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Across France, 24 universities offer 37 PhD programs — most run 4–6 years. The list starts with courses at PSL University, Sorbonne University and Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon.
Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chausees — The PhD program at Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chausees is designed for those seeking advanced research training and expertise in various fields of engineering and appli...
Central Supélec — Course OverviewThe PhD in Engineering Sciences and Systems at Central Supélec equips students with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and methodologi...
American Graduate School in Paris — The Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy at the American Graduate School in Paris is an advanced study program designed for those who wish to delve into complex...
Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon — The Ph.D. in Philosophy at Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon offers a rigorous examination of philosophical thought, exploring fundamental questions regarding existence,...
American Graduate School in Paris — The PhD in Economic Sciences with a focus on Business Administration at the American Graduate School in Paris is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and an...
American Graduate School in Paris — The PhD in Economic Sciences with a focus on the Economics module at the American Graduate School in Paris is an advanced program designed to equip students with a compre...
PSL University — PSL PhD tracks are 5-year fully funded programs intended for high-potential students who aim to become top-level researchers. Students study a Master’s-Doctorate curricul...
Sorbonne University — The third cycle of medical studies at Sorbonne University follows studies leading to diplomas under national regulations, under the educational and administrative supervi...
Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon — The Doctorate program at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon is a comprehensive and rigorous academic endeavor aimed at equipping scholars with advanced research skills acro...
Sciences Po — Sciences Po PhD Programmes are designed for students who want to pursue a career in teaching or research, as well as roles in international organisations, advisory servic...
Université de Toulouse-le-Mirail (Toulouse III) — The Doctorate program at Université Paul Sabatier (Toulouse III) offers a rigorous and comprehensive approach to advanced research across a diverse array of fields. This...
Université Bourgogne - Franche-Comté
Université de Caen Basse Normandie — The Doctorate program at Université de Caen Basse Normandie offers an intensive academic experience designed for researchers and scholars aiming to contribute original kn...
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon — The Doctorate in Doctoral Training at the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA Lyon) provides a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to cultiv...
Université de Technologie de Compiègne — The Doctorate program at Université de Technologie de Compiègne offers a profound opportunity for advanced research in a variety of fields, including technology, engineer...
Université de Technologie de Troyes — The PhD in Sciences and Technologies at Université de Technologie de Troyes offers a rigorous and comprehensive exploration of advanced scientific principles and technolo...
Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'Etat — The Formation Doctorale at École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État is designed for those aspiring to pursue advanced research in public works and civil engineering....
Ecole Nationale Supérieure en Electrotechnique, Electronique, Informatique et Hydraulique de Toulouse — To complete a doctorate at ENSEEIHT, you must hold a national Master’s degree or another qualification that gives the Master’s degree level. Admission then depends on you...
SKEMA Business School — The Global DBA in Sustainability at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Lille is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of sustainability within the...
SKEMA Business School — The PhD in Management at the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Lille provides an advanced and comprehensive understanding of management principles through rigorous academic...
SKEMA Business School — The PhD in Management at SKEMA Business School is designed for those aspiring to delve deep into the realms of management theory and practice. Students will explore vario...
SKEMA Business School — The Professional PhD program at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Lille is designed for individuals seeking to advance their academic research while also addressing real-wo...
Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration Economique — The Doctorat at ENSAE Paris is delivered through two doctoral schools: the multidisciplinary doctoral school of Institut Polytechnique de Paris and the Doctoral School of...
in France
Programs at other levels
5 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #28 (PSL University) to #580 (Université de Toulouse-le-Mirail (Toulouse III)); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. Sorbonne University has the largest research record in this group, with 33,990,197 citations and an h-index of 1,466. 4 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".
The most common subjects are Science (9), Education (4), Business & Management (4) and Business Administration (MBA) (3). The usual length is 4–6 years and 3 years. 97% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). SKEMA Business School offers the widest choice, with 4 of these courses.
PSL University (QS World #28), Sorbonne University (QS World #63) and Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (QS World #187) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.
Of those with published fees, PSL University is the least expensive at about USD 4,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.
Most listed courses run 4–6 years, with 3 years the next most common.
Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.
SKEMA Business School, with 4, ahead of Rennes School of Business (3).
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