Sorbonne University logo

Sorbonne University

Paris, FR · Ranking #1

Sorbonne University is a public research university in Paris. The Collège de Sorbonne dates from 1257; the current university was formed in 2018 by the merger of Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) and Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI). It has three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, and Health. There are about 55,600 students, 6,400 academic staff, and 33 Nobel laureates among alumni and faculty. Campuses include the Latin Quarter (rue Victor Cousin), Jussieu, and Clignancourt. Teaching is mainly in French. It is one of the leading universities in France and Europe, with strong research in sciences, health, and humanities.

Sorbonne University logo

Sorbonne University

About the university

Sorbonne University is a public research university in Paris. The Collège de Sorbonne dates from 1257; the current university was formed in 2018 by the merger of Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) and Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI). It has three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, and Health. There are about 55,600 students, 6,400 academic staff, and 33 Nobel laureates among alumni and faculty. Campuses include the Latin Quarter (rue Victor Cousin), Jussieu, and Clignancourt. Teaching is mainly in French. It is one of the leading universities in France and Europe, with strong research in sciences, health, and humanities.

Key information

  • Location: Paris, FR
  • Ranking #1
  • QS #63
  • THE #76
  • National ranking #2
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Science and Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Letters
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Earth Sciences and Environment
  • Medicine
  • Nursing

Programs (37)

  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Telecommunications
  • Nursing
  • Veterinary Science
  • Economics
  • Public Health
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Engineering
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 55,000
  • Undergraduate: 35,000
  • Graduate: 20,000
  • International students: 22%

Campus life

Sorbonne has several sites: Latin Quarter (historic Sorbonne, Lettres), Jussieu (Sciences et Ingénierie), Clignancourt, and health facilities. There is no single residential campus; housing is through CROUS, CIUP, Studapart, or private rental. The International Welcome Desk and faculty international offices support incoming students. Observatoires (Lettres, Sciences) track graduate employment and feed into curricula. Student life includes associations, culture, and sport (SUAPS). Paris offers many cultural and professional opportunities; cost of living is high.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €600 - €1,400 / per month

Housing options

  • CROUS (social housing)
  • Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP)
  • Studapart (partner platform)
  • ALJT/Immojeune residences
  • private rentals
  • intergenerational solidarity housing; APL housing benefit via CAF

Student clubs and organizations

  • Associations and activities by faculty and campus; student life services (Fil Jaune)
  • cultural and sports offerings

Sports

  • University sports (SUAPS); disciplines and teams depend on campus and faculty

Career & internships

Employment rate: 92%

Partner companies

  • BNP Paribas
  • Natixis
  • Crédit Agricole
  • CNP Assurances
  • COFACE
  • Carrefour
  • Décathlon
  • Dassault Systèmes
  • Safran
  • Orange
  • SFR
  • SNCF
  • La Poste; IAE Paris-Sorbonne

Internships: The university publishes employment surveys (Lettres, Sciences, Santé): at 30 months after graduation, 93% of master’s graduates are in employment (Sciences 94%, Lettres 92%, Santé 98%); 73–86% in managerial positions, 73–81% on permanent contracts. Observatoires and faculty career services support internships and first jobs. IAE Paris-Sorbonne and CELSA (communication) have company forums and partners (e.g. BNP Paribas, Carrefour, Orange). Internships and placements depend on the programme; many master’s degrees include compulsory work experience.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Application via Parcoursup (undergraduate) or eCandidat / Mon Master (master’s); diploma and transcript
  • ID
  • proof of French level (B2 licence
  • C1 master typically)
  • CV and cover letter for some programmes; for non-EU: Campus France procedure (Études en France) where applicable

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • €200 - €5,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 35.00%
  • Scholarships available: Main programme: France Excellence Eiffel (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for master’s and PhD; min. average 15/20, first-time international students. Master’s: 12–24 months; PhD: 12–36 months depending on track. Fields: biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital sciences, engineering, French history and civilisation, law, political science, economics and management. Application via master or doctoral programme; internal deadline usually early December. Other: Erasmus+, ministry grants, Idex mobility. French government need-based grants (CROUS) and APL housing aid for eligible students. Details: sorbonne-universite.fr, Campus France.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1896
  • Teaching languages: French, English, french, english
  • Study formats: offline

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