Overview
Paris Cité University is a public research university located in Paris, France. It was created by decree on 20 March 2019, resulting from the merger of Paris Descartes (Paris V) and Paris Diderot (Paris VII) universities — both established following the division of the historic University of Paris in 1970. The university was initially called the University of Paris, but was renamed by decree in March 2022 to its current name, Université Paris Cité.
With 68,000 students and 4,800 teacher-researchers, Université Paris Cité is France's leading multidisciplinary, research-intensive university. Located across some twenty campuses with an exceptional heritage in Paris and its inner suburbs, the university offers one of the most comprehensive and ambitious educational offerings, including a wide range of international joint degrees and programmes taught in English. At the heart of a global network of knowledge and innovation, Université Paris Cité is a social impact university, committed to Planetary Health: healthy beings, in healthy societies, on a healthy planet.
It has 15 teaching hospitals and 28,800 medical students. It is the main successor to the University of Paris Faculty of Medicine, founded around 1200, along with Sorbonne University. In 2024, according to the Shanghai ranking, Université Paris Cité is the top university in France in all medical sciences — including clinical medicine, public health, dentistry, nursing science, medical technology, and pharmacy.
As a research-intensive institution, Université Paris Cité leverages a unique ecosystem of 117 laboratories and 22 doctoral schools, which ranks the university 5th in the world as a source of innovation (Clarivate 2025). The university has been awarded the "Bienvenue en France" Label for its excellence in welcoming international students. Thanks to its Welcome Desk and Be Our Guest platform, international students receive assistance with administrative formalities, housing, and healthcare throughout their studies.
The university features two Nobel Prize laureates, two Fields Medal winners, and two former French Ministers of Education among its faculty or former faculty. It is particularly famous for its teaching in science, especially in mathematics and probability theory. The Laboratoire de Probabilités et Modèles Aléatoires has been the site of many fundamental results in probability theory. The university is also known for its teaching in psychology, drawing from both psychopathology and psychoanalysis.
| 11% Acceptance Rate | 68,000 Total Students | 20+ Campuses in Paris | Founded 2019 (history to 1200) |
Ranking
Université Paris Cité is ranked 300th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, particularly distinguished for its international research network.
In the ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai) 2025, Université Paris Cité is ranked 60th globally — keeping its seat within the global Top 100. This makes it one of only four French universities in the world's top 100 by research output and impact.
In 2024, according to the Shanghai ranking, Université Paris Cité is the top university in France in all medical sciences — spanning clinical medicine, public health, dentistry, nursing science, medical technology, and pharmacy.
In the QS Medicine & Health Sciences rankings, the university holds position #77 globally — among the very top institutions in the world for medical education and research.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #300 Globally |
| ARWU (Shanghai) 2025 | #60 Globally / Top 4 in France |
| THE (Times Higher Education) 2026 | Top 500 |
| QS — Medicine & Health Sciences 2026 | #77 Globally |
| ARWU Medical Sciences 2024 | #1 in France (all medical sub-disciplines) |
| Clarivate Innovation Index 2025 | #5 in the World as a source of innovation |
Intakes
Université Paris Cité follows the French academic calendar:
- Autumn Intake (September) — Primary intake for all Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs
- Spring Intake (February) — Available for selected programs
Application Deadlines (Indicative):
| Level / Pathway | Application Window | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's — EU students (Parcoursup) | January – March | Parcoursup |
| Bachelor's — Non-EU (Campus France countries) | November – December | Études en France |
| Master's — EU students (Mon Master) | February – March | Mon Master |
| Master's — Non-EU (international) | November – April | Études en France / eCandidat |
| PhD Programs | Year-round | Doctoral school calls |
Note: Non-EU students must apply via Campus France (Études en France platform). Always verify program-specific deadlines at u-paris.fr/en. The university provides dedicated support to international students via its Welcome Desk.
Top Courses
There are 61 bachelor's programs at Université Paris Cité. The university offers 100 research and professional Master's programs with more than 300 specialisations.
Université Paris Cité offers state-of-the-art, innovative programs in: Arts, Humanities and Languages; Human, Economic and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; and Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing.
The university is organised into three faculties:
Faculty of Health (Santé):
- MD in Medicine and Surgery (6 years, Single-Cycle)
- MSc in Clinical Research and Innovation
- MSc in Public Health / Epidemiology
- MSc in Neuroscience
- MSc in Cancer Biology and Oncology
- BSc/MSc in Pharmacy
- BSc/MSc in Dentistry / Odontology
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering
- MSc in Medical Imaging and Informatics
- MSc in Nursing Science
Faculty of Sciences (Sciences et Ingénierie):
- BSc/MSc in Mathematics (especially renowned in Probability Theory)
- MSc in Physics — including Nanotechnologies and Quantum Devices
- MSc in Computer Science
- MSc in Chemistry
- MSc in Biology / Life Sciences
- MSc in Earth Sciences and Astrophysics
- MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- MSc in Environmental Science
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Sociétés et Humanités):
- BSc/MSc in Psychology (internationally recognised; psychopathology and psychoanalysis approach)
- MA in History, MA in Geography, MA in Linguistics
- MSc in Economics and Management
- MA in Arts and Cinema Studies
- MA in Languages and Cultures
- MSc in Law
Cost of Studying at Université Paris Cité
As a French public university, Université Paris Cité charges only modest registration fees, with the French state covering the majority of the real cost of education (approximately €10,000/student/year).
