doctoral program​ (PPU)

The Institut Pasteur organizes a doctoral program in collaboration with Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, and Université Paris Saclay, for students holding a master degree or the equivalent in science, medicine and related fields.

In 2009, the Institut Pasteur, the world leading biomedical research institute founded by Louis Pasteur in 1887, inaugurated the Pasteur Paris-University (PPU) international doctoral program in collaboration with several major Parisian science universities for students holding a Master degree (or equivalent) from a university outside of France and who have not worked or resided in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to their recruitment.

PPU at a glance

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Students conduct their research in one of the  144 laboratories  of the Institut Pasteur that offers cutting edge training in a  large variety of topics  covering Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Structural Biology, Enzymology and Metabolism, Biological Chemistry, Virology, Parasitology, Medical Mycology, Epidemiology, Infectiology, Imaging, Neurosciences, Developmental Biology and Systems Biology. They have access to a stimulating technological environment to carry out their research project. This includes opportunities to conduct technological and methodological co-developments on high-end equipment under the supervision/in partnership with technology platforms or service and research units (UTechS). In addition, PPU students will receive specific courses on soft skills, as Oral Presentation, Journal Club, Workshop on Ethics, French Lessons. ( Educational program )

Students are part of the Pasteurian community with whom they share their passion for science or technology, and their wish to contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases. Students are immersed in an exciting, dynamic and interactive research environment including access to a large variety of technology platforms with state-of-the art expertise and equipment.

They can extend their knowledge by attending specialized courses and benefit from a vast seminar program attracting major speakers from all over the world. At the end of their studies (typically three years), students defend their PhD according to European guidelines.

The call opens in September and students are selected on a competitive basis . Candidates are first selected by host laboratories, then their applications are presented to a had hoc selection committee by mid-December. Candidates who are short listed by the selection committee are then interviewed early February, with results communicated by mid-February. Selected students are enrolled in the following October for a three-year contract.

Students selected for the PPU program receive   a salary  from Institut Pasteur including a benefits package (health insurance, unemployment insurance and retirement plan). The program beneficiates from  financial support  by Institut Pasteur, the European Community, partner institutions, governmental agencies and/or private foundations.

Assistance with administrative issues and with finding accommodation in student residences, including the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, will also be available ( Financial support and benefits ).

Current call

The call for enrollment of students in october 2025 is not open yet..

The 2024-2025 call for enrollment of students in October 2025 will open on September 9, 2024.

• Deadline for applying to projects on the application website: October 27, 2024
• Deadline for submitting the joint application with the host laboratory: November 12,  2024
• Interview week: February 2025

Please note that the research projects are posted on the application website , and that you will have to create an account in order to visualize the projects and to apply .

Application website

PPU and PPU-Satellite Programs

From  mid-September  to the  end of October , candidates can apply in parallel to  up to 4 projects  from six PPU programs: the classical PPU, PPU-IMAGINE, PPU-Participatory Science, PPU-OXFORD, PPU-Research & Technology and PPU-Emerging Infection Diseases and contact more than one supervisor.

Please note that to carry on with the selection process ("joint application") , in November each year , candidates must choose  one single project   and program  among the six.

The research projects for  PPU, PPU-PS, PPU-Oxford, and PPU-EID  are  posted on the application website  and share the same selection process organized by Institut Pasteur. You will have to  create an account  ( link to the platform ) in order to  visualize  the projects and to  apply .

Please note that  no application through email will be accepted.

The PPU-Research & Technology projets are available on the same platform ( link to the platform ). Its selection process is organized by Institut Pasteur, but follows a specific process detailed in:

https://www.pasteur.fr/en/ppu/RT

The selection of the PPU-IMAGINE program is independently organized by  Institut Imagine .

Furthermore, IP has a seventh PPU program, named PPU-CNBG, exclusively reserved to CNBG employees.  PPU-CNBG features a distinct selection process including a first selection step made by CNBG, followed by a specific selection path put in place at Institut  Pasteur.

PhD students enrolled in the PPU, PPU-PS, PPU-OXFORD, PPU-R&T and PPU-EID programs will benefit from Institut Pasteur working contracts (for more details see below “ FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND BENEFITS ”). The PPU-IMAGINE PhD students will benefit from  Institut Imagine  working contracts and PPU-CNBG PhD students maintain their CNBG working contracts.

China National Biotec Group (CNBG) is a subsidiary of the China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (SINOPHARM). Its development is part of the history of Chinese biological product industry, and it greatly contributed to China's endeavor to eradicate or reduce the incidence of various severe infectious diseases. By manufacturing and supplying over 200 types of biological products for disease prevention and for therapeutic and diagnostic use (including all vaccines for Chinese EPI program), CNBG plays a major role in safeguarding the health of the world's largest population.

The partnership between Institut Pasteur (IP) and China National Biotec Group (CNBG) is dedicated to foster R&D industrial partnerships that translate science into outcomes beneficial to patients with disease and to disease prevention. Through an interdisciplinary and comprehensive cooperation, Institut Pasteur and CNBG join forces to develop, promote and facilitate research/training of young Chinese scientists through a three-year PhD program that takes place on the Institut Pasteur campus. The Pasteur-Paris University Program PPU-CNBG provides academic and professional training to highly motivated CNBG employees who are involved in cutting-edge projects developed on the campus.

PPU-IMAGINE

Institut Imagine is Europe's leading center for research, care and teaching on genetic diseases, and its mission is to understand and cure them . The Institute brings together 1000 of the best doctors, researchers and healthcare personnel in an architecture that creates synergies. It is this unprecedented continuum of expertise, combined with proximity to patients, that allows Imagine to accelerate discoveries and their applications for the benefit of patients.

At Imagine , patients with genetic diseases are at the heart of a virtuous circle. Created by the Institute’s founders, this circle begins with the patient and finishes by curing the patient or at least relieving his/her suffering. Imagine brings together all the skills and expertise necessary to accelerate research, develop innovative care, and to generate synergies and conditions to drive innovation in one building.

Imagine ’s goal is to change the lives of families affected by genetic diseases. To achieve this goal, Imagine focuses on four major areas: research, innovative care, education, and promotion.

Through the training of future doctors and researchers and continuous training of doctors and health professionals, Institut Imagine promotes expertise in both research and medicine, which makes it unique.

Students of the PPU-IMAGINE program will work daily in laboratories of Institut Imagine and will participate in PPU activities at Institut Pasteur.

To see and apply to the projects proposed by the IMAGINE doctoral program, please use the link below:

  https://www.institutimagine.org/en/international-doctoral-program-856

PPU-PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE

Experiential knowledge, patient advocacy and citizen involvement are the key words of this brand new PPU program. A unique opportunity for researchers at our institute to propose innovative, interdisciplinary projects that integrate public participation into several disciplines such as neuroscience, microbiology, and public health. These projects should highlight the importance of public involvement in research, as well as the potential benefits for human health and research methodology.

PPU-OXFORD students will have the possibility to spend up to three months of their PhD in the Chemistry Department of Oxford University. Students of the PPU-OXFORD program will work daily in laboratories of Institut Pasteur, and will follow the activities proposed by the PPU program.

PPU-OXFORD projects are listed within the PPU projects and labelled OXFORD.

PPU-RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY

This program will foster scientific projects involving the development of a new technology or methodology to answer a biological question with impact on human health. PhD students will work on collaborative projects between a laboratory and a technology platform or technology service unit (UTechS) and will spend a significant amount of their time in the partner technology platform or UTechS. Students should hold a Master degree or an equivalent university degree in science, medicine or related fields delivered by a university located inside or outside of France, by the time that the students begin the program. Selected students will receive a high level of multidisciplinary training both in biology and technology for life sciences.

PPU-Research & Technology projects are t listed within the PPU projects and labelled R&T.

 Projects in the area of Emerging Infectious Diseases will help implementing a global vision for a "One Health" approach by preparing the next generation of scientists to major challenges of (re)-emerging infectios diseases (EID). Research-based multidisciplinary projects should aim at developing health, societal, economic and communication aspects in order to prevent and manage EID. PPU-EID students will have access to a wide range of training in the disciplines covered by the new Graduate School 1H-EID . This program is in partnership with 5 Doctoral Schools (BioSPC, MTCI, Pierre Louis de Santé Publique, Science des Sociétés and ABIES). Specific fundings for thesis prolongation, mobility grants and participation to congress will also be available as well as access to international networks such as the Pasteur Network (33 Institutes in 25 countries worldwide) and the research network CAIDERA , partner program of the Graduate School 1H-EID in Germany and Gabon.

 Students of the PPU-EID program will work daily in laboratories of Institut Pasteur in 8 of the 12 Institut Pasteur Departments associated with the Graduate School 1H-EID. They will follow all the activities proposed by the PPU program.

PPU-EID projects are listed within the PPU projects and labelled EID.

Application information (PPU, PPU-OXFORD, PPU-PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE, PPU-EID)

The application call opens in September for the program beginning in October of the following year.

  STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

 ​Diploma requirement:         

• Master degree or an equivalent university degree in science, medicine or related fields delivered by a university located outside of France, by the time that the students begin the program.
• In France, a master degree corresponds to five years of academic education
• Students holding a B.A. or a B.S. acquired after four years of academic education may be considered if they have additional laboratory experience of at least 6 months, with a written final report or a publication.
• Students who already have begun doctoral training elsewhere and students with a master's degree obtained in France are not eligible, due to our agreements with the doctoral schools of the Paris Universities.

Language:  The program is run in English and therefore fluency in English is required (TOEFL or other language proficiency scores may be indicated when submitting your application). No knowledge of French is required, but a basic knowledge may be useful in the daily life outside the Institute.

