Learning by Research

Applying for a PhD

Prerequisites

To register for a PhD, you must meet the general conditions for registration in thesis defined by the  decree of May 25, 2016 setting the national framework of training and the procedures leading to the issuance of the national PhD diploma namely:

• to hold a French diploma conferring the degree of master at the end of a training programme establishing the aptitude for research;
• to hold a foreign diploma of equivalent level (obtained at the end of a training programme establishing the aptitude for research). In this case, you should request an exemption from the Master's degree when you apply;
• benefit from the validation of prior learning as provided for by the Education Code.
• be pre-selected by a thesis director and a host laboratory to carry out the research work.

To apply, you must first have a thesis subject and there are two ways to proceed:

• Choose a subject from the current proposals, and submit your application according to the procedures indicated. Consult the websites of doctoral schools and research laboratories in your field, to find out about the subjects and funding available.
• Propose a thesis topic to a laboratory or Doctoral School (mainly in the arts, languages, humanities and social sciences). The subject will then be worked out with the future thesis supervisor.
• Application procedures may vary from one doctoral school to another;

If your application has been selected by a Doctoral School your registration is done in 2 steps:

• Admission phase in the Doctoral School that has selected your application
• Registration phase at the Doctoral College