Exploring the PhD landscape in France
Looking for data and studies on PhD programmes in France? A specialist researcher in a given field to help shape your doctoral project? International comparisons, or the key national stakeholders and partners? Several services and platforms can help.
On doctorat.gouv.fr
Find PhD opportunities and supervisors
A PhD thesis topic is developed progressively, starting from an initial proposal. This proposal can come from an academic research laboratory, a prospective PhD candidate, or a socio-economic partner.
Applying to a doctoral school only comes in a second step, once the thesis topic has been jointly defined.
This platform lets you connect with researchers in research laboratories. You can identify them through initial PhD topic proposals or supervision offers that match your interests.
Explore the map of French doctoral programs
Find a doctoral school within an accredited institution authorised to award PhD degrees
In France, state accreditation of doctoral programs ensures that their operation and organization meet rigorous standards, guaranteeing both quality and recognition of the degree. Access the map of accredited doctoral programs.
Stakeholders and partners in the PhD ecosystem
The PhD ecosystem brings together a diverse range of stakeholders and partners: PhD candidates; the researchers and faculty supervisors who guide them; the research laboratories that host them, along with their parent institutions; the doctoral schools and doctoral colleges that organize their training; and the institutions where they are enrolled.
Many other stakeholders are involved, each with specific roles: promoting French PhD programs internationally, developing collaborative research partnerships, supporting PhD holders in their job searches, and more. Discover them all!
Other services and platforms
Explore the world of French research and innovation with scanR Opens a new window
Explore research and innovation networks through scientific publications. Find organizations, authors, patents, and more.
A selection of reports and publications on the PhD
A selection of publications and statistical studies from the Statistics and Studies Department (SIES) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, alongside a curated list of reports on PhD programs.
CurieXplore Opens a new window
A platform for exploring international higher education, research, and innovation systems.
The search engine for French PhD theses Opens a new window
www.theses.fr lists all the French doctoral theses defended in France since 1985 as well as ongoing PhD topics in French Higher Education institutions along with people involved in French doctoral research. The database is constantly updated and upgraded.
Data on the professional outcomes of PhD holders Opens a new window
Explore public data on the career paths and professional outcomes of PhD holders.
Data from the survey of doctoral schools
Data on doctoral school enrolments, including funding sources, disciplinary fields, PhD defenses, and more.
