Paris Research University

France, Paris · Paris Research University (Université de Recherche Paris) is an academic alliance uniting the best research centers and universities in France. This means it's not just one university; it includes giants like Sorbonne University, PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres), and Université Paris Cité—French universities that regularly occupy top positions in global rankings.

  • Bachelor's degree: approximately €2,770 per year
  • Master's degree: about €3,770 per year
  • PhD: about €494 per year
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№1 in FranceTimes Higher Education
Top 100 in the worldQS World University Rankings

About the university

Princeton University was founded in 1746 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, it is a member of the Ivy League, which unites elite educational institutions. The university provides funding for undergraduate and doctoral studies, and some master’s programs are completely free.

Degree of study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral studies
Percentage of students accepted
6%
Probability of employment after training
about 84% of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation
Scholarships
a wide range of financial assistance for foreigners
Directions
a multidisciplinary university with a wide range of programs
Type
private university
Student body size
about 9,000 students
% of international students
12%
Student town
The location in the small American town of Princeton Limits cultural and entertainment opportunities compared to large cities, but the town's infrastructure is well developed and represents a whole student "city"

The Paris Research University is a center of science and innovation in France

France deservedly holds a special place in European science. It was here that such groundbreaking discoveries as radioactive decay were made, as well as the structure of DNA deciphered and the foundations of artificial intelligence developed. This mission is continued by the Université de Recherche Paris, which comprises more than 20 institutes, research schools, and laboratories.

Partners and partners of Paris Research University:

  • Sorbonne University – a classic center for fundamental sciences and humanities research;
  • PSL University – unites the École Normale Supérieure, Dauphine, ESPCI, and the Collège de France;
  • Université Paris Cité – a leader in medicine, engineering, and social sciences;
  • CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) – a strategic partner.

Main research areas:

  • Physics and quantum technologies;
  • Bioengineering and medicine;
  • Economics, international relations, urban studies;
  • Artificial intelligence, big data, robotics;
  • Geosciences and climatology.

Paris’s research universities actively collaborate with CERN, UNESCO, Airbus, Google Research, and other major organizations and corporations, making it one of Europe’s leading scientific centers.

Degree of study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral studies
Percentage of accepted students
8-12%
Probability of employment after training
PSL graduates are among the most sought-after in France and Europe, with the majority finding employment or continuing their academic careers within the first months of graduation
Scholarships
PSL scholarships, French government scholarships, and international support programs for international students (including social and academic grants) are available
Directions
Natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, economics and management, social sciences and humanities, art and design
Type
State Research University
Student body size
More than 40,000 students
% of international students
16-18%
Campus
Urban format: campuses and schools are located in different districts of Paris

Available programs

Bachelor’s degree

  • Natural sciences and Biomedicine
  • Engineering
  • Public health and epidemiology
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Economics, finance and management
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Ecology and Geosciences
  • Psychology

Master’s degree

  • Natural sciences and Biomedicine
  • Engineering
  • Public health and epidemiology
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Economics, finance and management
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Ecology and Geosciences
  • Psychology

Doctoral studies

  • Natural sciences and Biomedicine
  • Engineering
  • Public health and epidemiology
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Economics, finance and management
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Ecology and Geosciences
  • Psychology

How to apply to Paris Research University (Université de Recherche Paris)

How can an international applicant apply to Université des Sciences de Paris? The application process differs from other universities in that it emphasizes research potential, academic motivation, and a willingness to participate in research projects.

Admissions Process:

Selecting a program

First, decide which level of study you want to apply for:

  • Licence — equivalent to a bachelor’s degree (3 years of study);
  • Master’s — master’s degree (2 years of study);
  • Doctorate — postgraduate study.

The university offers dozens of programs, from medicine and bioinformatics to law, international relations, and IT.

You can find more information about the programs on the Université Paris Cité website (under the heading “Formation”).

Preparing the profile

This includes:

  • diploma or certificate;
  • academic transcript;
  • a motivation letter outlining research interests;
  • a CV with research experience;
  • recommendations from faculty or supervisors;
  • if applying for a PhD, a research proposal.
Submitting an application

  • Students from the CIS countries apply through the Campus France / Études en France system.
  • For Master’s and PhD programs, apply directly to the website of the specific institute or faculty.

