In short
Sorbonne University is a historic public research university in Paris, offering multidisciplinary programs across Arts, Health, and Sciences. It welcomes a diverse international community and provides robust academic and research opportunities.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1257
- Students
- 53,000
- International students
- 11,500
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–4k/yr
- Languages
- FR, EN
- Location
- Paris, France
Sorbonne University is a leading public research university in Paris, France, deeply rooted in the history of the University of Paris, which dates back to the 13th century. Officially re-established in 2018 through the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University, it combines expertise across Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences, and Science and Engineering. With a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary research and education, Sorbonne University is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering innovation. It boasts a vibrant international community, welcoming students from around the world to its various campuses primarily located within Paris. The university is dedicated to open, responsible, and trusted science, offering a rich academic environment that includes numerous research units, doctoral schools, and international partnerships. Students benefit from extensive resources, including libraries and student associations, preparing them to be future leaders and innovators.
Why study here
- Access a broad range of multidisciplinary programs across Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences, and Science and Engineering.
- Benefit from a rich history of academic excellence and a strong commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Join a diverse international community, with robust support services for international students.
- Study in the vibrant city of Paris, with access to numerous campuses and cultural opportunities.
- Engage with a university that promotes open science, ethical research, and strong ties with industry and society.
Student life
Sorbonne University provides a dynamic student experience with over 150 student associations and numerous student jobs available. The university's libraries offer a capacity for 4,000 people. Campuses are located across Paris, particularly in the Latin Quarter, eastern Paris, and along the Seine. The Ilôt Champollion space, annexed to the Sorbonne campus, is dedicated to student life, housing digital services, student unions, associations, and a CROUS cafeteria. The university also organizes various science and cultural events, and has a Choir & Orchestra.
Fees
InternationalUnder France's differentiated tuition for non-EU students, fees are roughly EUR 2,770 per year for bachelor's (Licence) and EUR 3,770 per year for master's programmes, though partial exemptions and scholarships are common.
HomeEU/EEA students and many exempted international students pay the standard French public rates of about EUR 175 (Licence) to EUR 250 (Master) per year plus the CVEC student-life contribution.
LivingLiving in Paris typically costs EUR 1,000-1,500 per month for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses.
Registration is required every year and involves payment of registration fees. Specific fee amounts are not provided and vary by program; students should consult relevant faculty websites for detailed information.
Admissions
First-year Bachelor's (Licence 1)Apply via Parcoursup platform. Universities respond by April 30, with student decisions by May 31.
Other Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate programsCheck faculty websites for specific deadlines and conditions. For Master's programs, the monmaster.gouv.fr platform is used for applications (typically Feb 17 - Mar 16). For Master's M1 to M2, applications are via eCandidat (March 27 - June 12, 2025 for 2025 admissions).
English-taught master's programmesSelected programmes require IELTS/TOEFL; check the specific programme page for the required score.
Rankings
QS World University Rankings72
University scholarships
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship ProgrammeMobility grants for 12-24 months for Master's, and 12-18 months for Doctorate (cotutelle) or 36 months for 1st-year Doctorate (primo-arrivants).
Accreditation
Degrees issued by Sorbonne University are globally accredited and follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi degrees are also officially accredited by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).
Programs
a selectionSorbonne University · France
M2 - Cell Biology, Development, Cancer: from stem cells to organisms
This Master's 2 (M2) program offers a specialized pathway in Cell Biology, Development, and Cancer, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms from a cellular to an organismal level. It provides a global vision of cell biology, covering areas crucial for understanding complex diseases like cancer. The program equips students with conceptual and methodological tools for an integrated approach to life sciences, with specializations available in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology (including regenerative medicine), and marine biology. Teaching primarily occurs on the Pierre et Marie Curie campus, with some units held at Sorbonne Université's marine biology stations in Villefranche-sur-mer, Roscoff, and Banyuls-sur-Mer. Travel and accommodation for marine station components are supported. Partnerships with leading research institutes in Paris allow students to engage with an international research environment.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Sorbonne University · France
M2 - Genetics and Epigenetics Track
This Master's program (M2 level) focuses on Genetics and Epigenetics, building upon foundational scientific or medical knowledge. It aims to equip students with the latest knowledge and technical skills in a rapidly evolving field. Genetics is a cross-disciplinary science that examines gene structure, expression, maintenance, and transmission across various biological scales, from molecules to ecosystems. This track emphasizes recent technical and theoretical advancements, preparing students to address current challenges in the discipline. The program offers specialized themes that integrate practical and theoretical learning, utilizing advanced techniques and conceptual approaches.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Sorbonne University · France
Master in Information and Communication: Organizational Communication
This Master's program in Information and Communication focuses on organizational communication, preparing students for high-level professional roles. It blends theoretical foundations with practical application, covering essential areas like communication strategies, public relations, crisis communication, and media training. The curriculum also addresses contemporary issues such as AI, corporate social responsibility, diversity, and interculturality in communication. The program is delivered by both academic researchers in social sciences and information/communication, and industry professionals. Learning methods are diverse, including lectures, tutorials, case studies, and practical exercises. A strong emphasis is placed on research, with group projects in the first year and an individual thesis in the second year. The goal is to equip graduates with the analytical and strategic skills needed to design and implement communication plans that enhance an organization's image and reputation. The second year of the Master's is completed through an apprenticeship (alternance), allowing students to gain practical experience while studying.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Sorbonne University · France
Master of Computer Science
The Master of Computer Science at Sorbonne University provides advanced scientific and technical training designed for both industry and research. This program offers a broad spectrum of knowledge and technologies through ten specialized pathways, covering areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, and Quantum Information. A unique 'Digital International Program (DIGIT)' is available exclusively for non-French speakers, allowing for a customized curriculum taught in English. The program aims to equip students with adaptable skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of computer science.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Sorbonne University · France
Master of Science in Mathematics and Applications
The Master of Science in Mathematics and Applications offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both fundamental and applied areas of mathematics. The program is structured into two years, M1 and M2. The first year (M1) focuses on consolidating a common scientific foundation, preparing students for the specialized tracks in the second year (M2). The M2 year allows for in-depth specialization through a wide array of options across eight different tracks and various majors, catering to diverse interests in mathematics.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Sorbonne University · France
Master's Degree in Mathematics and Applications
This Master's program provides a comprehensive education in mathematics and its applications, covering fundamental concepts and specialized areas. The first year (M1) focuses on consolidating a common scientific foundation, while the second year (M2) offers high specialization through various tracks. Students have the flexibility to choose teaching units in M1 and specialize further in M2. The program aims to prepare students for advanced academic research or professional careers in diverse fields.
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 Sorbonne University?
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Non-EU students can expect to pay approximately EUR 2,770 per year for bachelor's and EUR 3,770 per year for master's programs. However, partial exemptions and scholarships are commonly available.
What are the living costs for students in Paris?
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Living in Paris typically costs between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,500 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
What are the main academic fields offered at Sorbonne University?
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Sorbonne University offers multidisciplinary programs across Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences, and Science and Engineering.
What are the language requirements for international students?
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A certificate proving French language proficiency (B2 to C1, depending on the program) is usually required for applicants from non-Francophone countries. Some English-taught master's programs may require IELTS or TOEFL scores.
How can I apply to Sorbonne University as an international student?
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Admission for international students is managed by each faculty's admissions office. Applications for Bachelor's programs often go through Parcoursup or monmaster.gouv.fr for Master's programs, with specific deadlines varying by faculty.
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