In short
Paris Cité University is a major research university in Paris offering a wide range of disciplines, with competitive tuition fees for international students and a strong commitment to their welcome.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2019
- Students
- 51,680
- International students
- 8,000
- Acceptance rate
- 40%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–4k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- Paris, France
Université Paris Cité is a public research university located in Paris, France, created in 2019 from the merger of the historic Paris Descartes and Paris Diderot universities. With over 51,000 students, it is one of France's largest research universities, ranked around #275 globally by QS, and a member of the Université Paris Cité alliance network. The university covers a broad disciplinary spectrum — from medicine, pharmacy, and life sciences to mathematics, social sciences, and humanities — and hosts dozens of joint research labs with major French national research agencies including CNRS and INSERM. Its location across central Paris campuses means students study in the heart of one of the world's greatest cultural capitals. Paris Cité holds the Bienvenue en France Label (Level 2) for the quality of its international student welcome, and maintains partnerships with over 600 higher education institutions globally, offering extensive Erasmus+ and exchange programme opportunities.
Why study here
- Study in central Paris with access to world-class museums, cultural institutions, and a dynamic international city.
- Benefit from major research infrastructure shared with CNRS, INSERM, and other leading French agencies.
- Wide range of English-taught master's and doctoral programmes, especially in health, sciences, and humanities.
- Low tuition fees for EU students; competitive rates for non-EU students compared to Anglo-Saxon universities.
- Strong international partnerships with 600+ universities and active Erasmus+ exchange opportunities.
Student life
Life on campus at Université Paris Cité offers a vibrant experience with various student organizations and convenient facilities. The Campus Saint-Germain-des-Prés, hosting faculties like Basic and Biomedical Science, Mathematics-Computer Science, and Social Science, is centrally located. Students can join organizations like APS (for undergraduate and graduate students) and Les Cartésiens (for PhD students). University restaurants and cafeterias provide affordable meals around EUR 3.30 per meal. The university offers a Buddy System platform connecting local students with new international arrivals, and celebrates Erasmus Days with conferences and European village activities.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU international students pay differentiated tuition fees: approx. EUR 2,770 per year at licence (bachelor) level and EUR 3,770 per year at master's level as of 2024/25 national rates. EU/EEA students pay the same low rates as domestic French students (approx. EUR 170 licence, EUR 243 master's). Some selective programmes may have higher fees.
HomeDomestic students pay nationally regulated fees: approx. EUR 170 per year for a licence, EUR 243 for a master's, EUR 380 for a doctorate. Additionally, the CVEC (Student and Campus Life Contribution) of approx. EUR 100 must be paid annually before enrolment.
LivingParis is an expensive city. Students typically budget EUR 1,200–1,600 per month for rent, food, transport, and personal expenses. CROUS social housing (approx. EUR 200–400/month) is available for eligible students via the national housing allocation system.
EU/EEA and Swiss students are treated as domestic students for tuition purposes. Non-EU students are subject to the differentiated tuition policy introduced in 2019. Scholarship holders may receive fee waivers.
Admissions
Application PortalCampus France website (non-EU applicants); Parcoursup (EU/domestic applicants for licence programmes).
Language of InstructionMost programmes are in French; English-taught programmes available mainly at master's and doctoral level.
Bachelor EquivalencyInternational applicants to master's programmes must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent (Bac+3 minimum).
IELTS6.0 (for English-taught programmes)
TOEFL iBT80 (for English-taught programmes)
TCF/DELFB2 level for French-taught programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025275
Shanghai ARWU 2023201
Times Higher Education 2024251
University scholarships
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (French Government)EUR 1,181/month (master's); EUR 1,400/month (doctorate)
Erasmus+ Mobility GrantEUR 350–700/month depending on destination country
Accreditation
Université Paris Cité has been awarded the Bienvenue en France Label, Level 2, by Campus France, recognizing its quality of welcome for international students. It is a public établissement public à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel (EPSCP) under French higher education law.
