With its scenic Eiffel Tower and delicious baguettes, France is often a symbol of art, culture, and culinary delights. But beyond its romantic destinations for tourists, international students are here to study in an economically stable yet peaceful country having some of the world’s best institutions.
A Ph.D., or Doctorate, from one of France’s many prestigious universities, is more than just a degree, it’s an opportunity to gain a world-class education while exploring a rich cultural heritage. With globally recognized qualifications and excellent prospects, studying in France can be a life-changing experience.
Curious about how to start your Ph.D. journey in France? Keep reading to find out!
Ph.D. Degree Admission Requirements
There are around 266 doctoral schools in France offering Ph.D. programs and the admission requirements of each university differ, but the scope of the requirements is generally similar. Take a look at the list below for some general requirements that you may come across.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| College and University Transcripts (Masters /Diploma Results) |
In order to apply for a Ph.D., applicants need to submit their grades and transcripts which show their master’s degree was obtained successfully. |
| Passport Copy |
This is a general requirement that comes along when applying to any university or program abroad. A passport is needed for security and verification purposes. |
| Statement of Purpose / Letter of Motivation |
This document is a reflection of the candidates’ intent, thought process, and career path, which helps universities accept or reject students, based on their analysis. Toulouse School of Management and École de Management Appliqué (EMA) have mentioned it clearly on their websites to submit the Letter of Motivation. |
| Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources |
Universities must assess the financial situation of candidates applying for a doctoral program. Bank and financial statements or proof of external funding needs to be provided. |
| Reference Letters |
For Ph.D. programs, universities such as HEC Paris have made it mandatory to submit two online reference forms by professors while Toulouse School of Management has reference letters in their admission checklist as an optional component. These letters coming from either professors or business references prove the performance of candidates in professional and educational settings. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Ph.D. Studies
Even though it may seem that French is the only medium of instruction in France, the popularity of English is constantly growing, with universities having programs being taught in English. However, students need to submit proof of their language proficiency, which is done via test scores.
Some universities have international staff members and the medium of communication is majorly in English such as HEC Paris where the score requirements for TOEFL and IELTS are 100 IBT and 7.5 respectively. Similarly, Aix-Marseille University accepts TCF/DELF/DALF with at least B1 level and in English IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC/university certificate equivalent to B2 level. However, universities may increase or decrease the minimum requirements based on the intensity of some programs.
Ph.D Degree Application Process
Applying to universities can be complex and overwhelming with lengthy procedures and formalities. We have tried to break down the application process into simple steps to make your journey easier.
Step 1: Finding a Thesis Topic and Supervisor
The very first key step is to start searching for a thesis topic in relation to the field you are interested in, and the one that aligns with your previous educational years. Next, you need to prepare a proposal that can be sent out to possible supervisors. If you’re lucky enough and get accepted by a supervisor who is also fine with your area of research, you can move on to the next step. You can also refer to the Ph.D. application process of the University of Angers, which also advocates the thesis topic and supervisor be confirmed first and foremost.
Step 2: Applying to the University
The next step is also based on hunting, but this time you’re supposed to look for universities that offer research subjects that align with your field. However tiring this may sound, there are multiple websites and search engines available online which have made the process much easier for all the applicants. After finding the best fit, you can start off with the application process, which is mainly online.
Step 3: Gathering and Submitting Application Documents
Alongside filling out the rigorous online application forms, candidates need to submit an unending list of documents to support their application which includes passport copies, previous transcripts including the master’s certificates, reference letters, statement of purpose, and much more. These document requirements are distinct for each university apart from the generic ones, which can be cross-checked via the admission portals and websites of the university in consideration. This step should be taken in accordance with the application cycles and deadlines of universities.
Step 4: Securing Funding
Most universities tend to have funding opportunities reserved specifically for Ph.D. programs and that can be checked for on official university sites. In case there is funding available, and that is also for your area of study, you can immediately apply for it and figure out your expenses and budgeting for your stay in France.
Step 5: Applying for a Visa Application
After going through the entire process, the visa is the last straw. In alignment with the days of the commencement of your classes and university, you need to apply for a French student visa as soon as possible, trying to avoid any delays or mishaps.
FAQs: Ph.D. Application Process in France
Is it Expensive to Study Ph.D. in France?
Choosing to study for a doctorate in France is not considered expensive considering that there are multiple public universities with very low tuition fees where both international and domestic students have to pay the same. In fact, France is said to be relatively cheaper for Ph.D. when compared to the rest of Europe.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in France?
Yes, there are various scholarships available for foreign graduate students, which can be provided by either the institutions themselves or the state. Some of the well-known scholarships include Eiffel Excellence Scholarships and Erasmus+. There are even more scholarships available, which provide international students a chance to fulfill their dream of getting a quality education at extremely low costs.
With a brief overview of Ph.D. opportunities in France, it’s clear that the country offers much more than top-quality academics. It combines world-class education with a chance to experience its rich romantic culture, making it a truly rewarding journey for any aspiring scholar!
We hope you make use of this article as you apply for a Ph.D. program in France. Learn more about this country by checking our France Study Guide and Available Programs sections!