Age:  The PPU doctoral program does not have an age restriction, but most accepted candidates are 24-26 years old and start their Ph.D. within a year of finishing their M.S., a few within 3 years.

External funding:  Candidates with external funding are eligible to enter the PPU program if the funding constitutes employment or if the funds can be allocated to the Institut Pasteur to pay the candidate’s salary. Such candidates must go through the same application procedure and be selected by the committee.

Mobility:  Students who have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the 1st day of recruitment by the PPU program (1st day of employment) are not eligible. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. These rules are in compliance with the mobility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions of the H2020 program.

THESIS ADVISOR ELIGIBILITY

• To present a candidate to the PPU program, thesis advisors must hold an HDR (Habilitation à Diriger les Recherches) diploma.
• The host laboratory must be located on the campus of the Institut Pasteur in Paris.
• The research team must be affiliated with a doctoral school of Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université or Université Paris-Saclay, and the advisors must not exceed the number of students allowed by their doctoral school.
• If there are multiple scientists holding an HDR in a host laboratory, each one can propose a project and submit an application with a prospective Ph.D. candidate. However, each advisor can only supervise one PPU student at a time.

 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

There are 3 steps in the selection process

1. Candidates choose and are chosen by a host laboratory.

From mid-September, a list of host laboratories and the research projects they propose are posted on the application website after registration:  https://ppu.pasteur.fr   (the link is proposed also in the Current Call section of this web site).

Applications must be sent through the same link: the candidates can select up to four projects they are interested in, and upload a detailed CV and a motivation letter in PDF format.  

Advisors may request additional information from candidates including reference letters and may interview some candidates by visio-conference. Each advisor must eventually choose only one candidate for his/her project to present to the Admission Committee.

Candidates may contact potential host laboratories for further information but application must be made through the application website (no email application) . Since each advisor must choose only one candidate, candidates may apply to more than one laboratory (maximum four). Advisors are asked to notify candidates who will not be selected as soon as possible. A candidate cannot be selected for more than one project.

The candidate selected for a project will then complete the application on the same platform together with the host laboratory (joint application).  Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are welcome but not required. 

2. Evaluation of joint applications by the Admission Committee.

The joint applications are evaluated in December on the basis of academic qualifications, previous research experience, scientific potential of the candidate and adequation of the candidate with the proposed project. In general, applicants are expected to be among the top of those qualified to enter a Ph.D. program in their home country.

 The Admission Committee is composed of Institut Pasteur scientists, representatives of the Doctoral Schools (who verify that the applicant is eligible to register for a Ph.D. at a Parisian University) and members of the PPU Program Office (who are themselves also Institut Pasteur scientists). The Admissions Committee solicits written evaluations of the applications from international senior scientists who are familiar with the applicant’s national education systems. The most promising candidates are selected for an interview.

3. Interview week.

Selected candidates are invited for a four-day visit to the Institut Pasteur during February. Travel expenses (economy fare) and housing during the interview week are paid by the PPU program. During the visit, candidates:

• Visit the host laboratory and meet its members;
• Visit the Institut Pasteur (technical core facilities, museum, scientific library, …);
• Meet the Dean of the PPU program, the Director of Education of the Institut Pasteur, members of the PPU Program Office, current students and other scientists working at the Institut Pasteur;
• Are interviewed by Institut Pasteur scientists who are experts in the candidate’s past and/or future research projects and by a member of the Human Resources Department.
• Present their Master’s degree research (results or in progress) and their Ph.D. project to the Admission Committee which then asks questions;
• Meet at luncheons and dinners with students and scientists.

 The Admission Committee examines the general scientific knowledge, the past research accomplishments, the understanding of the proposed Ph.D. project, the motivation of the student, and considers the comments and advice of other interviewers. It then chooses the students to be offered final admission and those to be put on a waiting list. Around 12 openings are available each year. Candidates are informed of the decision shortly after the Interview week; successful candidates are generally given 10 days to notify the PPU of their acceptance.  Admission is highly competitive; each year many more qualified candidates apply than can be accepted.

Criteria used by the Admission Committee for the evaluation:

• Presentation: Logical and coherent presentation; appropriate information; clear oral presentation without “reading the slides”; good balance master/future phd projects. 
• Addressing the questions: comprehension of the questions, focus on the requested details, scientific knowledge, technical knowledge, ability to think about an open question.
• General attitude: positive attitude, self-confidence, attitude open to discussion.

Exact dates and deadlines for each step are clearly indicated in  Current Call .

Educational program

The PPU program prepares students for an exciting and competitive career in scientific research, through the development of a research project,  participation to academic courses, and professional development trainings. The requested duration for a PhD in France is three years.

The PPU program has its primary foundations based on scientific research. Students benefit from the highest training in conducting state-of-the-art research by mentorship, active planning and execution, as well as discussion of results with their Ph.D advisors and other leading scientists. A very dense scheduling of lectures and seminars by world renowned scientists, together with congresses and workshops, are also part of the exposure to ideas and data that students will experience on campus.

ACADEMIC TRAINING

Students are responsible for attending a specified number of courses dedicated to fundamental biological concepts and public health. The course syllabus fulfils requirements set forth by the universities, usually equivalent to one to two weeks of courses per year. Multiple theoretical and practical courses are available at Institut Pasteur Education Center ,  in Parisian universities, and at the Institut Curie. Students have their choice of courses to take, based on their personal backgrounds, interests and topics of research, in accordance with their host laboratory.

Students will also benefit from technical training by members of core facilities. Furthermore, working at the Institut Pasteur provides students with the opportunity to attend some of the many cutting-edge scientific seminars and participate in on-site symposia. Students are also encouraged to apply to international workshops and conferences, for which the PPU program will offer monetary support.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

In addition to hands-on laboratory training, the PPU program requires attendance to several professional development training courses to enhance the student skills and complement their academic training:

• Oral presentation   workshop : To teach how to communicate their results and ideas effectively (identifying the key message, planning and preparation, presentation design, confident delivery and stress management, giving/receiving feedback).  During the II° year: four classes lasting 4 hours each.
• Journal Club : To enhance the educational experience of participants and the assimilation of scientific evidences (learning how to critically evaluate a study, reflecting upon results and draw conclusions, understanding peer review, identifying innovation and advancement, learning how to conceptualize follow-up.  (Journal Club) During the I° year: 1 session per month.
• Scientific Integrity and Ethics Training courses : To learn about and discuss various ethical aspects of being a scientist (learning ethical standards in research & science and the role of a scientist in today’s society, knowing the available resources at the Institut Pasteur in case problems arise). During the I° year: One half day on scientific integrity, one mini-workshop with three presentations (half day) + three group discussion sessions of one hour each.
• French language courses : 3 class levels (basic, intermediate and advanced) . During the I° year: two-hour sessions per week, on campus.
• To learn how to organize a symposium, students of the II° year are in charge of the  organization of the annual retreat  for all PPU students, under the guidance of the PPU Graduate Office members.
• Institut Pasteur  international network workshop : to be informed about the main missions of the Institut Pasteur and facilitate the creation of student personal network. During the III° year: half a day.

Various other training sessions are available at the Institut Pasteur, the Universities in Paris, and the Institut Curie.

THESIS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A thesis advisory committee (TAC)  follows the student's research progress, offering guidance as needed in addition to that provided by the laboratory in which the student is working.

The PPU program staff is fully committed to building a strong network within each incoming class of students, and between all students in the program as a whole as well as with students and scientists of the campus. For that purpose, several informal meetings  are organized to give the students a chance to discuss with the members of the PPU Program Committee and PPU office on individual questions and challenges or unforeseen difficulties encountered.

ANNUAL RETREAT

The students of the 2nd year are responsible for the organization of the PPU annual retreat, in collaboration with members of the graduate office. The retreat lasts three days and takes place at a rotating location outside of Paris (in very nice settings). The Ph.D. advisors and faculty members are invited and students are encouraged to invite a few scientists who are experts on the topic of the chosen theme of the year to present keynote lectures.

One presentation is dedicated to the scientist who gave his/her name to the 1st year class. In addition, all students are expected to present their projects and/or their results, making this retreat a truly interdisciplinary symposium. Furthermore, students discuss their research progress with scientists both from within and outside of the Institut Pasteur. The goal is also to reinforce the networking among students and with other scientists.

CHARTER OF DOCTORAL TRAINING

The rights and responsibilities of students in the Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program are described in the Charter of Doctoral Training, which all students, their advisors and the heads of their laboratories are required to sign before beginning the Ph.D. project.  Download here.

WELCOME DAY

A Welcome Day is organized for the incoming Class on their first day on campus. The Dean presents the PPU program, the specific and mandatory trainings, the specific guidance and support provided to the student through the TAC, the social activities and the different offices and the services they provide on campus. The Dean will also answer questions about student life in general.

CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS

GRADUATE OFFICE

Financial support and benefits

Students will be employees of the Institut Pasteur with a three-year working contract. 

The students will receive:

1) a monthly salary of 2.000€ comprehensive of social benefits (national health care, health insurance, etc.);

2) a “welcome bonus” of 4.000€ gross which will be paid at once with their first salary;

3) the reimbursement of one round-trip ticket per year (train or plane tickets in eco-class, up to 1.300€ for non-continental europan countries, up to 350€ for continental european countries) for the country of origin, for the duration of the program, to be taken during the academic year (with no possibility of postponement or refund if not taken). 

There is no financial support for family members.

The PPU program offers:

- Assistance in housing. Upon arrival in France, PPU students may rent a place at the Cité Universitaire for 6 months (possible extension to 12 months because of current sanitary constraints). Additional information is provided to facilitate housing after that period.  (Housing)

- 750€ per year per student to cover expenses related to attending international conferences or summer courses.

