PhD in France
PhD in France requires conditions such as a research project, having a supervisor or guide professor, proficiency in English or French at the C1 level, as well as a suitable GPA and financial capability to cover tuition fees. Interested students can also apply for various scholarships and even full funding for their studies in France.
Studying for a PhD at the best public and private universities in France that have high global accreditation and rankings is possible. Individuals under the age of 35 have a higher chance of obtaining admission and receiving a student visa to France.
For PhD studies in France and immigration to France for study, you can contact our distinguished consultants at Malekpour Immigration Institute and benefit from a free initial consultation. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers in a short time.
Advantages of PhD Study in France
- Possibility of Free Study in France
- Study at a Reasonable Cost
- Opportunities to Work While Studying
- Studying at Reputable Universities
- Receiving Funding and Scholarships
- Research and Study Opportunities
Conditions for PhD Study in France
Studying in France at the PhD level typically includes various conditions and requirements. These specific criteria may vary depending on the university and program. Below are some general conditions:
- Master’s degree
- Research proposal
- Language proficiency / C1 level
- Grades
- Letter of recommendation
- Entrance exam or interview
- Financial means
- No criminal record
Types of PhDs in France
In France, there are two main types of PhD programs offered to international students:
1. Research Doctorate (Doctorat de Recherche):
This type of doctorate is the most common and is awarded to students who intend to conduct research in a specialized field. Students must prepare and defend a dissertation (doctoral thesis) under the guidance of a university professor. This course typically lasts 3 years and ends with the defense of the dissertation. Upon success, the student is awarded the degree of Doctorate of Research.
2. Professional Doctorate (Doctorat Professionnel):
This type of doctorate is more designed for those who are looking to develop practical and professional skills in a specific field. This type of doctorate is usually offered for professions such as management, medicine, or engineering and focuses more on practical applications and problem solving in the workplace.
Both types of doctorates require the submission of detailed and advanced research, but their main difference is in their focus on theoretical or applied research.
Steps for Admission to a PhD Program in France
As international students qualify to study for a PhD in France, they must go through a series of steps. To avoid any rejections in the admission application, students should thoroughly review all information related to PhD studies in France on the official website of the respective university. Additionally, applicants must prove their financial capability for admission and visa processes.
- Finding a Supervisor
Selecting an appropriate supervisor is the most crucial step. By finding a guide professor, students can submit their documents, mainly including their master’s degree certificate, to the university and await a response. - Obtaining an Appropriate Language Certificate
Students who wish to study at public universities must obtain a French language certificate, while those who wish to attend private universities should obtain a language certificate in English with an acceptable score. - Submitting an Admission Application to the University
If the applicant meets all conditions for doctoral studies, they can submit their application through the university’s website. Upon receiving a positive response from the university, the student must present the required documents to the French embassy to apply for a student visa to France. - Checking the University Deadlines and Conditions
To avoid any rejections in the admission application, students should check all information related to PhD studies on the official website of the respective university and be mindful of the application deadlines. Completeness of documents is also very important.
Required Documents for PhD Admission in France
To study for a PhD in France, students must prepare documents and apply for the PhD program. The required documents for admission to universities in France for doctoral study are as follows:
- At least two ISI articles
- A strong proposal
- An IELTS, TOEFL, CAF, or CPF language certificate
- A motivation letter
- Financial capability
- A master’s degree certificate
- Having a supervisor at the chosen university
- A strong CV
- At least two to three recommendation letters from previous professors
A PhD student in France must possess all these documents and requirements to successfully complete the admission process.
Best Age to Apply for PhD in France
As we know, some universities in different countries impose age restrictions on granting admission to various students, including PhD students. Applying for a PhD in France and obtaining admission from universities in this country has no age restriction, but it is advisable to consider applying under the age of 35. Those under 35 years old have a better chance of obtaining a student visa for studying for a PhD in France.
Language Requirement for PhD Admission in France
PhD studies in France at public universities are conducted in French and at private universities in English. To gain admission for a PhD to study in France in English, students must provide a language certificate with a score of 7, while those interested in pursuing a PhD in French must submit a language certificate at the B1 or B2 level according to university requirements.
Students should secure their language certificates before applying for admission to be able to send the desired certification along with other required documents to the respective university.
Studying a PhD in English in France
France offers over 1,100 PhD programs in English, though most are still taught in French. Applicants with English qualifications like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or C1 Advanced can apply. Top universities such as PSL, École Polytechnique, and Sorbonne accept English-speaking PhD candidates and offer French language support during studies. Proficiency in English can positively impact supervisor approval.
