RESEARCHIN FRANCEA HOW-TO GUIDEFOR PhDSDEA HOW-TO GUI
FOR PHDS
Contents• Why pursue a PhD in France?

2• How can you register in a PhD
programme?

4• What are the admission criteria
for PhD programmes?

6• How do you choose a PhD research
topic?
7• What language can you use foryour thesis?

8• What are the types of PhD
programmes?

9• Which PhD contract is best suited foryou?
11• How can you fund your PhD?

12

• What can you do after your PhD
in France?

16• Research and Innovation in Europe 20• The Research in France Portal

22

Why pursue a PhD
in France?
France has a demonstrated track record of excellence in research,innovation and culture. To date, the approach to higher education is
steeped in Enlightenment philosophy, advocating the fundamentalrole of knowledge and scientific discovery. The need for progress andadvancement in areas such as art, science and industry contributes
to the development of national, European and global innovations for
fundamental and applied research.
Research in France can be conducted in specialised institutions suchas universities, Grandes Ecoles, research laboratories, businesses,
foundations and other research bodies. The most brilliant minds
across the globe are drawn to these institutions as their reputation of
excellence fosters the desire to work on international scientific projects.
France also provides dynamic scientific environments with quality
working conditions for PhD candidates. As funding your PhD is
compulsory throughout the thesis-writing process, a large numberof funding opportunities have been made available. These include
scholarship programmes, PhD contracts, employment contracts inthe public or private sector and international partnerships. You will
be diligently guided and supervised for the entire duration of yourprogramme as you learn the techniques of research through research.
Compared to other countries, France has very competitive tuition
fees for PhD programmes, currently standing at €380 per year.

Cover photo:Sample of a reef fragment collected 23 metres
deep in the town of Roscoff, Bretagne.
© Laurence Godart & Dim Pamir / UMR7590 - UMR8212 /CNRS Images

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Research in computer science, robotics and microelectronics.
© France Universités

71 500

PhD students in France in 2023

38%

international PhD students

4th

most popular study destination
for international PhD students(OECD)

Écoles Universitaires
de Recherche (EUR)
The Écoles Universitaires de Recherche (EUR) are a typeof graduate school in France. They are communities ofuniversities, schools and research bodies with added
financial resources that bring together graduate andpostgraduate programmes, as well as one or more highlevel research laboratories.
Students selected to join a EUR are therefore guaranteed
an exceptional research environment.
To date, there are 58 EURs offering an environmentof excellence. They aim to train students in researchstarting at the master’s level, and assist them with theirprofessional integration.1

1

Research
in France

4th

in the world for Nobel Prizes

2ndin the world for Fields Medals

2ndin Europe for filing European
patents€55,5 bn

in R&D expenditure in 2021,
representing 2.22% of GDP

 or the full list of EURs in 2023, visit www.campusfrance.org/en > ResearchersF> Écoles Universitaires de Recherche

3How can you register in a PhD programme?
PRE-PhD PROGRAMMESIn countries such as the United
Kingdom, Belgium and Norway, prePhD training is the standard. These
short programmes involve introducing
international students to the world of
research and preparing them to pursue
their PhD. Students will learn how to
conduct research while laboratory
directors are given an opportunity tomeet potential candidates.
Such programmes have been on therise in France. The Fondation Sciences
Mathématiques de Paris manages
14 laboratories specialised in scienceand mathematics with more than
1,800 researchers and 5 Fields Medal
recipients. The foundation offers pre-PhD
training in addition to its PhD andpostdoctoral programmes.
ENS Paris-Saclay’s yearlong pre-PhD
programme abroad:https://ens-paris-saclay.fr/en/masters/ensparis-saclay-degree/year-pre-doctoralresearch-abroad-arpe

Institut Pasteur’s pre-PhD internships
and programmes:
https://www.pasteur.fr/en/education/
programs-and-courses/internships-andpre-doctoral-programs
2

STARTING YOUR PhD
PROGRAMME
To start your PhD programme, you must
follow a number of steps: i) identify
your research area; ii) find one ormore potential thesis advisors who willapprove your research project; and iii)
select the type of research institution
where you will pursue your PhD.
Have you decided to pursue a PhD?
Here is what you need to do, step bystep:•	Identify the subject and specialisation
linked to your master’s degree.
•	Identify the graduate schools (écoles
doctorales, etc.) and research bodies
that focus on this subject.
•	
Visit the graduate schools’ websites
to apply for existing opportunities or
propose a research topic.

