Erasmus guide Sorbonne University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
Snapshot
Historic central-Paris option for exchange students who want strong humanities, serious academics, and a classic university-in-Paris experience.
Why students shortlist it
One of the world's great universities, formed from the historic Paris IV (arts and humanities) and UPMC (science and medicine) merger. Unmatched for humanities, languages, history, and sciences — in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter.
Teaching languages: French (primary); English available for some international exchange tracks but mostly French-taught
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Faculty-specific exchange routes apply. Arts and Humanities exchange students complete an online application after home-university nomination and submit ID, proof of enrollment, insurance documentation, and language evidence.
Nomination Process
Your home university coordinator nominates you first. Sorbonne then sends the online application route and faculty-specific instructions.
Visa Support
Non-EU students staying longer than 3 months should plan for a French long-stay student visa before arrival.
Buddy System
Welcome support is organized at faculty level. Exchange students should coordinate early with the host faculty office and local student networks.
Orientation Week
Arrival guidance is faculty-specific and usually coordinated by the exchange office before classes begin.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities exchange | Set by the home university and faculty exchange office | Online file opens after nomination; confirm the exact faculty deadline before applying |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm your host faculty and exchange office contact before course planning.
- Prepare language proof early if your programme is mainly taught in French.
- Sort health insurance documents before arrival so registration does not stall.
- If you are non-EU and staying beyond 3 months, start the visa process well in advance.
Academics
Course Registration
Course choice is validated with your Erasmus or academic coordinator. Do not finalize your learning agreement until the faculty confirms the available teaching offer.
Credit System
ECTS-based. Final workload and course mix depend on the host faculty and the learning agreement approved by your home institution.
Grading System
French university grading typically follows the 0 to 20 scale, with local faculty rules applying.
Exam Culture
Expect a more formal academic rhythm than many exchange students know from Anglo systems, especially in humanities courses with essays, oral work, or end-of-term assessment.
Library Access
Exchange students in central Paris benefit from one of the richest humanities research environments in France, including major university and specialized libraries.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + EUR 105 CVEC (mandatory) | CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante) €105 for 2025–2026 academic year — mandatory at all French universities. Pay online at cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr BEFORE enrollm… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 170–243/year | EU/EEA: €170 (Licence) or €243 (Master) + CVEC €105. Sorbonne is one of Europe's top universities at an extraordinary price for EU students. |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 2,770–3,770/year | Non-EU: €2,770 (Licence) or €3,770 (Master) + CVEC €105. Sorbonne grants financial exemptions — apply via Campus France. Top-tier research environment in cen… |
EUR 0 tuition + EUR 105 CVEC (mandatory)
CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante) €105 for 2025–2026 academic year — mandatory at all French universities. Pay online at cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr BEFORE enrollm…
EUR 170–243/year
EU/EEA: €170 (Licence) or €243 (Master) + CVEC €105. Sorbonne is one of Europe's top universities at an extraordinary price for EU students.
EUR 2,770–3,770/year
Non-EU: €2,770 (Licence) or €3,770 (Master) + CVEC €105. Sorbonne grants financial exemptions — apply via Campus France. Top-tier research environment in cen…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Sorbonne asks exchange students to document health coverage for the full stay.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Healthcare and support routes depend on the faculty and the French social security path available to you after arrival.
Mental Health
Use your host faculty support channels early if you need accommodations or continuity of care in Paris.
EHIC
Varies by home-country eligibility
Useful for EU students who can rely on European coverage during the exchange.
Private international student insurance
Varies by provider and stay length
Needed if EHIC does not apply or if you need broader arrival-to-arrival coverage.
Campus Services
Faculty exchange office
Primary operational contact for nomination follow-up, application instructions, and arrival coordination.
French language support
Sorbonne highlights French language preparation and offers faculty-specific language pathways before and during study.
Student Services Hub
Sorbonne Université central student services: academic guidance, administrative support, disability accommodations, health services, and student life resources.
Health & Disability Services (SUMPPS)
Free consultations in general medicine, gynaecology, vaccination, nutrition, sports medicine, and psychological support. Also handles disability accommodations (RQTH/PAP).
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Student life is strongly shaped by faculty culture, central Paris routines, and humanities-oriented societies.
Buddy Program
Ask your host faculty and exchange office about current local student welcome activities.
Sports & Recreation
- Paris-wide student sport options and faculty-level activities vary by campus and semester.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Finalize your faculty timetable and confirm approved courses.
- Set up transport and everyday admin in your neighborhood.
- Locate your main library, cafeteria, and nearest health support route.
- Test your commute before the first heavy teaching week.
Key Dates
Faculty nomination and application
Faculty-specific timing after home university nomination
Sorbonne's exchange process is decentralized enough that your exact route depends on the host faculty and programme.
Academic year start
September
The academic year starts in September and exact semester dates depend on the host faculty.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Campus events hub: Browse all events