Applying to a PhD in France: Your Doctorate Guide

Applying for a PhD in France comes with its own set of customs, systems, and (yes) paperwork rituals. You’ll need all the usual ingredients (academic credentials, a research idea, funding) but you’ll also find yourself navigating a few delightfully specific processes that feel uniquely French.

Luckily, the system is much less mysterious once you know where to look and what to prepare. Whether you’re searching for a supervisor or deciding which visa to pick (spoiler: there’s more than one), the key to success is preparation, persistence, and, occasionally, making sure your application fits into a single PDF under a very specific file size.

Let’s unpack what’s involved.

Key Takeaways

• Begin by identifying a supervisor and research area. University doctoral schools, lab websites, and platforms like the Campus France PhD portal and ADUM are all excellent starting points. You’ll also want to browse listings from CNRS, INRIA, and other research institutions.
• You’ll need to assemble a full dossier: transcripts, proof of language proficiency, a CV, letters of reference, and a research proposal. If these aren’t in French or English, be prepared to translate (officially).
• Funding options include doctoral contracts (contrats doctoraux), the Eiffel Excellence Program, institutional fellowships from places like PSL University, and industry collaborations such as CIFRE grants.
• In most cases, you’ll contact supervisors and doctoral schools directly. Non-EU students from countries covered by the Études en France system will also need to complete a Campus France procedure for visa purposes after you’ve secured an offer.
• When applying for a visa, you’ll need to select the correct purpose of stay. If you’ve got a hosting agreement or doctoral contract, that typically means applying under the Passeport Talent – Chercheur category, rather than the more generic “student” visa.

Who’s Eligible to Apply for a PhD in France?

Before rushing off to find a lab, it’s worth making sure you tick the eligibility boxes. France doesn’t ask for anything outlandish, but it is particular.

You’ll need a Master’s degree, either completed or nearing completion. Ideally, this should follow the Bologna Process and be relevant to the research field you’re entering.

In addition to your degree, expect to provide:

• Proof of language proficiency (English or French, depending on your programme)
• Letters of reference
• Translated and attested academic transcripts, which may need to be officially certified or translated by a sworn translator (often into French). Some universities require legalised French translations; others accept English. This will depend on both your country of origin and the policies of the doctoral school in question.

You’ll also need to show you have the financial means to support yourself. This is typically done through:

• A doctoral contract (salaried position)
• A scholarship or fellowship
• Or, in some cases, personal funds (though this is less common for full-time research doctorates)

And yes, alignment with the university’s academic focus areas is also important. Some institutions are more flexible; others have tightly defined research priorities.

Bottom line: check the specific application instructions for the university and doctoral school you’re applying to—early and often.

Finding a Research Topic and Supervisor

If eligibility is the foundation, your research topic and supervisor are the heart of your application.

There are three main ways to approach this in France:

1. Apply to a pre-defined project listed by a doctoral school
2. Pick up a laboratory defined project that’s already been scoped
3. Propose your own topic, assuming it fits within the lab’s current research direction

Whichever route you choose, remember: you’ll be living and breathing this topic for at least three years during your PhD programme whilst you write up your thesis. Choose something you’re either genuinely passionate about or something you’re willing to become passionate about under deadline pressure.

To start identifying supervisors and potential projects, search:

• Doctoral school websites
• Lab homepages from CNRS, INRIA, or INSERM
• The Campus France PhD portal (doctorat.campusfrance.org)
• The ADUM platform (used by some doctoral schools for advertised positions)

The ideal supervisor is one whose research aligns with your interests and who is actually available to take on a doctoral student. That second part is crucial. Reach out early, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about lab culture, mentorship style, and project feasibility.

Good supervision is about more than just expertise. Consider availability, communication style, and how well the lab’s resources align with your research.

Funding Your PhD in France

Now for the question everyone eventually asks: “How do I fund this?”

In France, the most common funding model is the doctoral contract (contrat doctoral). This is a salaried PhD position offered by universities or research institutions. These are competitive but often well-structured.