•	Once the graduate school has
accepted your application, and uponreceiving approval from your thesis
advisor, you can start the necessary
administrative
processesforregistering in your PhD programmeand sign the Thesis Charter.2

PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCECERTIFICATION
It is possible to use your prior professional
experience to get your PhD in certain
fields through the VAE (validation par
acquis de l’expérience) process. Contact
your chosen graduate school for more
information.
https://vae.gouv.fr/• Contact the thesis advisor.
•	
Ensure that there is funding
available. Otherwise, identify funding
opportunities.
•Once your research topic has been
approved, apply to the graduate
school.

 he French Ministry of Higher Education and Research defines the Thesis Charter (Charte de la thèse) as follows: ‘This Charter defines the reciprocal commitments of each party.
T
It refers to the code of ethics that has inspired the regulatory provisions in effect, as well as the practices adopted in keeping with the diversity of disciplines and institutions.
It also aims to guarantee high-quality scientific research (French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, National Education Official Bulletin no. 36 of 1 October 1998).
www.education.gouv.fr/bo/1998/36/sup.htm

4Écoles Doctorales
An école doctorale (ED), a PhD–level graduate school, is agroup of research units and laboratories commonly referred
to as ‘research laboratories’. It is in charge of recruiting PhD
candidates, monitoring research quality, implementing PhD
projects and ensuring that students transition smoothly tothe next stage of their career. In addition to promoting its
own PhD programmes abroad, as well as joint programmes,
it adapts to trends in the international scientific community.

ED graduate schools structure
ED graduate schools are accredited by the government and are
evaluated every five years by the High Council for Evaluation of
Research and Higher Education (Hcéres). Hcéres makes theresults of evaluations available to the public.3 The accreditation
process of each graduate school, or graduate council (collège
doctoral), covers its areas of specialisation. Any changes
in accreditation will be published on the graduate school’s
website.

• t he thesis advisor, who is certified to supervise research, is
the intermediary between the PhD candidate, the institution
and the laboratory;•	half of the graduate school board is made up of representatives
from the institution and the research teams and units. 20%of the board’s members are PhD candidates of the graduate
school and are elected by other students.
In 2023, 288 ED graduate schools in the country were affiliatedwith accredited public universities and institutions.
3

 isit the section on Hcéres’ website dedicated to evaluations and accreditation:
V
https://www.hceres.fr/en/dei_evaluations-accreditations

5

Modelling of the force-velocity profile of a wheelchair rugby
player in movement using an instrumented ergometer.
© Cyril FRESILLON / IMS / CNRS Images

ED graduate schools are headed by a director, a board and a
graduate council:

What are the admission criteria
for PhD programmes?
Thesis advisors are key stakeholders
who are charged with supervising PhD
candidates in the laboratory as well as
directing their research for the three
years of the programme. Thesis advisors
must possess the certification tosupervise research (Habilitation à Diriger
des Recherches, HDR).
For admission into a programme,
PhD candidates must come up with aresearch project that has the supportof an advisor with the certification tosupervise research. Secured funding
is often an intrinsic condition foradmission. It is for this reason that
research topics are often proposedby institutions themselves, based on
the available funding. These include
graduate schools or boards, researchlaboratories, national, European orinternational research programmes,
companies, etc.
In the exact sciences (physics, chemistry,mathematics, biology, engineering, etc.),
where funding is required for admission,
candidates can apply directly for a topic
formulated by a thesis advisor. These
topics often come with funding.

STUDYING IN FRANCE
Non-EU students arriving in France
for the first time must obtain a visa topursue their PhD.
The type of visa required will depend on
the candidate’s situation:•Long-stay visa (VLS) – ‘Passeporttalent – Chercheur’
This visa is for foreign PhD candidates
who hold a master’s degree (orequivalent) and who have signed a PhD
contract with a certified public or private
higher education or research institution.
Upon the visa’s expiry, students are to
request a multiyear residence permit.
• Long-stay visa (VLS-TS) – Multiyear
residence permit (Carte de séjour
pluriannuelle, CSP)
The multiyear residence permit isgranted to non-salaried PhD candidates(or those without a PhD contract) who
possess a sufficient level of financial
resources to study in France. It is to beobtained after the first year of study inFrance.

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Duration of the residence permit:

2 TO 4 years
based on the level of study

FIND OUT MORE
• https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/• http://www.campusfrance.org/en> Organising your stay
> Apply for your visa/Validate yourresidence permit

How do you choose
a PhD research topic?
A PhD thesis is the culmination of intensive, high-level research on a unique topic.
Regardless of the discipline, an original research topic is one that responds toa scientific problem and is of great interest to the researcher.
Students in the humanities and social sciences in particular must demonstrate therelevance of their topic in relation to their discipline, its feasibility over a specificperiod of time, as well as ensure that a research laboratory gives its approval, after
first getting approval from their thesis advisors.
To see ongoing research projects and theses, visit www.theses.fr/

THESIS OFFERS
PhD research proposals are publishedon many websites:• The Research portal on Campus
France’s website, is a unique hubof information made for international
students who want to conduct theirresearch in France.
www.campusfrance.org/en> Researchers• Graduate Schools Directory:
	https://doctorat.campusfrance.org/
en/phd/dschools/main• European Union funding programmes:
EURAXESS France, a member of theEuropean Commission’s research
initiative, is a website created forresearcher mobility:
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu• The websites of universities, researchbodies, graduates schools andresearch laboratories• CIFRE offers (see p. 14) to pursue your
PhD in a company:
https://www.anrt.asso.fr/fr/le-dispositifcifre-7844•
The ADUM network of graduate
schools (Accès Doctorat Unique etMutualisé) publishes calls for projects
and thesis proposals:www.adum.fr