- A “Tutor” is assigned to each student who together with the PPU and Graduate Offices acts as an advocate for the student scientific education and provides assistance in any practical matters. The tutors are usually scientists working on the campus in a different department with respect to the student-hosting laboratory.

- Help in administrative issues, individualized or grouped professional training classes, and counseling by the Human Resources Department.- Access to all amenities at Institut Pasteur and the universities for reduced fees, including: 

• Subsidized access to the cafeteria for lunch;
• Conferences on the campus;
• Sports within ASIP (Sport Association of Institut Pasteur);
• Rebates on cultural events, cinema and theater tickets and more from the "Conseil Social et Economique (CSE)" (Institut Pasteur employee benefits committee);
• Free WiFi on the campus. Students must abide by the institut’s rules concerning internet access and use;

Free access to a state-of-the-art Center for Scientific Information (CeRIS) with hundreds of scientific journals, the most extensive resources for microbiology, immunology and molecular biology in France and the unique World Health Organization publication repository in the country.

Please note that only students residing in Paris will benefit from complete handling of administrative issues by the Institut Pasteur.

For information:

• Financial support for the fellowships and the educational training comes from the Institut Pasteur and the European Community. In addition, the program benefits from support by other Institutions, including partner institutions of the Institut Pasteur, some governmental agencies and private foundations. (fellowships)

Starting January 2019, France adopted the pay-as-you-earn withholding tax system, meaning taxes are directly deducted from your salary. Tax information sessions are organized to explain students how to declare taxes in France.

See Previous and current students

Application (student).

Application (Host lab)

University - Doctoral School

Ph.d. program, life in paris.

What is the application process?

The application process consists of three steps: (i) the candidate must select and be selected by a host laboratory, keeping in mind that each advisor can present only one candidate. ; (ii) applications are filled out jointly by the candidate together with the host laboratory ("joint application") and are uploaded in the PPU dedicated platform (link available in the Current call section at the opening of the call). Applications are evaluated by an Admission committee that selects candidates for an interview at the Institut Pasteur; (iii) these candidates are invited for a four-day interview on the Institut Pasteur campus (or in a visio-conference format during the sanitary crisis) and present their past and future works to the Admission committee (see details in application information).

When does the application process begin?

The application period starts in mid-September. Prospective students are free to contact the lab (s) they are interested in at any time during application period.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for  joint application is usually in November. The exact dates and deadlines for each application period will be indicated on the current call page when a call is opened. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact host laboratories as early as possible and well before the application deadline.

What is the first step in the application process?

The first step is to identify and contact a host lab in which you would be interested in doing your Ph.D. research. Projects and contact information for laboratories recruiting prospective Ph.D. students at the Institut Pasteur are posted on the PPU dedicated platform (link available in the Current call section at the opening of the call).  Further information about laboratories and their research interests is available on the website RESEARCH . Because laboratories receive many applications and can present only one candidate, the first step of the selection process is to be chosen by a host laboratory. Please keep in mind that a candidate can only choose up to 4 host labs to apply to.

May I contact a lab that is not listed on the page of the current call?  

You are free to contact any lab of your choice at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. The list of all laboratories at Institut Pasteur can be found on the Institut Pasteur website . However, the laboratories not listed on the current call page are are not proposing a project for the PPU Program, and may not search for a student in the upcoming academic period.

May I contact several host laboratories?

Yes. You may contact as many host laboratories as you wish, but you may apply only to a maximum of 4. However, if you are selected by more than one host lab for application to this program, you will be required to choose only one.

Does my host laboratory have to be located at the Institut Pasteur in Paris?

In the majority of cases yes, only few host laboratories are located at walking distance from the Institut Pasteur (Institut de l'Audition, IDA)

What are the degree prerequisites for consideration of acceptance in the Pasteur - Paris University International Ph.D. program?

A Masters of Science (M.Sc.), or an equivalent degree that would formally qualify you to register for a Ph.D. program in the French University system, is required to be considered for acceptance into this program. In some cases, students who have carried out an undergraduate research project in addition to their B.A. or B.Sc. degree may qualify. The host lab can inquire into this with its affiliated doctoral school.

By what date must I have finished my M.Sc. or equivalent degree in order to enroll in the PhD program?

You do not need to have finished your M.Sc. or equivalent degree prior to the application deadline. The degree must be completed by the summer of the following year, in order to register at the Paris Universities. A copy of the diploma or a certified written attestation of completion must be available before the start of the program (October).

Is there an age limit or a time limit between the date of my Master’s degree and filing the application?

The PPU doctoral program does not have an age restriction, but most accepted candidates are 24-26 years old and start their Ph.D. within a year of finishing their M.S., a few within 3 years.

Do I need to apply directly to the University?

No, you do not. Your application must be uploaded in the PPU dedicated platform. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive information on when and how to register with the university/doctorla school to which your host laboratory is affiliated.

Are there country-specific requirements for international applicants?

What are the language requirements?

The program is run in English and therefore fluency in English is required. TOEFL or other language proficiency scores may be indicated when submitting your application. No knowledge of French is necessary. French language classes will be part of the Ph.D. program curriculum.

Are specific standardized test scores required and where should they be sent?

No. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are welcome but not required.  

If I have done my university studies outside of France, but will earn my Master’s degree from a French institution, am I eligible to apply?

No. A master degree (or equivalent) delivered by a university located outside of France is required. A double Master degree is acceptable only if a French and non-French institutions are delivering each a Master degree.

I already have been granted a Ph.D. fellowship. Does this guarantee a place in the program?

No. All applicants are evaluated by the Admission Committee solely on the basis of their qualifications and scientific potential. All applicants must successfully pass the application and interview procedures in order to be eligible. Moreover, under French law, the external funding must constitute employment or the funds must be allocated to the Institut Pasteur to pay the candidate’s salary.

How and when will I receive notification regarding interviews?

The selection for the interview is highly competitive. The candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email toward the end of December or beginning of January.

How and when will I receive notification regarding acceptance to the Ph.D. program?

The candidates selected for the program will be notified by email shortly after the interviews, generally within 1 week.

Where do I send application materials?

Candidates do not send applications themselves. Joint application (candidate/host lab) must be uploaded on the PPU dedicated platform

Is it possible to check the status of my application once it is filed?

Is there an application fee?

Application (Host laboratory)

Can the host laboratory present a candidate without having posted a research project on the current call page?

No, all laboratories searching for a Ph.D. student for the PPU program must upload a project on the dedicated platform. Teams that have already chosen a candidate must still upload a project and contact [email protected]

Can a host Laboratory present multiple candidates?

To present a candidate to the PPU program, thesis advisors must hold an HDR (Habilitation à Diriger les Recherches) diploma. If there are multiple scientists holding an HDR in a host laboratory, each one can propose one project and submit one application with one prospective Ph.D. candidate (joint application).

With which universities must the research group be affiliated?

To participate in the Pasteur - Paris University International Doctoral program, a host laboratory must be affiliated with a Doctoral School of one of the three partner Universities of the program: Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, and Université Paris Saclay.

Can an advisor that already has a Ph.D. student in the program present another candidate for the following application period?

No advisor may have more than one Ph.D. student within the program.

What information should be contained in the host laboratory introduction letter?

The host laboratory must certify that it is willing to host and supervise the prospective Ph.D. candidate if he/she is accepted into the program. The host laboratory should explicit why it proposes the candidate for its laboratory and for the PPU program.

Following the interview, when will I be notified of acceptance into the Ph.D. program?

The candidates selected for the program and their host labs will be notified by email shortly after the interviews, generally within 1 week.

How long is the interview stay in Paris?

Four days. The exact dates are indicated on the Current Call Page. During the sanitary crisis, the interview week is done through visio-conference for 4 days, in the same format as the one on site (see below).

What is involved in the interview week process?

During your stay you will visit your host laboratory to meet and discuss the research project with the prospective advisor and laboratory members. Individual interviews will be performed by Faculty members to assess each candidate’s qualifications for the PPU program. You will tour the Institut Pasteur and its core facilities, and meet with current PPU students and the PPU program staff. To see what scientific life is like at the Institut Pasteur, meetings are also planned with scientists and other Ph.D. students at meals and in informal social events. You will be interviewed by the Admission Committee, during which time you will present your Master’s degree research (results or in progress) and planned Ph.D. project.

Will travel and accommodation expenses for participating in the interview week be covered by the PPU Program?

What is the connection between the Institut Pasteur and the universities of Paris?

The Institut Pasteur is a non-profit research foundation that has maintained a long tradition in teaching. Several major science courses organized at the Institut Pasteur are integrated into the master degrees of several Parisian universities. For the PPU program, the Institut Pasteur has developed a special partnership with Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, and Université Paris Saclay. This partnership means that students are employed by the Institut Pasteur and registered at a Parisian university. Students enrolled in the PPU program perform their research project on the campus of the Institut Pasteur. The universities will deliver the diploma, on which will be indicated the co-operative nature of this program through the title “Pasteur - Paris University International Doctoral Program.

At which Parisian university will I register?

Your laboratory must be affiliated with a doctoral school of one of the three partner universities. You will be registered at the same doctoral school and university as your research team.

What is a doctoral school?

A doctoral school is an association of research teams preparing Ph.D. students to a career in research through an educational program for the research profession. Each French university has several doctoral schools which are specialized in specific scientific domains. To be enrolled in a Ph.D. program, the student registers at a doctoral school.

Will the courses differ depending on my university affiliation?