Beyond this, there are several national and institutional scholarships worth exploring, including:

• The Eiffel Excellence Program (targeted at top international candidates)
• Scholarships coordinated through French embassies and regional partnerships

Bear in mind that these schemes each come with their own application procedures and deadlines, often set several months in advance.

The PhD tuition fee itself is relatively low at public French universities, just €380-€400 per year (for the 2023–2024 academic year, the fee is €380). That’s the good news. The trickier part is covering living costs, travel, and research expenses, which can vary significantly by city and field.

That’s where institutional packages come in. Some of the most competitive come from:

• PSL University
• Research centres like CNRS or INRIA
• Elite institutions such as Écoles Normales Supérieures or Grandes Écoles, particularly in STEM fields

There are also industry-funded options, such as the CIFRE scheme, which supports PhDs in partnership with companies.

Don’t overlook:

• External research grants
• Private foundations
• Project-based funding from labs or supervisors

Just be sure to review the conditions of each funding type: duration, renewability, and whether specific language requirements or academic prerequisites apply. Funding is out there but like the best croissants in Paris, you’ll need to go out and find it.

Understanding the Admissions Process

Once you’ve got your research plan and supervisor lined up, it’s time to tackle the application process. This isn’t overly complex, but there are two tracks to be aware of, depending on your nationality.

All PhD applicants in France apply directly to doctoral schools or labs, usually after securing agreement from a potential supervisor. But if you’re a non-EU citizen from a country participating in the Études en France (EEF) programme, you’ll also need to complete a separate Campus France procedure for your visa application, after you’ve received your admission offer.

Application timelines vary:

• Some universities have fixed deadlines, often early in the calendar year (e.g., January or February)
• Others use a rolling admissions model

Regardless, you’ll need to prepare:

• Academic transcripts
• A Curriculum Vitae
• A detailed research proposal (unless you’re applying for a pre-defined project)
• A motivation letter

Throughout, maintain close communication with your supervisor. In many cases, PhD candidates in France are not just students, they’re contracted staff members.

Clarify whether you’ll be registered as a student, an employee, or both. This can impact your access to university services, salary, taxes, and yes, even housing accommodation eligibility.

Sorting Out Your Visa and Residence Status

If you’re an international student and planning to stay longer than 90 days – which you are – you’ll need a visa.

Most PhD students with a doctoral contract or hosting agreement (convention d’accueil) will apply for the Passeport Talent – Chercheur visa. This is a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) that doubles as a residence permit.

In cases where you’re funded by a scholarship but don’t hold an employment contract, you might need a standard student visa instead.

The application process starts at the France-Visas website. If you’re from an Études en France country, you must also complete the Campus France process in parallel, through your local French embassy or consulate.

Be prepared to submit:

• Proof of university admission (often your hosting agreement)
• Evidence of financial means (such as a scholarship letter or doctoral contract)
• Language proficiency documentation, if required
• Valid identity documents and proof of citizenship/residency

And here’s a non-negotiable detail: when selecting your purpose of stay, make sure you pick the category that matches your situation (usually “research” if you’re under a doctoral contract). This choice directly affects your visa outcome as it determines your legal status in France.

Assembling Your PhD Programme Application Documents

Let’s not sugar-coat this part: it’s admin-heavy. But a well-prepared dossier can save you weeks of back-and-forth.

You’ll typically need:

• A valid passport or national ID
• An updated CV
• Academic transcripts with official translations if they aren’t in French or English
• Degree certificates of higher education
• Proof of current academic enrolment, if you’re finishing a Master’s
• A research proposal, which may be short (for advertised topics) or quite detailed (up to 10 pages) for self-designed projects
• Language certificates
• Reference letters
• And, where applicable, funding documentation

Universities may also specify formatting requirements: consolidating everything into a single PDF, observing file size limits, naming conventions, or even font types. Yes, really.

Here’s a quick format breakdown for reference:

Start early, stay organised, and keep a checklist. And remember: while the paperwork might feel overwhelming, it’s your golden ticket to studying—and researching—in one of the world’s most intellectually rich academic environments.