7

DID YOU KNOW?
The
Association
BernardGregory (ABG) aims toassistPhDs
throughout
their career development.
It offers training programmes,
publishes employment offers
on its website, lists thesis
offers for both the graduate
andpostgraduatelevels,and maintains a CV libraryof candidates from various
scientific disciplines.
https://www.abg.asso.fr/en/
The ABG, the French business
confederation (Medef) andFrance Universités created
DocPro, a website that offersa global vision of the skill set
PhDs will develop over thecourse of their career. The
website is made open to PhDs,
companies, graduate schools
and laboratories.
www.mydocpro.org/en

What language
can you use foryour thesis?
WRITE YOUR PhD
IN ENGLISH

Inoculation of fungus on a rose bush.
© Cyril FRESILLON / IMS / CNRS Images

En the exact sciences, engineering,
biologyandmedicine,itisrecommended that you have asufficient level of French for everyday
communication and to engage in
research activities with your colleagues.
Althoughcommunication
withinresearch laboratories takes placein English or French, it is highly
recommended that you take Frenchclasses during your studies. You may
write your thesis in English, but thelengthy summary required must be
written in French. If the thesis is written
in English, the viva voce exam will also
be conducted in English.
In fields such as literature, art, thehumanities and social sciences(anthropology,
geography,
history,
linguistics, philosophy, psychology, etc.),
a high level of French is required (B2 orhigher on the European Framework of
Languages).
In disciplines such as politicalscience, economics, management,
law, business, communication andmarketing, the level of French required
varies.

FIND OUT MORE
• FRANCE, Ministry of Higher Education and Research,
Government order of 6 January 2005 on joint international PhD
programmes :www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000000258089• FRANCE, Ministry of Higher Education and Research,
Government order of 25 May 2016 setting the national education
framework and the conditions for awarding nationally accredited
PhDs:
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000032587086

8What are the typesof PhD programmes?
PhD candidates in France receive their postgraduate training at research units,
which are affiliated with an ED graduate school (école doctorale). Each candidate
is supervised by one or more thesis advisors. The programme lasts for three years(or more for certain disciplines) and ends with a viva voce examination.

3 TYPES OF PhD PROGRAMMESA SINGLE PhD PROGRAMME• 1 research unit or laboratory.
• 1 thesis advisor.
• Registration and viva voce exam at a
PhD-accredited institution.
• Award of a French PhD.

A CO-SUPERVISED PhD• 2 research units or laboratories, one ofwhich must be in France.
• 2 thesis advisors.
•	Registration and viva voce exam at theinstitution in France.
•	Award of a French PhD.

INTERNATIONAL JOINTPhD SUPERVISIONPROGRAMME•
1 agreement between a French
university and a partner university
setting out the conditions for the joint
programme.
•	Registration at 2 universities andpayment of tuition in one of the two
institutions.
•	1 research unit or laboratory in France
and 1 foreign research unit.
•	
2 thesis advisors, one at each
institution.
•	
2 PhDs awarded (double degree)or 1 PhD awarded jointly by the two
institutions (joint degree).

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An international joint PhD

supervision

programme(cotutelle internationale dethèse) is the outcome of aninternational
partnership
between a French institution
and another abroad.

These
programmes
allow
PhD candidates to benefit
from a unique experience as
they will get the opportunity
to work in research teams in
two countries. The thesis topic
will be determined with bothadvisors and will be approvedby the graduate school at each
institution.
Joint PhD programmes follow
strictguidelines.
Beforeprogrammes
canbegin,
graduate schools draw up anagreement where they set out
the administrative conditions
relatingtoregistration,
presence in both countries
and funding, as well as thoserelating to the viva voce andthe award of the degrees.

3D annotation of an antiquity.
© Frédérique PLAS / UMR3495 / MAP / CNRS Images.

A Highly Selective Process
Admission to a PhD programme is a highly selective process.
Candidates must:• Hold a nationally recognised master’s degree or equivalent(Bac+5, 300 ECTS).4•	
Secure funding for at least 3 years (€1,400 per month,minimum).
•	Have a sufficient level of French and/or English to conduct
research and produce the thesis.
The thesis advisor and the graduate school are involved atvarying stages of the selection process based on each school’s
recruitment policy.
•‘International joint PhDs’ brochure: www.campusfrance.org> Resource centre > Panorama of Higher Education andResearch in France > Degrees > International Joint PhD•‘PhD studies in France’ brochure: www.campusfrance.org> Resource centre > Panorama of Higher Education andResearch in France > Degrees > PhD studies in France
4ECTS: European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (60 ECTS corresponds to one year).

FIND OUT MORE
• ‘International Joint PhD’ brochure	www.campusfrance.org > Resource
centre > Higher Education andResearch in France > Degrees

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Which PhD contract is best suited for you?
PUBLIC SECTORPhD CONTRACTS

employment contract, while satisfying
their programmes’ requirement todevelop their professional research skills.

