Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Summary
Paris-Saclay is not an ordinary one-campus university. It federates university faculties, graduate schools, research laboratories, associated grandes écoles and partner institutions in a large academic and scientific network. This allows students to work in a broad research environment and with strong academic resources. The university is especially well known for its studies in the fields of mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering sciences, life sciences, chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, agricultural sciences, economics and innovation. Very relevant for students who want to research in depth, with scientific rigour and strong postgraduate progression.
Université Paris-Saclay offers undergraduate study at licence and bachelor’s level through its faculties, university institutes and associated schools. Undergraduate studies are offered in mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, engineering sciences, law, economics, management, social sciences, sports science, health-related studies, and multidisciplinary science programs. Many undergraduate programs are delivered in French so international applicants should carefully check language requirements before applying. Some internationally oriented tracks or member-school programs may offer English-taught components, but French readiness is important for most first-cycle study.
Through graduate schools, Paris-Saclay offers a very wide range of master’s programs at postgraduate level. Master's fields include mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, physics, chemistry, life sciences, engineering, energy, environment, climate, agriculture, food sciences, health, pharmacy, medicine-related research, economics, management, law, public policy, social sciences and humanities-related study. Graduate education is one of the university’s strongest areas because students can link coursework with research laboratories, internships, thesis projects and doctoral preparation.
Université Paris-Saclay is a major research university at PhD level. Doctoral studies are offered in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, life sciences, chemistry, health, medicine, pharmacy, economics, law, social sciences, environment, agriculture and interdisciplinary studies. PhD students typically work within doctoral schools and research laboratories and are often funded by doctoral contracts, research projects or external funding. The university is a great choice, especially attractive for students aiming for a career in research, academia, deep technology, applied science, public research organizations or high-level industry R&D.
French public university system is often used for fees for many programs. The CVEC for 2025/26 is €105, according to the official tuition page of Paris-Saclay. Public registration fees and any differentiated tuition policy are degree level dependent, student status and year. Students should check whether they are paying the standard national registration fees or any program-specific fee, as with other French public institutions. Some member-school or specialty programs may have alternative fee structures. That’s why program-level verification is so important before final tuition is released.
In summary, Université Paris-Saclay is the best choice for strong students who want a research-intensive French public university with great science and technology strength. It is of particular interest to students of mathematics, AI, data science, computer science, physics, engineering, life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, economics, law, sustainability, innovation and doctoral research.
About Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay)
The university is especially useful for students looking for training in science and technology. Paris-Saclay has major strengths in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine, pharmacy and environmental sciences. It provides a research environment supportive of students wishing to continue their education from bachelor’s to master’s and finally to PhD study.
Paris-Saclay also includes non-science programs in law, economics and management, social sciences, sports science and the humanities. This makes it wider than a purely technical institute. Students can study professional and research-oriented subjects, and still profit by a big scientific environment.
The proximity to Paris is a big plus for the university. Students will have access to research centres, businesses, startups, public laboratories, hospitals, engineering schools and international organizations. Students also need to prepare for French administrative procedures, accommodation planning, CVEC payment and language requirements.
If you're looking for a rigorous public university study in France with lots of research and career potential, Université Paris-Saclay is the right choice. This is especially relevant for students pursuing a career in science, engineering, AI, data, health, law, economics, sustainability and research.
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) History
Université Paris-Saclay was created in its current form in 2019.
Its academic roots include the former Paris-Sud University and other partner institutions.
The university was developed to strengthen France’s global research and higher education profile.
Paris-Saclay brought together faculties, grandes écoles and research organizations.
It became strongly associated with the Paris-Saclay science and innovation cluster.
The university developed major graduate schools and doctoral schools.
It strengthened research in mathematics, physics, computer science and life sciences.
Paris-Saclay expanded programs in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, law, economics and management.
The university built international partnerships and research collaborations.
It became one of France’s most visible research universities.
It continues to support doctoral education and laboratory-based research.
Today, Université Paris-Saclay is recognized as a leading French public research university.
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Highlights
Public research university near Paris
Current university form established in 2019
Located in the Paris-Saclay research and innovation cluster
Strong for mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, law, economics and research
Offers UG, PG and PhD study separately
Medium of instruction is mainly French, with selected English-taught master’s or international programs
2025/26 CVEC is €105
Public registration-fee model applies to many programs
Program-level fee verification is essential
Strong doctoral and laboratory network
Major option for students targeting scientific research
Good access to Paris and research institutions
Strong for AI, data, sustainability and deep technology fields
Suitable for academically strong international students
Important destination for master’s and PhD applicants
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Admission Process
Select UG, PG or PhD study level.
Choose the exact Paris-Saclay program and faculty or graduate school.
