History of Sorbonne University

The roots of Sorbonne University trace back to 1257, when the Sorbonne College was created by Robert de Sorbon, chaplain to King Louis IX of France, as a theological college.

The centuries saw the Sorbonne grow into a beacon of intellectual distinction, with a pivotal role in the creation of the University of Paris.

In 2018, the new Sorbonne University was formed by the consolidation of:

• Paris-Sorbonne University (Humanities)
• Pierre and Marie Curie University (Sciences and Medicine)

Such merger combined a multidisciplinary academic institution with excellence in humanities, sciences, medicine, and engineering, and is presently one of the top-ranked universities worldwide.

Academic Programs at Sorbonne University

Sorbonne University has an extensive range of degree programs across its three major faculties:

1. Faculty of Arts and Humanities

• Literature
• History
• Philosophy
• Classical and Modern Languages
• Music and Musicology
• Art History and Archeology

2. Faculty of Science and Engineering

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Biological Sciences

3. Faculty of Medicine

• Medical Sciences
• Nursing
• Biomedical Engineering
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Joint programs and interdisciplinary research are encouraged by Sorbonne University in addition to joint programs and collaborations in research. The majority of the programs are in French but some master’s and doctoral studies are in English.

Staff and Faculty

Sorbonne University is proud to have a renowned international academic staff who consist of:

• 6,700 research and teaching professors
• Illustrious Nobel Prize laureates, Fields Medalists, and CNRS researchers
• Invited regular professors from the best universities worldwide
• CNRS, INSERM, and INRIA collaborative researchers

The teaching faculty prioritizes academic freedom, scientific innovation, and quality instruction, creating an encouraging environment for students and researchers alike.

Scholarships at Sorbonne University (Particularly for International Students)

Sorbonne University offers various scholarship opportunities to international and domestic students, seeking to make education accessible to everyone. Here’s a detailed look into the types of available scholarships:

1. MIEM (International Mobility Scholarships)

• Sponsored by: Île-de-France Region
• Intended for: International Master’s students
• Amount: Up to €10,000 per year
• Disciplines: Science, Humanities, Medicine
• Qualifications: Must be a fresh master’s student pursuing studies at Sorbonne University

2. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

• Sponsored by: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
• Targeted at: International students who are pursuing Master’s and PhD
• Amount:
  • Master’s: €1,181/month
  • Doctorate: €1,700/month
  • Plus: Travel, health insurance, and cultural activities
• Fields: Science, Engineering, Law, Economics, and Political Science
• Highly competitive and prestigious

3. Scholarships by Sorbonne University Foundation

• Type: Merit-based
• Amount: Between €1,000 to €6,000
• Open to: International and French students in all faculties
• Additional grants are available for research projects and study-abroad semesters

4. Campus France Scholarships

• International scholarship portal provided by numerous French organizations
• There are country-specific scholarships (e.g., for India, Pakistan, China, Brazil, etc.)

5. ERASMUS+ Scholarships

• For exchange students from partner and European countries
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses
• Eligible programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degree programs

Important Note: Early application is generally required for most scholarships. Students must prepare early files at least 6–8 months prior to the intake.

Campus Life and International Relations

Sorbonne University is truly international:

• More than 55,000 students, of whom 10,200 international students from 130+ nations
• Agreements with 500+ world universities
• Double degree and joint PhD programmes
• Multicultural student societies, clubs, and services
• Situated in the heart of Paris, with a diverse cultural and academic setting

Sorbonne University Address

Main Campus Address:
Sorbonne University
1 Rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris, France
Situated in the Latin Quarter, with historic monuments and lively Parisian atmosphere around.

Contact Information

• Email: contact@sorbonne-universite.fr
• Phone: +33 (0)1 44 27 44 27
• International Student Office: international@sorbonne-universite.fr
• Admissions: admission@sorbonne-universite.fr

Final Thoughts

Sorbonne University is a beacon of academic heritage and innovation in Europe. With world-class teachers, multicultural programs, and ample scholarships, it keeps on attracting the brightest minds globally. Whether you’re aiming to study literature in the same halls where Rousseau once walked or conduct groundbreaking research in quantum physics, Sorbonne offers the resources, prestige, and inspiration you need.