Completion of a Ph.D. at a French university requires participation in several scientific courses and professional trainings. All students enrolled in the PPU program will participate in a similar number of courses and training hours, regardless of the university affiliation. To fulfill this requirement, students will be able to choose among a number of courses that are the most appropriate and interesting for their individual training, including the ones that are required by the doctoral school.

Who will deliver the Ph.D. diploma?

The university will deliver the diploma, which will indicate the co-operative nature of this program through the title “Pasteur - Paris University International Doctoral Program”.

What will be the approximate starting date for each new academic year?

The program starts the first week of October. Arriving in Paris between September 15 and October 1 will help to familiarize yourself with the city, the housing and the university, as well as to prepare all the necessary paperwork. The exact arrival date may vary from student to student and will depend on the status of his/her visa application (if you are not from the European Community).

What is the expected duration of the program, from beginning to the defense of the Ph.D.?

Students are expected to finish their Ph.D. in three years. Sometimes extensions may be granted when required and justified and are subject to approval from the doctoral school. Extensions will only be given by universities if external funding is available. The PPU program only provides funding for three years.

Can you summarize the practical and academic offerings of this Ph.D. program?

The program aims to meet the highest standards for education and training of Ph.D. students in the world. While spending most of the time working in individual research projects in a laboratory at Institut Pasteur, students benefit from excellent scientific courses and professional development trainings. The students will also be able to attend exciting seminars and participate in interactive workshops, annual retreats and journal clubs. The students within this program will be well supported by the staff, acting as advocates for the students’ scientific education and to provide assistance in any practical matters. A thesis advisory committee (TAC) will follow the students’ research progress and will offer guidance as needed in addition to that provided by the laboratory in which the student is working. The program offers a salary covering living costs and including health insurance. The program also offers assistance in obtaining housing upon arrival in France. Financial support for attending international conferences or summer courses will also be provided.

Does the Ph.D. program also include a Master’s program?

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact [email protected]

Is housing provided?

Upon your arrival in Paris, you will be able to stay in Institut Pasteur reserved housing at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) for 6 months (up to 12 months during the sanitary crisis). The rent is paid by the student. This is a beneficial time to look for housing. The real estate market is tight and students are encouraged to actively seek housing rental opportunities. They can apply independently to continue living at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) and to the international houses of their respective countries as well. ( Housing )

Is there additional financial support given for family and/or spouses?

Will I receive help with my Visa application and other paperwork?

Yes. The PPU, the Graduate as well as the Human Resources offices of the Institut Pasteur will provide assistance. A Hosting Agreement ("Protocol d'accueil") for visa application will be sent to students selected to enter the program from outside of the European Community. Precise instructions will be sent to all students accepted into the program about the paperwork that they need to complete and the steps they need to follow. The instructions must be followed carefully.

Does Institut Pasteur provide funds for travel and moving expenses when arriving in Paris?

No. However, a 4000€ one-time bonus is added to the first paycheck.

Is healthcare included in the salary?

Where can I find more info on healthcare?

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Programmes taught in english

Université Paris Cité offers degrees that are taught in English. Some of the programmes are also combined with French, internationally-minded and recognized worldwide.

• BACHELOR IN FRONTIERS OF LIFE SCIENCES
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Humanities and social sciences

• MASTER IN BANKING AND FINANCE – LAW AND REGULATIONS OF BANKING AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS (Sorbonne Abu Dhabi)
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• MASTER IN COMPARATIVE LAW – COMMON LAW
• MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW
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• MASTER IN HEALTH ECONOMICS
• MASTER IN ENGLISH STUDIES: ARTS AND VISUAL CULTURE
• MASTER IN ENGLISH STUDIES: HISTORY AND CULTURE OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES
• DOUBLE MASTER IN FILM STUDIES
• MASTER IN ENGLISH STUDIES: LINGUISTICS
• MASTER ENGLISH STUDIES: LITERATURE
• MASTER ENGLISH STUDIES: EARLY MODERN STUDIES
• EUROPEAN JOINT MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN STUDIES
• MASTER IN LINGUISTICS – COMPUTATIONAL LINGUISTICS
• MASTER IN LINGUISTICS – PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY
• MASTER IN LINGUISTICS – THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL LINGUISTICS
• MASTER IN PUBLIC HEALTH – COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN RESEARCH (2 nd year)
• DU IN ADVANCED METHODS IN SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND META ANALYSES (AMSRMA)

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• Doctoral Candidate

International doctoral programs

International collaborations are an integral part of research. Some programs in particular enable the development an international experience in the context of doctoral education.

Published on 4/12/2019 - Updated on 6/03/2024

China Scholarship Council – Sorbonne University

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) and Sorbonne University have established a collaborative program offering excellent doctoral education to Chinese candidates in all disciplines represented at Sorbonne University. Doctoral candidates are hosted in a laboratory under the supervision of Sorbonne University and receive a scholarship funded by the CSC . This scholarship is for a maximum of 4 years. Its amount is currently 1350 €/month (amount periodically re-evaluated by the CSC). In addition, doctoral candidates will have to pay administrative fees. Candidates having obtained the CSC scholarship are required to commit to returning to China after the defense of the thesis or after a postdoctoral stay abroad (after agreement of the CSC).

Recruitment campaign

It takes place in several stages:

• A call for doctoral research projects is launched to researchers and academic researchers at Sorbonne University. The doctoral research projects are then validated by the doctoral schools and published.
• Chinese candidates send their applications to the project leaders , who forward the files of the candidates they have pre-selected to the doctoral schools. The candidates' files are examined by each doctoral school, which may issue a pre-admission letter subject to funding.
• The list of all candidates pre-selected by the Sorbonne University doctoral schools is sent to the CSC.
• Candidates must then apply in China on the CSC website . They are evaluated by the Chinese party, which notifies and awards the thesis scholarship if necessary.

Eligibility conditions of candidates

The CSC 2021 is only open to candidates of Chinese nationality who do not have any job outside the Chinese territory at the time of their application . They must demonstrate a very good level of English and, for some fields of humanities and social sciences, a very good level of French (B2 minimum, C1 recommended).

Student in China

• Be a student in the final year of a master's degree or have recently graduated or,
• Be in the first year of the PhD program, a letter of recommendation from the home university will be required.

Chinese student abroad

• Be a student in the final year of a master's degree or have graduated less than a year before applying for the scholarship.

  Calendar 2021-2022

• October 1st: Postinf of  validated projects on the Sorbonne University website , opening of students applications, Chinese candidates contact the project leaders and send them an application file . Applicants  submit their application file under this   link .
• January 31 : Closing of applications. The project leaders sent the selected application after hearing the candidates at their doctoral school. 
• Until february 21 : after examination, the Doctoral schools send the signed and stamped pre-admission letters of the selected candidates to the doctoral college
• February 28 : The doctoral collège send the pre-admissions letters to the candidates
• Until March 31 : The candidates selected by Sorbonne Universite candidate on CSC website
• May 31 : Diffusion of results by the CSC to Sorbonne Université. Results are send to candidates as well as project leaders. 

Doctoral project proposed for 2022

See doctoral project proposed for 2022

Admission file

Link to submit application

Request for specific assistance for doctoral fellows (sciences) - ASDB

For all doctoral candidates who will be affiliated to the Faculty of Sciences of the Sorbonne University, the ASDB should be set up in order to complete the 1350 euros of scholarships More information Contact for ASDB related issues

For any questions (except for the ASDB), please contact Camille Vignes [email protected]

Modeling of Complex Systems (MSC) Program

The International Doctoral Program in Complex Systems Modeling (PDI MSC) is a cross-disciplinary program at all doctoral schools of the Sorbonne University. It is the first North-South doctoral program of Sorbonne University built on the commitment to recruit for 3 years young doctoral candidates from all countries and more particularly from Southern countries where the IRD has developed many collaborations for more than 60 years.

It also relies on the network set up by the International Joint Unit UMMISCO of Sorbonne University-IRD, whose teams specialized in mathematical and computer modeling are spread over five countries: Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Vietnam and France.

The themes of the PDI MSC are multidisciplinary; they relate in particular to the use of complex systems modeling to solve problems of development and/or management of resources and environments, particularly in southern countries with problems in health and epidemiology, management of renewable resources, urban and regional dynamics, ecosystem dynamics.

Each year, the last three promotions of doctoral candidates registered at Sorbonne University in co-supervision with several foreign universities are gathered on the IRD Bondy campus to follow a 3-week training course.

• For more information

European Founding Myths in Arts and Literature

Sorbonne University / University of Bonn / University of Florence

The Universities of Bonn, Florence and Sorbonne have agreed on a jointly structured doctoral training course with the title "Founding Myths of Europe in Literature, Arts and Music". The disciplines concerned arethe various philologies and literatures, the history of art and music, history, political science, philosophy, sociology, without a priori restrictions. Doctoral candidates prepare a thesis on the founding myths of Europe.

• More information on the website of the University of Bonn

Italian Studies

Since 2006, the Universities of Florence, Bonn and Sorbonne have agreed on a doctoral Program with a common structure and the mention "International Doctorate in Italian Studies". The whole of Italian Studies (Literature, Language, Civilisation, Performing Arts, Cinema) is covered in this training.

Coordinator: Professor Andrea FABIANO (ED 020: Civilisations, Cultures, Literature and Societies)

• For more information, visit the Italian Literature and Culture Team website.

Humanism and Rebirth

Sorbonne University / University of Florence

Sorbonne University have signed a collaboration with the University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze) that enables doctoral candidates working on the world of European Humanism, in all disciplines to enrolled in this framework.  The doctoral candidates will obtain the double title of Doctor of the University of Florence and Doctor of Sorbonne University, when they have defended their doctorate, directed in partnership by professors from both universities.