A public sector PhD contract is a typeof contract open to all PhD candidates.
These contracts are signed betweena registered PhD candidate and an
employer whose employees are public
sector workers. These include publicscientific and technological institutions
and public administrative institutions inhigher education.

French Ministry of Higher Education
and Research:h t t p s : // w w w. e n s e i g n e m e n t s u p recherche.gouv.fr/fr > Recherche > Loi deprogrammation de la recherche

Contracts have a three-year durationand can be extended twice by one
year. Candidates involved in researchonly activities will receive a guaranteed
minimum remuneration of €2,044 permonth (gross) in 2023.
(2024: €2,100; 2025: €2,200; 2026:€2,300). Under the French law on
research planning (Loi de Programmationde la Recherche, LPR) for 2021 to 2030,
any additional tasks given as partof this contract will carry additional
remuneration (teaching, consulting,etc.).
Public sector contracts are drafted by
graduate schools and are identical at all
public higher education institutions.
They provide students with all the social
benefits of a traditional public sector

PRIVATE SECTORPhD CONTRACTS
Under the French law on researchplanning (Loi de Programmation dela Recherche, LPR), employees may
register in a graduate school with a
private sector PhD contract if theiremployer’s main activity is research (i.e.
greater than or equal to 5/6th of the total
annual duration) and if it corresponds toan area relating to their thesis.
A partnership agreement is signed
between the employer, the employee PhD
candidate and the accredited institution
setting out the material conditions of
the research project, the amount of time
to be spent at the employee’s place ofwork and any additional tasks. It also
defines how results will be shared on
the application programming interface(API) and the conditions for accessing

11

training opportunities from the graduate
school and the employer.
Within the company, a supervisor is
responsible for assisting the employee
PhD candidate in navigating the work
environment and for following up on thetechnical and scientific components of
their research, regularly liaising with thethesis advisor.
Private sector PhD contracts are open
to employees who work in the private
sector. Examples include employees
working in R&D in a public industrial andcommercial institution (Établissement
public industriel et commercial, EPIC),
a public interest foundation (Fondation
reconnue d’utilité publique, FRUP)
or a general interest private higher
education institution (Établissementd’enseignement supérieur privé d’intérêt
général, EESPIG).
A defined fixed-term contract (CDD) is
to be signed between the employer andthe employee no later than three years
after the end of the PhD programme.
This contract will give employees
additional work experience to ease theirtransition to permanent public or private
sector research positions.

How can you fund your PhD?
TYPES OF FUNDING• Host institution funding	Each year, graduate schools,
laboratories,
researchbodiesand companies offer fundedthesis topics on their websites.
They are also available at:https://doctorat.campusfrance.org/
en/phd/dschools/main• PhD contracts
	Graduate schools fund specific thesis
topics, either through dedicatedresearch budgets from the supporting
institution – or from the institution’s
own endowment – or by supplementing
the candidate’s own funding obtained
from a third party.
•Contracts with research bodies(CNRS, CEA, CNES, etc.)
	Thesis topics are determined with theresearch body in question.

For more information, contact the
French Embassy in your country.
•
Funding from the European Joint
Doctorate network: https://mariesklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.
eu/actions/doctoral-networks•
Funding from CIFRE employment
contracts:	
w ww.anrt.asso.fr/fr/le-dispositifcifre-7844•P ersonal funding	This type of funding must be indicatedon applications. Each graduate school
has its own policy vis à vis personalfunding.
Other sources of funding exist for PhD
programmes such as from researchbodies, regional authorities, foundations
and associations.
Grant search engine: https://
campusbourses.campusfrance.org> Level > PhD > Postdoctoral• Home country funding	Some governments have implemented
bilateral funding programmes for theircitizens to pursue their PhD between
two countries. Examples include thescholarship programme set up by the
DAAD between France and Germany,and the CONACYT programme forstudents interested in doing their PhD
between France and Mexico.

12

A majority of PhD students inFrance have an employment
contract, which is seen as anopportunity for professional
researchexperience.
In
most cases, they also have asecured source of funding.
PhD programmes are now
registered with the National
RegistryofProfessional
Certifications (RNCP), where
candidates can access the listof skills they will acquire during
their research. There are now
many forms of assistance andfunding for PhD studies.
www.francecompetences.fr

France Excellence Eiffel
scholarship programme (PhD)
Developed and financed by the French Ministry of Europe
and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel programme aims to develop
the attractiveness of French higher education and research
institutions and provide assistance to talented international
students in pursuing their studies in France.
Institutions that present candidates commit to register Eiffelawardees in the programme for which they were selected.

