Sorbonne University is a public research university in Paris with more than 53,000 students, about 11,500 of them international.[1] It is ranked 73rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027.[2]
For 2026/27 the standard national tuition is €178 for a bachelor’s, €255 for a master’s and €398 for a doctorate.[3] Non-EU students in bachelor’s and master’s programmes pay higher national rates (€2,902 and €3,950) unless they are exempt.[4] Most programmes are taught in French; the usual requirement is level B2.[5]
Key facts
| Official name | Sorbonne Université |
| Location | Paris, France (main address 21 rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris)[1] |
| Type | Public research university[6] |
| Founded | 2018, by merging Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) and Pierre and Marie Curie University (UPMC, Paris VI); roots in the College of Sorbonne, 1257[6] |
| Students | More than 53,000, of which 11,500 international[1] |
| Doctoral candidates | 3,900[1] |
| Study programmes | 37 bachelor’s degrees and 240 master’s programmes[1] |
| Faculties | Arts and Humanities; Health (medicine and paramedical); Science and Engineering[1] |
| Research | 135 research units and 23 doctoral schools[1] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 73rd[2] |
| Main language of teaching | French (usually level B2 required; C1 for Medicine)[5] |
| Tuition 2026/27, standard rate | €178 bachelor’s · €255 master’s · €398 doctorate[3] |
| Tuition 2026/27, non-EU students (unless exempt) | €2,902 bachelor’s · €3,950 master’s[4] |
| Official website | sorbonne-universite.fr |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 5 November 2026.
About Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University (Sorbonne Université) was created on 1 January 2018 by merging Paris-Sorbonne University (Paris IV) and Pierre and Marie Curie University (UPMC, Paris VI).[6] The name goes back to the College of Sorbonne, founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon.[6]
The university has three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Health, and Science and Engineering.[1] Its main sites are the historic Sorbonne building in the Latin Quarter, the Pierre and Marie Curie campus at Jussieu and the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital campus, all in Paris.[6]
How is Sorbonne University ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, Sorbonne University is 73rd in the world. That makes it the third French institution in the ranking, behind PSL University (34th) and Institut Polytechnique de Paris (43rd); Université Paris-Saclay follows at 76th.[2]
The university’s own facts page adds claims in its own words: top French university in ocean sciences, top French university in European projects “including 78 ERC” (European Research Council), and 5 Nobel Prizes and 3 Fields Medals since 2004.[1] Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at Sorbonne University?
The university offers 37 bachelor’s degrees (with 45 bi-disciplinary options), 240 master’s programmes and doctoral studies in 23 doctoral schools.[1] Subjects are grouped in three faculties:[7]
- Arts and Humanities: arts, languages, literature, humanities and social sciences. Faculty website
- Health: medicine and paramedical studies. Faculty website
- Science and Engineering: sciences and engineering. Faculty website
Most programmes are taught in French. The Science and Engineering faculty says that certain master’s programmes are open to international students who do not have a B2 level in French, and refers to a separate page for its English-language programmes.[8]
How much does Sorbonne University cost in 2026/27?
| Level | Standard rate per year | Non-EU students per year (unless exempt) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (licence) | €178 | €2,902 |
| Master’s | €255 | €3,950 |
| Doctorate | €398 | €398 (no higher rate) |
These are national rates set by the French ministries for 2026/27.[3] The standard rate applies to students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. The higher “differentiated” rate applies to other nationalities in bachelor’s and master’s programmes; doctoral students are not affected.[4] Engineering degrees have a standard rate of €630.[3]
Who pays the standard rate anyway?
Some non-EU students pay the standard rate, among them holders of long-term resident permits, people who have been tax-resident in France for more than two years, refugees and holders of subsidiary protection, and students with a French government scholarship (full automatic waiver).[4] Decree No. 2026-385 of 19 May 2026 changed the waiver rules; students who already held a waiver before it was published keep it until they finish their current degree cycle at the same institution.[4]
Sorbonne’s exemption policy
On 7 July 2026 the Governing Board approved an exemption policy for 2026/27. Newly arrived non-EU students, and those changing degree programme, can apply for a partial or total exemption from the differentiated fees.[9] An exemption committee looks at personal financial resources, health, distance from family and disability.[3] The university states that its aim is for non-EU students to pay the same fees as other students.[9] Apply for the exemption; it is not automatic.
CVEC and other costs
Before you enrol you must pay the compulsory Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) to the CROUS, the regional student services body.[3] The amount is set nationally; see the official student portal. Tuition is only part of the bill: for rent and living costs in Paris, see our France guide and the Study in France guide.
How do you apply to Sorbonne University?
The route depends on the level and on your nationality and diploma.
- Bachelor’s, first year: if you hold a French or European baccalaureate, you apply through Parcoursup, the national platform for first-year applications. If you are from a country covered by the “Études en France” procedure and hold another diploma, you submit a Prior Admission Application (DAP) through Campus France; other cases use a paper DAP at the French embassy.[10]
- Master’s: non-EU applicants who work with Campus France apply through its Études en France platform. Applicants living in France, outside the Campus France network, or from the EU apply directly through eCandidat, Sorbonne’s own application interface.[11] Application windows typically run between November and June and differ by faculty and programme.[11]
- Doctorate: doctoral applications follow a separate procedure run by the university’s Doctoral College; see the doctorate pages of the study section.[7]
We give no deadlines here because they change every year and differ by programme. Check the timetable of your programme before you start. Visas can take several months, so contact the French consulate early.[11]
Which language level do you need?
For Arts and Humanities and for Science and Engineering the French requirement is generally level B2 or higher on the CEFR scale (the European scale from A1 to C2; B2 is upper-intermediate). Medicine requires level C1 for all its degree programmes.[5] For first-year bachelor’s enrolment a minimum of B2 is required.[10]
Sorbonne’s pages do not list which language certificates are accepted, so ask your programme before you book a test. The university offers intensive and regular French courses of 2 to 6 hours a week, depending on a placement test.[5] Some master’s programmes in Science and Engineering are open without B2 French.[8]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sorbonne University free for international students?
What is the difference between Sorbonne University and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne?
They are separate universities with separate admissions. Sorbonne University was formed in 2018 from Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) and UPMC (Paris VI).[6] Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is a different institution.
Do I need to speak French to study at Sorbonne University?
How do I apply as an international student?
How is Sorbonne University ranked?
It is 73rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, the third French institution after PSL (34th) and Institut Polytechnique de Paris (43rd).[2]
More about studying in France
- France: best universities
- Study in France: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
Sources
[1] Sorbonne University: Facts and figures (page updated 26 Sep 2025)
[2] Diplomeo: French universities in the QS 2027 ranking (QS publishes the ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (article updated 19 Jun 2026; QS edition released 18 Jun 2026)
[3] Sorbonne University: Enrolment procedures and tuition fees (page updated 22 Jul 2026)
[4] Campus France: Tuition fees in France (page updated 25 Jun 2026)
[5] Sorbonne University: Academic and language requirements (page updated 23 Oct 2024)
[6] Wikipedia: Sorbonne University (history, merger and campuses)
[7] Sorbonne University: Study at Sorbonne University (overview page)
[8] Sorbonne University, Faculty of Science and Engineering: Programs in French (page updated 27 Feb 2026)
[9] Sorbonne University: Governing Board approves its exemption policy for international students (decision of 7 Jul 2026)
[10] Sorbonne University International Welcome Desk: Admission to the first year (page without a date)
[11] Sorbonne University: How to apply for a master’s programme (page updated 25 Nov 2021, so confirm current dates with your programme)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.