Programs
a selectionParis Cité University · France
Master 2 Clinical Development & Research
This Master 2 program focuses on clinical research, offering a curriculum designed to train high-level professionals for roles in clinical studies. It combines academic learning with practical experience through an apprenticeship model. The program emphasizes the skills needed for designing and managing clinical trials, adhering to regulatory standards and data security. The course is taught by a faculty composed of researchers and industry professionals from the pharmaceutical, medical device, and contract research organization sectors. The learning approach is innovative and tailored to the demands of alternating study and work. Students receive close supervision from both academic staff and their company mentors. This Master's degree is particularly relevant for those seeking careers in clinical trial management, data analysis, and regulatory affairs within the healthcare industry. It integrates knowledge from related fields like toxicology, machine learning, and cybersecurity to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern clinical research.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Paris Cité University · France
Master Business Law - Specialization: Banking, Finance, and Fintech
This Master's program in Business Law, with a specialization in Banking, Finance, and Fintech, prepares students for high-level careers in banking, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, or as specialized lawyers in banking and financial law. It also serves to enhance the professional knowledge of current banking professionals for career advancement. Originally established in 1976, the program has a strong alumni network.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Paris Cité University · France
Master History and Philosophy of Science - Specialisation: Humanities, Health and Biomedicine
This Master's program, specializing in Humanities, Health, and Biomedicine, offers a comprehensive two-year curriculum focused on the history, philosophy, and ethics of medicine and health. It aims to equip students with a strong foundation in the general field of history and philosophy of science, while providing in-depth knowledge of medical humanities and health humanities. The program explores the epistemological, social, ethical, and political dimensions of medicine and health, encouraging a critical and interdisciplinary approach. Benefiting from close ties with the Faculty of Health and research laboratories like SPHERE, this program is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, including philosophy, history, social sciences, natural sciences, and health professions. It prepares students for advanced research and professional careers by fostering critical analysis, research methodology, and specialized knowledge in the evolving landscape of health and biomedical sciences.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Paris Cité University · France
Master in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Specialization
This Master's program focuses on Cybersecurity, a rapidly growing field due to the increasing digitalization of businesses, the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the rise of Big Data. Organizations worldwide are facing evolving cyber threats and increasingly stringent regulations, creating a critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. This Master's aims to train experts in operational cybersecurity who can advise, analyze, and audit information system security, as well as develop and deploy technical security solutions. The program is particularly committed to promoting the participation and leadership of women in cybersecurity. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in information technology and specialized knowledge in cybersecurity. Graduates will be equipped to understand technological and regulatory environments, identify and analyze cyber threats, and design and implement robust security solutions for systems, networks, applications, and data. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for the challenges of protecting digital assets in an ever-changing threat landscape.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Paris Cité University · France
Master in Computer Science - Machine Learning for Data Science Specialization
This Master's program focuses on Machine Learning for Data Science, preparing students to work with the massive, multi-faceted datasets driving modern decision-making and artificial intelligence. You will learn to organize, preprocess, and analyze data using advanced machine learning and statistical methods. The program is part of the Graduate School Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Université Paris Cité, fostering an interdisciplinary approach and connecting students with cutting-edge research labs. The curriculum is designed for students with a strong background in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. The first year (M1) introduces core concepts in machine learning and artificial intelligence, while the second year (M2) delves deeper into specialized topics and practical applications. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers as Data Scientists or for doctoral studies in AI and Data Science.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Paris Cité University · France
Master in Computer Science - Specialisation in Networks and Autonomous Systems (RSA)
This Master's program, specialising in Networks and Autonomous Systems (RSA), is designed for students seeking expertise in programmable networks, virtualization, and data analysis. You will gain in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge research and the challenges associated with next-generation networks. The program benefits from the expertise of Université Paris Cité's research laboratories and its socio-economic network. As part of the Graduate School Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, this master's degree integrates coursework with advanced research, preparing specialists in AI and data science with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity. The curriculum aims to provide both practical and theoretical knowledge, focusing on network methodologies, emerging research topics, and formal analysis techniques for future network development.
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 Cité University?
+
Non-EU international students pay differentiated tuition fees: approximately EUR 2,770 per year for bachelor's and EUR 3,770 per year for master's programs as of 2024/25. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay the same low rates as domestic French students.
What are the living costs in Paris for students?
+
Paris is an expensive city; students typically budget EUR 1,200–1,600 per month for rent, food, transport, and personal expenses. Affordable social housing through CROUS is available for eligible students.
Does Paris Cité University offer programs in English?
+
Yes, Paris Cité University offers a range of English-taught master's and doctoral programs, particularly in health sciences, life sciences, and humanities. Most programs are in French, however.
How do I apply as an international student?
+
Prospective international students should primarily consult the Campus France website for their application pathway, and also check the specific program deadlines directly on the university's website.
What is the international student welcome like at Paris Cité University?
+
The university holds the Bienvenue en France Label (Level 2), indicating a high quality of welcome for international students. They also offer a Buddy System to connect new international arrivals with local students.
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