This co-diplomation is part of joint research on Humanism, directed, at the University of Florence by Donatella Coppini and at Sorbonne University by Hélène Casanova-Robin. It enables doctoral candidates to benefit from a rich education, thanks to the diversity of scientific methods implemented within each of these institutions. It also opens a large international research network on humanism (seminars, conferences, colloquia) to the doctoral candidates, due to the various collaborations already established by the partner research units within these universities.

The language of the doctorate must be either French or Italian; the subject must be on the texts (literary forms, philosophy, art, aesthetics...) of Humanism and the Renaissance (14th-16th centuries), transmitting the ancient tradition, and/or their posterity.

Coordinator: Professor Hélène CASANOVA-ROBIN Professor of Latin Literature (specialist in Humanism) Director of the E.A. 4081 Rome and its renaissances ED 022 Ancient and Medieval Worlds

Joint Ca'Foscari-Sorbonne University Program

The Universities of Venice (Ca'Foscari) and Sorbonne University have agreed to a joint doctoral program. This program has been signed between the doctoral school “Civilizations, Cultures, Literatures and Society” (ED 020) and the Venetian program” Lingue, culture e società moderne e Scienze del linguaggio”. It concerns the cultures of the Romance and English speaking countries in Europe, America and the world, the Germanic and Slavic speaking countries in Central and Northern Europe, in the following fields: literature, linguistics and civilization.

Coordinators :

Eduardo Ramos Izquierdo (ED 020)

Alexis Tadie (ED 020)

For more information, see: the University of Venice site

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PhD in France

So you’re thinking of getting your PhD in France in your chosen field of study but you’re not sure of where to begin. Do not worry, this article will have all the information you need plus a few bonus fun facts about getting your PhD in France. 

How Do I Get My PhD? 

First and foremost, you need to know that before you can enroll in a Doctorate in France, you need to find a thesis topic and a thesis supervisor. After that, your chosen doctoral school must accept you.

The reason why you need to have a thesis subject and supervisor before you enrol in a Doctorate is because in France, there are no “doctoral programs” that allow you to have the first year to decide on a thesis topic and give you time to find a thesis supervisor. 

To enter a Doctorate you must have a Master’s degree, or the equivalent of that. So it’s advised that if you’re interested in getting a Doctorate in France, you should start looking in your second year of your Master’s program. 

How Much Will It Cost to Get My PhD?

Funding for your Doctorate tuition is not a problem since it’s €391 per year but rather your living expenses like salary, grants, generally speaking you’d need more than €1000 a month. It depends what you’re studying on how much funding you need or if you need any at all. 

For example, in the natural and technological sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering), you do need funding. But in some cases in the social sciences and humanities (law, history, sociology, management, etc.), you don’t need funding to enroll.

How to Enroll for a Doctorate in Your Chosen Subject?

As mentioned before, there are a few differences between studying natural sciences and social sciences. One of them was funding, the other is the application process. The subject you pick will fall in the scope of these two divisions: natural and technological sciences & social sciences and humanities. 

• Natural and Technological Sciences

The first thing you need to do is apply for a thesis subject that is published by French researchers. There are two types of subjects you can pick from.

• Subjects already funded by the host establishment (Contract);
• Subjects that you need to have your own funding for (Grant); 

As soon as you find the subject you like, all that’s left to do is contact the researcher or the doctoral school that published the subject. You can find these subjects here .

• Social Sciences and Humanities 

If you’d like to, you can prepare your own research project that you can present to a researcher. But you should keep in mind to be very specific, make sure that the researcher specializes in exactly what you want your topic to be about. You can also pick your own subject on social sciences and humanities here to see if you find something suitable for you.

How long will it take to get my PhD?

Getting a PhD in France takes 3-6 years to complete.The duration may vary depending on the field you’re studying but there is no legal time limit. For example in natural and technological sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, etc.) it takes approximately 3 to 4 years to complete your Doctorate. Whereas in social sciences and humanities (law, history, sociology, management, etc.) it will approximately take 4 to 5 years.

Can I Get My PhD in English?

Fortunately, you can get your PhD in France in English, but it also varies depending on the field you’re studying. For example in the natural and technological sciences it’s very possible to conduct research and write your thesis entirely in English, but in the arts and humanities it’s not as common. Be sure to search the university of your choice and see if they allow you to get your PhD in English. Here are some Universities we found where you can get your PhD in English.

• ISM – International School of Management  

Their PhD program allows you to gain the skills and experience you need to succeed in the world of business. It produces experienced and highly motivated business professionals by conducting original research in academia. You can also get the degree online and it takes 4 to 7 years to do so. 

• EIT Manufacturing

EIT Manufacturing’s doctoral program offers research possibilities in areas such as: People and Robots for Sustainable Work, Additive Manufacture for Full Flexibility, Zero-Defect Manufacture for a Circular Economy, and Platforms for digitalized value networks. It takes 2 years to complete the Doctorate and you can of course do it in English. 

• Toulouse School of Management 

Toulouse School of Management offers five fields of study with a curriculum that allows students to thrive in an intelligent and creative atmosphere. This doctoral program is very competitive as it only admits 10 to 20 PhD students every year. The duration of the degree is 5 years and you can get it in English. 

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris

All the doctoral programs in mathematics are consolidated within the Hadamard Doctoral School of Mathematics (EDMH) and co-accredited with Paris-Saclay University and PSL University. This PhD program includes all kinds of mathematics and other subjects such as: economics, IT, mechanical engineering, physics, engineering, and life sciences. The duration of the degree is 3 years and you can get it in English. 

This university also offers a PhD program in sciences and engineering with around 900 doctoral students, supervised by more than 800 researchers. It offers research in areas such as: Biology and Chemistry, Computing, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Management, and Social Sciences, Information, Communications, Electronics, Mechanical and Energetic Engineering, and Physics. The duration of this English PhD program is 3 years. 

A lot of Universities such as Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Horizons University offer multiple PhD programs in English in various subjects, you can go check out your chosen University or research facility’s website and see if and how many PhD programs do they offer in English. 

Can I Get a Scholarship for a PhD?

Luckily, there are plenty of scholarships for PhD students to apply for. Even though the tuition fee for a Doctorate is approximately only €391 per year, there are a lot of other things that will cost you to get your PhD. As mentioned before, there are such cases where you will need funding to conduct research and get a thesis supervisor. Here are some PhD scholarships that you might find useful. 

• Eiffel Scholarship Program of Excellence
• Chateaubriand Fellowship Program
• The Émile Boutmy Scholarship 
• IESEG School of Management Scholarship
• Aix-Marseille University Scholarship
• INSA Toulouse Scholarship
• Université de Montpellier Scholarships

Of course these are not the only ones, the University of your choice might possibly offer a PhD scholarship that you can find out on their website. 

Can I Get My PhD Online?

One of the many perks of getting your PhD in France is the ability to complete it virtually. Maybe you can’t get your Doctorate physically for some reason, or you just want to get it from the comfort of your own home but still want the benefits the French education has to offer. Whatever the reason may be, you can do just that. Here are some of the best online PhD programs in France.

• Horizons University: International Entrepreneurship
• Horizons University: International Leadership
• ISM – International School of Management
• Grenoble Ecole de Management: DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration)
• Horizons University: DBA in Innovation and Creativity 
• Horizons University: DBA in International Business
• Horizons University: DBA in International Business Communication

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20 Best Universities In France For PhD

Best universities in France is known for its world-class colleges and superb advanced education framework. It isn’t astounding that France brags the fourth most elevated number of Nobel laureates on the planet (68) and the second most noteworthy appraised understudy city (Paris). Producing compelling personalities, for example, Descartes, Laplace, and Monet, the French advanced education framework pulls in the biggest number of worldwide understudies in territory Europe. This is because of its all-around financed organizations, reasonable expenses, and amazing Ph.D. research openings of best universities in France.

Ph.D. Study in France

A guide for 2021: 

Ph.D. openings in France – what’s on a proposal for 2021? 

The French advanced education framework has a glad history and is home to probably the most established college on the planet: The University of Paris (which has existed in some structure since 1160).

France’s celebrated milestones and rich culture likewise make it staggeringly well known with vacationers and worldwide undergraduates (more than 250,000 concentrated there in 2020) from best universities in France.

French colleges: 

French college urban areas:

The French capital, Paris, is habitually named as probably the best city for understudy life on the planet. In any case, there are a few other huge college urban areas in France, offering superb freedoms for Ph.D. study from best universities in France:

1. Study in Paris

2. Study in Marseille

3. Study in Lyon

4. Study in Montpellier

5. Study in Saint Etienne

6. Grandes Écoles

7. University of Paris

8. Sciences Po

9. HEC Paris

10. University of Montpellier

11. University of Nantes

12. Université de Lyon

13. University of Toulouse

14. Sorbonne University

15. Pantheon Sorbonne University

16. Ecole Normale

17. University of Bordeaux

18. École Polytechnique

19. Aix-Marseille University

20. Paris Sarclay University

Here are a couple of reasons why France could be the ideal spot for you to contemplate your Ph.D. this year for best universities in France:

Moderateness – the French state covers the vast majority of understudies’ charges at public establishments (paying little heed to your ethnicity), coming about in fundamentally lower educational cost costs than numerous other countries. Welcoming to global understudies – 12% of understudies in France are worldwide – not astounding given the number of grants offered to pull in the top unfamiliar personalities for Ph.D. study. Unique advanced education framework of best universities in France. The French advanced education framework includes enormous organizations of more modest foundations, offering the advantages of exceptionally particular colleges and a wide scope of resources. Leisure and the travel industry – France has over and over been recognized as the number 1 objective on the planet for worldwide vacationers, because of its rich culture and authentic destinations of best universities in France.