Humanities and social sciences• Law and political science• Economics and management• French history, language and civilisation
The Eiffel programme aims to disseminate French excellence,
attract talent, assist international students and produce theleaders of tomorrow. It has a duration of 6 months to 3 years
for joint PhD or co-supervised PhD programmes.
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/france-excellence-eiffelscholarship-program

13

A student taking notes at different stages of a research projectin the humanities and social sciences© Cyril Frésillon / EDYTEM / CNRS Images

7 disciplines are covered under the Eiffel scholarship:
Science and technology• Biology and medicine• Mathematics and digital technology• Engineering• Ecological transition

IN-COMPANY PhDs: CIFRE
Under the CIFRE scheme (industrial
agreements for research-based training)
managed by the French National
Association for Research and Technology(ANRT), subsidies are granted to French
companies who employ PhD candidates
to work in a public research laboratory
for the duration of their three-year PhD
programme.
The annual minimum gross salary in 2023
is €24,529. This amount will increase in
2024 to €25,200, in 2025 to €26,400 andin 2026 to €27,600.
Companies will offer a role to employee
PhD candidates that corresponds to their
thesis topics.
The research laboratory will supervise thework of employee PhD candidates who
are registered in the affiliated graduate
school.
Some offers are for citizens of specificcountries (CIFRE India, Morocco, etc.) or
are about specific programmes (CIFRE
EITDigital, etc.).
https://www.anrt.asso.fr/fr/le-dispositifcifre-7844

Starthèse, a new programme fromthe French Ministry of Higher
Education and Research
Launched in 2023, Starthèse was created for PhDs whose
research aims to solve the major problems facing our society
such as climate change, healthcare, industry, food and nutrition,
culture and greater inclusion. It aims to promote the creative
capacity of new researchers by implementing their projects.
The initiative has a wide scope of scientific application, ranging
from innovations in the humanities and social sciences andcross-disciplinary approaches, to technological innovations
and deep tech.
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research:
http://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/

FIND OUT MORE
• Information on PhD contracts:
www.etudiant.gouv.fr/cid96370/contrats-doctoraux.html• The Funding Guide published by the National Associationof PhDs (Association nationale des docteurs)
https://andes.asso.fr/guide-desfinancements/• Campus France portal: www.campusfrance.org> Home > Researchers > Doctorate > Use the ‘Research’ portal
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/researcher

14

Digitisation of a medieval manuscript.
© Gilles Kagan / CNRS / IRHT-UPR841

NEW: The PhD oath
Since January 2023, each new PhD holder must individually take a scientific integrity
oath during their viva voce exam at their host institution. This step will be recorded in theminutes of the viva voce exam.
The scientific integrity oath is as follows:‘In the presence of my peers.
‘With the completion of my doctorate on [date], in my quest for knowledge, I have carriedout demanding research, demonstrated intellectual rigour, ethical reflection and respect
for the principles of research integrity. As I pursue my professional career, whatever mychosen field, I pledge, to the greatest of my ability, to continue to maintain integrity in myrelationship to knowledge, to my methods and to my results.’
Official Gazette of the French Republic (Journal Officiel de la République Française) no. 0201 of 31 August 2022,
Government order of 26 August 2022 modifying the order of 25 May 2016 setting the national education frameworkand the conditions for awarding nationally accredited PhDs:
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/article_jo/JORFARTI000046229036

15

What can you do after your PhD in France?
POSTDOCS
After completing their PhD, interested
students can pursue a postdoctoral
contract in France, thereby adding
valuable
professional
researchexperience to their career development.
Postdoctoral contracts are signed
for a fixed term (between 12 and 24
months in general) and are open to
researchers holding a PhD who wish to
conduct research for a short period oftime. Postdocs will be full members of
the research laboratory team and takepart in all research activities such as
publishing articles, attending seminars,
participating in conferences, etc.

POSTDOCTORALCONTRACTS
Public sector postdoctoral contracts
aretransitional
contracts
whichallow new researchers to acquire
additional professional experience after
completing their PhD. They will develop
their research skills, access permanent
positions in public and private research
institutions more easily, and be able toundertake scientific responsibilities.
These postdoctoral contracts are to
be signed no later than three years

after completion of the PhD, and canbe renewed once within the limit offour years. They are drawn up when
researchers are awarded a call for
projects in one of their areas of study.
Recruitment notices and details about
the position are published at least one
month before the application deadline
on the institution’s website or on any
other website dedicated to employment
offers,andontheEuropeanCommission’s Euraxess website.
These postdoctoral contracts allow
students to do their research in France
as well as participate on delegation visitsabroad for 18 months at the maximum,with the possibility of receiving
additional remuneration. Beneficiaries
of postdoctoral contracts will receive aminimum gross remuneration of €2,300(up 30%) starting in 2023.
Private sector postdoctoral contracts
are transitional contracts that give new
PhDs stability, greater access to skills
training and development, and added
assistance as they continue pursuingtheir career goals. Eligible employers
are those who work in research anddevelopment in a public industrial andcommercial institution (Établissement
public industriel et commercial, EPIC),
a public interest foundation (Fondation

16

reconnue d’utilité publique, FRUP)
or a general interest private higher
education institution (Établissementd’enseignement supérieur privé d’intérêt
général, EESPIG).
Private sector postdoctoral contracts areto be signed no later than three years
after completion of the PhD. They ease
the transition to permanent public or
private sector research positions. These
contracts have a minimum durationof one year and can be renewed for a
maximum duration of four years (witha possible extension of nine months
in case of maternity leave, illness or
occupational injury). Contract holders will
be entitled to unemployment benefits ifthey do not secure a permanent positionat the end of their contract.
Specific measures are in place thatenable postdoctoral students to market
their skills as well as provide assistancein moving to the next stage in their career.
Coordinators will help postdocs tonavigate their professional environmentand help them learn the skills related
to their area of research. Postdocs are
required to attend regular meetings withcoordinators to determine their material
and training needs, learn how to market
their skills and get information on finding
permanent employment.

