France is a beautiful country known for its culture, history, and world-class education system. Many international students choose France for their higher studies, including PhD programs. F
rench universities offer high-quality research, affordable tuition, and many programs in English, especially for doctoral studies.
If you are interested in doing a PhD in France, this article will guide you step by step in a simple way.
1. Understand the PhD System in France
In France, a PhD (called Doctorat) is a research-based degree that takes about three years of full-time study. It is offered by doctoral schools within universities or research institutions.
During the PhD, you will work closely with a supervisor (or director of research), conduct original research, write a thesis (dissertation), and defend it before a jury.
PhD programs in France are usually paid positions. You can be hired as a doctoral researcher and receive a monthly salary, especially if your position is funded by the government or a research project.
2. Choose Your Research Field
A PhD requires focused and independent research, so you must first choose a subject area and a specific research topic you are interested in.
Ask yourself:
- What subject am I passionate about?
- What did I study in my bachelor’s and master’s degrees?
- What research problems would I like to solve?
Common fields in France include science, engineering, health, social sciences, economics, arts, and humanities.
3. Look for PhD Offers in France
There are two main ways to get into a PhD program in France:
- Apply for an open PhD position – These are listed on university websites or special job portals. They usually include funding.
- Find a supervisor and propose your own project – This is more common in humanities or arts. You may need to arrange your own funding.
To search for PhD offers, use these websites:
- PhD in France
- Campus France
- Euraxess
- University websites
4. Find a Supervisor or Doctoral School
Every PhD student in France needs a research supervisor. You can:
- Look up university departments or research labs
- Read about faculty members and their research
- Send a polite email to express your interest
In your email, include:
- A short introduction of yourself
- Your academic background
- Your research interests or proposal
- Your CV
Some universities require you to apply through a doctoral school (École doctorale), which manages PhD students and research teams.
5. Prepare Your Application
To apply for a PhD in France, you usually need:
- A master’s degree or equivalent
- A good academic transcript
- A CV or resume
- A research proposal or project idea
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language skills (English or French)
Most science and technology PhD programs are in English, but some programs in arts or social sciences may require French. If the program is in English, you may need IELTS or TOEFL scores.
6. Apply to the Program or Position
If you are applying to a funded PhD position, follow the instructions on the job posting. You may need to:
- Submit your documents online
- Attend an interview (online or in person)
- Wait for acceptance from the doctoral school or supervisor
If you are proposing your own topic, you will work with a supervisor to finalize the plan and submit it to the doctoral school.
7. Apply for a Visa and Prepare for Travel
Once you are accepted into a PhD program, you will need to apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) if you are from outside the EU.
Steps to get your visa:
- Register on Campus France
- Complete the online application
- Attend a visa interview at the French embassy or consulate
- Submit your acceptance letter and proof of funding
Also, arrange your accommodation, health insurance, and travel.
8. Scholarships and Funding
Most PhD positions in France come with funding, but you can also apply for scholarships like:
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
- French Government Scholarships
- Doctoral contracts from universities
- CNRS, INRIA, or INSERM funded research projects
Funding often includes a monthly salary (around €1,400–€1,800), health insurance, and research expenses.
Conclusion
Getting a PhD in France is a great opportunity. You can work in a strong research environment, get paid for your work, and experience life in a beautiful and culturally rich country.
With the right planning, documents, and research interest, you can start your PhD journey in France with confidence.