Scientific discovery is alive and well in the prestigious
Paris-Saclay University. As one of the most acclaimed technological research institutes, this is the best place to study physics, engineering, nanoscience, and the like in the French capital. As a research-intensive academic campus, the pursuit of knowledge here knows no bounds. Moreover, the university boasts various campuses in different parts of the city. From Orsay to Versailles, the school is spread out throughout the beautiful Paris Suburbs. With many research facilities on offer in quieter districts in the French capital, you can easily reach better scholastic heights here.
Source: Université Paris-Saclay Facebook Page
History of Paris-Saclay University
The school used to be known as the University of Paris-Sud (Paris XI), established in 1971 in the southern
Paris Suburbs. It was established as a research university for physics and chemistry, most notably after World War II saw an increased need for experts in both fields. As such, the university housed the country's top laboratories in particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic physics, and nanotechnology, among many others. Decades later, in 2019, a merger of four grandes écoles saw the establishment of the current Paris-Saclay University, retaining its original campuses in the southern suburbs. As such, the school still serves as the premier research facility for these sciences.
What Does Paris-Saclay University Look Like?
Since it's the most important science-led research university in the country, Paris-Saclay University's campus looks like what you'd think it is. It's an expansive campus in a more rural part of the southern suburbs of
Paris. The school needs massive space for all of its laboratories, research facilities, reference rooms, and of course, classrooms. Its many outdoor areas are also perfect for the students' many experiments, which tend to be dangerous given the scientific fields that the university specializes in. And though Orsay is a fairly urban commune, the university campus is still a fair distance away from the actual town.
Source: Université Paris-Saclay Facebook Page
The Paris-Saclay University Student Body
With over 15 constituent colleges throughout different
neighborhoods in Paris, it's no surprise that Paris-Saclay University has a huge student body. The school welcomes over 48,000 students per year, including both new applicants and returning students who have yet to graduate. A good portion of them also include professional interns who assist in various experiments and projects laid out by the French government. Moreover, the university also has a diverse student body, welcoming enrollees from various countries worldwide. As a leading research facility, Paris-Saclay never fails to draw in countless scholars and scientists.
Paris-Saclay University's Best Programs and Courses
As you've probably already surmised, physics and chemistry courses reign supreme at Paris-Sarclay University. This is the best place to study those sciences in Paris. Among its finest undergraduate programs include chemistry, computer science, physics, mathematics, earth science, sociology, and even history. The school also offers Master's Degrees in Biodiversity, Chemistry, Computer Science, Energy, Electrical Engineering, Economics, Finance, and more. Though its array of programs is diverse, the university still highlights scientific research, especially since it offers 300 laboratories. They provide more than enough space for its students to go all out in their studies.
Source: Université Paris-Saclay Facebook Page
Paris-Saclay University’s Prerequisites
Paris-Saclay University is highly selective in accepting applicants, be it in France or anywhere else in the world. This is largely thanks to its strict prerequisites, even for its undergraduate programs. For one thing, not only do you need at least a high school diploma to get considered, but you'll also need high grades in your academics and, at times, even recommendations from your teacher. For the postgraduate programs, you'll also need a Bachelor's Degree program in any related field (with high grades too, of course), proper recommendation, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Paris-Saclay University?
Though Paris-Sarclay is one of the most prestigious
international schools in Paris, it's surprisingly affordable. Its tuition fees are only in the hundreds, far from how much other universities in the city cost. The school's undergraduate programs cost only €175.00 per year, postgraduate courses cost €250.00 per year, and doctorate programs cost €391.00 per year. Do take note that registration and enrollment come with extra fees too, further adding to your costs per year. And while these are all fairly affordable fees, they also further emphasize that to be accepted in Paris-Sarclay, you need to be an exceptional student to begin with.
Where is Paris-Saclay University in Paris?
As already mentioned, Paris-Saclay University has campuses in various southern suburbs of Paris. Its main campus, however, is in Orsay. It's a fairly urban commune with a certain level of grandiosity and affluence similar to that of Paris. As a town, it has everything you need to live a comfortable life. It's even considerably safer than the city center, complete with a lower crime rate compared to those in the central arrondissements. At the same time, it has great real estate too. Orsay is home to some of the best and relatively affordable
luxury apartments in Paris.
Source: Université Paris-Saclay Facebook Page
Scientific discoveries and exploration are alive and well in Paris-Saclay University. As one of the most prestigious public research universities in Paris, the campus offers boundless academic activity and achievements.