FINDING A POSTDOCTORALCONTRACTAll
researchbodies,researchlaboratories and R&D departmentsof companies publish postdoctoral
contracts offers on their websites eachyear.
Short-term
mobilities
areanimportant part of researchers’ careerdevelopment, where they can conduct
research in laboratories, collaborate on
research projects, attend conferences
and participate in summer school
programmes.
There are specific grants for short-term
mobility programmes in addition to thefunding offered by the host laboratory.
•	Country-specific mobility grants:
contact your local French Embassy•	Grants from French ResearchInstitutes Abroad (IFRE): Joint
research units of the French ResearchInstitutes Abroad (Unités Mixtes desInstituts Français de Recherche à
l’Etranger) of the CNRS:
https://www.umifre.fr/bourses

Hubert Curien partnerships
Hubert Curien partnerships are a French initiative that support
international researcher mobility. They are jointly and equally funded
by France (the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Higher Education)
and an international partner.
These partnerships, around 60 of which are managed byCampus France, contribute to developing scientific exchange andtechnological excellence. Research teams have specific budgets forfunding the mobility (transport, living expenses and insurance) ofresearchers participating in their projects.
The Hubert Curien partnerships serve as a trampoline to larger-scale
European projects, where researchers can develop or start theirown such projects. They are open to public and private researchlaboratories, whether scientific or industrial. All scientific fields are
eligible. Funding is granted for one to two years.
Campus France also manages the research mobility programmes
for the different geographic areas.
www.campusfrance.org > Researchers > Grants and Funding•
Scholarships from the Agence
Universitaire de la Francophonie(AUF): www.auf.org•Grant search engine: https://
campusbourses.campusfrance.org

17Summer school programmes
Each year, research bodies, universities and laboratories organise summer
school programmes where researchers can develop interdisciplinary skillsin specific scientific areas, broaden expertise and share ideas.
The programmes regularly call on French and international experts to speakat conferences.
The CNRS offers over 100 summer school programmes each year:
www.cnrs.fr

EXAMPLES:•	School of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences summer school
programme: www.ehess.fr/fr/summer-school•	Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace summer school programme:
www.ipsl.fr/formation/linnovation-pedagogique/les-ecoles-thematiques/

The atomic spectrometer.
© France Universités / Université de Franche-Comté•	Université de Côte d’Azur, summer school programmes:
https://univ-cotedazur.fr/recherche-innovation/structures-de-recherche/
academies-dexcellence/academie-/actions/ecoles-thematiques•	Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut Fourier:https://www-fourier.ujf-grenoble.fr/?q=fr/content/l-ecole-dete-a-linstitut-fourier•	Sciences Po summer school: https://www.sciencespo.fr/summer-school/en/•	Sorbonne Université, summer school course cycles:
https://lettres.sorbonne-niversite.fr/en/formation/formation-tout-au-longde-la-vie/universite-d-ete-en-sorbonne/programme-des-ycles-de-cours•	Université Paris-Saclay International Summer Schools:
https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/education/summer-schools

18

FIND OUT MORE
> FRANCE• Association Bernard Gregory (ABG): http://www.abg.asso.fr/en• PhD in France portal: http://www.campusfrance.org/en > Researchers• France Universités : https://franceuniversites.fr/en• Media libraries of the CNRS and the INRAE:> www.science-ouverte.cnrs.fr/mediatheque-video/> https://mediatheque.inrae.fr• French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation:www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr> EUROPE•	Academic Positions, the portal to find academic and research positions
in northern and central Europe: http://academicpositions.fr• Research Science Jobs and Postdocs in Europe:www.eurosciencejobs.com/job_search> GLOBAL•	EURAXESS, a European initiative that aims to assist researchers during
their mobility, has developed a platform where it publishes international job
offers and funding opportunities: https://www.euraxess.fr• EURAXESS jobs: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs> FOR THE SCIENCES•	PhD Talent Career Fair, a search engine for international PhD opportunities
in academia or the corporate world: https://careerfair.phdtalent.fr

19

Research and Innovationin Europe
DID YOU KNOW?
THE ANDÈS BROCHURESThe National Association of
PhDs (ANDÈS) has publisheda series of brochures withbest
practicesonhow
to pursue a PhD in thebest
conditions
possible:https://andes.asso.fr/loupe/
SUBMITTING YOUR THESISInstitutions that are accredited
to award PhDs are required tomake mention of past theses.
PhD candidates must submit
their thesis to their institution.
This is in line with the legal
requirement to archive theses.
Visit the national thesis
archive: www.theses.fr
OPEN SCIENCE POLICY
HAL science ouverte is asearch engine that can beused to access a regularly
updated archive of research
projects (PhD theses, workfromprofessors,etc.):
https://hal.science/

Through its 2021-2027 Horizon Europe programme, the European Union isextremely active in the area of research and has financed a number of initiatives tofacilitate international researcher mobility. Here are some of the programmes andactions.