Ph.D. Structure:

Since the appropriation of the Bologna Process in 1999, a doctorate (doctorat) in France is a third-cycle degree.

It is normally finished following a Masters’s (or comparable ‘second-cycle capability) and is proposed for understudies who exhibit the vital fitness to seek after significant autonomous examination projects from best universities in France.

The French advanced education framework is interesting in contrast with different nations, with bigger instruction center points lodging more modest colleges that share resources. This has brought about a few distinct foundations inside best universities in France.

Public universitiesThe 140 public organizations are alluded to as ‘Éstablissement public á caractére scientifique, culturel et professionnel’ (EPSCP) (Public Establishments of a Scientific, Cultural or Professional Character).The two primary assortments of state-funded college inside the EPSCP gathering amongst best universities in France are:

Colleges – France has 83 state-funded colleges, that offer extensive scholastic examination and preparation in a wide scope of branches of knowledge. All can grant PhDs.Major Public Establishments – The ‘Grands éstablissements publics’ are top state-funded colleges, represented under ecclesiastical sanction by the French Government. They practice inside explicit teaches and have placement tests of best universities in France.

Grandes Écoles:

These are exceptionally particular,

world-class private advanced education foundations, practically identical in some sense to the Ivy League or Russell Group colleges in the USA and UK.

Grandes Écoles are not piece of the EPSCP and incorporate more explicit gatherings, for example, the world class publically-subsidized colleges (Écoles Normales Supérieures) and high profiles business and designing schools (Grandes Écoles de Commerce and Grandes Écoles d’Ingénieurs) are amongst best universities in France.

These are neighborhood organizations of establishments, shaped from the modernization and advancement of the French advanced education framework.

The 27 Communities of Universities and Schools (COMUE) advance joint effort between state-funded colleges, Grandes Écoles, and expert examination and preparing focuses on best universities in France.

Understudies are ordinarily selected at a particular college however can utilize the offices and openings at collaborating organizations.

French college rankings:

The French advanced education framework has a rich history and flaunts a splendid standing; along these lines, it isn’t amazing that countless French colleges are universally positioned. With five of the establishments highlighting in the main 200 in the world, Ph.D. programs from best universities in France.

Albeit French colleges do some of the time promote explicit doctoral exploration projects, most of the PhDs are led as a component of a program inside doctoral schools.

There are 266 of these. They are partnered with colleges and work as a team with related examination labs and different focuses to give doctoral preparation to Ph.D. up-and-comers and grow early vocation scientists from best universities in France.

Program length:

A ‘doctorate is made out of six semesters for a standard 3-year Ph.D., bringing about two educating (or examination) semesters each year:

Harvest time semester – late September-January with vacation around Christmas and New Year on best universities in France.

Spring semester – early February-June for certain foundations having a spring break at Easter. Institutions regularly have tests toward the finish of every semester, and a three-month summer occasion from July-September.

You will as a rule be examining your Ph.D. in France for 3-4 years as a full-time understudy.

The French Ph.D. measure of best universities in France:

A French Ph.D. is marginally extraordinary to doctorates in different nations, with an accentuation on preparing proficient scientists. Organizations will contrast, yet you will regularly need to finish a few different parts close by your postulation to acquire your qualification. During your doctoral preparation, you will be needed to take research courses, which incorporate encouraging meetings and workshops identified with your task. These courses compare to 150 hours over the term of the Doctorate from best universities in France.

Furthermore, you may need to do a few instructional courses coordinated inside the structure of your doctoral school. Alongside this, you should do your exploration to meet the points of your task. Which will in the end bring about the creation of a postulation.

Numerous doctoral schools likewise support reconciliation and coordinated efforts between different foundations, just as assisting understudies with discovering project-related work positions from best universities in France.

If you are applying straightforwardly to a venture this will as of now have an assigned director; though, if you apply to doctoral school, you might be allowed a boss or be needed to apply to one yourself. Once appointed a boss you will sign an ethical agreement (proposal contract) portraying the readiness of your theory, destinations and resources. In France, a proposition might be managed by a couple of chiefs. Likewise, to additional the cooperation and versatility possibilities of a French Ph.D., it is additionally conceivable to have global joint management from best universities in France.

Ph.D. charges in 2021-20

Charges are essentially lower at public organizations as the State contributes on a normal of €14,000 per understudy, each year. You can hope to pay the accompanying relying on your organization of best universities in France:

Public establishments – charges for doctoral understudies are €380 each year. Private organizations – charges in private foundations, particularly business colleges, are commonly high and cost between €3,000-10,000 every year. Colleges may charge managerial expenses (Frais de dossier) which are ordinarily low, several euros among best universities in France.

Arranged changes:

The French Government expanded college expenses for global (non-EU/EEA) understudies in 2019, yet just at Bachelors and Masters level. The yearly expense of a program for these understudies is €3,770 for Masters’s courses at state-funded colleges. Ph.D. charges will stay at €380, paying little mind to identity of best universities in France.

Applying for a Ph.D. in France:

The application cycle in France is like different nations like the UK, as you will apply for explicitly promoted projects, or presenting an examination proposition for your project. You should present an application to the doctoral school you wish to concentrate in (or approach a particular chief if your college doesn’t have a doctoral school) even these points add up for best universities in France.

Section prerequisites:

Every organization in France is allowed to set its standards and make appraisals on an individual premise. Notwithstanding, you will normally be needed to have a Masters’s certificate (or same) in an important subject to be enlisted as a Ph.D. student. You may apply if you are pursuing your Master’s certificate and will have graduated before the doctoral program start date of best universities in France.

You may likewise be conceded dependent on execution in selection tests and preliminary classes like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE) regularly utilized by France’s Grandes Écoles.

Language necessities:

Most Ph.D. programs in France are conveyed in French, with language necessities set separately by organizations. Some may require global understudies to create a proposition conceptual in French (with the remainder of the postulation written in their local language) as a feature of their last assessment of best universities in France. Candidates will by and large need to sit a French capability (test de Connaissance du français) except if you have concentrated in a country where French is one of the authority dialects or you as of now have a capability certificate. It is suggested that you learn essential degrees of French, regardless of whether your Ph.D. is conveyed in English. This will permit you to impart well (and advantage from extra-curricular and social encounters during your Ph.D.) activities of best universities in France.

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Programs Taught in English

Study in France, in English! 

If you are considering pursuing a degree in France, or even spending the semester abroad, you may have wondered if your French proficiency is sufficient enough to keep pace with your peers in a French institution. 

French institutions increasingly offer degrees taught in english to attract top international students.

As institutions in France evolve to attract and welcome international students from around the world, they are increasingly offering degrees programs taught mostly or entirely in English to ensure these programs are accessible for non-French-speaking candidates. 

There are now over 1,500 degree programs in France that are taught in English to ensure their accessibility for international students. 

French degree programs taught in English now include 125 undergraduate programs,1,200 Masters programs, 90 short and professional courses, and 140 summer classes. 

You will still improve your French! 

While studying in one of the most prestigious education systems in the world, your enriching cultural surrounding and linguistic environment will help you learn French, and live à la française in no time. 

Many institutions and universities across French also offer FLE (French as a foreign language) courses for international students, regardless of the language of instruction of their program. You should inquire with your institution about the possibility of taking these classes as a complement to your degree coursework. 

Catalog of Programs Taught in English

Campus france's tools can help you find the program that is best for you. .

You can easily navigate through our  Programs in English  online catalog and search using a number of search criteria, including: 

Degree or diploma level

Fields of studies

100% Taught in English 

Certified 'Label Bienvenue en France' - High quality international students services on campus 

On the same topic

• Campus France Catalog of Programs Taught in English http://taughtie.campusfrance.org/tiesearch/#/catalog
• Flyer - French Degree Programs Taught in English https://ressources.campusfrance.org/esr/catalogues/en/flyertaught_en.pdf

• DOCTORAL SCHOOLS DIRECTORY DOCTORAL SCHOOLS
• SUBJECTS (PHD, MASTER'S & POSTDOC TRAINING) SUBJECTS
• CALLS FOR PROJECTS CALLS

Academic specialties

Language science and didactics Comparative literature Applied foreign languages Ancient languages and literature History of books and publishing Languages, literatures and intermedialities French language, literatures and francophone literatures European and international literatures Anglophone languages, literatures and civilizations, Irish and American studies, cultural studies Germanic languages, literatures and civilizations Slavic languages, literatures and civilizations Romance languages, literatures and civilizations (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) Chinese languages, literatures and civilizations Arabic languages, literatures and civilizations Breton language, literature and culture Applied arts Plastic arts Performing arts (cinema, theater, dance) Archaeology Architecture Aesthetics and philosophy of art Musicology Art sciences History of the arts (ancient, medieval, modern, contemporary, contemporary, architecture)

• Total number of PhD students registered in the school : 222
• Number of foreign PhD students : 53
• Possibility to write the dissertation in English
• English as Working language
• Methodological courses in English
• Courses and conferences in English
• Apply to predefined thesis subjects
• Required level French : B2
• Before applying, candidates need to contact a thesis supervisor
• The thesis application form is available in June
• It is submitted to the doctoral school and examined by the doctoral school council
• candidates are notified of results
• Optional funding
• Contact for registration & informations Mrs Valérie MARIE-COHIER +33299141143 [email protected]

Center for international mobility Rennes

• Doctoral college Collège doctoral de Bretagne
• Description
• Laboratories

Presentation

International, application, welcome services, art history and criticism - ea 1279, arts: practices and poetics - ea 3208, center for breton and celtic research - ea crbc, center for the study of ancient and modern languages and literature - ea 3206, center for the study of correspondance and diaries of the 19th and 20th centuries - ea 7289, center for the study of languages, territories and cultural identities - brittany and minority languages - ea 202224, english-speaking countries: communities and writing - ea 1796, heritages and constructs within the text and the image - ea 4249, interlingual research center: memories, identities, territories - ea 4327, research group on the invention and evolution of forms - ea grief, number of phd students 222, internationalization of the doctoral school.