Interview and offer

Many research schools schedule interviews with applicants to discuss future project topics, publications, and academic goals.

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

A certificate or diploma, equivalent to a Baccalauréat for undergraduate studies or a Licence for postgraduate studies.

Language tests

For programs in French — DELF B2 or DALF C1, for programs in English — IELTS from 6.5 / TOEFL from 90.

Motivational essay

Here the student explains why he chose this particular program and this particular university.

Recommendations

Typically 1-2 letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors are required.

Portfolio (for some specialties)

Demonstrates your real achievements, experience and developments.

Students from Ukraine and the CIS can take advantage of a simplified application process through Campus France, which includes application assistance, document verification, and visa support.

How to apply for a Master's and PhD program at Paris Research University

The Master’s Degree at Paris Research University bridges the gap between university and academia. These programs are designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge in their chosen field and begin a career in science.

Admissions Process:

  • Choose an institution and a suitable program.
  • Prepare your application package: diploma, transcript, CV, motivation, and recommendations.
  • Submit your application through Campus France or the university portal.
  • Wait for an interview invitation and acceptance letter.

A PhD (doctoral fellowship) is the next step. To apply, you must contact a supervisor whose research aligns with your interests and discuss your project topic.

Many laboratories are funded by official research contracts with stipends ranging from €1,400 to €1,800 per month.

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Tuition and scholarships

Tuition fees at French public research universities are among the most affordable in Europe.

Average figures:

  • Bachelor’s degree – approximately €2,770 per year;
  • Master’s degree – approximately €3,770 per year;
  • PhD – free tuition + monthly stipend of €1,200–€1,800.

Major grant programs:

  • Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – funding for tuition and living expenses (up to €1,200 per month).
  • Horizon Europe – EU grants for research projects.
  • Erasmus+ – academic mobility and double degrees.
  • CNRS Fellowships – contracts and stipends for doctoral students and postdocs.
  • Université de Recherche Paris Grants – support for international students with high academic potential.

We help students not only with admission, but also with selecting grants, completing applications correctly, and writing motivation letters to increase their chances of receiving a scholarship.

Possible additional costs
Accommodation, textbooks, insurance, transportation
Financing options
Scholarships, grants, loans, on-campus work, and teaching assistantships

Faculties and research areas of Paris Research University

Université de Recherche Paris covers all key areas of modern science. Undergraduate and graduate students participate in real-world projects with CNRS, ESA, L’Oréal Research, and INRIA, combining academic studies with practical research.

Popular departments at Université de Recherche Paris:

Natural and Physical Sciences

Physics, chemistry, mathematics, quantum technologies.

Life and Health Sciences

Medicine, biotechnology, pharmacology.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Machine learning, big data, cybersecurity.

Economics and Social Sciences

Macroeconomics, international relations, behavioral economics.

Humanities and Philosophy

History, linguistics, cognitive sciences.

Environmental and Earth Studies

Geosciences, ecology, climate change.

Programs in English

Many programs at Paris Research University are offered in English, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels. This allows both local and international students to study here.

Examples of English-taught programs:

  • Physics and Quantum Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • International and European Studies
  • Public Health and Epidemiology
  • Cognitive Science and Neuroscience

In these programs, instruction is conducted entirely in English, and students can also study French, which helps them better adapt to the academic environment and everyday life.

Scientific life and career prospects

Studying at the Université de Recherche Paris offers a unique opportunity to participate in real-world science. Undergraduate and graduate students publish in international journals, present at conferences, and work in international and European laboratories.

Student opportunities include:

  • participation in international EU Research Framework projects;
  • internships at Airbus, Google Research, Dassault, and L’Oréal Research;
  • academic mobility through Horizon Europe and Erasmus+;
  • publications in Nature, Science, and Elsevier journals.

Graduates pursue careers at universities, research centers, and technology corporations worldwide.

How we help you get into Paris Research University

Admission to Paris Research University is impossible without the right strategy. We support students from choosing a program to receiving an offer and beginning their studies.

We can help you with:

  • Academic profile analysis and program selection;
  • Consultations on the Campus France system;
  • Assistance with motivation letters, research proposals, and recommendations;
  • Applications for Eiffel, CNRS, Horizon Europe, and other grants;
  • Guidance until receiving an offer and visa.

Schedule a free consultation and learn how to apply to Paris Research University with a scholarship that’s right for you.

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