Check language of instruction and required language proof.
Prepare transcripts, certificates and passport documents.
Prepare CV, motivation letter, references or research proposal where required.
Submit the application through the correct French or university platform.
For PhD study, identify a supervisor and doctoral school.
Wait for application assessment.
Accept the offer if selected.
Complete registration, CVEC, visa, housing and enrollment steps.
Admission Details
- Paris-Saclay admission rules vary by program, faculty and student category.
- Many undergraduate programs are taught in French.
- Some master’s programs are English-taught or internationally oriented.
- CVEC is required for many students before administrative registration.
- Students should check whether differentiated fees apply to their status.
- PhD admission depends on supervision and doctoral school approval.
- International students should prepare visa and housing documents early.
- Final course, fee and language details should be verified before payment.
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
- Applicants should hold a recognized high school qualification.
- French language proficiency is required for many undergraduate programs.
- English proficiency may be required for selected English-taught or international programs.
- Science and engineering applicants should have strong Mathematics and Science preparation.
- Law, economics and social science applicants should have reading, writing and analytical readiness.
- Health-related applicants should check faculty-specific requirements carefully.
- Admission depends on academic record, language readiness, program capacity and application route.
PG Eligibility
- Applicants should hold a recognized bachelor’s degree.
- The degree should normally be relevant to the selected master’s program.
- French or English proficiency is required depending on program language.
- Some programs may require CV, motivation letter, references, research statement or interview.
- Scientific programs may require strong technical and methodological preparation.
- Program-level requirements should be checked carefully.
PhD Eligibility
- Applicants normally need a relevant master’s degree.
- A research proposal or defined research topic is usually required.
- Supervisor fit is essential.
- Doctoral school approval is required.
- Funding may be required or strongly recommended.
- Language requirements depend on doctoral school and laboratory expectations.
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Courses Fees
UG Fees
- Public Licence / Undergraduate Programs
- Fee Model: French public university registration-fee system for many programs
- CVEC 2025/26: €105 where applicable
- Approx Fee: Confirm the active national registration fee and any student-category policy before applying
- Duration: Usually 3 Years for licence-level study
- Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification, French language proficiency for French-taught programs and program-specific requirements
- Admission Mode: Paris-Saclay Undergraduate Admission Route
- Science, Engineering and Health Undergraduate Programs
- Fee Model: Public registration-fee system for many programs, with exact program-level confirmation required
- Duration: Usually 3 Years for licence-level study, longer for some health routes
- Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with strong Mathematics, Science and language preparation
- Admission Mode: Paris-Saclay Faculty / Program Admission Route
PG Fees
- Master’s Programs
- Fee Model: French public university registration-fee system for many programs
- CVEC 2025/26: €105 where applicable
- Approx Fee: Confirm the current master’s registration fee and any differentiated fee policy before applying
- Duration: Usually 2 Years
- Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, language proficiency and program-specific requirements
- Admission Mode: Paris-Saclay Master’s Admission Route
PhD Fees
- Doctoral Programs
- Fee Model: French public doctoral registration-fee system
- Approx Fee: Confirm the current doctoral registration fee and CVEC requirement before applying
- Duration: Usually 3 Years full-time in France
- Eligibility: Relevant master’s degree, research proposal, supervisor fit and doctoral school approval
- Admission Mode: Paris-Saclay Doctoral School Admission Route
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Scholarships
Université Paris-Saclay offers international scholarship opportunities for eligible master’s students.
French government scholarships may support selected international applicants.
Eiffel Excellence Scholarships may support eligible master’s and doctoral applicants.
Erasmus+ mobility funding may apply to eligible European mobility programs.
Doctoral students may receive doctoral contracts, research grants or laboratory funding.
Scholarship availability depends on nationality, program, academic merit and funding cycle.
Scholarship approval is not automatic after admission.
Students should check deadlines early.
A strong scholarship profile should show academic excellence and research potential.
Research applicants should explore funded doctoral projects and supervisor-linked funding.
Paris-Saclay University (UPSaclay) Career Outcomes
Paris-Saclay graduates can build careers in France, Europe and global markets.
Mathematics graduates can work in finance, data, research, analytics, teaching and technology.
Computer science graduates can enter software, AI, cybersecurity, data science and digital systems.
Engineering graduates can work in energy, manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, infrastructure and consulting.
Science graduates can pursue laboratory, biotechnology, environmental, materials and research careers.
Health and pharmacy graduates can enter biomedical research, pharmaceutical research, health systems and public health roles.
Law and economics graduates can pursue legal, policy, consulting, finance, public-sector and research careers.
PhD graduates can pursue academia, public research, industrial R&D, innovation and specialist technical leadership.
