Sorbonne University: Free For International Students?

is sorbonne university free for international students

Sorbonne University is a renowned, multidisciplinary institution with a strong focus on research, ranked 60th in the world by QS World University Rankings for 2023. It offers diverse course options for international students, with programs in English, and opportunities for virtual mobility. The university is located in Paris, France, and has a regional campus in Abu Dhabi. The tuition fees for Sorbonne University range from 8000 to 11500 euros, but there are scholarships available for international students, including partially funded and fully funded options.

Characteristics Values
Tuition Fees Average tuition fee: €8000-€11500
Student Population 55,300 students, including 8700+ international students
Faculty 4500+
Academics Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Law
Campus Paris, Abu Dhabi
IELTS Score Minimum score of 5.5 bands
TOEFL Accepted
GPA 3.0 minimum, 3.5+ preferred
Part-Time Work Allowed for 20 hours per week
Scholarships Partial and full scholarships available for international students
World Ranking 60 (QS World University Rankings, 2023)
National Ranking 4
European Ranking 31

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International student scholarships

Sorbonne University in Paris, France, is a renowned multidisciplinary institution with a strong focus on research. It is a public institution, but it is unclear whether international students can attend for free. However, there are various scholarships, fellowships, and grants available for international students. These are offered by the university itself and external organisations.

University Scholarships

Sorbonne University offers scholarships for international students to study or research at the university. The application form is available online.

External Scholarships

There are several scholarships offered by external organisations for international students at Sorbonne University. These include:

  • Mahatma Jyothiba Phule Overseas Vidya Nidhi for BC and EBC students 2025: Full funding offered by the Government of Telangana for students from Telangana. The deadline for applications is 19 May 2025, and the scholarship is worth up to INR 20 lakhs, plus a one-way ticket and visa charges.
  • John Monash Scholarships 2026: Partial funding offered by the John Monash Foundation for Australian nationals. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2025, and the scholarship is worth up to AUD 100,000, plus other benefits.
  • Education Future International Scholarship - USA & Non-USA 2025: Partial funding for Indian nationals. The deadline for applications is 10 June 2025, and the scholarship is worth INR 2-10 lakhs.

Financial Assistance

Sorbonne University offers financial assistance to students facing financial difficulties. The Fonds de solidarité et de développement des initiatives étudiantes (FSDIE) can provide financial support for students with projects or initiatives that benefit the university or its community. Students can also apply for a refund of registration fees if they are receiving a scholarship.

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Work opportunities

Sorbonne University offers a variety of opportunities for international students to work part-time while studying. The university allows students to work up to 20 hours per week to help them meet their expenses. This provides a great opportunity for students to gain financial independence and gain valuable work experience during their studies.

One of the main benefits of studying at Sorbonne University is the ability to work part-time on campus. The university has a large number of administrative and technical positions available for students. These positions are a great way for students to gain valuable skills and experience in areas such as administration, research assistance, library services, and campus maintenance. On-campus jobs offer a convenient way for students to balance their work and academic commitments while also getting involved in the university community.

In addition to on-campus opportunities, Sorbonne University also connects students with off-campus employers. The university has partnerships with local businesses and organizations that are looking for part-time employees. These opportunities can provide valuable industry experience and help students build professional connections. Sorbonne University's career services can provide guidance and support to international students seeking off-campus employment.

For students with an entrepreneurial spirit, Sorbonne University also encourages and supports student-led startups and initiatives. The university has incubators and acceleration programs that provide resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for students with innovative business ideas. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in starting and running their own ventures while still pursuing their academic goals.

International students at Sorbonne University can also take advantage of the university's strong alumni network. The alumni community often shares job opportunities, internships, and mentorship programs exclusively for current students. This network provides a valuable resource for students seeking career guidance and employment prospects. The university regularly hosts alumni networking events, career fairs, and workshops to facilitate these connections and enhance students' professional development.

Lastly, Sorbonne University offers scholarship programs that can provide financial support to international students. These scholarships may include tuition fee waivers, stipends, or other benefits that reduce the financial burden on students. This support allows students to focus more on their studies and gain valuable experience through internships or research projects without the added pressure of part-time work. Overall, Sorbonne University is committed to providing international students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed academically and professionally.

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Visa requirements

International students at Sorbonne University can participate in student exchange programs. The university also offers English-taught programs, and students need to have good IELTS or TOEFL exam scores to be admitted. Students will need to apply for a visa to study at Sorbonne University. The type of visa depends on the student's situation.

If you are already in France on a "minors attending school" visa, you can apply for a student residence permit within two months of turning 18. With a "simple" long-stay visa (VLS), you must submit your application for a residence permit within two months of your arrival in France. A long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is only valid as a residence permit once it has been validated.

If you are outside France, you will need to apply for a short-stay visa, which will enable you to apply for a permanent residence permit if you are successful in the competition for which the visa was issued. Foreign nationals who do not require a short-stay visa will still need to obtain a competition visa to apply for a student permit.

If your student permit expires before the end of your final year of study, you must apply for renewal within the statutory deadline. If you have refugee status, you may be exempt from the fixed fee.

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Course fees

Sorbonne University is a public institution of higher learning in Paris, France, with a world ranking of 63 and a European ranking of 31. It is a renowned, multidisciplinary institution with a strong focus on research. The university has four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Law.

The average tuition fee for Sorbonne University is between 8000 and 11500 euros per year. However, there are various scholarships and financial support options available for international students. The university offers partial and full scholarships for international students, including the Excellence Eiffel France scholarship, which is provided by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs for master's and PhD programs.

Students can also work part-time jobs for up to 20 hours per week to help cover their expenses. Additionally, students with financial difficulties can obtain assistance from the University, such as refunds of registration fees.

The university also offers academic coaching and counseling, special achievement support programs, and an international network of scholars and researchers. The masters programs at Sorbonne University offer degrees in medicine, science, information technology, management, and more.

In terms of registration procedures for international students, there are specific deadlines and requirements that must be met. These include visa applications, residence permits, and scholarship application dates. International students should refer to the Sorbonne University website and the Campus France site for detailed information on these procedures.

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Sorbonne University's ranking

Sorbonne University, a public institution of higher learning in Paris, France, is the product of a merger between Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University in 2018. The university has three faculties, covering science, engineering, medicine, and the arts and humanities. It is a world-class research university with a global outlook, offering monodisciplinary, bi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary programs. With 53,400 students, including 10,200 international students and 4,400 doctoral students, Sorbonne University is one of the top public universities in Paris.

Regarding rankings, QS World University Rankings placed Sorbonne University at number 60 in 2023 and number 63 in 2025. On the other hand, it is ranked #56 in Best Global Universities by US News, which uses thirteen widely accepted indicators of excellence to calculate the ranking.

Sorbonne University's reputation for excellence is further enhanced by its network of strategic partners and its position as the headquarters for the European Marine Biological Research Centre. The university has over 3,400 professor-researchers in its laboratories and collaborates with prominent French research organisations. This emphasis on research and innovation is also evident in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, where cutting-edge research units address contemporary issues such as climate change, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Frequently asked questions

No, Sorbonne University is not free for international students. The average tuition fee is between 8000 and 11500 euros. However, there are scholarship options available for international students, which can be partially or fully funded.

One notable scholarship available is the Excellence Eiffel France scholarship, provided by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and higher education. Sorbonne University also participates in student exchange programs.

The scholarship request must be made using the DSE electronically by connecting to the digital portal www.etudiant.gouv.fr. The deadline for submitting the request is May 15 of the year preceding the start of the academic year.

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