Université Paris-Saclay
Contact Information
Address: EUGLOH Office-Department of International and European Relations, 300 Rue du Château, 91400 Orsay, France
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
University website: Paris-Saclay
Introduction
As France’s leading university and one of the world’s top 20 universities in the Shanghai ranking, Université Paris-Saclay offers courses from undergraduate to PhD level, supported by cutting-edge research and a solid innovation ecosystem.
Covering science and engineering, life sciences and health, and humanities and social sciences, it closely integrates research and innovation to educate the citizens of the future, tackle the major societal challenges of today and tomorrow, and contribute to value creation.
With a community of 50,000 students, 8,000 researchers and academic staff, and 8,500 technical and administrative staff, Université Paris-Saclay stands as a pillar of educational excellence and regional development.
History
Université Paris-Saclay has a rich history spanning 80 years, marked by scientific progress, technological innovation, the expansion of higher education, regional development, and international competitiveness.
In the mid-20th century, the demand for advanced research led to the establishment of major research institutions in the less urbanized southern suburbs of Paris, particularly on the Saclay Plateau. Between1945 and 1950, key national organizations such as the CEA, CNRS, INRA, and ONERA were established in the area, transforming it into a hub for physics, biology, agronomy, and aerospace.
The growth of higher education followed with the creation of the Orsay Faculty of Science in 1958, which later became Université Paris-Sud in 1971. Over the decades, prestigious grandes écoles such as CentraleSupélec, AgroParisTech, ENS Paris-Saclay, and the Institut d’Optique joined the academic ecosystem.
In the 2000s, growing international competition and the need for academic consolidation led to the Paris-Saclay project, merging universities, grandes écoles, and research centers. Université Paris-Saclay was officially established in January 2020, bringing together five faculties, several technical institutes, leading engineering schools, two associate universities (UVSQ and UEVE), and seven national research organizations.
Highlights
- Ranked 1st in continental Europe and consistently in the top 20 worldwide (ARWU).
- Home to 5 Nobel Prize winners and 11 Fields Medal recipients.
- Represents 13% of all French research output.
- Produces 13,000 scientific publications per year across 220 laboratories.
- Coordinates the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH).
Awarded the Bienvenue en France label for the quality of its welcome and integration services.
Services and Facilities
Transport
Université Paris-Saclay is located in the southern part of the Paris region, spanning a wide area from Orsay to Paris and encompassing key cities such as Évry-Courcouronnes, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and Versailles.
For all travel-related information—whether you're arriving by train, bus, or plane—you can find the necessary details here (in French).
International Welcome Desk
Université Paris-Saclay supports international students, PhD students and researchers as soon as they arrive in France to ensure their stay take place under the best conditions.
The International Welcome Desk, part of the Department for European and International Affairs, offers services and documents for this purpose. More information here.
International Mentoring Programme-Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is a free international mentoring programme for international students who have just arrived in France.
More information here.
The Campuses at Université Paris-Saclay
Paris Saclay University has more than 28 campuses located in the south of Paris.
The Saclay Plateau/Orsay Vallée campus includes the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Sport Sciences, the Technical Institute of Orsay, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Polytech Engineering School and the four Grandes Écoles. Approximately 50% of students study on this campus.
The Sceaux campus includes the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Management and the Technical Institute of Sceaux, the Kremlin Bicetre campus includes the Faculty of Medicine, and the Cachan campus includes the Technical Institute of Cachan.
Grandes Écoles:
Associate Member Universities:
Libraries
Discover the extensive libraries, media libraries, and documentation centres across the university's member establishments here.
Accomodation
Find accommodation through the CASA Housing Platform, designed to cater to your profile and needs. This platform provides a comprehensive view of available public and private housing options across all university campuses. Get to Casa.
Culture, Arts, Sciences, and Society
Université Paris-Saclay offers students a wide range of cultural activities to engage with creativity and develop skills and wellbeing. Theatre, dance, music, writing, photography, etc. Access the cultural offer here
This partner association of Université Paris-Saclay also offers several cultural visits. There is a nominal charge for these visits. For more information, you can visit the official website of culture and leisure at our university here.
Sports
Thanks to the SUAPS – the University's Sports Activities organisation - and various student sports clubs, there are over 80 different sports activities on offer at the Sports portal.
Student Life and Associations
Access here essential information related to student life and associations at Université Paris-Saclay.
Health and Well-being
The Student Health Service (Service de Santé Étudiante - SSE) offers preventive consultations funded by the university, ensuring easy access to healthcare across multiple campuses. More information here.
Disability Support
Université Paris-Saclay is committed to inclusivity, providing support and resources for individuals with disabilities. The Disability and Studies Department is aimed at students with all disabilities, whether motor, sensory or psychological.
More information here.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy
Université Paris-Saclay has created a support unit for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), coordinates awareness campaigns and informs its students, PhD candidates and staff about SGBV. You can find out more about the various initiatives and actions here.
Catering
The CROUS is a French organization that supports university students, including international students, to help them settle and thrive during their studies in France. CROUS offers a variety of essential services, including affordable housing, meal options at student cafeterias, scholarships, and cultural activities.
With your student card, you can top up your Izly account and use it to pay for meals at CROUS restaurants and cafeterias.
Special Initiatives:
€1 Meal: Available since January 2021 for all students in need.
Vegetarian Meals: Offered daily, with a special vegetarian menu on Green Mondays.
Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in the Paris region is quite expensive. We advise you to calculate your budget in advance for a smoother arrival in France.
Please read carefully this guide to know the budget you will need for your stay. More information here.
