How to Apply for a PhD in France

France has long been an attractive destination for pursuing a doctoral degree. Each year, many non-EU students choose France and its diverse educational environment for their PhD studies. It is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for doctoral studies, thanks to its world-renowned universities, cutting-edge research institutions, and diverse academic culture, as well as the enduring charm of the French language, captivating arts, and literature. 

The county’s academic prestige and reputation attract thousands of international students who apply for PhDs in France every year. Additionally, French education is highly regarded for its structured doctoral programs, reasonable tuition, and salaried positions options, which make it even more financially affordable.  

Despite all these advantages and benefits, the application process for French PhD positions can be complex, as it involves navigating the French higher education system, securing funding, and complying with visa and residency requirements. In this guide, we will explore some of the key aspects of applying for a PhD program in France. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the PhD application process in France, covering eligibility criteria, daily life as a doctoral candidate, and additional information.

Read more: Phd Positions in France

Eligibility and Entry Requirements

Let's start step by step and check on the essential requirements from the start. To begin with, applicants, whether EU or non-EU students,  must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Since French doctoral studies are the third cycle of higher education under the Bologna framework, having or completing a second-cycle qualification (Master’s level) is mandatory and critical. 

Although there are a few exceptions, particularly in scientific or engineering fields, a substantial research background may compensate for an incomplete Master’s, but the university’s doctoral school must support it.

Language-wise, universities typically require official transcripts, diplomas, and, in some cases, certified translations into French or English. Please verify the language of instruction, which varies by discipline and institution, before submitting your application. 

Many programs in science and technology are taught in English, whereas those in the humanities and social sciences often require proficiency in a language other than English, such as French. Standardized language certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, or DALF may be requested. 

Bear in mind that it's also essential to demonstrate previous research experience, ideally through a Master’s thesis, research internship, or publication record, to show their ability to conduct autonomous scholarly and research work. Before checking the rest of the article, let's take a quick look at what studying for a PhD degree is like in three major cities of France. 

Finding a Supervisor and Research Environment

The next step is finding a suitable supervisor who matches your field and interests. This is the most decisive and influential step of the entire process. In France, PhD positions are often affiliated with research laboratories within universities or national research organizations, such as CNRS, INRAE, or INSERM. 

You have two options to start a doctorate: either through a predefined project that is already proposed and funded, or take the more challenging path and design your own research topic and approach a professor to supervise it.

In both cases, you must align with the essential aspects of the program and the ongoing research themes of the potential supervisor. Read some of their recent publications and send a concise, well-prepared email that introduces your background, research interests, and motivation. 

If you’re looking for open PhD positions, ApplyKite’s smart search tool lists all recent programs in France by university and field, ensuring you don’t miss any opportunities.

If you need a suitable supervisor, ApplyKite also helps you find and contact professors and research mentors across French universities based on your area of interest. Ensure you are on the right track and that no positions are missed. 

Read more: Popular Subjects to Study in France

Application Process and Required Documents

The formal application is usually submitted to the doctoral school or the host university. It includes several key documents.

A research proposal is at the heart of your application, especially if you are suggesting your own topic. It should outline your primary research question, theoretical framework, methodology, and expected contribution to the field. A realistic timeline and a brief literature review help demonstrate feasibility and awareness of the discipline.

Alongside the proposal, you must include academic transcripts and diplomas from your Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, in French or English translation if necessary. Most universities also require two scholarly references, a curriculum vitae summarizing your research achievements, and a motivation letter explaining why you wish to pursue a PhD in France and how the program aligns with your long-term goals.

Each institution provides its own administrative forms, which must be completed precisely and submitted by the deadline. French universities are famously strict about documentation, so make sure every requirement is met before submission.

Here’s a more concise and fluid version of those five sections — preserving all key information while tightening phrasing, merging repetitive points, and improving readability for publication or brochure-style content:

Funding and Financial Support for a Doctoral Degree

Perhaps the most unique feature that has made Franc an exceptional doctoral student PhD is the contrat doctoral, which is essentially a three-year employment contract offering PhD candidates salaried positions at their university or research institute. These positions offer a gross monthly income of approximately €1,800–€2,200 and include comprehensive social security coverage.

Additionally, several funding opportunities are available. The French government offers the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, while the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program supports international mobility projects. Other options include bilateral exchange scholarships and industry partnerships, particularly in the fields of applied sciences and engineering.

If you are searching for more details, not only can you check the position's details, fees, and funding on ApplyKite, but you can also use a special AI search feature to find programs tailored to your situation and needs. 

Admission, Enrollment, and Selection

The next step is to complete the admission form after submitting your application. Most doctoral schools and research labs assess your admission based on past academic merit, research quality, and alignment with their preferences and interests. Desired candidates are invited to an interview, online or in person, to discuss their project, motivation, and methodology.

Successful applicants then complete university enrollment, paying an annual registration fee of approximately €380–€500 and finalize their residency paperwork. This registration process should be renewed annually until the thesis defense and the entire program are completed. Pay close attention to the specific requirements of each program or university before completing the application. 

Visa, Residency, and Everyday Life for Doctoral Candidates in France

When you have passed all previous steps, be aware that there is still some complexity involved in visa processing, especially for international students from non-EU/EEA countries. International students seeking to pursue a PhD degree in France must carry a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), which requires an admission letter, proof of sufficient funding, and accommodation details. Campus France often assists in processing these applications.

Fortunately, all PhD students in France are covered by social security, which includes healthcare benefits. Housing is available through CROUS student residences, although spaces are limited; many students opt for private rentals instead. Living costs vary by city; Paris and Lyon are generally more expensive, while towns like Lille, Grenoble, or Montpellier tend to be more affordable.

Structure of the PhD and Academic Life

Doctoral studies in France typically last three years (sometimes extended to four) and require full-time research. Some doctoral schools may include short courses on methodology or transferable skills.

Candidates meet regularly with their supervisors and complete annual evaluations to monitor their progress: workshops and interdisciplinary events organized by the doctoral school foster collaboration and professional growth.

The PhD concludes with the thesis defense (soutenance de thèse), where candidates publicly present their research to a jury after external reviewers assess the manuscript. Successful defense leads to the official award of the doctoral degree. 

If your program has exceptional circumstances or requirements, you can check them on the ApplyKite platform. All you need to do is visit our website and choose the positions from the solution section. Plus, you can simply fact-check the requirements, program duration, past experiences, and also future career opportunities on the AI service of AppyKite, which not only assesses your situation but also offers solutions tailored to your needs.