The most prestigious universities in Paris aren't located in the heart of the city. In fact, many of the best schools are in the Paris Suburbs, various districts that line the outskirts of the French capital. One of them is
Sorbonne Paris North University, which is among the finest mathematics and science schools in the city, perhaps even in all of France. Here, some of the smartest scholars in the world learn, develop, and grow, going above and beyond human limits. Almost everything about it is impressive too, from its detailed programs to its beautiful campus.
Source: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Facebook Page
History of Sorbonne Paris North University
Sorbonne Paris North University traces its origins back to the 1960s. At the time, The University Paris-13 was created after the Rector of the Academy of Paris requested opening a third Faculty of Science, this time in the Villetaneuse commune in Saint-Denise. Then came the infamous May of 1968, a month-long series of civil unrest that took place in various
universities in Paris. The event became so tumultuous that the former, bigger University of Paris was broken down to separate higher educational institutions. Sorbonne Paris North University became one of these new thirteen schools.
What Does Sorbonne Paris North University Look Like?
The Sorbonne Paris North University still stands in its original home in Villetaneuse. As a commune in Saint-Denise, one of the popular
Paris Suburbs, it's considerably more peaceful here compared to the central arrondissements. Its proximity to the countryside also allows the school to have an expansive campus with many outdoor areas. It's a beautiful collection of modern buildings with modern facilities, a huge contrast to the Neoclassical buildings in the city center. The outdoor areas are not to be ignored too. They give the students more space to study and learn, something that those in central Paris don't have.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ PierreBoudes
The Sorbonne Paris North University Student Body
The Sorbonne University in the
Latin Quarter is already the most famous higher educational institution in Paris and boasts one of the biggest student bodies in the city. So naturally, Sorbonne Paris North University also draws countless students to study within its halls. The university welcomes over 23,000 enrollees per year, including both new applicants and returning students. To break it down even further, about 15,000 of them are undergraduate students while nearly 8,000 of them are postgraduate scholars. A good percentage of them are also made up of international enrollees coming from over 50 to 60 countries around the world.
Sorbonne Paris North University's Best Programs and Courses
Sorbonne Paris North University is best known as a science and engineering university. Most of its courses relate to mathematics, computer science, and engineering, whether they're undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Its postgraduate school alone offers research training in various specialties, including Chemistry, Ethology, Biomedical Information, Physics, Biology, and Health, among many others. The school only accepts about 225 to 250 students, 40% of whom study Mathematics-Computer Science, 25% study Physics, and 35% study Biology and Health Science. They further prove how Sorbonne Paris North University also serves as a vital research facility, not just in Paris, but in all of France too.
Source: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Facebook Page
Sorbonne Paris North University’s Prerequisites
Much like the main Sorbonne University in central
Paris, Sorbonne Paris North University asks for the standard prerequisites from applicants who want to study here. For those who want to enroll in an undergraduate program here, you'll need at least a high school diploma (often referred to as a Bac+2) to apply. As for those interested in the school's postgraduate courses, you'll need a Bachelor's Degree in a related field, or anything equivalent to about 180 to 240 ECTS credits. In terms of your language proficiency, however, you'll need to at least be B2 level in French and have a minimum of a 6.0 IELTS score.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Sorbonne Paris North University?
Sorbonne Paris North University imposes generally the same tuition fees as the main Sorbonne University. The costs range from about €9,800.00 to €12,000.00 per year, whether you're taking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. These also come with various other costs, ranging from administrative fees to registration fees and enrollment fees. All in all, these are high tuition fees but are not the highest among the universities in Paris. Some schools are a lot more expensive, and considering that Sorbonne Paris North University is in the Paris Suburbs, you'll also have to deal with generally lower living costs than in Paris.
Where is Sorbonne Paris North University in Paris?
As already mentioned, Sorbonne Paris North University is in Villetaneuse in the Saint-Denis district of the Paris Suburbs. Located 9.4 kilometers (approx. 5.8 miles) from the city center, it's a fair distance away from the
central neighborhoods of Paris. In fact, it's even safe to say that the school is nearer to the more rural areas of the Île-de-France than the main arrondissements. This makes it a more peaceful area for staying in Paris. It still has all the standard establishments you'd see in a small town, as well as among the more affordable
luxury apartments to rent in Paris.
Source: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Facebook Page
Humanity is the heart of Sorbonne Paris North University, one of the most prestigious universities in Paris. From science and law to humanities and arts, this school will teach you practically everything you need to know about human society.