PhD Tuition Fees in France
Tuition fees in France and university fees for PhD studies in France are the same for local and international students. However, these costs may vary depending on whether the student chooses a public or private university.
| PhD tuition fees at public universities in France | Around 400 euros per semester |
| PhD tuition fees at private universities in France | Around 3,000 euros (some specific fields 10,000 euros) |
PhD Salary in France
As mentioned, PhD students in France can work up to twenty hours a week and earn monthly income.
| Salary received by PhD students | Around 1200 to 2500 euros per month |
| Salary received by researchers | Around 600 to 700 euros |
Scholarships and PhD Funding in France
One major advantage of pursuing a PhD in France is the availability of full scholarships that cover tuition fees, often provided by the French Ministry of Education. These scholarships are open to all nationalities but are subject to taxes due to employment contracts with universities. Additional funding options are available through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and apply for a scholarship in France.
For those seeking free education in France, the possibility of obtaining full PhD funding in France also exists from private sections. Among the private sectors providing scholarships to PhD students in France is CIFRE. Other scholarships awarded during the PhD in France include:
- Eiffel scholarship worth 1400 euros
- École Normale Supérieure scholarship, which is awarded to only thirty percent of students and includes university tuition and accommodation costs.
Corresponding with a Supervisor for PhD Application in France
To apply for a PhD in France, international students must first secure a supervisor. This involves identifying professors whose research aligns with your thesis topic. Review research programs at French universities and contact multiple professors to increase your chances of receiving a positive response.
Top Universities in France for PhD Studies
One of the most important aspects to consider regarding studying abroad is the ranking and reputation of the desired university at a global level. Some of the best universities in France for PhD studies include:
| University Name | World Ranking |
| PSL Research Paris Research University University website: https://psl.eu/en |
42 |
| Ecole PolytechniqueUniversity University website: https://www.polytechnique.edu/ |
71 |
| Sorbonne University University website: https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en |
76 |
| CentraleSupélec University University website: https://www.centralesupelec.fr/ |
98 |
| Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon University website: https://www.ens-lyon.fr/ |
251-300 |
| Sciences Po, Paris University University website: https://www.sciencespo.fr/en/ |
601-800 |
| Ecole des Ponts ParisTech University University website: https://ecoledesponts.fr/ |
601-800 |
| University de Paris University website: https://u-paris.fr/en/ |
601-800 |
| Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris I) University University website: https://www.pantheonsorbonne.fr/ |
801-1000 |
| ENS Paris-Saclay University website: https://ens-paris-saclay.fr/ |
801-1000 |
Postdoctoral Conditions in France
Postdoctoral programs in France last from six months to one year and require a valid PhD degree. Postdocs can earn up to €70,000 annually. Candidates work as researchers or teachers (ATER), with contracts including about 200 teaching hours per year alongside research. Funding and scholarships are available to support postdoctoral researchers.
Family Visa in France for PhD Students
Married PhD students in France can apply for a family visa to include their spouse and children under 18. Proof of financial stability via bank statements is required. After graduation, if the student secures a job and a work visa, they and their family can apply for permanent residency by paying taxes and insurance on time.
For detailed guidance on residency and immigration in France and other top countries, consider reviewing a comprehensive step-by-step residency guide.
Conditions of Work After PhD Studies in France
PhD students in France can work 30 to 40 hours per week during their studies, often earning a salary as university employees. This experience helps them secure job opportunities and work visas after graduation, enabling career continuity in France.
Upon obtaining a work visa, if the applicant pays their insurance and taxes for three years, they can apply for permanent residency in France, and after receiving permanent residency, they can apply for citizenship in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About PhD in France
- Is it possible to study for free at the PhD level in France?
Yes, individuals can study for free at the PhD level by obtaining funding or scholarships.
- Which is the best university for PhD study in France?
The best university for PhD studies in France is PSL Research University in Paris.
- What is the tuition fee for PhD studies in French universities?
The tuition fees for PhD studies in French universities range from three thousand to ten thousand euros, depending on the field of study.
- What language certificate is needed for studying in French universities?
The B1 or B2 language certificate should be provided according to the university’s requirements.
Conclusion:
To study for a PhD in France, students should meet conditions such as suitable age, a master’s degree, an English or French language certificate, and a supervisor to successfully navigate the admission process. The tuition fees for PhD studies in France are reasonable, and some students are employed by the university during their studies and receive a salary. You have the opportunity to apply for funding and scholarships, as well as for family visas for PhD studies in France.
For additional information regarding PhD studies in France and to receive free consultations, please contact Malekpour Immigration Institute, or post your questions in the comments section below this article to enable us to respond to you.