EUROPEAN RESEARCHCOUNCIL (ERC)RESEARCHINFRASTRUCTURE

The ERC is the foremost pan-European
funding agency and is charged withcoordinating research efforts among
Member States of the European Union.
www.horizon-europe.gouv.fr/erc

Qualityresearch
infrastructuredevelopment is one of the objectivesof the Horizon Europe 2021-2027
programme. The aim is to produce highlevel results and attract talent from allpartner countries.

THE MARIE SKŁODOSWKACURIE ACTIONSEuropean University Alliances
Europe’s strategy for universities
involves supporting 60 European
University alliances by mid-2024,
representing more than 500 higher
education
institutions.
European
University alliances are associationsof higher education institutions acrossEurope that work together in areas suchas education, research and innovation
with a long-term approach that benefits
students. Each alliance is led by acoordinating institution and projects areshared among its members.
https://www.enseignementsuprecherche.gouv.fr/fr/les-universiteseuropeennes-46476

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
are the European Union’s flagshipinitiatives to boost research andinnovation as well as develop the
careers of European and international
researchers. The programme provides
support for international researcher
mobility, both at the PhD andpostdoctoral levels.
h t t p : //e c . e u r o p a . e u / r e s e a r c h /mariecurieactions

20

A majority of European University
alliances have at least nine member
higher education institutions, as well as
associated partners (companies, local
authorities, research institutes, etc.
The main objectives of the European
University alliances are as follows:•	implement a joint education andresearch strategy;•	create an inter-university campus
allowing at least 50% of students toparticipate in mobility programmes;•	support an interdisciplinary approachto respond to social challenges;•	develop best practices to boost theattractiveness and competitivity ofEuropean higher education.
Support for research is covered by theEuropean excellence initiative from the
Horizon Europe programme: https://
education.ec.europa.eu/educationlevels/higher-education/europeanuniversities-initiative

HORIZON EUROPE:OPPORTUNITIES FOR
NEW RESEARCHERS€95,5 BNfor the 2021-2027 budget
The Horizon Europe programme
focuses on four pillars:• excellent science•
global challenges and European
industrial competitiveness• a more innovative Europe•increased
participationandstrengthening the European Research
Area.
The Excellent Science pillar supports
frontier research projects through theEuropean Research Council and boosts
investment in research infrastructure. The
Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions fundresearchers’ mobility and training.
In addition to research infrastructure,
support for networking and access will be
provided.

21

FIND OUT MORE
• European Commission website:	
h t t p s : //e c .e u r o p a .e u / i n fo /funding-tenders/opportunities/
portal/screen/programmes/
horizon• The French portal of the Horizon
Europe programme for researchand innovation:www.horizon-europe.gouv.fr

The Research in France Portal
www.campusfrance.org/en > Researchers > Research in France > Find a thesis•	A
graduateschools
directory:
a search engine where you can quickly
find graduate schools and laboratories by
area of study and access useful informationsuch as: contacts, links, research areas,
admission criteria and information,
welcome measures, funding, study abroad
information, contact information for
associated research laboratories, etc.
h ttps://doctorat.campusfrance.org/
phd/dschools/main22•	
A compilation of current funded andunfunded offers, published on thewebsites of the various graduate schools,
research bodies and other researchstakeholders (for PhDs, postdocs andinterns in research-focused master’s
programmes).
	
https://doctorat.campusfrance.org/en/
phd/offers

Candidates can receive alerts from the portal whenever a thesis topic corresponding totheir criteria is posted.
•	Information on European and international funding programmes•	Campus France information and brochures:
Graduate schools: description of graduate schools, contacts, laboratories, practicalinformation on how to prepare for a PhD.

DEGRE

IN
FRANCEIN
FRANCE

INTERNATIONAL THESISCOTUTELLES

AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
As a time for work and creation, PhDs provide young researcherswith real professional experience. PhD students acquire their training
for research and from research. The development of cotutelle thesis
programmes is part of the internationalization drive led by Frenchhigher education institutions. This type of international partnership isbased on bilateral scientific cooperation, wherein the expertise of two
research supervisors enables the future holder of a PhD to carry out
original work. International PhD cotutelles are a specific form of joint
PhD supervision. It is governed by an agreement that defines the terms
and conditions of how the PhD is to be carried out, from registration to
defense and the granting of one or more diplomas.

