FRANCE · PARIS
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University
public · Founded 1971 · Languages: fr, en
In short
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is a historic public research university in Paris, offering a wide range of programs in law, economics, humanities, and social sciences. It provides a high-quality education with relatively affordable fees for international students compared to peers in the UK and US.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 43,000
- International students
- 9,000
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–4k/yr
- Languages
- FR, EN
- Location
- Paris, France
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is a public research university in the heart of Paris, heir to the medieval Sorbonne tradition established in the 13th century. Officially constituted in 1971, it today enrolls 43,000 students across 14 teaching and research units spanning law, economics, management, political science, geography, art history, philosophy, and social sciences. The university hosts leading doctoral schools and research centres whose outputs influence French and European public policy. Its prime locations in central Paris — including the iconic Sorbonne building and the contemporary Campus Port-Royal — provide world-class learning environments.
Why study here
- Heir to the Sorbonne: study within one of the oldest and most prestigious academic traditions in the world.
- Broad academic scope: 14 faculties cover law, economics, humanities, and social sciences under one institution.
- Top-tier research: internationally recognised doctoral schools and research centres in law, economics, and the humanities.
- Living campus in Paris: study in the cultural capital of Europe with unmatched museums, institutions, and professional networks.
- Affordable fees: as a French public university, tuition is heavily subsidised even for non-EU international students compared to UK/US peers.
Student life
Students at Paris 1 experience the unique privilege of studying in the heart of Paris, with campuses clustered in the Latin Quarter and nearby arrondissements. The Students' Union (UNEF and others) organise social, cultural, and political events throughout the year. The university runs integration programmes such as 'Sorbonne Alliance' using theatre to help international students settle in. Paris's student card offers extensive discounts on transport, culture, and dining.
Fees
InternationalApprox. €2,770–€3,770/year for non-EU students
HomeApprox. €170–€260/year (EU/EEA national fee)
Living€1,200–€1,800/month in Paris
Fee exemptions available for scholarship holders and some partner-country students.
Admissions
Licence (Bachelor) – EU studentsApply via Parcoursup for Licence 1; selection based on academic dossier.
Licence (Bachelor) – non-EU studentsApply via 'Études en France' platform (if in a designated country) or eCandidat portal.
Master's programmesRequire a Bachelor's degree (Licence) or equivalent; selection by file and sometimes interview.
French languageMost programmes taught in French; B2/C1 French (DALF/TCF) required for non-francophones.
IELTS / TOEFLRequired for English-taught programmes; typically IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024257
Times Higher Education World University Rankings401–500
Shanghai ARWU201–300
University scholarships
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Campus France)€1,181/month for master's; €1,400/month for PhD
Erasmus+ Incoming Mobility GrantVaries by partner agreement
CROUS Social GrantUp to €7,000/year for eligible students
Accreditation
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is a French établissement public à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel (EPSCP), regulated and accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Its degrees are nationally recognised qualifications within the European Qualifications Framework.
Programs
a selectionParis 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University · France
Bachelor of Economics - International Track
The Bachelor of Economics - International Track at the Sorbonne School of Economics is a comprehensive undergraduate program fully taught in English, commencing in September 2025. It offers a robust foundation in economic theory and analytical skills, preparing students for advanced studies or careers in the global economy. The curriculum balances theoretical and applied economics, with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods and the development of critical thinking and communication skills. This program is designed for both French and international students seeking a high-quality economics education in a dynamic, international environment.
Bachelor's
Level
€0k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University · France
Licence Droit (Law)
The Licence Droit (Bachelor of Law) program at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University provides a comprehensive foundation in legal knowledge. This three-year program is designed to equip students with the general understanding required to become legal professionals. The curriculum offers an undifferentiated pathway over the three years, ensuring a broad exposure to various legal fields. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to pursue Master's degrees (Master 1 level) and continue their specialization in law.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University · France
Magistère Relations internationales et action à l'étranger (MRIAE)
The Magistère Relations internationales et action à l'étranger (MRIAE) is a specialized, pre-professional master's degree program offered by the École d'histoire de la Sorbonne at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. Established in 1985, this program focuses on international relations and foreign affairs, providing a multidisciplinary education. It is designed for students with strong writing and communication skills who are interested in becoming analysts of international relations and wish to gain a solid historical foundation for understanding these phenomena. The MRIAE program spans three years, following a minimum of a Licence 2 or Licence 3 (or equivalent). A key feature is the intensive language training, requiring three foreign languages. Students also prepare a substantial professional mémoire (120 pages) and defend a "Grand Oral" (major oral examination). Successful completion leads to both a Master's degree and a specific University Diploma (DU). The first year of the Magistère program involves shared coursework with the Master's program, aiming to harmonize students' knowledge. The program emphasizes international exposure through a mandatory study trip to a European capital in the first year, an international mobility opportunity in the second year, and a long-term internship (4-6 months) in the third year. The program also benefits from a strong alumni network that supports current students in their career searches.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University · France
Master 2 Administration and Liquidation of Companies in Difficulty (ALED)
