Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program 2026 | Fully Funded

The Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program (PPU) is a prestigious PhD program in life sciences and biomedicine, jointly organized by the Institut Pasteur and partner universities in Paris (Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, and Université Paris-Saclay).

• It was created to attract outstanding international students with a strong research background.
• The program runs for three years, is conducted entirely in English and provides access to world-class laboratories and technology platforms.
• Fields include molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, epidemiology, structural biology, genetics, and other related disciplines.

Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program Summary

Benefits of the Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program

Students admitted to PPU receive:

• Fully funded contract (3 years) with a monthly salary from the Institut Pasteur.
• Social security benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, etc.).
• One-time welcome bonus with the first salary.
• Conference and travel support for attending international scientific meetings.
• Accommodation assistance (help in finding housing in Paris; sometimes student residences at Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris).
• Training and courses: soft skills, career development, ethics, scientific writing, project management.
• French language lessons (optional).
• Networking opportunities with world-leading researchers and other PhD students.

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Eligibility Criteria of the Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program

To apply, candidates must meet these requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent, such as MSc, MPhil, or 5-year university degree) in life sciences, medicine, or related fields.
• Origin of Degree: Must have obtained the Master’s (or equivalent) outside France.
• Residency: Should not have lived in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years before application (exceptions apply in some sub-programs).
• Research Experience: At least one prior laboratory research experience (often less than 6 months).
• Language: Fluency in English; French not required.
• Nationality: Open to all international students.

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Required Documents for the Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program

Applicants generally need to prepare:

1. CV/Resume (with academic history, research experience, skills, publications, if any).
2. Motivation Letter (explaining career goals, research interests, and why applying to PPU).
3. University Transcripts & Diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or equivalent).
   
4. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS not always required, but recommended if English is not the primary language of instruction).
5. Recommendation Letters (usually 2–3, from professors or research supervisors).
6. Research Project Selection (choose up to 4 available projects from Institut Pasteur’s list).
7. Passport copy (for identification).

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How to Apply for the Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program

The process follows these steps:

1. Check Research Projects
   • Institut Pasteur publishes available PhD projects on their website (usually around September).
   • Applicants may select 2 to 4 projects.
2. Submit Application Online
   • Applications are submitted through the PPU application portal (not by email).
   • Upload all required documents and select project preferences.
3. Pre-selection by Host Laboratories
   • Laboratories review applications and may shortlist candidates.
4. Committee Evaluation
   • A selection committee evaluates applications (academic performance, research background, motivation, and project fit).
5. Interviews
   • Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview week (in Paris or online).
6. Final Decision & Enrollment
   • Successful candidates receive an offer around February for a start in October.
   • Enrollment will be with one of the partner universities (Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, or Université Paris-Saclay).

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