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (EUR) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fees — BSc / Licence (EU & Non-EU) | €178/year | ₹16,000/year |
| Registration Fees — MSc / Master (EU & Non-EU) | €243 – €254/year | ₹21,900 – ₹22,900/year |
| PhD Registration Fee | €397/year | ₹35,700/year |
| Campus Contribution (CVEC) | €105/year | ₹9,500/year |
| Accommodation (CROUS Paris / Private) | €5,000 – €9,000/year | ₹4,50,000 – ₹8,10,000 |
| Food & Personal Expenses | €3,600 – €5,400/year | ₹3,24,000 – ₹4,86,000 |
| Transport (Navigo Paris pass) | €900 – €1,200/year | ₹81,000 – ₹1,08,000 |
| Health Insurance | Covered by French Social Security (EU) / From ~€200 (Non-EU) | ₹18,000 |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | €9,500 – €16,000 | ₹8,55,000 – ₹14,40,000 |
Note: Differentiated fees for non-EU students starting new degree programs (2026–27 onward) may apply — similar to other Paris public universities. Verify at u-paris.fr/en before applying.
Scholarships
Université Paris Cité invites the most talented international students to enrol in certain master's programs to encourage them to stay in Paris and prepare their doctorates. Financial programs are also available for PhD students.
Key scholarships for international students:
| Scholarship | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (French Government) | Merit-based | €1,181–€1,400/month + round-trip flight + health insurance (12–36 months) |
| Paris Cité International Master's Scholarships | Merit-based (internal) | Monthly stipend + living support for outstanding international Master's students |
| CROUS Social Scholarship (Bourse sociale) | Need-based | Registration waiver + monthly stipend (€1,000–€5,600/year) |
| Charpak Master's Scholarship (India-specific) | Bilateral | ~€700/month + health insurance (via Campus France India) |
| French Embassy / Institut Français Scholarships | Bilateral | Country-specific — check French Embassy in home country |
| Erasmus+ Mobility Grants | Mobility | €800–€1,500/month during exchange period |
| PhD Funded Contracts (Contrats doctoraux) | Research | Full registration waiver + monthly salary ~€2,000–2,300 gross for 3 years |
Admissions
The undergraduate program of Paris Cité University is selective, with an acceptance rate of 11%. Admission to the second year of master's programs is selective as well, with some programs admitting only 1.7% of applicants.
For Undergraduate Programs (Licence / BSc):
- High school diploma (Baccalauréat or equivalent, 12 years of schooling)
- French B2–C1 (DELF/DALF) for French-taught programs — mandatory for most programs
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80+ for English-taught programs
- Application via Parcoursup (EU) or Études en France (non-EU)
For Postgraduate Programs (Master's):
- Bachelor's degree (Licence or equivalent) in a relevant field
- Strong academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0 minimum; highly competitive programs require much higher)
- French B2–C1 (DELF/DALF) for French-taught programs
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80–90 for English programs
- Motivational Letter, CV, 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Academic transcripts (certified copies in French or English)
- Application via Mon Master (EU) or Études en France (non-EU)
For PhD Programs:
- Master's degree with strong research record
- Agreement from a faculty supervisor
- Research proposal
- Funded positions through doctoral school competitive calls
- Language proficiency matching the research environment
Placements
There is a career service called POP (Parcours Orientation Professionnelle) at Université Paris Cité. It organises many meetings between students and professionals across a number of fields and industries, with workshops to help students prepare their CV, job interview, or develop their professional network. The alumni network is a substantial one with more than 500,000 graduates, with graduation ceremonies organised in all faculties.
Paris Cité's strength in medicine, health sciences, and fundamental research gives graduates exceptional career access — particularly in France's world-leading healthcare system (AP-HP), pharmaceutical industry, and cutting-edge research institutions.
Key career sectors for Paris Cité graduates:
- Medicine & Healthcare — AP-HP (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris — Europe's largest hospital network), Sanofi, Servier, Roche, Institut Pasteur, Institut Curie, Institut National du Cancer
- Research & Academia — INSERM, CNRS, INRIA, CEA, European research agencies
- Technology & AI — Data science, AI labs, tech startups (Paris ecosystem), Capgemini, Atos
- Pharmacy & Life Sciences — Ipsen, Guerbet, biotech firms, hospital pharmacy networks
- Psychology & Social Sciences — Clinical psychology practices, social services, teaching, research
- Public Health & International Health — WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), OECD, French Ministry of Health
Jobs After Graduating from Université Paris Cité
| Job Profile | Average Monthly Gross Salary (EUR) | INR Approx./Month |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Doctor / Hospital Specialist | €3,500 – €6,000 | ₹3,15,000 – ₹5,40,000 |
| Pharmacist / Pharmaceutical Researcher | €2,800 – €5,000 | ₹2,52,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| Research Scientist / INSERM Researcher | €2,200 – €3,800 | ₹1,98,000 – ₹3,42,000 |
| Data Scientist / Mathematician | €3,500 – €6,000 | ₹3,15,000 – ₹5,40,000 |
| Biologist / Biomedical Engineer | €2,500 – €4,200 | ₹2,25,000 – ₹3,78,000 |
| Psychologist / Clinical Psychologist | €2,200 – €3,500 | ₹1,98,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Software / Computer Engineer | €3,200 – €5,500 | ₹2,88,000 – ₹4,95,000 |
| Public Health Specialist | €2,500 – €4,000 | ₹2,25,000 – ₹3,60,000 |
| Dentist / Dental Specialist | €3,000 – €6,000 | ₹2,70,000 – ₹5,40,000 |
| Neuroscientist / Cognitive Researcher | €2,500 – €4,500 | ₹2,25,000 – ₹4,05,000 |
Note: Salary figures are indicative gross monthly values for first-job graduates. Actual salaries vary by specialty, employer, and experience.
For personalised guidance on Université Paris Cité admissions, scholarships, and the French student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.