PhD student

You have the opportunity to come to Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University as an international PhD student, either in the framework of a joint PhD, a doctoral research stay, or as a freemover.

You want to embark on a joint PhD programme between Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and a foreign institution? You will find below information on how a joint PhD is organised, how to apply and funding opportunities.

Supervision The PhD student conducts his/her research under the responsibility of two thesis supervisors: one at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and the other one in a foreign institution. The two supervisors are fully and jointly committed to exercise their functions as tutors. Location The doctoral student stays alternately at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and in the partner university. The length of stay in each institution depends on the scientific requirements and the conditions for preparing the thesis, but it should not be less than one semester. Duration The usual duration of a joint PhD is three years, although a derogation of one year may be granted by the head of the institution on the basis of a legitimate request from the student, after consultation with the thesis supervisor and the doctoral school. Enrolment fees The PhD student is enrolled both at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and at the partner university, but is exempt from the payment of tuition fees at one of these two institutions. PhD viva The joint PhD leads to a single defence recognised by both parties. At the end of this defence, the doctoral student receives both the doctoral degree from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and the one from the partner institution. Language The language in which the thesis is written and defended is defined by the agreement concluded between the two institutions. When this language is not French, the thesis is completed by an abstract in French.

After applying for a joint PhD at both Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and a foreign university, you must establish a joint PhD agreement between these two institutions. What to include in the joint PhD agreement Although Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University provides a joint PhD agreement template (Word - 67 KB) , it is not strictly mandatory as your contract is the result of an agreement between the two partner institutions. If you wish to prepare a joint PhD between Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and an Italian university, you must use the agreement template of the Université Franco-Italienne (UFI) (Word - 50 KB - French/Italian) . If you wish to prepare a joint PhD between Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and a Swiss or Quebec university, you must ask the latter to draw up your agreement according to the template already established with French universities.

The agreement can be bilingual (each article being successively written in both languages) or in two versions (one in French and another one in a foreign language). Signature of the joint PhD agreement The joint PhD agreement must be signed in three copies by yourself and by three people from each of the partner institutions (the thesis supervisor, the director of the doctoral school and the president of the university). At Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, the agreement must be submitted to the thesis department of your discipline in order to be forwarded to the research department and then to the president of the university for signature.

There is no deadline for signing the joint PhD agreement, but it is normally signed during the first year of enrolment in a PhD programme. This stage usually takes a very long time, given the number of signatories and the distance between them.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (PhD level)

• Be accepted as part of a joint PhD at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University in one of the following academic fields: Economics, Management, Law, Political science, Sciences (Mathematics, Communication sciences, Environmental science),
• Be a foreign citizen (priority is given to citizens from developing and industrialised countries),
• Be less than 35 years old
• Amount and duration : €1400 per month (+ round-trip ticket) / 10 months maximum
• Application procedure : get in touch with your doctoral school
• More information :  campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-implementation

Other grants In order to find out about other funding opportunities, we encourage you to check calls for applications on the websites of French embassies abroad, the  Instituts français  and the  Alliances françaises . You can also check the  grant search engine  available on the Campus France website.

PhD research stay

Find out the procedure to follow if you are a PhD student at a foreign university and wish to undertake a research stay at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University.

You must first submit your research project to one of the professors at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University with an HDR (accreditation to supervise research). The list of these professors is available from the websites of the university's doctoral schools (ED):

• Archaeology (ED 112)
• Art history (ED 441)
• Economics (ED 465)
• Fine arts (ED 279)
• Geography (ED 434)
• History (ED 113)
• Law (ED 565)
• Management (ED 559)
• Philosophy (ED 280)
• Political science (ED119)  

If a professor agrees to supervise your research stay at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, he or she will issue you with a letter of invitation.

If your home institution and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University have signed a student exchange agreement in your academic field and at your level of studies, you can take part in study mobility.  Once you have been preselected by your home university, you will receive a link from the International Relations Department of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne to access the application form, which you will have to fill in and submit before 30 th May (if you wish to arrive in September for the first semester or the entire academic year) or before 30 th October (if you wish to arrive in January for the second semester). Before your departure, you must sign a learning agreement that lists the classes that you will take at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (among those open to exchange students) and/or activities (offered by doctoral schools) in which you wish to take part during your mobility at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University.

You must then fill in the online application form with the following documents:

• Learning agreement in  French (Word - 892 KB)  or in  English (Word - 891 KB)  completed and signed by yourself and by the academic teacher or research director of your home institution. Your learning agreement will be signed by your academic advisor at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne once you arrive in France. 
• Letter of invitation from the professor at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University who agrees to supervise your research stay.
• Language certificate of minimum level B2 ( DELF / DALF , TCF or a letter written by a French teacher from your home university). If you choose classes taught in English, you must also provide a letter written by an English teacher from your home university or an equivalent language certificate of English ( IELTS , TOEFL , etc.).
• Copy of transcript of grades obtained in higher education, with a translation in French (see  grade conversion table (PDF - 315 KB - French) ).
• Copy of the passport or identity card .
• If you are an exchange student outside the Erasmus+ programme, you will also need to provide a CV , a cover letter and a letter of recommendation .

Once your application is accepted by Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, you will receive your admission certificate by the end of June, and you will be able to enrol as an exchange student to be exempt from the payment of tuition fees at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. During your stay in France, you will remain enrolled in your home institution and continue to pay tuition fees there. You also have the possibility to carry out an internship at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. For more information on the procedure, please consult your home institution and the relevant doctoral school in Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

If your home university participates in the Erasmus+ programme, you can set up an Erasmus+ agreement for traineeship which could enable you to obtain an Erasmus+ "traineeship" grant from your home university.

Otherwise, you must draw up a hosting (or internship) agreement setting out your working conditions at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, in particular the duration of your stay and the terms and conditions for your research supervision. This agreement must be signed by your host laboratory at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, your home university and yourself. For more information, get in touch with your doctoral school.

If your application is accepted, you will have to enrol at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne as an unregistered student. This will allow you to obtain your student card and access to the university libraries.

You come from a partner institution

• You are a PhD student at Columbia University (New York): check out the  Alliance program grants
• If you are coming under an Erasmus+ student exchange agreement, you can apply for an Erasmus+ "study" grant or an Erasmus+ "traineeship" grant. In both cases, we encourage you to contact your home institution to find out how the grants are awarded.

You do not come from a partner institution If your home university participates in the Erasmus+ programme, you can establish an internship agreement and obtain an Erasmus+ "traineeship" grant from it.

Other grants

We encourage you to check calls for applications on the websites of French embassies abroad, the  Instituts français  and the  Alliances françaises . You can also check the  grant search engine  available on the Campus France website.

Full degree application

Find below the steps to follow to apply to Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University as a full degree international doctoral student. Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne will apply the same tuition fee rates for the academic year 2024/2025 to French and foreign students regardless of whether they come from a European Union member state (voted by the Board of Governors on 26th October 2023).

You need to check that the thesis topic you plan to cover has not already been defended or is not in preparation, using the two following websites:

• www.sudoc.abes.fr
• www.theses.fr

Submit your research project to one of the professors at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University with an  HDR  (accreditation to supervise research). The list of these professors is available from the websites of the university's doctoral schools (ED):

Once a professor at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University who is authorised to supervise research has given his/her agreement to supervise your thesis, send your application to the doctoral school to which he/she belongs. This file must be sent between mid-June and the end of October, and must include the following documents:

• Form completed online at  ecandidat.univ-paris1.fr , duly dated and signed
• Copy of your master's degree or equivalent (the  ENIC-NARIC France can provide a statement of comparability between your degree and the French master's degree)
• Thesis project in two versions: long version (2 to 3 pages) and abstract (300 words maximum)
• Written agreement of the Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne professor who has agreed to supervise your thesis (this professor must be accredited to supervise research).

Your application will be reviewed in early November by the thesis commission of the doctoral school you have applied to. If you are accepted, you will have to sign the thesis charter upon your first enrolment.

Useful pages

Visas and residence permits, accommodation in paris, university orientation.

We have 6 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in France

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in France

Doctorate of business administration (dba), phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

10 PhD positions in the MSCA Doctoral Network PHABB

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

France PhD Programme

A French PhD usually takes 3-4 years and often involves additional training and courses alongside research towards an original thesis. This will be assessed by external examiners before being presented at a public examination and eventually awarded with one of three grades. Some programmes are delivered in English.

PhD in Business Administration at Grenoble Ecole de Management

Awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This programme is waiting to confirm funding from a university or external source. This may depend on attracting suitable students and applications are welcome. Please see the programme details for more information.

INSEAD PhD in Management

Business research programme.

Business Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Toulouse School of Management Doctoral Programme

Essec business school.

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PhD in France: Best Universities, Requirements, Fees, Scholarships, Scope of PhD in France for Indian Students

France produces over 15,000 doctorates graduate each year. Thus it isn’t wrong to say that studying PhD programs in France is a wise decision. France’s education system is globally recognized but apart from this, the affordable fees is a turning point that attracts millions of international students to continue their higher education here.

 PhD is one study level that is garnering popularity. The country also offers multiple scholarship opportunities to conveniently assist PhD research and studies. Thus if you’re keen to study PhD in France, this blog covers all the essential information to help you get started. 