The Master 2 Administration and Liquidation of Companies in Difficulty (ALED) is a specialized postgraduate program offered by the Centre Sorbonne Insolvency and Restructuring. This program is designed to provide a strong foundation in the legal and practical aspects of managing companies facing financial distress. It serves as a key pathway for aspiring judicial administrators, insolvency practitioners, and lawyers specializing in corporate restructuring. The curriculum emphasizes a deep understanding of fundamental civil law and business law, combined with practical insights from industry professionals.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University · France
Master in Administration and Restructuring of Companies in Difficulty
This Master's program is designed to provide comprehensive and specialized, high-level training in the law and practice of administering and liquidating companies facing financial difficulties. It aims to equip students with the legal knowledge in business law, banking law, private international law, and other relevant areas, as well as practical skills necessary for roles such as judicial administrators and receivers. The curriculum balances in-depth legal theory with practical application, preparing graduates for demanding professional careers. The program spans two years and offers two distinct pathways: one focused on academic study and research, and another allowing for part-time or work-study arrangements (alternance). This flexibility accommodates students seeking to gain practical experience alongside their studies. The curriculum emphasizes mastering fundamental civil and business law techniques while integrating real-world practices for a resolutely professional perspective.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University · France
Master in Cinema and Audiovisual
The Master in Cinema and Audiovisual at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University offers a comprehensive program in film studies with a triple focus: practical, theoretical (aesthetics, film theory, analysis of cinematic creation), and professional. This master's degree strongly links theory with practice, preparing students for doctoral studies and various careers within the film and audiovisual industries. The program is closely aligned with the study of cinema as an art form, utilizing humanities research methods, and preparing students for industry professions. It also aims to train students in cinematic creation, from scriptwriting to production. The first year (M1) provides a common foundation, including specialized language instruction relevant to students' fields of study. Core theoretical components cover cinema aesthetics, research methodology, analysis and creation, and production and distribution. Practical elements include cinematic practice methodology and scriptwriting. Students begin their research initiation in M1 by writing three research papers, each 20-25 pages long.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for France
full fundingFrench Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS)
French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship
Open to international scholars and scientists, primarily in the social sciences and humanities, who hold a doctoral degree plus at least 2 years of full-time post-doctoral research experience (or a master's plus 6 years). Applicants must comply with the transnational MSCA mobility rule, having spent no more than 12 months in France during the 3 years before the deadline.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Campus France)
MOPGA France Visiting Fellowship Program
Open to early-career foreign (non-French) researchers who hold a PhD obtained within roughly the last five years and who have lived outside France for most of the qualifying period before the call. Applicants must propose a 12-month research project that fits one of the programme's environmental and sustainability themes and must secure a letter of support from a French host laboratory. The programme is open to all nationalities except French citizens.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 5, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, managed by Campus France
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme
For international students (non-French nationals) nominated by a French higher education institution for a master's or doctoral programme. Master's applicants are generally under ~25 and PhD applicants under ~30 (guideline). Selection favours academic excellence and priority fields; students cannot apply directly.
partial
Funding
€21k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingEmbassy of France in Ghana (Service for Cooperation and Cultural Action)
French Embassy in Ghana Master's Scholarship
Open to Ghanaian nationals residing in Ghana who are under 30 years old at the time of application, hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have completed National Service. A First Class or Second-Class Upper degree is given priority. Applicants must commit to studying in France for the full Master's programme. French language proficiency is not required except for applicants to French as a Foreign Language (FLE) programmes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingSciences Po
Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship
Non-EU international students newly admitted to a Sciences Po bachelor’s or master’s programme who are not eligible for state financial aid and demonstrate strong academic merit.
partial
Funding
€19k
Max
Jan 5, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFondation Mathematique Jacques Hadamard (FMJH)
Sophie Germain Masters and PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a Master's (M1 or M2) or PhD in Mathematics and its Applications at Universite Paris-Saclay or the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. The first call is aimed at students from outside the Paris-Saclay area, including non-European applicants. Selection is based on academic excellence, with a stated focus on encouraging female applicants. Applicants typically need a CAMPUS France file number for visa purposes.
full
Funding
€13k
Max
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne?
+
Tuition fees for non-EU students are approximately €2,770–€3,770 per year. EU/EEA students pay significantly less, around €170–€260 annually. Fee exemptions may be available for scholarship recipients and students from certain partner countries.
What are the living costs for students in Paris?
+
The estimated monthly living costs in Paris range from €1,200 to €1,800. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Does Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne offers programs taught in English. For these programs, proficiency is typically demonstrated through IELTS (score 6.5 or higher) or TOEFL iBT (score 90 or higher).
What academic fields can I study at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne?
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The university offers a broad academic scope across 14 teaching and research units, including law, economics, management, political science, geography, art history, philosophy, and social sciences.
Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?
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Yes, international students can apply for scholarships such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Erasmus+ Incoming Mobility Grant, and the CROUS Social Grant, which can provide financial support for studies.
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