© Patrice Latron/CNRS Images•	Campus France’s degree brochures:
Resource centre > Panorama of Higher
Education in France > Degrees

SEE YOUES

STUDY

DEGREESPhD STUDIESIN FRANCE

After completing a maste
aspiring resea
r’s or equiv
alent degrerchers joine,doctorale)a graduate
to pursue
school (école
their PhD,
spend threewhere theyyears trainin
willresearch along
g in resea
rch throughin their devel side teams that will
support them
opment. After
their thesis, they will receiv successfully defendinge their PhD
Graduate schoo
diploma.
ls (écoles doctowith higherales) are affilia
r educated
doctoral schoo tion institutions(HEIs). Thesels host resea
superviserch teams
thethatstudents with work of doctoral candi
dates
a master’sequivalentdegree (Bac+ . All
can apply for5) ora PhD progr
amme.

Research into mutations in Drosophila.

Definition
A PhD cotutelle encourages the mobility of
doctoral students by developing scientificcooperation between French and foreign
researchteams.
Cotutelle
students
work under the supervision of a thesis
supervisor in both countries. Both thesis
supervisors agree to act as full tutors forthe doctoral student; their skills are thus
exercised jointly. The student must carryout their research in both countries, inaccordance with the terms and conditions
defined in a partnership agreement.
A framework agreement or a specificpartnership agreement between institutions
can smoothen the conditions in which the
PhD is carried out.

Implementation and process
Any given PhD cotutelle is governed by anagreement between two institutions, oneof which must be French.
The procedures and requirements are thoseof the French PhD and those of the PhD in
the partner country.
Both universities recognize the validity of thecotutelle arrangement and of the diploma
awarded (a PhD from the French university,and equivalent diploma from the partner
university abroad).

The actual diploma can be awarded in oneof two ways:> The student receives a PhD diploma
awarded jointly by the two institutions.
The degree is listed under both names(e.g. Doctorat en littérature française and
PhD in French Literature).
> The student receives two doctoral
diplomas, one from each of the two
institutions. Each diploma then mentions
the name of the diploma specific to each
institution, and specifies that the thesis was
written under joint supervision, together
with the name of the partner institution.
The thesis is defended in only one of thetwo partner institutions, at the discretion ofboth supervisors.

How to register for a PhD cotutelle?
Prerequisite: A Master’s degree (300
ECTS), or equivalent diploma.
> Submit a thesis proposal in collaboration
with both thesis supervisors.
> Apply for admission to the French
Doctoral School and the equivalentorganization abroad.
> The two thesis supervisors must draw
up a cotutelle agreement, in duplicate
form. The cotutelle agreement is drawn
up under the formal supervision of thegraduate school (école doctorale inFrance).

The agreement can be either a pre-existing
agreement between the two institutions, oran agreement concluded specifically foreach thesis.
> More specifically, it defines the administrative
arrangements, such as the registration fees,
length of stay in the partner institution,
pedagogical requirements of the student’s
programme of study, financing of the thesis,
conditions of the viva exam (projected dateand place, language and composition of theviva voce exam jury), and the awarding of
the diploma.
> It guarantees that the research falls underintellectual property law (in accordancewith Art. L112-2 of the French Intellectual
Property Code).
> Administrative
registration
atbothuniversities: the agreement waives the
PhD student’s obligation to pay registration
fees at one of the two institutions (uponpresentation of proof of payment of
university fees at the other university forthe year in question), and sets out theconditions under which social security
coverage is provided in each country.
In France, applications for joint supervisions
are submitted by the thesis director to
the director of the graduate school (école
doctorale).
The list of French doctoral schools,
laboratories and research centres is available
on the Agence CampusFrance website:
https://doctorat.campusfrance.org

1• Brochures on major research disciplines:	> Researchers > Research in France
Overview of French research by field

23

Graduate schools(écoleKey figures

287 graduate
schools(2023)
covering 10
research areas

Overview

13,600 PhDs
awardedin 202138% are interna
tional PhD
candidates

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e of a thesis> PhD candid
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ns of all parties. e, their thesis advisor,

the directorof the graduate

school (école

doctorale) andGOING FOR
A PHD ?
GREAT! You are about to embark on a personal,
intellectual and cultural journey.

This guide was made for future PhD
candidates like you. But how exactly do
PhD studies work in France? You’ll findever ything you need to know before,
during and after your PhD.
A guide specially made for international
students, with an over view of the entire
PhD procedure, practical information anduseful links to learn about research inEurope.

A GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE
PhD STUDENTS

IDE
O GU
T
W
A HO R PhDs
FO

dent
to stusrew• Ans uestions
q
a PhD
ps
suing
ershi
• Pur
partn
l
a
n
o
rnati lained• Inteexp

1. Registering fora PhD programme

2. Admission
3. Thesis topic

and preparation

4. Types of PhD
programmes

5. PhD contracts
6. Funding

Design RUBRIK C • February 2024

This guide will help you prepare for yourPhD and give you information on thevarious administrative and registration
procedures as well as the steps leading
up to your viva voce exam and the awardof your PhD. Information is provided
on the different types of international
partnerships, visas, contracts, funding
opportunities, as well as useful links
to help you specialise in your area of
research and get a glimpse of life after
the PhD.