Why Study PhD in France?

Before you can apply for PhD in France, let’s understand why this country is the preferred choice by multiple international students:

• Affordable Tuition Fees

To study PhD in France for international students the fee ranges between 243 EUR- 30,000 EUR/year. However, most French universities waive off the tuition fees and instead ask students to pay the registration fees. 

• Work Contracts

Most French host universities fund doctoral programs in the form of fellowships. This means that PhD students here receive work contracts of up to 3 years or in another equivalent format. 

• PhD in English

The great news for international students here is you can study PhD in France in English as well. The language of instruction is also available in French and covers other languages as well based on the universities offerings. 

• Top PhD Universities

Lastly, pursuing PhD in France for Indian students takes place with QS-ranked universities. To name a few are HEC Paris, University PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Toulouse School of Management, etc. 

Suggested: Work Opportunities in France for International Students

An Overview Of Ph.D In France For Indian Students

So what to expect from a PhD in France? Here is an overview of PhD studies in the best education system globally:

Top 5 PhD Universities In France To Consider In 2022

There are multiple popular PhD universities in France. All of them are QS-ranked and offer multiple PhD programs and specializations. Here is an overview of the top 5:

• University PSL
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris
• Toulouse School of Management
• Rennes School of Business

Eligibility Criteria For PhD In France

French universities have certain eligibility criteria that need to be met. While these criterias differ from one university to another, there is a standard criteria that is followed by all:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree
• English language proficiency
• Motivation to join the university
• Good Academic record
• Professional Experience

1. A Bachelor's or Master degree

To join any PhD program in France, international students need to clear either a Bachelor's degree or Masters in France in the respective field of the course chosen or equivalent. 

2. English language proficiency

International students need to pass an English language proficiency test as part of their application process. The widely accepted exams are TOEFL (100) and IELTS (7.5). 

3. Motivation to join the university

Most French universities accept students who have the right zeal, energy, and purpose to join the university. 

4. Good Academic record

International students with good academic records are highly considered and have better leverage over others. 

5. Professional Experience

While professional experience isn't mandatory in most French universities, having one can enhance your application better. 

Admission Requirements To Pursue PhD Programs In France

Here is an overview of the admission process for PhD in France requirements:

• Find a PhD in France you wish to pursue 
• Choose your thesis and thesis supervisor. Get it approved by the university
• Apply to the university and ensure you fit all entry requirements
• Attend scheduled interview either online or face to face
• Once confirmed, apply for a student visa and funding

Suggested: Steps in applying for visa in France

Documents Required for PhD In France

To complete your PhD in France requirements, international students need to submit all supporting documents. Ensure the below is checked:

• Degree certificates
• CV (Resume)
• All educational transcripts
• Personal statement
• GMAT / GRE score
• Thesis chosen + Thesis supervisor selected
• English language proficiency test results
• Two online references
• Passport photo and ID proof
• Research material
• Application Fee payment ( 50 EUR- 60 EUR)

Cost of Studying PhD In France In English

The cost of studying PhD in France is determined on two factors, tuition fees and cost of living. 

Let’s learn about them one by one:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee to pursue PhD programs in France is 380 EUR- 30,000 EUR/year. However, most French universities waive off the tuition fees for all PhD students and instead ask them to pay an annual registration fee that ranges between 243 EUR- 980 EUR/year. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in France ranges between 600- 800 EUR/month. If you’re studying in the top cities in France, living costs will range between 650- 1800 EUR/month. Your expenses will be accommodation, transportation, health insurance, personal expenses, etc. 

Scholarship Opportunities For PhD In France For International Students

While France offers affordable fees to pursue PhD in France for Indian students, the country also provides fully funded PhD in France scholarship opportunities too. Here is an overview of the popular ones:

Suggested: Best scholarships in France for international students!

Career Opportunities To Study PhD In France

After you graduate from PhD universities in France, there is a range of job profiles available for you to choose from. On average PhD graduates can earn up to 46,000 EUR/year. 

The job profiles differ based on your subject choice. Here is an overview of PhD job profiles available and the average expected salary:

France has a new identity in 2022, the new choice for higher education abroad. Pursuing  PhD in France opens doors to the best experts in the industry, graduate from QS-ranked universities, and indulge in meaningful learning that will enhance your career path. While this information is sufficient, make a confident choice by speaking to our Yocket counsellors today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About PhD In France

How many years is PhD in France?

Pursuing PhD in France takes about three to six years to complete based on the subjects chosen. 

Is it worth doing a PhD in France?

Yes, pursuing PhD programs in France is worth the time and effort since the country is home to the best universities, education system, and expert minds in multiple industries. 

Can I work during PhD in France?

Yes, international students can undertake part-time job opportunities while studying PhD in France. The part-time working hours are 20hrs/week.

Do PhD students pay taxes in France?

No, PhD students are not required to pay any taxes, however, they do need to pay student social insurance. 

What is a PhD called in France?

PhD in France is also referred to as Doctorat.

Kashyap Matani

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UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Students Attend Conference in Lille, France with Support from Anti-Cancer Challenge Trainee Travel Grant

Ivann Agapito and Julia Trudeau, graduate students in the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, recently attended the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)/Association Francophone des Soins Oncologiques de Support (AFSOS)/International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO) 2024 Annual Meeting in Lille, France. Their trip was made possible through the support of travel grants funded by proceeds from the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge .

Every year, MASCC and ISOO members gather together to learn and connect with other cancer care professionals from around the world. As student attendants of the conference, Agapito (a student pharmacist ) and Trudeau (a PhD student ) had the opportunity to share their own research, listen to presentations, and network with pharmacists, doctors, researchers, educators, and other cancer care experts.

Agapito presented his research on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). He shared that the conference exposed him to an array of perspectives about health disparities and the financial and psychosocial struggles of cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

Trudeau gave a presentation on CRCI biomarkers in adolescent and young adult cancer patients. Some highlights of the conference for her included learning more about validated assessment tools, toxicities and side effects of cancer treatments, and the important relationship between researchers and clinicians in improving cancer care.

With the help of student travel grants from the Anti-Cancer Challenge, Agapito and Trudeau were given resources to enhance their training toward careers in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science. The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge annually invites participants to run, walk, bike, and raise money for the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), and cancer-related research and education throughout the Anteater community.

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Europe: 20+ fully-funded PhD positions

Discover a wide range of courses and programs at prestigious universities across Europe in disciplines such as chemistry, biological sciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, engineering, molecular biology, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, soil science, environmental science, water science, physics,  mathematics, geosciences, computer science, industrial engineering, downstream processing, and more. Below is a list of schools offering the positions as well as direct links to the posts in the EURAXESS portal.

Here is a list of leading institutions providing these opportunities:

• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 
• Medical University of Vienna
• Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine 
• University of Bergen 
• Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering POLYMAT Fundazioa
• Université de Liège
• Inserm U1297
• Università Della Calabria 
• Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH)
• Lund University 
• University of Salerno
• University of Southern Denmark 
• iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica 
• INSA Rouen Normandie 
• Hasselt University 
• Institute of Agrophysics of Polish Academy of Sciences
• University of Modena and Reggio Emilia 
• University of Iceland Science Institute  

Seize the opportunity to advance your academic and research career. Apply now for doctoral (PhD) positions at these esteemed institutions:

PhD Student in Characterization and Recovery of Bionanoparticles for Vaccine Delivery and Gene Therapy, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany)

PhD Student in the Huppa Lab at the Medical University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna (Austria)

PhD Student in Molecular Biology, Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine (Poland)

PhD Student in Causal Decision Making, University of Bergen (Norway) 

PhD Fellowship in Applied Chemistry and Polymeric Materials, Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering POLYMAT Fundazioa (Spain)

PhD Student in Characterization of thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of longwall goaf for geothermal energy storage in abandoned coal mines, Université de Liège (Belgium)

PhD Student in urinary cytokines for the early detection and outcome assessment of kidney injury, Inserm U1297 (Spain)

PhD Student in MetacMed - Acoustic and mechanical metamaterials for biomedical and energy harvesting applications, Università Della Calabria (Italy)

PhD Fellow in Wind Modeling, UiT The Arctic University of Norway (Norway) 

PhD Fellow in Geodynamics and Surface Processes, University of Bergen (Norway)

PhD Student in Separation and purification of bionanoparticles by convective material and 3D-printed material, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH) (Austria)

PhD Student in Synchrotron Methods and Applications in Sweden, Lund University (Sweden)

PhD Student in Industrial Engineering (chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering) - University of Salerno (Italy) 

PhD Student in Model-based prediction of bionanoparticle separation by continuous ultracentrifugation and convective chromatography, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH) (Austria)

PhD Student in LLM-assisted Multirobot Mission Planning and Control, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark)

PhD Student in Area of Natural Bioactives & Nutraceuticals, iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (Portugal) 

PhD Student in Electrochemical Gold-Catalysed Processes, INSA Rouen Normandie (France)

PhD Student quantum mechanical modelling of polymers, Hasselt University (Belgium)

PhD Student in legume-based diversification of cereal cropping systems, IRTA (Spain)

PhD Student in Splash phenomenon as a mechanism of transportation of soil bacteria, Institute of Agrophysics of Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland)

PhD Research Fellow in applied and computational mathematics, University of Bergen (Norway)

PhD Student in Palynology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy)

PhD Student in AI-modelling of Powerful Microwaves in Fusion Plasmas, University of Southern Denmark (Denmark) 

PhD Student in personalized medicine in chronic kidney disease, Inserm U1297 (France)

PhD Student in method development and simulation of solid / liquid interfaces,

University of Iceland Science Institute (Iceland)